The Scoop on BB Creams in the USA

I finally remembered to try out the BB creams in Sephora! Now, I didn't sample them on my face for a whole day like I usually do, so I can't comment on anything but the texture and coverage. I tried out several on my hand so now I can finally give a glancing opinion on a few of them. They're all overpriced and more than I can afford- or am willing to pay for. One thing about the American brands though, is that they know the people have very diverse skin tones and they try to cater to that. Too Faced and Smashbox have a whole array of colors to choose from.

You can click on their names to go to description page. Please excuse the weird formatting... it refuses to be corrected.

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ $32
 Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++ $39

As suspected, the Dr. Jart+ has very little coverage. Very light texture- it blended right away to nothing. This is what I think of when you say "tinted moisturizer".

"Made with 50 percent water, Dr. Jart's Advanced Water Bead Technology helps hydrate and maintain healthy moisture for a dewy, fresh look. Like a drink for your skin, once applied, tiny droplets of water appear before being quickly absorbed, generating an instant soothing and cooling effect. "

We can add water to our BB creams ourselves, thank you.
" Antioxidant bio-peptides and adenosine protect skin from harsh environmental factors while restoring firmness and elasticity."



Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm SPF 20 $32

This one does claim to have skin care properties as well. I think it was the color and the foundation like finish on this that turned me away (The bottle I had attempted to try was nearly squeezed dry though so who knows). If I remember right this one was the one that I thought was funny because it seemed like it was being marketed as a tinted sunscreen instead. But it claims to work using "antiaging, multi-mineral complex that promotes cell health, strengthens skin's elasticity, and enhances luminosity"

Boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++ $38

This one didn't have very strong coverage- a bit weaker actually, but the deciding factor for me was that it was WAY too dark and they only have one color. Says it's designed to hydrate, firm, and nourish the skin and contains antioxidants as well.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 $39

I'm actually very impressed. With all their advertising I thought it was all smoke and mirrors, but it does seem like a decently pigmented cream that applies and covers well. However, there is little mention about skincare properties. This seems more like a "Foundation +" product. My shade is Fair. See my review of Light HERE.

 Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30 $37

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS ONE! Almost forgot about it, but hunted it down at the last minute to try. When I applied to my skin, it was like you took a photoshop blur tool to my skin. All the small wrinkles and color was evened out. I could hardly believe my eyes and had to look closer (still couldn't see anything wrong!). This one has been out but I never really had the urge to try. The price is steep so I really wish for a sample size of it instead... Once I get it on my face then we can really see what this product can do (Would Clinique like to gift me a sample to review by any chance? haha....)! Not to mention it includes anti-oxidants to help out your skin. From what I'm reading, Clinique has already established it's BB cream in Asia, so if they brought the same product over then we know why they're so successful! Clinique as a brand I think of as being marketed for those out of their teen years (those of us with a bit more life experience ;P) who want to care for their skin more. And even the BB's name is "Age Defense BB Cream" so that should tell you something. My color is Shade 1.

Actually, what I may do... I know it's really bad, but you remember what I said about Sephora's awesome return policy? If you try the product and you don't like it you can still return it. So I am VERY tempted to do just that (it's really bad, you shouldn't just buy the full sized to try randomly if you haven't at least tested it in stores!). If I really like it $37 worth, then I keep it and Clinique has another fan. If I don't like it... my wallet won't die in vain. Clinique it may be cheaper for you to just give me a deluxe sized sample >.<.