My 2 cents on BB cream

I am here to declare I won’t buy anymore BB cream. (and use up everything I have or swap them away). Having been using BB cream for over 1 year, I think I can make a good judgement if it is suitable for me or not.

I’ll break down why I decide to give up:

1. is it true it is all in 1

the all in one includes, no primer, no moisturiser, no sunscreen, no concealer
Well that’s how it sell it to me. however, it is rather dry to apply on (and you only use little of it) you need to moisture. Yes you don’t need primer or sunscreen as it includes it, but most of the BB cream does not have concealing power compare to a normal concealer. I need to dab some concealer around eye around.
So in one way, BB cream wins, but most of the foundation also contains SPF and long lasting nowadays.

1. What BB actually means

Blemish cream. It is for dedicate skin after surgery or to skin that is prone to spots. Therefore it is rather dry in nature. Jamilla did a few great post on her experience using BRTC after her IPL treatment. But in general, the mass market BB cream does not contain such quality. Gary Chung, a makeup artist from Hong Kong is actually anti-BB cream, he feels BB cream is being misunderstood and used in the wrong way. (that’s before he get paid to sell Mioggi bb cream)

1. weather condition

For my combination skin, i find that bb cream cannot be wear in wet tropical weather . My problem is that I can only use BB Cream in weather like Uk, cold and dry most of the time. The oil control properties do not exist in the BB cream I use for some reasons (Missha in particular)
You can mix BB cream with foundation if you want to wear it. But why spend your time doing it when foundation does the job anyway?

1. adjustable shade

This is where i find most of the problem. I have NC30, and basically nearly all BB cream cannot cater for my skin tone. The only bb cream that can ‘adjust’ to my skintone are L’egere Red tube, Missha Shade 23, Nanoce. The rest, bin!
For fairskin you probably ok with most of the bb cream exist. For me.. I’m afraid that bb cream needs to go.

5.        coverage and texture
again, this varies from brand to brand. Some provides light/featherlike (Begin My Pride, jadilla J, L’egere) coverage, and some with extreme coverage (Missha). We tend to think if BB cream is ‘1’product, the coverage etc should be similar from brand to brand. Oh no, very wrong.
Firstly, you need to require new skill to apply bb cream. You use a pea size and fingers to apply. Secondly, you need to wait until it adjust to your skintone before you do anything. All in all, too much fuff and not liking the idea.

All in all, do I recommend BB cream to anyone? Yes. if you have some skin treatment and need some gentle foundation. Yes to those who want light coverage.

i travel lots and can only pack 1 foundation, so since no idea how bb Cream will perform in each country, it is safer to pack foundation only.

(this entry is written by macjournal.. what do you think?)

Alas, Dr ci:Labo BB Cream review

Hi girls, do you miss me? When I told you I have a timetable of death I seriously meant it. I also just started another job (which is detailed in my personal blog) so trying balance everything at the moment. Dao dao has been very naughty because he lost his 24 hours carer (yes, I used to stay home 24/7 and Dao has his slave 24/7), and now he is by himself 2 days a week which makes him a very very cute cat. He's trying to get your attention whenever you're around and even sleeps on my lap..

Oops, too much Dao dao cuteness, so here's the review:

Dr Ci:Labo BB Cream

Dr Ci:labo there're 4 different tubes from them

Natural

Light

Shiny

Dark

Dr Ci:Labo also sells in Hong Kong and USA.

According to Dr CiLLabo site, this is one of the BB cream that helps to keep moisture in the skin as well as the other functions, make up base, concealer, foundation, moisturiser, SPF, essence etc. It keeps in line with their all-in-one strategy in their Aqua Collagen Gel.

What's special about Dr Ci:Labo BB cream?

This is one of the rare makeup product without paraben, and hence the very expensive price tag. It is 4 times the price of a normal BB cream (i.e. Nanoce) and there's not many Japanese made BB cream around.

