BB cream: any advice? - YouLookFab Forum

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BB cream: any advice?

catgirl

Veteran

With a birthday coming up, I decided that at my age I could use a little "finishing" now and then. My makeup routine is generally very minimal and lazy. I have started using the Clarasonic, which is fantastic. Other than that, it's moisturizer, eyeliner, lipstick.

I stopped in at our tiny Sephora (in Penney's but a real one is opening this summer!) where the SA talked to me about BB creams as the one-stop solution to a more finished face.

Any advice or input on brands, experiences, etc.? Am I being duped by hype? I tried something called "Simply Naked" or something like that, supposedly for all skin tones, and it felt very light and smooth.

Thanks, Fabbers!

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Glory

Scarlet

Veteran

I don't think this is off topic, by the way. But what is a BB cream? Despite the question I heard the one from Garnier is pretty good.

catgirl

Veteran

Apparently it's a one-step moisturizer, foundation, blemish cream, highlighter, sunscreen and concealer and other things. I'd probably still need lotion, but if it's easy and does half those things I'd be happy!

Kristin L

Veteran

I've used the Clinique bb cream and I think it's great. I still have to use a face lotion under it. The bb cream really seems to help hide my blemishes (darn you acne!) and makes my skin look more even colored. I usually wear a transparent powder over it because the dewy look doesn't work for me. I think it has SPF 25 in it as well. My skin's very sensitive, but this hasn't seemed to bother it.

Traci

Veteran

I've tried several different brands and usually buy a new one once I run out. Just this last week I finally duplicated, so I guess I have a winner for the time being. The one I have is by Too Faced. This one matches my skin tone well and leaves a finish that I like. I prefer a bit of tint. If you don't want tint, I'd recommend a little concealer under your eyes rather than an all over cream. I find I get the most polish for the smallest work when I put a tiny bit of concealer in the corner of my eye. Way more impact than all over color and all over color always makes me need more make up because I feel like I need to add the color back into my cheeks and eyes.

Marley

Veteran

I bought the L'Oreal BB cream last summer, thinking that it would be a nice light-weight option for warmer weather - and I loved it and have used it ever since. I still use a touch of concealer under my eyes and blush on my cheeks, but for a foundation (especially for someone who hasn't worn foundation before) I think it is a nice alternative to the heavier ones. It doesn't give as much coverage for skin blemishes, discoloration, etc. - but its so easy and quick to apply that I'll live with the less coverage. I ended up having to buy two different shades of cream in order to get the right color for my face. It doesn't come in very many shades if I remember right (maybe 4?) Its cheap - I can get it at my local drugstore - a good way to try out the product without investing much moola! However, I realize that the more expensive ones may be "better" in some way - but, for my lifestyle the L'Oreal one works just fine!

Louise

Veteran

Ooooo I just checked out the clinique one online I didn't realise they did one. Looks like they have a cc cream coming out too though what it is I'm not sure but it looks exciting x

ETA I just googled it, it's a colour correcting cream

Raisin

Veteran

I like BB cream because it offers a bit of coverage a lots of moisturization, SPF, anti aging, etc. Sort of like a super tinted moisturizer. Just test them out a bit, I find some to be rather thick and oily.

Glory

Veteran

I have never heard of BB Cream and now need to go and investigate. I love the sound of it. Maybe this clarisonic too!

Kari

Veteran

Bobbi Brown is by far my favorite BB cream that I've tried. It has medium coverage and smoothes out discoloration on my skin; I only touch up slightly with a cream concealer on visible blemishes. It's lightly moisturizing but not oily or sticky. It is expensive, but lasts; I can get 4-5 months use from one tube.

Kari

Veteran

Btw, I tried the Clarisonic and HATED it. Way too rough for sensitive skin in my opinion. I started getting eczema on my face all over, and it went away after I stopped using the Clarisonic. My mom and sister love theirs, though.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I really love my BB cream! But I order mine from Korea... I've tried a few of the American ones, but after trying the Asian BBs, I have felt like the US versions are glorified tinted moisturizers. IDK, it may partly be that US foundations in general never work for me and never match my skin, too.

