Okay let’s talk about this gem: the ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Tone Up Sun Cream. I didn’t expect to be THIS impressed, but it genuinely filled the gap between skincare and light base makeup for me — and I’m kind of obsessed.

First of all, the texture. If you’ve used the original Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen from the same line, you might expect a super fluid, watery formula. 

This one is not quite that light — it’s more of a creamy, slightly dense texture, but still smooth and hydrating. I actually like that it has a bit more body to it, because it gives the tone-up finish more grip and staying power.

It feels moisturizing, but not greasy. Slightly creamy, but not sticky. There’s a balance here that’s rare with tone-up products — especially because too watery and you get streaks, too thick and you get patches. 

This one glides on evenly, sets into the skin beautifully, and doesn’t emphasize pores or cling to dry patches.

Now, the tone-up effect is exactly what I want in the summer. It’s soft-focus, slightly brightening, and makes my complexion look more pulled together — without needing foundation. 

I just add a little spot concealer under my eyes or around the nose, and that’s it. The sunscreen + tone-up + concealer combo gives me that “I woke up like this but better” look that actually lasts through a full day in the heat.

The finish is dewy at first, but not oily. After about 10 minutes, it settles into a really natural glow — no weird stickiness, no slippage. I have normal-to-combo skin, and even on humid days, this doesn’t slide off or make me shiny in a bad way.

Also: no pilling, no weird interactions with other products (I’ve layered it over hydrating serums, vitamin C, gel creams — all good).

Here’s how I’ve been using it

• AM: cleanse -> toner -> lotion ->Birch Juice sunscreen (tone-up version)

• Let it settle for 2 minutes

• Dab concealer on spots and under-eyes

• Finish with lip balm or tint + brow gel

• Done in 5 minutes, but I look alive and fresh

I even got compliments on my skin looking “clearer” — but really, it was just the even tone this sunscreen gives me. I also love how breathable it feels; I don’t feel the need to wash it off immediately like with some makeup-heavy bases.

Final verdict? If you want a tone-up sunscreen that sits between skincare and light base makeup — without being greasy, patchy, or ghostly — this is a fantastic summer pick. 

It’s not the dewiest or lightest sunscreen out there, but the balance of hydration + tone-up + wearability is honestly near perfect.