The BB Cream madness continues. Have you noticed just how many brands now have a BB Cream or another? Sure, they may not always call it a “BB Cream”. MAC for example, calls theirs a Beauty Balm and unless you are familiar with the whole BB thing, you may not realize its supposed to be a member of the BB Cream cult.
Mine came from Changi airport and for now, this is a travel exclusive. But I’m given to understand that that will change soon, so it will be available in MAC stores as well.
The difference I have noticed between Western versions of BB Creams and the Korean/Asian versions, is that the Western versions don’t tout all sorts of miraculous all-in-one capabilities. The recommendation is to apply the MAC Beauty Balm after moisturizer and since it contains SPF35/PA+++, I’d say that the MAC Beauty Balm is actually pretty much a tinted sunscreen cum makeup base.
Regulars will know that I’m not MAC’s biggest cheerleader, so really, how does this one fare then?
Its not too bad, all things considered!
The 30ml tube is small. It just about fits into my palm.
I tend to treat this one more like a light foundation than as a sunscreen, or simply as a makeup base. I use a separate sunscreen as part of my normal skincare routine so I treat this just as a complimenting product, with tint.
The MAC Cosmetics website says that Beauty Balm “is lightly tinted in a nearly sheer beige tone to work on an array of complexions”. I don’t quite agree. The MAC Beauty Balm in fact, has noticeably pink tones in its tint.
MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm swatch. Left: Blended Right: Unblended
I forgot to highlight it, but if you look towards the left of the dollop of cream, that’s the portion that’s blended. On my skin, it actually looks just a touch darker than the natural colour. It does not oxidise further on me which is probably a good thing and it also doesn’t end up too dark on my face.
I use about a pea sized amount and the narrow nozzle of the cream allows quite precise dispensation of the Beauty Balm so that’s a good thing.
In terms of coverage, it is minimal. If you have very good skin already, it will probably be enough. If you have blemishes or pigmentation like I do, you will still need a concealer, and it only offers a little coverage for redness on the skin so I’d rather use something else, to be honest.
What is nice is that it does not turn oily on my skin. I have slightly drier skin to start with, and a common lament I have about BB Creams is how they turn my skin oily. This one does not turn my skin oilier than it should. Setting it with a touch of loose powder helps it stay looking fresh longer. If you treat this one as a makeup base, and apply powder foundation over it, it works very well to give much better coverage, hold and a good finish. It is therefore a great tinted primer with sunscreen.
The one thing that does place me on the fence a little is how it settles into my pores and does not make my skin look radiant. As a tinted sunscreen or tinted makeup base, I’d say it performs quite well. But you know, that isn’t what a BB Cream is about, if this one’s going down that route. If you already have a BB Cream that works for you, or are like me and still prefer using traditional foundation, whether powder or liquid, I’d say you aren’t missing much by not getting this.
Pros: Light and Non sticky texture, Decent primer or tinted sunscreen, Does not turn oily on my skin
Cons: Only comes in 1 shade that has a bit of pink tint, Sinks into my pores a little, Minimal coverage
I don’t have the ingredient list, sorry. I can’t find my box 😛 If I do, I’ll update.
This is travel exclusive here for now, but I think we should be seeing it in MAC stores soon enough. Most of the other “Travel Exclusive” BB Creams have already come to town, so this isn’t likely to be an exception.
Have you tried this product? Its been out a while, and I’ve had mine for quite a long time 😛 I don’t use it often because I don’t like the texture as much as say the Diorsnow BB Creme and you don’t need a lot (it can turn oily or darker if you use too much – at least that’s what I found) so this little 30ml tube still has some ways to go.
Paris B
The MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm with SPF35/ PA+++ retails at US$30 on the MAC website and at S$31+ at Changi Airport. Local price and availability unknown.
Trinity says
May 20, 2011 at 9:19 amThat’s pretty affordable compared to other brands BB cream, isn’t it? S$31! That’s hardly a MAC price. I’m just afraid that this will clog my pores just like its powder foundatiom does… Will stick to the trusty Laura Mercier tinted moisturier for now.
ParisB says
May 20, 2011 at 10:02 amCompared to Asian brands it’ll be considered expensive. Compared to the higher end department store brands, I’d say its affordable 🙂
CHIN says
May 20, 2011 at 9:31 amMAC has a new BB Cream? So has Estee Lauder, Clinique,Lancome et al.
All BB CREAMS ONLY COME IN 1 SHADE!
wHATS YOUR VERDICT ON THEM?
ParisB says
May 20, 2011 at 10:02 amOn BB Creams? I am not a fan in general. There are exceptions. But in general, still not a fan. I do prefer the ones from the Western brands. I like the Dior BB Creme and the Bobbi Bown BB Cream because they both suit my skin. This one doesn’t.
Cynthia says
May 20, 2011 at 9:53 amI always felt BB creams work in the best from Korean brand. For MAC, hmm…and for the price, I rather go for Korean brand. As they are much more affordable and more shades~~
ParisB says
May 20, 2011 at 10:03 amI’m the opposite LOL! Never found one in an Asian brand I like. The Western brand BB Creams are working much better for me, mostly because they are lighter and less oily and they aren’t grey or orange like most Korean ones I’ve tried. 😀
Hanny says
May 20, 2011 at 10:31 amI’m not going bonkers over this BB cream, but the Clinique one…. eheehehehe, is another story altogether! Granted, I’ve not seen this in airports yet but, what the heck.
