A very lovely lady sold samples of her extensive BB cream stash to me to try out before buying. My sis is going to Korea next week or so and she’ll be helping me get some! :) Korean brands like The Face Shop, Missha and Skin Food are waaay overpriced in Singapore (about 50% more).
I don’t think I can vouch on the effectiveness of the BB cream as I didn’t really monitor my skin but there have been many testimonials by other ladies. As for oil control, I honestly didn’t feel that they did anything for that matter but some left my face oilier than the others at the end of the day. My current fave is Skin Food’s Aloe Sun BB cream.
On blending…
I personally feel that all the BB creams don’t blend very well, you’ll need the help of a sponge unless you wanna risk adding a few more age lines to the canvas. I’ve tried to pre-mix my BB cream with moisturiser, it works but I just don’t like the idea. I prefer applying the BB cream immediately after my moisturiser while my face is still, erm, moist; then quickly work in the BB cream. After that, I finish off by dusting on my Ettusais Day Protect Powder (using it as loose powder).
On choosing the right shade…
All the creams left my face with a whitish cast (#1 for Skin Food). Unless you’re fair without yellow undertones (usually Asians have yellow undertones), I recommend you choose #2 Natural for Skin Food BB creams where you have a choice.
Reviews
dermaRX Beblesh balm SPF15
Smells like clay mask, the type that hardens on your face when you go for facials at a beauty salon. Much lighter texture and easier to blend compared to the rest.
Dr.Jart+ Rejuvenating Blemish Balm for all skin types SPF 10 Anti-Irritant Concealer
The worst smelling of the BB creams I’ve tried. It’s hard to describe, some reckon it to smell like detergent? Not sure if it’s because I wasn’t very thorough on removing it at the end of the day but after consecutive use, some small bumps start to appear.
Skin Food Gingko Green BB Cream vs Skin Food Aloe Sun BB Cream SPF20 PA+
SF Aloe has a very light fragrance that’s better than Gingko, but the smell of Gingko isn’t bad or anything, both simply have a very mild scent. I prefer Aloe because of its SPF properties, so I don’t need to apply sunscreen anymore. Gingko left my face oilier compared to Aloe too. That said, Aloe wins hands down!
BRTC Perfect Recover Balm
The smell is similar to SF Gingko, but less noticeable. I was advised that this isn’t readily available in the shops in Korea, I can’t remember if it’s prescription only or? However, you are able to order it online if you can read Korean from their online shop. *shrugs* Currently, this is the most trusted medical brand BB cream till date.
Other useful links
Skin Food’s website
kimoko’s reviews
whiteelephant’s summary
Where to buy
Luna Beauty, eBay
