I Just Got Back From Japan – Everyone There With Flawless Skin Swears By This £16 SPF

Before my recent trip to Japan, I did what any beauty obsessive would: research. I knew I was heading to the skincare capital of the world, where the pharmacies are treasure troves and SPF isn't just for summer - it’s a lifestyle. Japanese beauty is big. Really big. Their approach to skincare is about clever innovation, satisfying texture, and, most importantly, long-term results. And while K-beauty might get more hype online, J-beauty is quietly iconic in its own right. It may be characterised by minimalist packaging but be rest assured that it's super-effective - just look at Tatcha’s best skincare products for proof.

So, in between browsing matcha cafés and convenience stores, I made a pilgrimage to Don Quijote, Japan’s chaotic but legendary discount megastore - think beauty aisle meets carnival. It was there, armed with screenshots and a suitcase, that I bought not one but six bottles of Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50, including the spray version. I also loaded up on viral rice masks, lip oils and of course, the Vitamin C serums made famous by TikTok.

But let’s get back to the sunscreen. When is comes to SPF there is very few I like. There's the Ultra Violette Fave Fluid Skinscreen, £37, Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF50, £44, and Supergoop! Unseen Suncreen SPF30, £36.50, but that is about it. I was very keen to expand my limited stash and am thrilled to confirm that the the Bioré Aqua Rich is Japan’s number one for a reason. Happily, it’s finally available in the UK at Boots, so you don't even need to book a holiday to Tokyo in order to get your hands on it. As a seriously fussy beauty writer I can confirm: this stuff is elite. For just £16, you’re getting the following:

If you’ve ever skipped sunscreen because it felt greasy, heavy or left an unsightly cast (guilty), this one will convert you. It absorbs instantly, leaving no white cast, no pilling and no weird film; expect fresh, hydrated skin that’s ready for make-up. Truly, if I didn’t know it was SPF, I wouldn’t believe it. I also grabbed the spray version for easy top-ups over make-up when I'm running between meetings. It’s really convenient for re-applying every two hours like you're supposed to (we all forget), though I’ll be honest: it can get a tiny bit oily if you overdo it; little and often is the trick. Still, in the blazing Tokyo sun, I didn’t burn once. It's impressive stuff.

Final verdict

The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is everything sunscreen should be - light, invisible, hydrating, and genuinely enjoyable to use. No wonder it’s a cult favourite. If you’re SPF averse or simply looking to upgrade your summer routine, this £16 bottle might just become your new holy grail. I get the hype, I really do.

Shop: Japan’s Number One Sunscreen

Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..