ParisB says
May 20, 2011 at 10:38 amI was interested in Clinique, until I was told that its actually too dark for me. Yay! 😛 I do like the tinted version of the Clinique City Block sunscreen. That one has a nice light shade and works well for me. I personally think most Western BB creams are just tinted sunscreens anyway! LOL!
Rahainah says
May 20, 2011 at 12:48 pmI have the Clinique City Block sunscreen but hated it. It’s oily and leave my skin with gray-ish cast. Much rather use Superdefense Age Defense Moisturizer although the SPF is only 25 compared to the City Block sunscreen. Maybe I’ll check out the Clinique BB cream.. 🙂
ParisB says
May 20, 2011 at 3:18 pmOops! The City Block tint is just right for me. Perhaps its a little light for you hence the ashy colour? I don’t find it turning VERY oily on me, but then I do slightly dry skin 🙂 I haven’t tried the tinted moisturizer though. I’m told the Clinique BB Cream tint is darker than the City Block. Hopefully it work for you 😀
yuki says
May 20, 2011 at 2:34 pmClinique too! I wanna go and see their BB cream… was so shocked when I saw the advert in the papers yesterday!!
ParisB says
May 20, 2011 at 3:18 pmYup! I heard about Clinique 🙂 And there’s Estee Lauder, and Bobbi Brown too!
lyn says
May 20, 2011 at 3:09 pmIn general, I still prefer Japanese BB creams. The coverage is better and helps reduce the redness on my face. Also, the Western brands tend to feel a little heavier or at least they do to me.
ParisB says
May 20, 2011 at 3:19 pmKnow what Lyn? I haven’t tried any Japanese BB Creams, only the Korean ones. Have you tried both and is the Japanese one lighter than the Korean ones? I do feel that Japanese skincare and makeup in general are of higher quality so I do tend to prefer Japanese makeup over Korean 🙂
lyn says
May 21, 2011 at 9:12 amI’ve tried 3 different Korean ones and the shades are usually darker and more yellow toned. I do find the Japanese ones to be slightly lighter and they match my skin tone better. My fave so far are Kiss Me Heroine Make Essence in BB Cream and BB Matte (the latest one in a blue and white bottle).
ParisB says
May 21, 2011 at 10:17 pmI think I’ll give the Heroine Make ones a go then! If they suit your skintone I think it’ll suit mine too 🙂
Lisa says
May 20, 2011 at 6:05 pmMy favourite bb creams still go to Dr Wu from taiwan. So far, i’ve tried Shu Uemura BB base, Lancome BB base, Maybelline, Rachel K, skinfood, Skin79 and a couple other korean ones. So far, all are so so performers and not so good performers from korea brands. I still reach out for my foundations more than bb creams/base. The only one i reach out alot for is Dr. Wu’s.
ParisB says
May 20, 2011 at 6:24 pmI much prefer regular foundations myself too. I hardly reach for BB creams and would prefer to use a liquid foundation any day 🙂 Still haven’t tried this Dr. Wu one.
CHIN says
May 20, 2011 at 9:06 pmwhich foundation do you use for daily use? Which one id the best foundation? Please share !
ParisB says
May 20, 2011 at 9:46 pmI think there is no best, only what’s best for you 🙂 for me, for liquid foundation, I like Diorskin Nude, Guerlain Lingerie de peau, Lancome Maqui Miracle and Shiseido Perfect Refining foundation for now. I also like Bourjois Healthy Mix.
CHIN says
May 21, 2011 at 10:42 amwhat about 2-way cake? I hear that ZA ( althought a cheap brand) is excellent and the number one powder foundation in S’pore!
ParisB says
May 21, 2011 at 11:13 amI’ve never used Za. I like Revlon from the pharmacies. For high end powder foundation, I like Shu Uemura, Dior, Kanebo.
Jess says
May 22, 2011 at 10:27 pmThanks for sharing your thoughts on this BB cream, Paris!
I have been really curious about it, but now that you said it does settle into pores, I think, I should just pass on it! Covering pores is a big issue of mine, so yeah…
ParisB says
May 22, 2011 at 11:28 pmI wasn’t expecting it to settle too. I honestly think you can pass on this 🙂
Reena says
May 27, 2011 at 12:02 amI’ve tried a lot of Asian BB creams, and I already tried the Maybelline one. I’m more of a tinted moisturizer kind of gal so whenever I encounter a BB cream in a store, I’d usually think twice before buying one. Idk why my skin feels oily when I use them… hmmm… maybe I haven’t found the right product yet. LOL…
Vonvon says
June 2, 2011 at 6:45 pmHi Paris,
I am going to review the MAC BB Cream too. But I have only the sample. So I have to pinjam a product shot from you. And I will link back here, is that OK?
ParisB says
June 2, 2011 at 7:51 pmHiya! Sure thing! Thanks for asking 🙂