There's no fragrance, artificial colouring, no paraben, no mineral oil and Free from UV absorber. So it is as natural as you can get and should be free from any allergic reactions. If you have really sensitive skin, you can try Dr Ci:Labo with ease.

There's also this EGF element included in the cream, and Dr Ci:Labo claimed it is good for your skin.

Which tube should I choose?

See this chart for reference

How much?

4000 yen my darling. That's 40 USD

My thoughts:

TO be honest, I love seeing a BB cream catered for darker skin tone. Halo? Not everyone got the perfect skintone (aka NC 20) therefore, I am always having trouble trying products as all Japanese foundations only catered up to NC 25 only.

However, very disappointed with the colour match, even it says dark, it has a grey cast therefore it looks like it is not dark enough for NC 25.

See my FOTD:

Can you see the colour difference between my face and my neck? Yes at least 2-3 shades difference, it gets better during the day but I seriously can't wear it for non-casual occasion. It just don't match.

It does not conceal nicely in my opinion, you need some good concealer for some of the areas. It is not as perfect as their advert claim.

the texture is so-so. It is quite runny compare to Skinfood bb cream, or even Nanoce. The texture is similar to L'egere BB cream.

Would you recommend this?

No! I SWEAR to myself I shouldn't buy but I can't resist, but I thought I'll buy it to support a makeup company that make something for darker skintone. And gosh.. 40 USD can get me 3 tubes of Nanoce instead.

Girls, don't waste your money. I totally recommen l'egere if you're looking for similar texture (And it works for NC30-35 as well) or my favourite, Nanoce (which I bought myself another tube)

BB Cream Series 1: Missha M Perfect Cover

BB Review Series 1: Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream

hmm sorry I didn't have a pic to be taken. I lost my tube in hong kong but hey, been using it for a long time so I can definitely do a review on it.

What makes missha special?

It has the highest SPF overall (SPF 42, PA+++) and it is perhaps one of the most commented BB Cream. If you are new to BB cream, and you have not try Missha, it is hmm most will say must try, I called this as one of the most advanced BB cream as it has the highest coverage as well.

It is very easy to get hold of, just scroll ebay and you'll find tonnes. It is not very expensive and affordable as well.

How much?

6 GPB or around 9USD including shipping from S.Korea

Why did you lost it since you put down all the great things here?

The high coverage bothers me, also the texture.

For me, I want to look natural, and BB Cream should be all-in-one foundation/moisturiser so it is good for lazy people like me. However, because of the coverage, I do look like I have made an effort to put on make up. But I don't want that, I want people to just comment how great my skin looks not 'oh, you put on make up today?' in fact I only put on missha and mascara.

The texture is a bit thick to spread around. Sales in Missha has been recommending to use a sponge, (to avoid the harsh action by spreading by hands) although I feel it is a ploy. If you use a sponge with BB Cream you need to use double the amount. And since it is only a 35ml tube, you'll find yourself popping back to Missha every month to get yourself a tube.

When I use this in UK, there's no oil/greasiness etc, but using this in Hong Kong which is extremely hot and wet, simply I can't even put it on my face at all. My face just hates it

Would you recommend anyone to try it?

If you can manage to get a tube by swapping (which I did) yes, go and get it and try it out yourself. Some girls might need a high coverage and some girls don't. It depends. I think it is more whether the coverage wins you round.

For someone who is looking for a high SPF foundation, I rather recommend getting Anessa sunscreen (which you can put on your face without oil, it was so perfect in Hong kong) and a good foundation, this way you have higher SPF and better coverage and stay for your makeup to last a long day.

On an other note, I have been feeling unfeel and to cheer myself up, I have been making cupcakes.. so this is my very first attempt and i'll be joining a cupcake decoration class. It looks soo good and I hope I'll be able to make the cupcakes for my own wedding (ambitious but not all impossible)

so here's some of the first attempt photos :) all ingredients bought from Waitrose

FOTD: Nil (no make whatsoever)

In Hong Kong + Beijing –no more BB cream

I have been baby-sitting all the time in Bejing, and what do you do with kids? Make sure you have a game console, and they will then sit quietly like a robot. Perfect!

