A Review of GRWM SPF BFF: The Sunscreen that Doubles as a Hydrating Primer

The rainy season has officially been declared by PAGASA, but that doesn't mean I'm ditching my daily sunscreen. The sun is still shining, after all! Sunscreen remains a top priority in my skincare routine, and GRWM Cosmetics has just launched a new one that promises to be my new SPF BFF. Let’s give it a try and see if it earns a spot in my sunscreen rotation.

At the Balara Content House for the GRWM SPF BFF Glowfest event

The GRWM Cosmetics SPF BFF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen (P599/50ml) is aiming to become our everyday sunscreen with its standout feature of being a 2-in-1 product. It's both a sunscreen and a hydrating primer, designed to suit all skin types as it's hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. On the sunscreen side, it boasts "new generation photostable UV filters" for UVA/UVB protection and promises no white cast. As a hydrating primer, it's lightweight, non-sticky, and moisturizing, thanks to key ingredients like Glycerin, Heartleaf Extract, Niacinamide, Adenosine, and Panthenol. These familiar ingredients are known not just for hydration but also for their overall skin benefits.

GRWM Founder, Mae Layug with PV EIC Liz Lanuzo

Liz doing a sunscreen and makeup demo on Sabine at the GRWM SPF BFF Glowfest

The instructions on the box say to "generously apply it to the skin daily." Personally, I use two fingers' worth of sunscreen and massage it into my skin for better blending. This is a tip Liz shared during her demo at the GRWM SPF BFF Glowfest. Massaging the product into the skin helps the makeup on top blend more seamlessly.

Over on the Project Vanity TikTok, Liz also tried out the SPF BFF and mentioned that she can skip using a moisturizer with this product. For my dry skin, I can use the GRWM SPF BFF without a moisturizer in a pinch, but I don’t feel like I can do this daily. As seen in the wear test below, my fine lines are quite visible. It gives a decently dewy finish that I set with loose powder, knowing I’d be walking around in the heat later that afternoon.

GRWM SPF BFF Wear Test: worn alone without moisturizer and base products except for loose powder

When applying makeup over SPF BFF, the result is a lovely, glowy finish, even without a separate moisturizer. However, I've noticed that it looks better and lasts longer with a moisturizer underneath. I've found that the drier my skin is, the oilier it gets under makeup. So, adding a moisturizer helps maintain a balanced, long-lasting finish.

GRWM SPF BFF Wear Test: worn without moisturizer and under makeup (liquid foundation + loose powder)

Another thing I like about the SPF BFF is the thoughtful packaging. It includes a "date opened" space where you can write down when you first used it. This is super convenient, especially if you have several sunscreen products opened at the same time. It helps you keep track and reduces the chance of using the product beyond its Period After Opening (PAO) time.

GRWM Cosmetics SPF BFF

GRWM Cosmetics Founder, Mae Layug with the giant GRWM SPF BFF at the #SPFBFFGlowfest last May 31

Overall, GRWM’s newest launch is a winner in my book. It has no white cast and feels wonderful on the skin, especially for dry skin types like mine. It didn’t irritate my skin, which can be an issue with some sunscreens. Instead, my face looked healthy and plump thanks to the boost of moisture provided by the GRWM SPF BFF.

A quick note on its priming capabilities: don’t expect it to cover up visible pores since it’s not silicon-based. However, it does make them a little less noticeable, which is another plus for SPF BFF.

GRWM Cosmetics products like the SPF BFF are available online at the Shopee Official Store and LazMall. They have an Official GRWM Cosmetics Store in Bacoor, Cavite and are also available in specific SM stores: SM North Edsa, SM Caloocan, SM Bacolod, SM Lanang, SM Makati, SM Iloilo, SM Puerto Princesa, and LOOK At Me SM Mall of Asia.

GRWM Cosmetics SPF BFF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Ingredients:

Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Niacinamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Caprylyl Methicone, Butylene Glycol, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Tocopherol