I Tested a Popular Korean Sunscreen Following Billie Eilish's Aesthetician's Suggestion—Spoiler Alert, I'm In Love with It.

      Ask any dermatologist or aesthetician, and they will tell you that sunscreen is the most essential part of a skincare regimen. Without it, all the other steps, including costly serums, toners, and moisturizers, become ineffective. This is because UV rays from the sun can speed up aging, introduce new skin problems, and, most importantly, heighten the risk of serious health conditions. Understanding this, I am very consistent about applying sunscreen every day, but I don’t just use any sunscreen. Having been a beauty editor for nearly a decade, I've tried nearly every sunscreen formula available (pun intended) and have established strict criteria for my daily SPF. First, it has to feel delightful upon application—lightweight, smooth in texture, and free from any pilling (under any circumstances). Second, it needs to offer adequate, broad-spectrum sun protection (I always aim for SPF 30 or above). Third, it should enhance the appearance of my skin. I refuse to settle for anything mediocre, and I certainly won't accept a white cast. My goal is for my sunscreen to leave my skin looking hydrated, plump, and dewy.

      Recently, I discovered a new Korean sunscreen that fulfills all these criteria and more. The highlight? It's been approved by experts, including Billie Eilish's aesthetician. Keep reading to find out which sunscreen I can’t stop raving about:

      **Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UV Lock Sunscreen SPF 45**

      SPF: 45 | Type: Chemical | Size: 1.69 oz | Ingredients: Birch sap, allantoin, purslaneBenefits: Broad-spectrum sun protection, blue light protection, antioxidant protection, hydration, soothing formula.

      The sunscreen in question is the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UV Lock Sunscreen SPF 45. It’s a Korean product designed to comply with U.S. standards (which is unfortunate for beauty editors and other skincare enthusiasts, as many active ingredients in European and Asian sunscreens haven't yet been approved for the American market). This chemical formulation provides broad-spectrum SPF 45 and blue-light protection, using a mix of avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate. However, what truly sets this sunscreen apart are its other key ingredients. First is the star component, birch sap, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Next is allantoin, a soothing skin ingredient. Finally, there's Portulaca oleracea extract (also known as purslane), which is rich in antioxidants. With added skin-hydrating humectants, this sunscreen is truly exceptional.

      The milky formula is so lightweight that it feels like I'm not wearing any sunscreen at all, and I can apply makeup over it without any issues (no pilling, creasing, or smudging). It absorbs easily into the skin, eliminating the need for harsh rubbing or blending. The best part? There is absolutely no white or gray cast—just smooth, plump, and protected skin. Can you see why I’m so infatuated with it?

      **Shop More Editor-Approved K-Beauty Products**

      - **Beauty of Joseon**: Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40 - This internet-famous sunscreen is another K-beauty favorite.

      - **COSRX**: Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - This snail mucin essence truly lives up to the hype.

      - **LANEIGE**: Lip Glowy Balm in Matcha Bubble Tea - I adore Laneige's shiny lip balms and am eager to try this Matcha Bubble Tea flavor.

      - **Biodance**: Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask - For glass skin, use this mask overnight.

      - **Dr. Jart+**: Every Sun Day Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 - Sunscreen sticks like this one from Dr. Jart+ make reapplication effortless.

      - **Innisfree**: Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream - This cooling gel moisturizer is the ultimate skin soother.

      - **MEDIHEAL**: Collagen Ampoule Pad

      - **PEACH & LILY**: Glass Skin Refining Serum - Trust me, you need to give Peach & Lily's Glass Skin Serum a try.

      - **Hanyul**: Yuja Brightening Sleeping Mask - I've been using this leave-on jelly mask to brighten and even out my skin tone.