In Hong Kong + Beijing –no more BB cream

I can finally settle down a bit and upload a few pics.

yes bon Maman jam. Cost 50p in Beijing.

My hotel room in Bejing. Best Western Airpot Hotel. Apparently, Beijing has a rule that only if the temperature is over 26’C then the air-conditioning can be switched on. Most of my time is spent sweating under the super-thick duvet naked in bed.

here’s my makeup bag, so messy right? I took nearly everything with me and put them in it. On the left, in the long black bag, are all my foundations. The big bag is with point makeup.

Now onto the long-awaiting beauty post:

No more BB cream…

Why all of a sudden? I thought BB cream is more suitable in the hot weather so except the new LM foundation which I brought with me for a just in case purpose. I brought most of my BB cream wth me. L’egere and Nanoce. Unfortunately, just after 1 day in Hong Kong, the BB cream is not applying smoothly on my face. Especially on my forehead, it is blocking pores and I started to get pimples. Also, all my T-zone area become soo dry that I can’t even use Powder at all. I tried with Nanoce, because it is thicker than L’gere, it looks really horrid on me. I tried L’egere, still not working, especially the foundation is ‘floating’ up on my face after 3-4 hours.

So my make-up routine change. I’m totally in love with Anessa Sunscreen, it is with SPF 50+ and I can apply both on face and body, also for some reason it is quite hydrating so it applies smoothly on my face, I then use the LM foundation in Bamboo Beige (good match) and it has perfect cover. In this combination, it really last for a long time. I need not to apply until early evening.

I’ll promise to update more. Very very soon…

I can’t wait to tell you abt this. L’egere Water Drop BB cream

Last post, I said I’m acquiring a few more BB cream, I have been looking at a new foundation but yet can’t resist trying more BB cream, thank god I didn’t have a craving for foundation (maybe I do!!!) but this L’egere is the 5^th BB cream I’ve paid to try and use. I acquired this from the lovely Cosmetic Candy, and including in my package, there’s 2 L’egere Mineral powder, which surprised me. I thought I’m getting just 1 but she thrown in two. Thanks soo much. (I won’t talk about the Mineral powder because it is more of a rant.. later.. when I’m in a mood of ranting)

Ok, this is one of the BB cream that is so-called legitimately available online. So here’s your review

Photos:

the bb cream


on my arm, I didn't blend it completely so that you can see the water drop and the shininess

Price:

£14.99 for 35ml from beautyeshop.co.uk

(halo? Why 35ml? why not 50ml? I know there’s 50ml version in HK. Gimme a 50ml!)

Texture:

Hmm.. if I put it in a comparison chart it’ll be

Skinfood (thickest) > Missha Perfect > L’egere > Nanoce (Runniest)

Smell:

None at all

Shade:

Perfect! I’m a NC 30 and it fits perfectly

Coverage:

The whole reason why this won me over is the coverage. It is lasting and it covers what it needs to cover. Of course I need to tap a bit of concealer (Benefit Boi-ing). It really blends in perfectly and I hardly notice I wear a foundation. I did mention about getting the Laura Mercier Foundation because I want a foundation with coverage, meaning perfect shades and covering redness and hide some of the minor scar. This does all I want and therefore I give it a star star star.

It is long lasting as well. I have been testing this everyday for the last 5 days. (for the reason below). I never used a BB cream that is longer lasting than L’egere. I put it on at 9am, and re-apply a bit (not whole face!!) at 3pm. I used this today since 6am and re-apply at 3pm although it is washed off by the time I came home at 8.30pm, but I’m so far so pleased with it.

The other thing I’m pleased is I like to be as natural as possible. I feel I have been putting a bit too much make up recently. And This BB cream gave me the confidence to walk out, with only, this, concealer, mascara (or eyeliner) and Vaseline lip balm. By keeping things to the minimal, I hope to heal my skin after my hayfever/diaherrea/period/hot pot. This will be the travel pack I’ll pack (but I’ll slot in my Lunasol Palette hehe) in my luggage and travel as light as possible for my future trip.

