A purpose of the present invention is to provide a water-in-oil emulsion cosmetic that, by coming into contact with moisture such as perspiration, pool water, seawater or rain, provides ultraviolet protection effects that are higher than those immediately after application, even without blending in a substantial amount of an ultraviolet scattering agent, and that also has excellent properties in terms of the appearance after application, the texture, and the washability.The present invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion cosmetic containing:(A) 6 to 40% by mass of an ultraviolet absorbing agent；(B) an oil phase thickener； and(C) at least one hydrophobic powder selected from among (i) to (iii) below:(i) hydrophobically treated talc,(ii) a silicone powder having an average particle size of 30 µm or larger, and(iii) a crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate) powder having a crosslink density of 40% or more；wherein an ultraviolet scattering agent is not included, or not more than 6% by mass is included.
