The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

60 Second Beauty: Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream


Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream Review

I was late to the BB Cream party but have been searching for the perfect one for about two years. I mean, who doesn't want to find the perfect BB Cream? As you've probably heard, BB Creams, also knowns as Blemish Balms, have been widely used in Asia for their all-in-one skin perfecting benefits - it's a moisturizer, it's a tint, it helps soothe or even prevent blemishes, it's a sunscreen, it's everything! So naturally, when I was approached to try new Aveeno Clear Complexion BB CREAM, I jumped on the opportunity. Could it be the miracle product I've been searching for?

What they say: Aveeno Clear Complexion BB CREAM ($14.99-$16.99 2.5 fl. oz) contains ACTIVE NATURALS® Total Soy Complex to help even tone and fade marks, revealing more flawless, naturally beautiful skin. This multi-benefit BB Cream provides treatment to past, present and future skin imperfections:

  • Past—helps blend away imperfections from breakouts and fades the look of marks from past breakouts

  • Present— instantly evens, brightens, moisturizes and nourishes complexion with lightweight coverage

  • Future—broad spectrum SPF 30 protects skin from sun’s harmful rays and helps to prevent further damage

  • Oil-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic



What I thought: I was so excited to try this product and I really wanted it to work, so I tested it multiple times because I couldn't make up my mind. I love the packaging and I love all the wonderful claims. But ultimately it fell short.

Beauty is such a personal thing, so I should start by saying this was just my experience, and you might totally disagree. But my first problem is the scent - this product has a noticeable, lingering, makeup-y almost-floral fragrance. This bothers me.

Second, I'm pretty certain I'm allergic to this product - if I'm wearing it and sitting at my desk, my eyes start to water and my nose gets a little runny shortly after application. It could just be the fragrance but for whatever reason, my body's reaction to this product is unpleasant. If I'm running around, the product seems to irritate me less, probably because the bothersome particles are more dispersed or something than if I'm just sitting still in one place. Just my theory!

Thirdly, this product provides so little coverage, it's almost imperceptible. I tried to take before and after pics but you couldn't even see the difference. If I'm going to slather something on my skin, I want to look better. I mean, it does give my skin the slightest glow and sort of evens the tone, but the effect is almost negligible.

On the plus side, unlike other BB Creams I've tried which made my skin really oily and shiny, Aveeno Clear Complexion BB CREAM keeps my skin matte all day. If anything, it's a bit too drying. I reapplied after wearing it for a few hours and that seemed to help.

At the end of the day, my pores were noticeably "clogged" although not as bad as some products I've used. I still had to remove the product from my skin completely - it's not something you want to sleep in.

I don't want to single out Aveeno, but in general, it seems like BB Creams are just slightly reworked concoctions of existing products that a beauty company already makes with a new name and new packaging. It's probably just based on market research - what do women want? Oh, an all-in-one magic product that does everything? We can "make" that! And so on.

I will, however, single out Aveeno for using words like "Active Naturals" - what's that supposed to mean? I'm no beauty saint, I use plenty of chemicals and I love modern science, but don't try to label something as natural followed by a "registered trademark."

The bottom line: This wasn't my miracle product or even a "good enough" BB Cream, so my quest continues. However, if you're prone to breakouts and generally not too sensitive to fragrances and such, you may have an entirely different experience and end up loving this cream.

Shown above: What you see is the product blended on my skin as well as a thicker dollop of the product to show you the consistency.

Shop this post:
Comments
I thought BB stood for beauty balm? I jumped on the BB cream trend early because it sounded like my kind of time saver! At first I thought BB creams were all supposed to have: sunscreen, anti-aging serum of some sort, tint/foundation, moisturizer. As I've been trying out different BB creams (I'm kinda obsessed!), most of them have some version of what's above but not all of them. I've found I still have to layer or mix most of them with a light foundation oil-free (like Clinique's Dramatically Different Gel moisturizer or Aveda's All-Sensitive Moisturizer) to balance out the chalkiness of the SPF, and making the tint work with my skin. I think Boscia's BB cream was pretty good (lightweight, no fragrance), Smashbox Camera Ready was a good one (light, easy to apply), and Estee Lauder's BB cream is my current favorite (light, evens out skin tone, but needs moisturizer). I didn't like Clinique's (sample was way too heavy, didn't even buy it) and Origin's BB cream. I realize all these aren't budget friendly to everyone, but just wanted to add my 2 cents.
#1 Jennifer FP on 2013-04-08 11:11 (Reply)
I thought BB stood for beauty balm, too, I was just quoting the Aveeno press materials, and that's where they said BB stands for blemish balm. I did a quick google search and it seems like both definitions apply (?)

