Skin Type: Combo leaning dry in winter, oily T-zone in summer

Main Concern: Texture, white cast, layering under makeup

Okay, let’s be real: finding a sunscreen you actually like is weirdly hard. Either it pills, feels greasy, or smells like your mom’s tanning lotion from 2003. I started dipping my toes into K-beauty after hearing people rave about how “Asian sunscreens are just built different” and wow, they weren’t kidding.

So I picked three of the most hyped-up Korean sunscreens and used each one for a full week. No mixing. No swapping. Just one sunscreen, one week, full commitment. Let’s get into the details — texture, finish, how it plays with makeup, and which one I’m sticking with.

Week 1: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Texture & Application

I get the hype. This one is creamy, kind of like a light moisturizer. It glides on easily, no dragging or tugging, and blends in super quickly. I was expecting it to be thicker based on the look, but it melts into the skin like butter. No white cast at all — not even a hint. Even my darker-skinned friend tried it and said it disappeared completely.

Finish & Feel

Immediately after applying, my skin looked dewy and plump in a nice way, not sweaty. It gave me a "healthy glow" type of vibe, and I didn’t feel like I was wearing anything heavy. I didn’t get greasy throughout the day either, though I did set my T-zone with powder around lunchtime.

Under Makeup

Flawless. Honestly, it kind of acts like a primer. My skin looked smoother and foundation didn’t cling or separate. I could totally see this working even on no-makeup days just for that glow.

Breakouts or Sensitivity?

None! And I have sensitive-ish skin. No tingling, no redness, nothing.

Overall

This one feels like a cozy hug for your skin. I see why everyone calls it their “holy grail.” If you want hydration, a glow, and something that just works — this is the one. Honestly, if I had to pick one to recommend to anyone, it would be this.

Only downside? It left a bit of shine on my T-zone as the day went on, so I wouldn’t skip powder if you're oily.

Week 2: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Texture & Application

Very similar to the Beauty of Joseon one — like a lotion rather than a gel or serum. It’s slightly thicker, but still spreads beautifully. Again, zero white cast. It feels rich going on, but not heavy.

Finish & Feel

I noticed this one leaned more moisturizing than the Joseon one. Like, if you have dry skin, your face will drink this up. It gave me a glass-skin kind of finish, and for me (combo skin), it started to feel a bit too glowy by 4–5 p.m. Still, nothing major — just a bit shiny on the nose.

Under Makeup

Solid. It didn’t break apart or pill. It made my skin feel super soft, almost velvety. Makeup sat really well on top, though I definitely needed to blot by the afternoon.

Breakouts or Sensitivity?

Still good! My skin felt happy the whole week.

Overall

If you want maximum moisture with your sunscreen and that "K-drama actress glow," this one delivers. It’s a little too dewy for my summer skin, but I’m already planning to use it again in the winter.

Week 3: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++

Texture & Application

So different from the other two. This one is a gel-serum hybrid and feels instantly cooling on the skin. It’s super light and watery, and it absorbs fast. No white cast here either.

Finish & Feel

Unlike the glowy finishes of the first two, this one gives a fresh and balanced look. Not totally matte, but not glowy either — somewhere in between. There’s just enough hydration to keep my skin from feeling tight, but it still feels breathable.

Under Makeup

Best of the bunch in this department. Since it has a more natural finish and is so light, makeup just sits on top beautifully. No pilling at all, even with my heavier foundations.

Breakouts or Sensitivity?

Zero issues! Actually, I think my redness calmed down a little that week. Maybe the Centella?

Overall

If you hate the feeling of sunscreen or are super oily, this one’s for you. I can totally see this being my go-to on hot, humid days or under makeup for long events. Just don’t expect much hydration from it. It’s more of a protector than a moisturizer.

Final Thoughts

Honestly? All three were worth the hype. I didn't experience any breakouts, and the textures were all so wearable compared to what I’m used to from Western sunscreens. My personal summer ranking?

SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica – Lightweight, non-greasy, and great under makeup

Beauty of Joseon Relief Rice Sun – Hydrating glow without the weight (but watch that T-zone)

Round Lab Birch Juice – Lovely, but maybe better for fall or winter when I need extra moisture

If you're on the hunt for your next favorite SPF, I hope this helped! Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences too, I’m still new to the K-beauty SPF world and always open to recs 💛