BB Cream

Around this time last year, I was planning a trip to Asia. I was almost en route to Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing in order to take part in some consumer research and digital marketing strategy for Shiseido. When I arrived, I immediately learned how important skin care was for the Eastern market. It was a completely different perspective on beauty, and one that makes a lot of sense. Asian women care more about correcting a problem than covering it up. They pay less attention to eyeshadow and lipstick and more attention to skin care lines and foundation. While they want their skin to be perfect and porcelain (the whiter the better) they also want skin care benefits in whatever they put on their face.

While this has been a trend in the Asian markets for some time, it is just making its way over to the United States. There is a certain miracle product beloved by Asian women and it’s known as a BB Cream. Most of the creams in Asia have whitening properties as well as pigmentation correctors and exfoliants, but thus far the ones I see popping up stateside are more along the lines of a tinted moisturizer. Nevertheless, the concept is still new and interesting in the Western world of makeup.

Essentially a BB cream is supposed to deliver the coverage of a foundation and the hydration of a moisturizer, while applying smoothly and self-adjusting to your skin tone. Most BB creams are only offered in 1 or 2 shades. The truly authentic BB Creams are slightly grey in tone until blended into the skin, and they are thicker than a traditional tinted moisturizer. The first drugstore BB Cream has come to the United States via Garnier, but I’ve seen reports of Maybelline and L’Oreal planning to develop them as well. In terms of high-end brands, everyone is jumping on the band wagon including Bobbi Brown, Dior, MAC, Clinique, Smashbox, Too Faced, Stila, Boscia, Dr. Brandt and Dr. Jart. I’m sure other brands will be fast to follow.

Out of that list, I have thus far only tried two. The first was by Dr. Jart and I absolutely love it. The second was from Clinique and I didn’t care for it at all. The main difference between the two was the feel of the product and application. For a cream that is supposed to be hydrating, I found Clinique’s version to be quite the contrary. It didn’t blend well into my skin and it felt very dry. The color match was excellent, though, so it’s really too bad. Dr. Jart, on the other hand, applied so smoothly and it felt very moisturizing. So much so that those with oily skin might shy away from it. After a few hours my skin was glistening but it was a nice healthy glow. If you have extremely oily skin you might end up looking slightly greasy, but this can be tempered by setting it with a powder as you would a foundation. It did a great job at evening out my skin tone, I just needed to add a little concealer (Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage) to hide any redness. It’s perfect for both winter and summer and I’ve already repurchased. They also contain SPF, and I don’t wear a primer underneath.

I do urge you to try a BB cream, from any brand you choose. It’s a more natural approach to makeup which is perfect for the upcoming summer months. Keep in mind though that the Americanized BB creams aren’t exactly the same as the authentic Asian ones, but at least you can test them out in store. I do know women who buy Korean and Japanese BB Creams on eBay and the like, but you have to make sure you can really trust the seller. Indulge at your own risk. Or, just plan a trip to Asia! Problem solved.

New from Revlon

I get pretty excited when I hear about a brand releasing a new item and/or collection. I get doubly excited when it’s an easily accessible and affordable brand like those carried in your local drugstore. Add to that the term “limited edition” and my interest is peaked. Women seem to go nuts over limited edition products. I don’t know what we think we’ll miss out on but hey, this tactic works.

Luckily, the new items set to release from Revlon are reported to be part of its permanent line, or will be eventually. I’m referring to a new line of lip balm/stains and a line of whipped foundation. I’m interested in trying both products and I’ve kept my eye out for them but no luck yet. The lip stains look comparable to Clinique’s Chubby Sticks or Tarte’s LipSurgence, but Revlon’s are a mere $7.00, depending where you find them of course.

These are the first I’ve seen of this kind of lip product offered from a drugstore brand. They are really stepping up their game both in terms of quality and product variety. The foundation is also unique on the drugstore market, being somewhere between a cream and mousse product. It might be a tad heavy in terms of coverage for the summer, but I have yet to try it out so I can’t offer a concrete opinion.

Stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Hydrations

When it comes to moisture, your skin can’t get enough. Winter, spring, summer, doesn’t matter. The key to anti-aging besides the serums and creams and chemicals and potions is simply hydration.

Aging skin is exacerbated by the look of dryness, bringing out every wrinkle that we try so desperately try to hide. By keeping your skin moisturized, which includes drinking tons of water, you will give yourself a dewy complexion that will cause people to wonder just how old you really are. But remember, a lady never reveals her age.

Choosing the perfect moisturizer is like choosing the perfect mate. You have to try a lot of them out, and give them a few months to see if they work the way you want them to. Sometimes they cause irritation, and other times they provide balance and comfort.

I’ve tried a select few moisturizers over the years, being that my skin is ultra fair and coincidentally ultra sensitive. They are always fragrance and oil-free. My favorite night moisturizer is Clinique’s Moisture Surge. This is my go-to cream for dry, flaky skin. After using an exfoliant (I prefer chemical rather than physical, i.e. no granules in my cleanser) I massage this all over my face and neck and wake up in the morning singing like a Disney princess. Well not that cheerful and there are no forest creatures in my room, but my skin feels soft and supple.

As for day time, this award also goes to Clinique. I’ve used their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, affectionately called DDMG, for about a decade. This product also comes in a lotion rather than a gel, but that version is not oil free and when I used it once, long ago, it irritated my skin. So for oily, acne-prone skin I’d say to give the gel a try. It gives the skin enough moisture without overpowering it and making your complexion overly shiny.

Just so I don’t appear to be brand-bias, I have also tried Clean & Clear as well as Cetaphil moisturizers. These just didn’t do the job as well, in my opinion. My skin felt better at first, but within a few hours my skin was back to feeling tight and dry. For this I would turn to MAC’s Fix+ spray, another tried and true beauty favorite. Give yourself a spritz of this stuff and feel instantly refreshed in the summer and winter months. Further review to come. And while the Cetaphil moisturizer is not my favorite, the traditional cleanser is Holy Grail.

I have heard wonderful things about Olay’s Regenerist line for budget-friendly skin care, and also Kate Somerville’s line although that one will cost you. There are countless moisturizers to try, and the good news is that you can get a sample of any and all of them from your local Sephora. The store also has a fantastic return policy, so if you do decide to take the plunge and commit to a full-sized product, you can bring it back no questions asked.

So shop around to find a moisturizer that works for you and stick with it, morning and night. Don’t be afraid to be choosy because there are plenty out there.

If you have particularly dry skin, invest in a moisturizing spray for mid-day touch ups and remember to drink plenty of H2O. More than you think you need.