2011 has really been the year of the BB cream; thanks to blogging friends from around the world, I have tried lots and lots and am a complete convert, although have to admit that for winter, I’m back on foundations. We’re going to see a whole lot of BB releases for 2012, kicking off with the Estee Lauder Daywear BB Cream on 2nd of January (exclusive to Selfridges before going nationwide in Feb).
Although the shade of the sample I was sent isn’t quite right for me, the consistency is wonderful; creamy and light and gives a sheer coverage that mid-way between foundation and tinted moisturiser. It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what the smell is (they say cucumber and florals but…) but it reminded me straight away of sun-tan lotions; slightly sweet and exotic, and it is quite strongly perfumed. It’s clearly been made for the UK market (as opposed to the EL Cyberwhite BB sold here in travel retail only), because there is absolutely no grey undertone at all. Compared to the Boots 17BB cream it has more olive tones, while the Boots BB runs slightly more pink.
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| Boots next to EL (EL with smudge) |
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| EL not official packaging yet so I can’t show the front. |
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| Boots first then EL. |
EL BB has SPF35 and comes in two tones and controls oil and shine, but isn’t matte; there is a slight sheen on application. It’s got brightening optics, light reflectors, hydrators (including heavy weight, hyularonic acid) and lipids, plus a whack of anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C. None of this comes cheap at £32 a tube.
This BB is definitely up there – it’s gorgeous quality, lovely consistency and I absolutely love it. That said, I’ve noticed that the EL description of the BB abreviation is ‘Beauty Benefit’ rather than the standard ‘Blemish Balm’, so they’ve altered the original meaning to make one of their own which is a little misleading. There has to be a reason for this, although as far as I can tell it still has all the usual BB credentials; SPF, skincare, colour etc, although doesn’t claim to tackle what we might term as blemishes other than a nod at oil control. *Scratches head*.
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