All-Around Safe Block

[Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received the product for a review purpose, but the opinions are my own based on my experience.]

Helloooo, dearest bumblebees! How come it's the end of the month already? I just can't bid goodbye to August yet, but life must go on. Remember when a couple of months ago I shared my favorite sunscreen? I said that I converted my sunscreen to the physical one, I also did explain the difference between the physical and chemical sunscreens if you're interested to know more about it. Furthermore, if you're still wondering why is it important to wear sunscreen daily, kindly watch this video :)

Well, as now I'm going to share a chemical filter sunscreen, let me clarify why I try a chemical sunscreen again. As you know, physical sunscreens tend to leave white cast on skin. The L'occitane Immortelle that I reviewed awhile ago doesn't leave me white cast, but the thing is I share the product (ehm, it's expensive) with my mom now, and I'm just being oh-so-lazy to go to her room to grab the sunscreen and often end up forgetting to use it. So I come up with an idea of finding a budget-friendly sunscreen for a student like me ^^

Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45/PA+++.

I don't think I have tried many Missha product in the past, I have known this product for a long time but I have yet to try their skin care. Well, except their First Treatment Essence. Btw, I'm pleased to know that Missha is against animal testing as it's stated on the packaging. To be frank, I don't really mind using a product that's tested on animals or even has animal ingredient in it anyway. I am sorry that I may disappoint you, but I'm just... being totally honest. I'm not a vegan, I eat McDonald's, I own animal leather bags and wallet, and I do use animal ingredient beauty products such as, snail mucus, pearl powder, etc as well. So how can I say I'm against animal cruelty :( In spite of those statements, I give props to all the animal cruelty-free products! Trust me I'm not cruel to animal, I can't stand watching all those videos on YouTube at how bad human treat the chicken and cow and pigs and rats and so on. However, if you still think I am cruel and heartless to animal, it's okay x_x

The ingredients.

The active ingredient in this sunscreen is ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (also called octyl methoxycinnamate). For effectiveness against UVA or UVB please refer to this chart for all the FDA-approved sunscreen filters. It's shown that the ingredient only absorbs UVB and short-wave UVA. On the other hand, UVA rays are more harmful as these rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB, which have long been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling.

Controversy exists over whether or not octyl methoxycinnamate may harm humans who use products with the chemical in them. According to ÖKO-TEST Kosmetikliste, octyl methoxycinnamate has been suspected as hormones to act as it is absorbed through the skin and can be detected in breast milk. However, there is no conclusive evidence has been found and it is uncertain what the exact effects of octyl methoxycinnamate are. Since Missha didn't state how many percent of octyl methoxycinnamate they use, all I can say is, it is less recommendable as a chemical filter.

So it's all now back to your personal choice whether you want to use sunscreens with this chemical filter or not. I have mixed feelings when using this kind of product, just like when I find 'cones or parabens in my beauty products. I'd only continue to use it when it doesn't give bad reaction, as for this sunscreen, fortunately I haven't experienced any breakout. Please just don't....

The swatch and I intentionally captured it unblended.

As it's called Essence Sun by Missha, it's supposed to be moisturizing just like an essence. It doesn't contain mineral oil, which I really prefer because mineral oil breaks me out sometimes. The main ingredients are the 7 Oriental Tea Newplex, which are chrysanthemum tea, green tea, terragon tea, mulberry tea, persimmon leaf tea, arrowroot tea, and cinnamon tea.

I use the sunscreen on top of my skincare routine and all over my exposed body, such as arms, legs, and feet. It feels so lightweight, smooth (as there's dimethicone in it) and has a semi-matte finish. The sunscreen turns transparent once it's fully absorbed to the skin. It smells pretty nice, like floral scent, very natural. Furthermore, it doesn't leave white cast! Perfect for photoshoot :P

One thing I notice about this sunscreen is it's not waterproof. Therefore, this won't be the ideal sunscreen if you involve in water activities. That's why they have another variant that's formulated strongly against sweat or water, called All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun. It offers a slightly higher SPF which is SPF 50.

The sunscreen will expire in 12 months usage, and I think 12 months is a great deal for a sunscreen since my usual sunscreen expires in 6 months and (again) it's expensive T_T

Price: USD 11.50

Not only Asian cosmetics, Hanavillage.com sells circle lenses too and offers free worldwide shipping if you purchase more than USD 30. I asked Cindy (their representative) if she can pick me any natural green circle lens and here's what she chose for me ^^ The circle lenses are from Dueba, it's manufactured under The Dolly Eye plant so that explains the packaging, yes?

The cutest circle lens packaging I've ever had.

Specification of Dueba Puffy 3tones:
Power Range: 0.00 ∼ -10.00
Diameter: 14.5mm
Base Curve: 8.6mm
Water Content: 38%
Lifespan: 1 year disposal


The result on my very dark brown eyes.

Design: 4.5 out of 5
First time wearing green lenses, I was surprised at how natural they look on me! Now that I think it again, such vibrant color doesn't pop out much on my very dark brown eyes, which make it seem natural on me. The lens has three tones, and based on my experience, 3 tones lenses will give a natural result on my eyes. It doesn't get a full score from me because the design is kinda pixelated, even though it looks just fine when it's worn.

Enlargement: 4.5 out of 5
The limbal ring is perfect for the lens. As this lens has a diameter of 14.5 mm, the enlargement effect looks quite natural for small eyes like me.

Comfort: 3 out of 5
You know the feeling when it feels like there's something on your eyes though it doesn't hurt, right? That's what I exactly feel about this lens. However, after several eye drops and some blinks, it feels comfortable. The lens starts to dry after 3 hours when I wear it indoor with the AC on, but I can wear this lens up to 7 hours.

Overall: I love how natural the lens look on me despite green is not my natural eye color. Though it may feel a bit weird at first, the lens can be worn up to 7 hours and it's a yearly lens which is a fair point.

Price: USD 22.50 per pair

Final look with Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun and Dueba Puffy 3tones.

Lens care tips: Treat your circle lenses gently, wash your hands before application, rinse & disinfect each time you remove them, and dispose them when they start to cause dryness. Even if this lens has yearly lifespan, I won't use it for one year, I'll probably dispose after six months usage. I write the first time usage date of each lens on the back of the lens case (with a sticker and marker of course). I always insert and remove my lens from the left eye too, it has become a habit for me so I won't mix up the left and right lenses. This is the great way to avoid eye infection.

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