14 Feb 2012 9 Comments
What’s All the Fuss about BB Creams? Part 1: Marcelle
Have you heard about BB Creams? I’m sure you have. It’s been the talk among beauty peeps lately, in every magazine and many a beauty blog. I’ve been intrigued and have been testing out a few products. I have to say that while I think there are good products out there, they haven’t necessarily rocked my world.
BB (Beauty Balm) creams originated in the medical field as a preparation base for foundation to help cover scars and blemishes. The formula has since been adapted to make it an all-in-one multi-benefit skin care and complexion corrector. It’s been widely popular in Asia for years, and it is now making waves in North America.
In Canada, Marcelle has launched the first-Canadian made BB Cream. The cream can be used as a moisturizer, tinted corrector and make-up base. According to Marcelle, the BB cream “perfects the skin to reveal a more even epidermis and well-hydrated, flawless complexion, all in one.” It is apparently geared for any age and skin-type. Available in two shades, the cream has self-adjusting pigments that can transform and adapt to different skin tones.
My Experience
I found that cream blended well with my skin tone. I think it did a good job at making my skin look even and smooth. That said, I do prefer medium to full coverage foundation so for me this doesn’t do the trick in terms of the coverage I need. It is nice though for days when I don’t feel like wearing too much on my face. Here is the before, after with BB Cream, and then the after after with the rest of my makeup.
I think it works very well as a primer, helping to make my foundation stay put. I also think it does a decent job of added moisture, especially as my skin tends to be drier in the winter.
The product has a pump which is handy for application. I usually pump out some product on my hand before applying to my face. For some reason though, I have to be careful when doing this as I’ve had two incidents where I squirted the product on my clothing.
My experience has been pretty positive with this BB Cream from Marcelle. It’s a good product for those who prefer to wear tinted moisturizers or are looking for a good primer. I think it’s something moms-on-the-go might want to consider.
What do you think of BB Creams?
For more info, visit Marcelle.
Disclaimer: Product sent by manufacturer for consideration only. See Policies for more information.
Feb 14, 2012 @ 11:14:47
Great post. I am all about Dr. Jart’s Water Fuse BB Cream, have used it for about a year now and LOVE it. Not sure if its available in Canada yet, I got it at Sephora in the US.
My preference is a very light coverage makeup to mostly even out my skin tone so its perfect for me. Enjoy the slick formula for application and its much more moisturizing on my dry skin than regular foundation. Plus, 25 SPF is a bonus!
You’re absolutely right though, this is mostly a good alternative to tinted moisturizer and I find it just gives that little bit of extra coverage.
Feb 14, 2012 @ 17:26:21
The SPF sounds good — this one doesn’t have it as Tracy points out. I’m still not completely sold on the concept even though I think the product works fine enough.
Feb 14, 2012 @ 13:41:19
While I liked the Marcelle BB Cream too, I’d like it more if it had SPF in it. I hope they come out soon with a version.
Feb 14, 2012 @ 17:26:51
Good point Tracy! I heard Miss Ipp say that they are coming out with an SPF version soon.
Feb 14, 2012 @ 18:48:07
I haven’t tried the MArcelle one yet, just the Garnier one. It seems to me that any face product with SPF in it makes my face burn though so I hope I don’t react to it:(
Feb 14, 2012 @ 18:55:51
Hi Christine, I’m testing out the Garnier one as well. This one doesn’t have SPF so you might want to try this one out!
Feb 15, 2012 @ 02:04:39
Thanks for the post!
I’ve been interested in BB creams for a while now because I’m looking for something with light coverage. Still undecided between purchasing a BB cream OR tinted moisturiser OR MAC face and body foundation. x
Feb 15, 2012 @ 06:20:34
I’ve been thinking about these lately and wondering if they’re worth it. Like you, I prefer a heavier foundation though. Looks like I’ll be sticking with my TM that has SPF for “barely there days” and foundation for every day. Glad you reviewed this and cleared up where BB falls in the face product category.
Feb 15, 2012 @ 07:15:01
I have gone down the road of BB creams in the past and I went back to using foundations. I find them rather thick and grey in general. But the packaging from all the Korean BB creams is impressive. It only lures you in!