I was going to try Clinique's but now I won't based on your recommendation. I will have to try Estee Lauder next - I'm willing to spend a little more on things like foundation and moisturizer, especially if they're effective :-)
#1.1 The Budget Babe on 2013-04-08 13:56 (Reply)
Estee Lauder's BB cream has a slight scent to it. So if you're especially sensitive to scents, I would give the Boscia one a try (If you're really nice to a Sephora lady, they might give you a sample to try out before you buy it!).
#1.1.1 Jennifer FP on 2013-04-08 14:24 (Reply)
Ahh okay thanks, the "wrong" scent can totally make or break an item for me - no matter how good it is - so I'll check out the Boscia first.
#1.1.1.1 The Budget Babe on 2013-04-08 14:55 (Reply)
Thanks for posting. I would have totally bought this BB cream.
#2 jessica (Homepage) on 2013-04-08 11:22 (Reply)
I was lucky enough to jump on the BB cream wagon early on. When I was traveling in Korea and Japan in 2005, BB cream was everywhere. I got a chance to grab a few different brands: Etude house Magic BB cream(Korean), The FaceShop Aqua Tint BB Cream (Korean), and Shiseido Anessa Face Sunscreen BB Cream (Japanese). Both Etude House and Shiseido BB Cream are pretty heavy but can cover everything. Great for someone who wants something like foundation. But, I've been a fan of The FaceShop Aqua Tint BB cream for a year. It's light-weight and covers all the problem areas while being pretty natural. The SPF and moisturizer are great. Unfortunately, these brands aren't available at popular beauty supply stores like Sephora or any drug stores. So, I have to order them online or make a special trip to the stores.
#3 Sara Nakamura on 2013-04-08 11:37 (Reply)
What are the color selections like for The FaceShop BB cream? I'm pretty tan for an Asian, so the paper white creams won't work for me.
#3.1 Jennifer FP on 2013-04-08 11:53 (Reply)
I'm not absolutely certain about this but the color selection for The FaceShop is pretty limited. I think the darkest is natural beige.
#3.1.1 Sara Nakamura on 2013-04-08 13:07 (Reply)
I've heard of some of these but haven't tried any of them - you know your BB creams! I'll add The FaceShop to my beauty wishlist :-)
#3.2 The Budget Babe on 2013-04-08 13:58 (Reply)
I used to use some of their lotions, but noticed they made my face burn when I applied them - I never thought maybe I was allergic to something in there! Bummer, I wish this BB was worth a try!
#4 Amanda on 2013-04-08 11:49 (Reply)
You must try MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream if you haven't already. I got on the BB train and this was the first I tried. I haven't had to try anything else because it's THAT awesome.
#5 Kate on 2013-04-08 11:55 (Reply)
So many BB creams so little time! Where do you buy yours?
#5.1 The Budget Babe on 2013-04-08 14:00 (Reply)
I'm glad you posted this I've been meaning to try out their BB creams but now I will stick with the asian ones. I like their calming mositurzier though! I'll stick to that one instead. Thanks so much for reviewing this.
#6 Aina Y (Homepage) on 2013-04-08 12:19 (Reply)
Such a bummer! I love Aveeno's tinted moisturizer, and probably would have bought this. Thanks for the honest review!
#7 Faith (Homepage) on 2013-04-08 13:16 (Reply)
Interesting review! My boyfriend and I swear by Aveeno's Positively Radiant Daily Scrub and Daily Face Moisturizer. I might still try this BB cream just 'cuz. :-)
#8 Harper (Homepage) on 2013-04-08 13:55 (Reply)
Smashbox's BB cream has worked pretty well for me, though it's the only one I've tried. I previously used Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer, which is great, but I wanted something with a bit more coverage, which Smashbox gives. You can put it on pretty sheer or stipple it on places where you might have more redness (which is what I do). Their palest shade worked really well for me, which is a problem I run into with things like that Aveeno BB cream that are "fair to light" that end up being too dark for me.
#9 Andrea on 2013-04-08 15:21 (Reply)
Actually the fair to light Aveeno BB Cream was a bit too dark for me, too, if you noticed anything, it was that!

