There is such a hype about BB Creams at the moment and many of you are probably confused about BB Creams and you're getting caught up in the hype. I know I am! So I thought this post may be helpful to you.
"BB cream, also known as Blemish Balm...is a cosmetic item sold mainly in East and Southeast Asia, although larger beauty brands are increasingly introducing BB creams to Western markets as well. Originally formulated in Germany by dermatologist Dr. Christine Schrammek in the 1950s, the cream was initially used to protect skin after laser procedures and surgery, while also providing light coverage...BB creams come in a variety of different formulations and qualities mainly perceived as being anti-inflammatory and having a soothing effect." Wikipedia
There are currently three different products marketed as BB Creams in Australia. I have purchased and tried all three. There are many, many different ones available in Asian countries but I didn't want to confuse you or myself any more than necessary and the Asian BB Creams are not readily available in Australia.
I like that BB Creams are like skincare and make up combined into one product. The less products needed to apply in the morning the better!
Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in Light 50ml $13.95
"Discover the BB Cream secret - a new generation of skincare that combines the best of skincare with the benefits of make-up in one application! New Miracle Skin Perfector has a lightweight formula with vitamin C and mineral pigments to deliver long-lasting hydrating care with SPF15 UV filters and a light touch of make-up for instantly visible, radiant results. Quickly & perfectly it unifies, corrects, brightens, moisturises & protects!" Garnier
This was the first BB Cream available in Australia (around September 2011). I purchased it within days of its release. Let's say I was excited to try it. I used it regularly for a couple of weeks.
After a few uses I decided it was too much work. It did not set, it just sat on top of the skin. I do not have oily skin (quite the opposite) and it looked greasy. It needs powder to set. It does not provide much coverage and is not buildable. It will become orange and cakey looking. I also found the light shade was not light enough for my skin tone.
Loreal Nude Magique BB Cream in Fair Skin Tone 30ml $26.95
"A Feather-light hydrator which transforms on contact with skin, releasing smart pigment capsules to correct tone, cover imperfections and refine skin texture. With up to 24 hour hydration and SPF 12, you can have all the benefits of skincare with the perfecting properties of make-up." Loreal Paris
This is extremely strange when you first squeeze product out. It is a white, grainy and very runny. As it is rubbed into the skin the pigment capsules (which causes the graininess) burst and the colour adjusts to your skin colour.
This BB cream does not provide much coverage. I do find it adds a nice brightness to my skin and makes my skin seem more radiant and perfected. However if I try to build any coverage, it turns orange! Not a good look, I have to apply only a very thin layer. For me this is okay if I don't want any coverage, just some radiance.
Nude by Nature BB 5-1 Miracle Cream 50ml $19.95
"Where make-up and minerals collide! Our BB 5-in-1 Miracle Cream takes the best skin care mixed with the best in mineral make-up to give your skin the nourishing softness you like, with the flawless finish we love. BB instantly hydrates, corrects, perfects, protects and gives your skin natural radiance in one lightweight application. BB you best, beautiful self with this natural wonder!" Nude by Nature
This is the newest BB Cream available. I purchased it at Priceline on a whim. I tested it and it seemed more like a traditional BB cream and the light colour was a good match. I also like the high SPF and the 'natural' spin to it.
Sadly this did not work for me either. It is thick and hard to blend into the skin. It sits on the skin. The more I try to blend, the product balls up on the skin and comes away. It looks patchy on the skin. I never managed to wear this out. It just looked that bad on my skin. It was very mask like.
The Verdict:
Personally I am not a massive fan of any of these BB creams. They just don't do much for my skin at all. Both the Garnier and Nude by Nature will be meeting my rubbish bin soon I think. I believe the traditional Asian BB Creams are different, but until I try them I cannot really compare them. For now I will stick to a light foundation or the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser (review to come soon).
Are you a fan of these BB Creams? Have you tried any others? Any recommendations?
thank you for this post!! i was reluctant to purchase the loreal and nude by nature one after being disappointed by the garnier one. lucky i didnt.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have been a help :)
DeleteYou are not alone with disliking BB creams unfortunately :( I really wish that brands would understand not everyone in Australia is gorgeously sun kissed tanned - I know for a fact I'm not and it sucks having to look like an oompa loompa because brands don't make shades light enough for us!
ReplyDeleteI totally relate! I hate trying something and looking like I fell face first into a puddle of mud :)
DeleteI have tried both the L'Oreal and the Garnier, and both disappointed me. Garnier as you say never sets, and for me L'Oreal 'light' is too dark for my skin. Fail.
ReplyDeleteI find the Loreal pale enough if I use very little but then I get no coverage. It is a lose lose situation :)
Delete