5 New BB Creams You Need to Know About: Bobbi Brown, Garnier, M.A.C and More

Thu, 2 August 2012 1:49PM

BB creams were possibly my number one favourite product launch of 2011. I know, big call right? And while there are around 10 that I would happily carry around in my makeup bag, the new guard of BB creams is where it’s at. While we have our tried-and-tested favourites, as you can imagine, these newbies have upped the ante when it comes to the formula, taking into consideration the feedback on the original creams.

But I’m sure there are still a lot of you out there who are still befuddled by the concept, don’t believe the hype, or would prefer to stick with your already much-loved base. Here’s a quick rundown:

BB creams (aka blemish balms, beauty balms, beauty benefit and the list goes on) have been around for decades, and originally used to soothe and heal the skin post-surgery. Along the same lines as a tinted moisturiser, they offer a range of skincare benefits including long-lasting hydration, broad-range sun protection, improved skin tone, boosted radiance, and the list goes on. Hugely popular in the Asian and European market too, they’re one multi-purpose beauty buy that I can’t live without. No matter your skin concern, BB creams are pretty darn good at making sure they’ve covered it. Literally.

And here are the new releases you need to add to your shopping list …

What: Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35, $60
Price: $60, from department stores on August 12th
Shades: Five shades: Extra Light, Light, Fair, Medium and Medium to Dark
What they say: First up, it’s SPF 35, so we’re talking serious broad-spectrum sun protection i.e. a go-to in the warmer weather when we’re looking for lightweight, yet buildable coverage. It also promises better skin in the long term, and is infused with emollients and light-reflective pearls for all-over radiance.
What we say: I’m a Bobbi Brown foundation addict from way back, so this was one BB cream that had me at hello and didn’t disappoint. I found that it gave me a warm, natural glow (without that shiny, sunscreen-y edge) and kept any redness at bay, all the while minimising the large pores around my nose. Bonus points for the five-shade factor to match to all skin tones.

What: Garnier BB Cream Oil Free
Price: $13.95, from supermarkets
Shades: Light and Medium
What they say: I don’t need to sing Garnier’s original BB cream’s praises; we already know it’s one of your favourites. However, this newbie caters to those with oily to combination skin types, enriched with mineral pigments designed to absorb oil while still offering SPF15. I can already see your smiles from here about this one.
What we say: I have combination skin, so I love the glow I get from the original Garnier BB cream. In saying that, when I tried this I found that it minimized shine on my t-zone – always welcome – and provided more of a matte makeup finish. Which, quite frankly, I rather enjoyed for a change from my usual dewy one. It also has a slightly runnier, lightweight texture so it doesn’t feel caked on. My verdict? iIf you do have oily skin but love the idea of a BB cream, you must give this a go.

What: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Total Repair 10 BB Cream
Price: $35.95, from pharmacies
Shades: Light and Medium
What they say: We’ll call this L’Oréal Paris Nude Magique BB cream’s big sister. Just like the original, the Revitalift Total Repair 10 BB Cream bridges the gap between skincare and foundation, but on an anti-ageing level. It applies in colour, but is said to adapt to your skin type and correct any imperfections, resulting in a flawless complexion. The inclusion of 10 active ingredients is designed to help fight the signs of ageing, and along with a myriad of other benefits, it boosts your skin’s hydration levels for added radiance.
What we say: It has a soft, creamy texture that glides on beautifully before settling into the skin, and left a sheer, glowy sheen. Quick tip: it’s a pump bottle and dispenses a lot of product in one go, so go easy on the pump-action.

And, just to get you a little excited, here’s a sneak peek at two more heading to a counter near you on the 3rd of December …

What: M.A.C PREP + PRIME BB BEAUTY BALM COMPACT SPF 30/PA++
Price: $49, from M.A.C
Shades: Extra Light, Light, Light Plus
What they say: Meet one of our favourite new compacts. A BB cream compact, that is. Available in three shades covering pale to lighter skin tones, it’s all about added luminosity while keeping your skin looking healthy and hydrated. And shielding it from the sun with the addition of SPF30.
What we say: While I couldn’t try this shade in my colour, I will say I was impressed with the silky soft texture – it’s so light and airy that it applies like a dream. Plus, as lazy as this might sound, it comes with a mirror for touch-ups during the day, which always ticks an extra box. Quick tip: you can apply it with your fingertips, foundation brush or sponge.

What: M.A.C PREP + PRIME BB BEAUTY BALM SPF 35/PA+++
Price: $49, from M.A.C
Shades: Extra Light, Light, Light Plus
What they say: Upping the SPF factor to 35 for the tube, the M.A.C tube of BB cream is all for the woman lusting after a glowy, dewy complexion. Emollients and optical pearl pigments are in full-force to boost radiance, while evening out your skin tone for a blemish-free base. And finally, the addition of vitamin E and rice bran extract help to protect your skin from free radical damage. Winner.
What we say: Like the compact, the texture is both silky and soft, and I found it best applied after a light coat of moisturiser with a foundation brush. Once blended it left a subtle, but glowing sheen and was ideal for giving my lacklustre winter skin tone an injection of hydration and radiance.

So Primpettes, what do you think? Love/still loving BB Creams? Or are you still not fazed by the whole concept?

Any of these newbies sound like they will float your boat?

Which ones are you already wearing?

Hayley x

Posted by: Hayley Bennett

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Tags: BB cream, bobbi brown, garnier, loreal paris, mac, newbies