Does it give you spots?

I think people stay away from BB cream because sometimes it blocks your pores and give you spot. I deliberately tried to put this BB cream on, and I can’t verify it WON’T give you spot. Everyday I put it on, I have a new spot appearing but I kill it with Mary Quant spot treatment gel. Now I can’t totally blame on the bb cream or my strange skin condition lately, but I’ll keep trying. It is weird to keep trying but I really like the coverage of this bb cream and I don’t want to give up quite yet.

Would I buy it again? Do I prefer this over Nanoce?

Hmm. Gd question. Now I’m waiting for a swap to come in for the L’egere whitening BB cream (purple tube) and I’ll make my final decision after I’ve tried it.

I probably buy L’egere over Nanoce, simply because of its accessibility. Also because it is slightly thicker than Nanoce, you get more for your money even it is a 35ml.

PS:

Nanoce: I've doubled check it, it seem to be available at cosme in Japan store but generally it is a mail order only products.. now.. back to Internet shopping

Nanoce BB Cream review

Hi girls.. I decided to do a bb cream review as I just bought/swapped yet more BB cream. I am a bit BB cream crazy since December and been trying to find a BB cream that suits a NC30. I have been very good in terms I actually paid for 4 actual bb cream and swapped the rest and tried over 20 different brands.

Want to review this one as it is one of the only Japanese made BB cream. This is developed by the Ishizawa Lab. Since I’m not in Japan, I’m not sure how good and famous this brand . but by browsing through their website, it seems their products are on the scientific and natural side?

URL: http://www.ishizawa-lab.co.jp/nanocebb/

I acquired this BB cream from Kathi (lotuspalace) together with the Lunasol palette, which I greatly enjoyed. This is in No.2 shade, and I was a bit surprised it fits my skintone. Bearing in mind that most East Asian ladies have fair skintone (and I’m the odd one out coz I love the sun and like the sea too much)this fits me perfectly.

I’m unable to do a FOTD but I’ll show you how it looks

Pic 1

Actual cream from the tube

Pic 2

The actual cream on my arm

Blending in Process

Pic 4

Blended (but I didn't blend it well so that you can see the texture)

Price:

1890 Yen for 40g ($20 USD or 13 GBP)

Scent:

Why a separate topic. Because it smell like Dettol. Just medicial and on the verge of smelling antiseptic wipes.

Texture:

I feel this is more runny compare to other bb cream, i.e. l’egere and esp skinfood (which I think is far too thick) it is very easy to apply by hand and also by sponge. You need roughly a line of 1.5cm (I dun measure well with pea size. I usually pull a line from bb cream to apply) and it shd be more than enough for the face and sometimes for my neck

Coverage:

It covers my redness on my face, but to archieve the perfect look, I apply a bit of laneige face powder and Benefit Boi-ing concealer.

Size/Volume:

I think 40g is a good size for BB cream. I wonder why BB cream is sometimes in 35g? I particularly like the packaging it is a nice size tube to carry especially traveling. But because of the runny texture, I feel that it will be used up a lot quicker compare to my other bb cream (i.e. skinfood)

Overall:

I like it a lot, at the moment, this is my favourite BB cream. Unfortunately, it is not that easy to get hold of. The only place you can get hold of is:

http://makeupcelebrity.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=32&products_id=437

or CP. If it is not the fact it is only available online there, it will be my HG foundation base.

However, after I have tried over 20 BB cream my conclusions with BB is if it is a casual look (just meeting friends) or traveling, BB cream is a good bet. It has SPF, coverage, moisturizer just all in one. But I think for some more important occasions i.e. Job Interview, balls etc, it is best to use a good foundation. I’m currently lemming over Laura Mercier Silk foundation. I tried a sample which is a totally wrong shade on me, but the texture really amazed me. Sigh.. it has no SPF, no moisturizer but it looks good. I’ll see how much it cost in HK and see if I’ll get it there.