As a beauty junkie, the one thing that I cannot live without is sunscreen. After all, sun protection is a cardinal rule of skincare, which is why I wear sunscreen every day - even if I’m staying indoors.
My partner, on the other hand, seems to think that sunscreen is the mortal enemy. Unfortunately, he also loves beach holidays and heading outdoors, and his idea of sun protection is a pair of sunglasses and a hat. His aversion to sunscreen all boils down to comfort and texture - he feels that most sunscreens are either too sticky or greasy and make his skin feel weighed down.
I’ve lost count of how many times he’s come back from a day in the sun, red-faced and whining about how his skin is stinging. And all these years of sun damage are showing up on his skin in the form of pigmentation spots. It certainly is infuriating for me to witness, especially since I know that there are great sunscreens out there with lightweight textures that are non-sticky and don’t leave your skin feeling gross or greasy.
To prove to him once and for all that there is a perfect sunscreen for him, I suggested we spend two days out in the sun. Unbeknownst to him, my agenda for these dates is to get him to try the new Kose SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS UV Defense range.
Photo from Kose
What’s special about this range is that it’s formulated with a Damage Resistance Complex that is designed to not just protect your skin against UV damage, but also boost your skin’s natural resilience. The more you use it, the stronger your skin gets!
This unique complex contains 3 active ingredients derived from natural sources. First is ectoine, a bio-amino acid that inhibits cellular damage caused by stressors such as UV rays, dryness and temperature. There’s also phytoglycogen, a powerful moisturiser derived naturally from corn. The final active ingredient is red-black rice extract, which is known for its antioxidant and cell-activating properties.
Another feature of the SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS UV Defense range is that it contains ITOWA, Kose’s proprietary ingredient. Sourced from Japan’s rich natural environment, ITOWA helps to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier, giving you clear, healthy skin that is unaffected by environmental stressors. It also protects your skin against damage caused by dryness from UV exposure.
But back to my sunscreen-resistant partner. The first date was at Adventure Cove, where we spent a day splashing in the water and lounging in the sun. Predictably, he rejected my offer of sunscreen, which turned out to be a huge mistake. He ended the scorching hot day with tan lines and irritated skin, while I was completely fine thanks to the waterproof sun protection provided by SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS UV Defense Milk.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
To protect his already-burnt skin, the next date I suggested was indoors at JEWEL Changi Airport. Although we’re not directly under the sun, the glass facade allows plenty of natural light to stream in, which means we’ll still be exposed to UV rays. For this day, I chose to put on the SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS UV Defense Gel, which has a fast-absorbing gel texture and comes with an added bonus of protection against airborne particles, such as dust and pollen.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Having learnt his lesson from the previous date, my partner begrudgingly applied some sunscreen as well. He later remarked that the UV Defense Gel feels like nothing on his skin, and noted how his skin still stayed matte despite walking around JEWEL for the whole day. I would have loved to rub it in his face (figuratively and literally) by saying I told you so, but I was just so happy to have finally got him to try a sunscreen that dispels all of his previous misgivings.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
There are four sunscreens in the SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS UV Defense range, each with its own unique set of features and skincare benefits. From waterproof formulas to colour-correcting features and even one suitable for sensitive skin, you’ll be sure to find one that is suitable for your skin type and lifestyle.
Read on for more details on the full Kose SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS UV Defense range!
SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS UV Defense Milk SPF50+/PA++++, $32
Mention waterproof sunscreens and what comes to mind might be thick formulas that feel very heavy and sticky, especially in Singapore’s humidity. Well, not this one. The UV Defense Milk offers heavy-duty sun protection that is super waterproof and sweat-resistant, yet its milky formula remains lightweight and feels velvety soft on the skin.
Recommended for: The beach, swimming and other sports.
Get it here.
SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS UV Defense Gel SPF50+/PA++++, $28
Upon application, this gel-type sunscreen seals itself onto the skin, creating a layer of protection that won’t budge no matter how much you perspire. And yes, it’s waterproof too. The sunscreen also creates a hydrating veil, protecting your skin from dryness or irritation when you move from the hot and humid outdoors to a dry and cool indoor environment. Its lightweight texture also makes it a great option for those with oily or combination skin!
Recommended for: Those with oily skin, daily activities or running errands.
Get it here.
SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS UV Defense Tone Up SPF35/PA+++, $24
This gel-type sunscreen comes in a pretty lavender shade, which acts as a colour-corrector to make your skin look healthier and brighter. Formulated with an 84% ITOWA serum, this colour-correcting sunscreen also delivers hydration and strengthens your skin’s natural moisture barrier. It pretty much acts as a makeup base too, which means you can skip the primer if you like.
Recommended for: Those with dull skin or indoor use.
Get it here.
SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS UV Defense Milk Mild SPF50+/PA+++, $30
If you have sensitive skin, all the more you should be protecting it from the harmful effects of UV rays. The UV Defense Milk Mild, as its name suggests, is formulated without UV absorbents, alcohols, parabens, fragrances and colourants, so it remains gentle on your skin. It is also easily removed with regular cleansers, so you don’t have to worry about sunscreen residue.
Recommended for: Those with sensitive skin or indoor use.
Get it here.
Claim your FREE 8pc Kose sampling kit!
Quote “KOSE protects my skin with the power of nature” at any of these Guardian outlets to receive a complimentary sampling kit, which includes the UV Defense Gel, UV Defense Milk Mild, UV Defense Tone Up as well as other skincare products from the SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS range! Promotion valid till 27 April 2022, while stocks last!
This post is brought to you by Kose.
