By Helene Chiang
I’ve always been one of those annoyingly lucky people who could get away with doing the bare minimum for my skin. No redness, no irritation, no mystery breakouts, just a straightforward, drama-free routine. But as I inch closer to my 30s, I’ve started hearing a familiar warning from friends and colleagues: skin that behaves perfectly for years can suddenly become reactive overnight.
That was enough to make me rethink what I was putting on my face. I wanted something uncomplicated yet effective, a routine I could slap on during rushed mornings without triggering future problems. After seeing the glowing review my colleague wrote about Winona, China’s No. 1 dermatological brand, I decided it was worth a try.
Founded in 2010, Winona has earned a massive following in China for its science-backed approach to sensitive skincare. The brand focuses heavily on dermatological research and botanical ingredients, creating formulas gentle enough for reactive skin but effective enough to support long-term resilience. With that reputation in mind, I picked up two products to test: their Sensitiveness Relieving Moisturising Tolerance-Extreme Cream and the Aqua-Shield Sunblock Milk SPF50+++.
The Moisturiser That Became My Morning Essential
The Tolerance-Extreme Cream is considered the hero of the brand, and after trying it, I understand why. It’s designed to deliver fast, visible relief for irritated skin, with redness reportedly dropping by 73% in just 15 minutes and burning sensations easing by 76%. While my skin wasn’t in distress to begin with, I could still feel the immediate comfort it delivered.
The formula uses Himalayan Cherry PROMAX and Winona’s Microfluidic Penetration Technology, which helps strengthen the skin barrier from within while maintaining ingredient stability. What impressed me most was the texture: incredibly lightweight, quick-absorbing, and completely free of that sticky, greasy after-feel that so many moisturisers leave behind. My skin felt instantly hydrated and subtly soothed, like it was getting exactly what it needed without the overload.
It slotted into my hectic mornings effortlessly, no fuss, no pilling, no waiting around before makeup.
A Sunscreen Made for Humid Weather (And My New Favourite)
Next, I tried the Aqua-Shield Sunblock Milk SPF50+++, which Winona describes as a next-generation sunscreen designed specifically for humid climates. That alone caught my attention. Anyone living in warm, sticky weather knows how hard it is to find a sunscreen that doesn’t melt, clog, or feel unbearably heavy.
This formula blends physical and chemical filters, offering broad protection by blocking 99% of UV rays while helping repair photo-damage with carosine and artemia extract. What makes it stand out is how it supports stressed skin: ingredients like bisabolol, ginger root extract, and dandelion root extract calm inflammation and shield against pollution-induced irritation.
In terms of texture, this might genuinely be one of the nicest sunscreens I’ve used. It’s ultra-light, watery, and spreads effortlessly without leaving any film or stickiness behind. It dries down to a soft, natural finish, no white cast, no greasiness, and definitely no pore-clogging heaviness. I found myself looking forward to applying it, which is not something I say often about sunscreen.
Even the packaging is thoughtful: a portable bottle with a built-in steel ball to ensure a smooth, even dispense every time.
A Routine That Just Makes Sense
After using both products consistently, I’m genuinely impressed. They fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, give my skin exactly what it needs, and keep the routine simple without compromising effectiveness. For someone who doesn’t want a 10-step routine but still wants reliable, research-rooted care, Winona strikes the right balance.
As I transition into a new decade, I’m more conscious than ever about how quickly skin can change, and how important it is to use products that support long-term health rather than just short-term glow. Winona’s gentle, dermatological approach gives me confidence in that direction.
For now, my skin remains calm, comfortable, and well-behaved, and I have Winona to thank for helping me keep it that way.
Reader giveaway!
As we count down to Christmas, we will be giving away Winona’s Sensitiveness Relieving Moisturising Tolerance-Extreme Cream $26.58, and the Aqua-Shield Sunblock Milk SPF50+++ $42.90, to three lucky winners residing in Singapore. Follow us on Instagram at @lifestyle_collectiv to take part.