There is most definitely a BB Cream craze here in Asia, and I have finally tried my very first one: by my favorite skincare brand, Clinique. They approached me to try out their Age Defense BB Cream and of course I said yes – you all know how much I adore Clinique!
First, the good bits: Great packaging. As usual, this Clinique product has a sleek, functional packaging in its signature mint green hue. Beautiful and chic. The second best bit are the ‘features’ of the product itself: it’s packed with SPF 30, anti-oxidant and anti-irritant ingredients, and is oil-free and fragrance free. Phew! All that, and it is easy to apply and stays on really well. I was really impressed with it and think this would be an amazing makeup primer.
The bad bit? It’s a bit light. I mean, I don’t see how anyone who is not extremely fair can wear this. I thought I was pale, but this is even paler! If it was half a shade darker I think it’ll be perfect for me. However, I’ve been told this is what it’s like for most BB Creams, and the color does settle into your skin a bit so the initial ‘mask’ look goes away. I’ve read from other reviews that it looks a bit pink on them, but I haven’t had that problem, just that it looks a bit light in the beginning.
On my second day of testing it, I applied the BB Cream with organic translucent (no color) loose powder on top, and the color settled into my skin and looked absolutely amazing. So I think for those with darker skin tones, perhaps this can only be used under makeup.
Bottom line? It’s alright. I have nothing to compare it with, but I really enjoyed my first experience of a BB Cream. The look it gives you is flawless and all those ingredients (and SPF, for those who hate to apply sunscreen) is a big plus. No real complaints here, except I wish it could come in different shades.
Have you tried Clinique’s BB Cream yet? What did you think of it? And if you’re a fan of BB Creams, please do share – which are your favorites?
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks good! Pity I have a darker skin tone, I think it would look weird on me
I know! I wonder why BB creams aren’t made in darker shades, I find that kinda offensive, actually. Or at least give an option of 2 shades right?! Strange.
I’ve been wanting to try BB creams for ages, they always sound amazing! Not very accessible in the UK though, so I’ll have to pick some up next time I’m in Singapore.
Great review though, I didn’t know Clinique did BB creams, but I guess it’s an Asia exclusive.
I think it’s an Asia exclusive, yeah. Do try them out when you’re here!
It’s also travel exclusive and marketed for “women on the go” so it’s only at airports and Duty Free places, I believe.
I generally don’t like BB creams. All the one’s I tried (the popular ones like Misha and skin97) gives my face this chalky whitish mask look. Still, if this is as good as you say this might be something to try when I use up my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, which I use underneath makeup.
LM tinted moisturizer is the best, I’d recommend sticking to that!
I adore it. This BB Cream is pretty good though, so it’s def worth a try. Does give you the white mask look initially, though, so wait it out a bit!
Is there a big difference between BB creams and tinted moisturizers? A little bit confused here… Confusion aside, I am a big fan of tinted moisturizers since in most cases they help me avoid using foundation and let me get away with just a light and easy finish.
I’m a bit confused too. :/ There doesn’t seem to be a big different by the descriptions but I believe the texture is very different. BB stands for “blemish balm”, so the texture is very balm like, a bit waxy. Great as a primer, I would expect.
But I totally agree with what you said about tinted moisturizers. I love them, don’t think I will ever use anything else – I hate the ‘foundation’ look and like something more natural and light.
Maybe Clinique wanted to test the waters first to see if it gets popular? I have always wondered about the lack of shade variety in BB creams but there are a few brands out there that do at least 2 shades per product and even seen 4 shades…
Clinique has a BB Cream? This wasn’t there when I purchase my Clinique Derma White Brightening City Block.
I love BB Creams and I’ve been using them as my sunblock on a daily basis.
Ok, now I feel cheated. Is there any way I can change my City Block for the BB Cream? It hasn’t been used yet.
Hey Nur!
The BB Cream is a travel exclusive and is only at the airport as far as I know, that’s why you didn’t see it!
My mom & I have always LOVED clinique, but I’m having a hrad time finding a foudation right for me. I luv your articles and thought I would ask for your help:) Here’s what my skin is & all the stuff I thought u might wanna know:)
-I’m 14 & suffer from the normal moderate acne:(
-Liquids haven’t done me any good because I have oily skin
-I’m very good about protecting, moisterizing, and taking care of my skin:)
-I want a foundation that is appropriate for a teen to wear (appropriate coverage… if you know what I mean) but I want it to cover blemishes and HIDE MY SHINE!!
I hope you can get back to me because my skin is finally looking better acne wise b/c I’ve been using Murad’s Acne Complex (good stuff!) and now I want to take care of my shine:)
I dont see why its offensive to have BB creams be in lighter only skintones. It was developed for the Asian market that is obsessed with staying pale. It is probably using titanium as a sunblock so it would give pasty results.
Is the Clinique BB cream similar to the Cityblock SPF 25. I should state its the NA version in case in Asia the Cityblock is a different formula. I am totally interested in trying BB creams but want to see what the full ingredient lists are and test in person.
bb cream is raved mostly in asian countries, esp south korea, japan, china,etc. Gals there are all about brighter, lighter, whiter skin. people always want what they dont have natually, just like western gals cant live w/out self-tan.
From what i’ve been reading BB cream is like moisturizer, concealer, foundation, blemish balm, and sunblock all in one. Plus it helps to clarify and anti-age skin. I am so anxious to try. I am in usa. If you go on Cliniques website and at bottom click link to other countries, you can read about it in Hong Kong site. I found a site maybe strawberry.net or Sephora that had it listed but not available yet, BUT they did show 2 different color choices – one looked light beige and other was more pinker tone. The articles I have read also talked about covering with a sheer or colored powder, to bring in a little more color, or cut the sheen. I have found websites where you can purchase these BB creams online like ebay also. I soooo want to try this product! I just love Clinique! It is listed as Clinique Age Defense BB Cream, BTW i am older Grandma Age but still have to have my makeup fix
Clinique now has 3 shades in there BB creams and is would be perfect for anyone looking for a primer or for a lighter coverage foundation (similar to a tinted moisturizer). I love it because I have acne scars that foundation just doesn’t cover well enough unless I cake it on. And who wants to look like they have a mask of foundation on??? NOT me! I LOVE Clinique products and I highly reccomend trying this product. The Consultants behind the counter are all awesome and so personable! Go have one of them put it on you and test it as a primer under a foundation and on it’s own! You will be amazed at the benefits! It covers all imperfections and really evens out skintone. AMAZING!!!
I love clinique products, but not this. I just bought it last week and tried, I am not satisfied nor happy about it. I have used a few BB cream of other brands previously, so this is quite unsatisfactory compared to the others. This gave me a heavy ‘foundation’ look, which it supposed not to look like this (as a BB cream).
If u guys can get some Korean BB cream brand, it will be far better than this!
I regret not trying the Estee Lauder BB cream before buying this! not giving myself another choice.