Some of you may know that I'm on the hunt for the perfect BB Cream - those all-in-one wonders that claim to moisturize and perfect skin for a flawless look. BB stands for "beauty balm" or "blemish balm" and the trend originated in Korea a couple years ago. Now every beauty brand under the sun has jumped on the BB cream bandwagon - and some brands have already moved on to CC and DD creams. Phew! I'd better find one that works before ZZ cream comes out. But I digress...previously, I tested Aveeno's BB Cream and wasn't too impressed. Many of you shared your recommendations with me in the comments - and I am so grateful - but have yet to put most of those to the test (it's on my to-do list!) In the meantime, Rimmel London's BB Cream crossed my desk and I have to say, the results were surprising. Keep reading for my review...
What they say: Rimmel London BB Cream ($6.99): This 9-in-1 makeup bag must-have primes, moisturizes, minimizes pores, conceals, covers, smoothes, mattifies, brightens and protects with SPF 25 for a flawless, 100% natural look. Available in light, medium or dark.
What I thought: I wasn't expecting miracles after my last experience with a drugstore BB cream, but Rimmel makes a surprisingly good formula. It provides lightweight coverage that enhances the overall look of my skin. And when I catch a glance of myself in the mirror a few hours later, my skin still looks better than it would without makeup. Isn't that the whole point?
Pros include the fact that I can take a dime size dab and smooth it over my t-zone and under my eyes and it blends quickly and easily for a natural look. Technically you should use a concealer in the under-eye area because the skin is different and more delicate (especially if you're over 30) - products not formulated for the under-eye area tend to settle into those fine creases and can make you look awful (in my experience). Not so with Rimmel's BB Cream - it has enough moisture in it that I can cheat and use it on my entire face. A huge plus when I'm in a hurry (which seems to be "always" these days).
I also like that Rimmel BB Cream doesn't irritate my skin or my senses. Some makeup makes me woozy or makes my eyes water or my nose runny, but Rimmel didn't do any of those things. Hooray!
Finally, the Rimmel BB Cream didn't make my skin appear excessively dry or oily after a full day's wear. On warmer days, I noticed my skin get a bit shiny, nothing that a little blotting paper or powder can't fix, but I did notice that.
On the downside, Rimmel's BB Cream can not replace foundation and powder for times when you need extra coverage. It also sort of wears off during the day. I'm not sure where the product is going but by the end of a long day, I could see more of my own skin and less of the product. On the plus side, the cream had not caused my pores to expand nor had it left my skin dry or looking seriously wrinkly - if you're over 30 you know what I mean - some products settle into those fine lines over the course of the day and you end up looking worse for wear. Yes, young'uns, that's what you have to look forward to!
I think a primer could remedy the longevity issues I had with this cream, as could a setting powder. But of course, we're looking for that all-in-one miracle product! Rimmel's BB Cream isn't a miracle worker but it's a pretty solid product at a great price - and quite possibly the best BB Cream I've tried to date. I'm going to pack it in my hospital bag for when I deliver my baby to give myself a quick facelift for photos. That should be endorsement enough!
The bottom line: Rimmel London BB Cream is a non-irritating, subtle BB cream - think tinted moisturizer with a twist - that will give your face a healthy, natural glow without a lot of effort - or cash.
Shop it online:
Please note: I received the product reviewed in this post free of charge. Opinions are always 100% my own.
What I thought: I wasn't expecting miracles after my last experience with a drugstore BB cream, but Rimmel makes a surprisingly good formula. It provides lightweight coverage that enhances the overall look of my skin. And when I catch a glance of myself in the mirror a few hours later, my skin still looks better than it would without makeup. Isn't that the whole point?
Pros include the fact that I can take a dime size dab and smooth it over my t-zone and under my eyes and it blends quickly and easily for a natural look. Technically you should use a concealer in the under-eye area because the skin is different and more delicate (especially if you're over 30) - products not formulated for the under-eye area tend to settle into those fine creases and can make you look awful (in my experience). Not so with Rimmel's BB Cream - it has enough moisture in it that I can cheat and use it on my entire face. A huge plus when I'm in a hurry (which seems to be "always" these days).
I also like that Rimmel BB Cream doesn't irritate my skin or my senses. Some makeup makes me woozy or makes my eyes water or my nose runny, but Rimmel didn't do any of those things. Hooray!
Finally, the Rimmel BB Cream didn't make my skin appear excessively dry or oily after a full day's wear. On warmer days, I noticed my skin get a bit shiny, nothing that a little blotting paper or powder can't fix, but I did notice that.
On the downside, Rimmel's BB Cream can not replace foundation and powder for times when you need extra coverage. It also sort of wears off during the day. I'm not sure where the product is going but by the end of a long day, I could see more of my own skin and less of the product. On the plus side, the cream had not caused my pores to expand nor had it left my skin dry or looking seriously wrinkly - if you're over 30 you know what I mean - some products settle into those fine lines over the course of the day and you end up looking worse for wear. Yes, young'uns, that's what you have to look forward to!
I think a primer could remedy the longevity issues I had with this cream, as could a setting powder. But of course, we're looking for that all-in-one miracle product! Rimmel's BB Cream isn't a miracle worker but it's a pretty solid product at a great price - and quite possibly the best BB Cream I've tried to date. I'm going to pack it in my hospital bag for when I deliver my baby to give myself a quick facelift for photos. That should be endorsement enough!
The bottom line: Rimmel London BB Cream is a non-irritating, subtle BB cream - think tinted moisturizer with a twist - that will give your face a healthy, natural glow without a lot of effort - or cash.
Shop it online:
Please note: I received the product reviewed in this post free of charge. Opinions are always 100% my own.
They are the best!
I've sampled a couple BB creams, Maybelline, L'oreal, and I wasn't impressed with either. I will have to try out Rimmel, though. I have used Smashbox's Photofinish primer and it's pretty amazing. Unfortunately, I can't afford it. I was lucky enough to win a sample a while back.
I hate to look like a brand pusher but I love their Extra Super Lash mascara too. I do use other products from other brands, I swear! But these are 4 products in my makeup bag that I won't buy from any other brand.