‘I’m a pale redhead but £14 Korean face sunscreen is perfect and is never greasy’

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen helps protect skin from UVA and UBV rays, thus helping prevent early signs of ageing

As a pale redhead with an entire drawer dedicated to facial SPF, I can confidently say that not all sunscreens are created equal. Some don’t sit well under makeup, others leave a pesky white cast and many can feel greasy upon application.

Increasingly, I’ve been turning to Korean formulas for their lightweight textures and high performance, with my current go-to being an under £15 Amazon find. The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen has become my morning skincare staple this summer, and the 50ml tube is currently reduced from £17 to £14.10 on Amazon, marking the perfect opportunity to give it a try if you’re looking for a new SPF.

As well as offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB SPF50+, it’s also PA++++ which is the highest level of protection a sunscreen can offer. As such, it’s a more effective defence against the UV rays that cause premature aging, wrinkles, and skin damage.

The airless pump packaging helps to keep the formula fresh and free from oxidising, while dispensing just the right amount of product. But it’s the formula itself that has really won me over.

Because it’s a chemical sunscreen rather than a mineral one, it offers a more lightweight texture that absorbs into the skin instantly. When I first used it, I was amazed at how quickly it sinks into the skin, setting the bar high for future SPFs. Personally, I prefer chemical sunscreens for this reason, as I don’t like the way physical sunblocks feel as though they’ve left a layer on top of the skin.

Some people do prefer a mineral formula though, and to them I’d recommend the haruharu wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen, SPF50+/PA++++, which is £14.10 at Amazon.

With other skinscreens I’ve tried, it can be quite hard work to get them to rub in and become transparent, especially when using the recommended ‘two fingers’ worth of product. With Haruharu Wonder’s, I can apply more than the sufficient amount and it still sinks into the skin with ease and never feels greasy.

What’s more is that the formula is enriched with black rice extract and rice bran oil, so leaves my skin feeling hydrated throughout the day. Meanwhile, the addition of niacinamide helps give my complexion a brighter, more even-looking finish over time.

One of the most important tests for SPF is how it sits under makeup, and thankfully, Haruharu Wonder passes the test here, too. Foundation applies well on top without pilling, and it even helps give my skin a healthy glow without the need for additional primers.

I’ve tried countless SPF formulas in my 28 years, and the Haruharu Wonder ranks among my current favourites, which includes the No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF 50 50ml, which is £24.95. It’s formulated with the brand’s highest and lightest SPF 50 sun protection as well as age-defying peptide technology, and hydrating hyaluronic acid.

Meanwhile, Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen has recently had an upgrade to SPF50. The completely clear formula leaves no white cast and feels weightless on the skin and is perfect for those who prefer a slightly more matte finish rather than glowy.

But with more than 2,000 bottles bought on Amazon in the last month alone, it’s clear I’m far from the only person impressed by Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen.

One shopper said: “I received one of these tubes as part of a Korean beauty box edit about 18 months ago and I immediately liked it. I have now re-purchased because I find it the most lovely feel on my skin. It doesn’t make my makeup patchy, it doesn’t pill under makeup, and it absorbs quickly, whilst leaving my skin feeling soft and non-oily. For reference, I have combination skin, I am 37, and have a history of acne-prone skin.”

Another added: “This is a really excellent product. I have a richer skin tone and this does not give me any kind of white film on my skin (which other sunscreens sometimes do). This feels light on the skin, I have worn make up over it without any issues. I would recommend.”

However, because it is a hydrating formula with a dewy finish, it may not be as well suited to those with oily skin. One said: “Tried after reading some reviews. Gives a nice glow. But leaves my skin greasy. My skin type is oily, so not ideal.”

A fourth five-star review said: “I stay away from thick sunscreens because I’m an oily babe. But BABY this sunscreen here is one of the best I’ve used. Although it’s thick in texture it feels lightweight on the skin and keeps my skin moisturized. Not heavily fragranced which is a plus and doesn’t get heavy with reapplication. Haru haru wonder should make a big size because I run out fast and I’m currently on my 6th tube. This actually comes with no surprises to me because I’ve loved every product I’ve tried from this brand.”

At just over £14 while it’s on offer, the Haruharu Wonder SPF is an affordable way to upgrade your daily sun protection. Shoppers can explore the deal here.