Blemish balm creams, popularly known as "BB Creams", were first popularised in Asia in South Korea by companies such as Skin79. These are multi-functional products that are supposed to act as moisturiser, base and foundation in one and often come in just one shade that is supposed to suit most skintones. As a testament to their popularity, Western companies also released BB creams in Asian countries and travel retail this year. In Singapore, you can find the Lancome, Estee Lauder and MAC BB Creams at Changi Airport dutyfree as well as at the DFS Galleria in Scotts Road. Clinique's BB Cream is also set to be launched in November.
At DFS Galleria yesterday, I did these comparison swatches of the Lancome, Estee Lauder and MAC BB Creams. The Clinique one was not available yet. The Lancome BB Base UV Expert GN Shield SPF50 PA+++ is made in France and the most expensive of the lot at S$78 for 30ml. The Estee Lauder CyberWhite EX Extra Intensive BB Cream SPF35 PA+++, made in Belgium, works out to be the cheapest per unit at S$59 for 50ml. The MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm SPF35 PA+++ is S$45 for 30ml and is made in Canada. At Changi Airport dutyfree, the Estee Lauder BB Cream costs S$55 and the MAC version is S$42.
The Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF30 PA+++ (in the pic below) will retail at around US$31, so I expect the pricing to be between MAC and Estee Lauder. The BB creams by all four brands are available in only one shade.
As you can see, the Lancome BB Base is more neutral with a slight grey undertone whereas the MAC and Estee Lauder versions are more beige-toned.
The Lancome and Estee Lauder creams felt a bit thick upon application but all three do sheer out and meld into the skin, as BB Creams are supposed to do.
Of the three, the MAC cream had the nicest texture. It was lightweight, smooth, non-greasy and provided some coverage whereas the Lancome and Estee Lauder versions had a slightly oily sheen that didn't dry down after a few minutes. I didn't try any of these on my face so I can't say how they actually perform over time but you can easily find reviews online for them on other blogs.
On an unrelated note, the Christmas trees and other decorations are already going up all around town!
At DFS Galleria yesterday, I did these comparison swatches of the Lancome, Estee Lauder and MAC BB Creams. The Clinique one was not available yet. The Lancome BB Base UV Expert GN Shield SPF50 PA+++ is made in France and the most expensive of the lot at S$78 for 30ml. The Estee Lauder CyberWhite EX Extra Intensive BB Cream SPF35 PA+++, made in Belgium, works out to be the cheapest per unit at S$59 for 50ml. The MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm SPF35 PA+++ is S$45 for 30ml and is made in Canada. At Changi Airport dutyfree, the Estee Lauder BB Cream costs S$55 and the MAC version is S$42.
The Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF30 PA+++ (in the pic below) will retail at around US$31, so I expect the pricing to be between MAC and Estee Lauder. The BB creams by all four brands are available in only one shade.
As you can see, the Lancome BB Base is more neutral with a slight grey undertone whereas the MAC and Estee Lauder versions are more beige-toned.
The Lancome and Estee Lauder creams felt a bit thick upon application but all three do sheer out and meld into the skin, as BB Creams are supposed to do.
Of the three, the MAC cream had the nicest texture. It was lightweight, smooth, non-greasy and provided some coverage whereas the Lancome and Estee Lauder versions had a slightly oily sheen that didn't dry down after a few minutes. I didn't try any of these on my face so I can't say how they actually perform over time but you can easily find reviews online for them on other blogs.
On an unrelated note, the Christmas trees and other decorations are already going up all around town!
16 comments:
wow! Christmas decoration going up so early! i guess i'd see the decorations a few days later since today's still halloween :P
thanks for your post! didn't know clinique and EL and MAC would release BB creams! Do you think they will fare better than the existing korean bb creams though? :)
I'm loving the MAC BB & wished it was not limited edition & DFS exclusive.The EL one looks so yellowish from the swatches
Hi Jennifer,
I think the Korean BB Creams probably are better. The Western brand versions seem more like tinted moisturisers and primers in one whereas the Korean BB Creams usually have special ingredients for skin benefits. But makeup is very subjective so it's hard to say which ones will work better for an individual. I don't buy into the one-shade-fits-all theme of most BB creams.
Hi haru,
may I know which brands have their Xmas collection out in airport dfs already? I'm travelling next week and I need to plan my budget ;) thanks
Hi,
I don't know for sure but judging by what's available in the department stores, my guess is you will be able to find MAC, Chanel, Dior, Estee Lauder's holiday collections.
Thanks ;)
I keep hearing about these and wish they weren't so limited in availablity for the US. I'd love to try the MAC BB cream out. Thanks for sharing! Now to stalk evilBay or something..
Hi dear, do you mean the Lancome BB as their "Lancome UV Expert GN-Shield High Potency Active Protection BB Base SPF50 " in product name? I know they have a BB with high sun factor
Thanks in advance and appreciated again :)
Hi,
Yes, that's the one :)
the clinique bb cream will contain vitamin E and also caffeine.
http://hopeinablog.wordpress.com/2010/11/02/clinique-jumps-on-the-bb-cream-bandwagon/
love the comparison!
wishing you good skin!
Hello!I am French. In France the BB Cream MAC is not available :(.What is that to Singappour she(it) is always available? And do you speak French?
hi,
BB Creams are very popular in Asia and that's why all the major companies are releasing BB Creams over here. I don't speak French.
Yes I know and in France we have a time of delay. In fact I look for somebody to send me this BB cream MAC here in France:/. Because I am not ready to go in Asia: (.Or if there is an Asian web site where I can command it.
Sorry for my english ^^.And thank you for answering me :)
Sorry, I'm afraid I don't know of any websites selling the MAC BB Cream. It is usually found in MAC counters in airports in the Asian region.
And what is what a kind(genre) of cosmetic "barter" shall interest in you? Because I shall really want to have this bb cremate. He(it) it nobody produces cosmetic French which interests you ?
hi,
I'm afraid I'm not interested in any makeup swaps.
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