Anyway, this is the one I use. There is a version that is mattifying and also a version that is more moisturizing. I mostly use the moist one, but I also have the matte one for when my T zone goes crazy. I like that this one is non-whitening, has spf 30, makes my pores look smaller and makes the color more even.

Ariadne

Veteran

I like the one by Paula's Choice. It's called Barely There Sheer Matte Tint and has SPF. I'm very happy with it. The coverage is very light but it makes a difference. I can't find anything in stores in Canada for the same price with SPF - all the drugstore brands here are SPF-less. I use Level 2, though, and my skin is quite light. I'm not sure if Level 4 would be dark enough for your skin. She does offer samples, I think.

catgirl

Veteran

Ooh,. thanks for all the recommendations.

Rae, is the one you use a specific shade? I feel like I should figure out what shade I am before taking a risk. I kind of like the ones that don't need to match your skin. Just read about this one, which gets rave reviews:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sh.....n=wishlist

carolbee

Veteran

I'm like Rae, the local Aussie ones are just glorified tinted moisturisrs. I get one off ebay from ?Korea or China. Its called BRTC Gold Caviar BB Cream, SPF 50. It goes on an odd greyish colour but then blends in well. I don't use any other face products except a bit of mineral powder on my nose. Overall my face does not seem as oily as previously and it reduces my roseaca as well. Its only about $18, free shipping. I've just ordered 2 more to make sure I don't run out. Sorry I can't add a link when using my tablet.

Isabel

Veteran

I freakin' love by BB cream ! I also wore nothing except moisturizer and SPF. I started using mine about 1 year ago. It has a little color/tint in it and something kinda of "illuminator". It is super lightweight. Almost immediately, I started getting compliments. Even our school bus driver said to me one day ( the first time that I wore it ) , " I don't know what it is, but your skin looks really good today. You must be feeling really well. " This is a male, ex-marine, body guard, who trains attack dogs for protection and is "retired". They also introduced the CC cream, which is tone correcting. I like it just as much.

I don't make commission, btw ! Haha I have tried several others but this is by far, my favorite.

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Krista

Veteran

I'm going to second Marley's recommendation for the L'Oreal BB cream - I've worn foundation for several years and switched to BB cream last summer. I will never go back to foundation - the BB cream gives me everything I need. Besides, I like the price even more!

bj1111

Veteran

Love smashbox bb cream. Comes in different shades. I also use brtc pink (from korea) which as more coverage than the gold. Brtc pink goes on greyish then oxidizes to match my skin tone. Great coverage, but i really need to use blush afterward (nars the orgasm).

I've tried a lot of shiseido. Not convinced the stuff we get stateside is the same. Seems really overpriced.

catgirl

Veteran

Hmm, sounds like there's happiness at all price points! I am liking the sample I got of "Naked Skin", but it's pricey for how quickly it would be used up. May try some from e-bay and the drugstore brands, per Angie's advice to leave no retail stone unturned!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I found mine after reading a bunch of online reviews for Asian BBs. These ones were deemed good for darker skin. They look like they'll be too light right out of the bottle, but they darken when they oxidize and disappear into my skin. I believe I only pay about $9-$12 shipped and the bottles have been lasting me the almost a whole year. I use a pea sized amount to do my face and neck.

Jules

Veteran

Another vote for loreal Youth Code here, it has SPF 15 and is available in Canada. And I could never be bothered with daily makeup before. I hate the mess and need for brushes with mineral makeup. I put the BB on quickly amd easily with my fingers. It makes my aging skin look better. And it seems to be lasting quite a while (I hate tiny expensive tubes!)

Glory

Veteran

I went to the drug store and they were fresh out of the Oil of Olay one. I ended up buy the Garnier one that was mentioned here. They had it at my local costco and I was doing groceries. 2 tubes for $24.
I like it but have nothing to compare it to. I have the light to medium one. They also had the medium to dark for sale. I was worried it would be too dark but it is fine and I am quite fair.
It goes on smoothly
It does not have spf
it does even out the tone.
Overall I like it. Will wait until a few more uses and report back.