Someone on Instagram recommended Smashbox, too, adding it to my list :-)
#9.1 The Budget Babe on 2013-04-08 17:23 (Reply)
I'm with you Budgetbabe. Can't use products with any type of scent. It seems companies are using more and more scents in many products, like cosmetics and detergents. Very upsetting as I can't use any of them.
#10 Patti on 2013-04-08 17:53 (Reply)
I've tried many BB creams too. The one that works for me is Tarte. It provides great coverage and it is very silky. Love it!!
#11 mair on 2013-04-09 07:22 (Reply)
Interesting that you said it feels silky - have you ever tried Miracle Skin Transformer? It hardly provides any coverage (at least for me) but it is SO silky and smooth, I've continued to use it just for that reason. Wonder if Tarte is similar...
#11.1 The Budget Babe on 2013-04-09 10:21 (Reply)
Smashbox's BB cream is my go-to and a good option if you want something to keep you shine-free. It's a tad pricey, but a little goes a long way so it lasts forever. And there's no scent as far as I can tell. (And for the record, I've had problems with allergies to Aveeno products, too. Just can't use them anymore.)
#12 ajdematteo on 2013-04-09 08:09 (Reply)
Glad I'm not the only one. Moving Smashbox to the top of my to-try list.
#12.1 The Budget Babe on 2013-04-09 10:20 (Reply)
I have been using a nice size sample of Smashbox BB Cream in Dark, which I really like.
#13 Brenda on 2013-04-09 13:01 (Reply)
"BB Creams are just slightly reworked concoctions of existing products that a beauty company already makes with a new name and new packaging." You said it all with that, IMO. Have you ever heard of Paula Begoun, aka the Cosmetics Cop? I can't recommend her site, www.paulachoice.com, highly enough. She does exhaustive reviews of literally 1000s of makeup and skincare products, based not just on what it feels like on your skin, but on the science (or lack thereof) behind specific ingredients. She is merciless when it comes to debunking cosmetic companies' outrageous claims, but at the same time, recommends good products (and often, they are NOT the most expensive brands.) For the record, I do not work for her or have any affiliation with her, but I am a huge fan and recommend her site to anyone and everyone. Knowledge is power!
#14 Mair Mair on 2013-04-09 16:14 (Reply)
I've never heard of her, heading over there to check it out now! I've been a fan of the Beauty Brains (similar concept) but lately haven't been following them as much.

I'll concede that part of the world of beauty products is "mystery" and "magic" and when we buy into the illusion, it's kinda fun and rewarding! But at the same time, it's important to consider the science behind these products. I try to be an informed consumer (keyword: try) and like you said, knowledge is power.
#14.1 The Budget Babe on 2013-04-09 18:44 (Reply)
Just want you all to be aware that if you are already high risk for breast cancer like myself (my aunt had it) avoid Soy!! Eating soy and beauty products with soy like this one. It actually increases your risk even more. I've had several friends that work at MD Anderson Cancer Center warn me about this. Just wanted to pass it along.
#15 Cat on 2013-04-12 08:56 (Reply)
Thanks for bringing this up, I've had some friends/family tell me to avoid soy while pregnant so when I spotted "Active Naturals Total Soy Complex" on the label of this product, it made me wonder.
#15.1 The Budget Babe on 2013-04-12 13:14 (Reply)
I know this is an old thread, but I recently tried this product & had an allergic reaction to it. A lot of people posted on Aveeno's website that they had the same problem. I just wanted to see if you had any luck w/ any other products for sensitive skin. Or if you liked the Smashbox BB cream. Pinterest suggested that Physicians BB Cream was a drugstore "Dupe" for it. Has anyone found that to be true?
#15.1.1 emmie (Homepage) on 2016-01-07 10:32 (Reply)
I tried this BB Cream to and was disappointed with the results as well. The only drugstore BB cream I have liked is Garnier who recently came out with and oil free version for those of us who become oil slicks during the day. The only problem with them is the shade selection, in the fair to medium is to dark and orange for my white skin. I just add a lighter powder on top and it seems to somewhat fix the problem. I'm about over this fad and ready to move onto the CC cream bandwagon. Word of advise don't buy the Olay CC cream unless you have dry and prefect skin..
#16 Heather scoggins (Homepage) on 2013-04-13 11:25 (Reply)
I actually love the aveeno cream and what it does to even my skin tone as well as the sunscreen but I do have to agree about its odd fragrance. And aside from loving it, I developed an allergy to it since I have sensitive skin. It makes my skin red and itchy and it swells up, so be careful if you have sensitive skin. I chose aveeno because its supposed to be hypoallergenic and I've used many of their products before, but I guess my face acts a lot differently.
#17 kyra on 2013-06-07 20:14 (Reply)
Leave a comment
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed.
Enclosing asterisks marks text as bold (*word*), underscore are made via _word_.
Standard emoticons like :-) and ;-) are converted to images.
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.