Here we go again! Another BB cream hits the market. The Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream has been around for a few months now, first as a QVC exclusive, and now available at Sephora.
BB creams are super hot right now. First developed to help surgery patients heal faster (read more here), they are now a hot commodity. There are dozens of Asian brands, some of which you can get in the US, but now, they are getting a run for thier money with US manufacturers.
I have to say, of the many that I have tried, Smashbox is rapidly becoming my fave. Keep in mind that I specifically am only going to purchase BB creams that do not contain parabens. There are several more that i will tell you about, but will not buy so please make your buying decisions with that in mind.
This multi tasking formula claims that it will give your skin a glowing, ethereal look, while providing a hydrating veil for the complexion. It also helps to retail moisturize on your skin and provides and ultra smooth finish, which helps to retexturize your skin and create a smooth canvas.
Ideally, I look for a BB cream to replace and/or enhance the following items:
- Moisturizer
- Primer
- Concealer
- Foundation
- Skin Care
Most BB creams are light to medium coverage, and this falls in between those two. It feels natural on your skin and also helps control oil. I do still use a concealer for spot coverage, but the Smashbox BB cream does a great job of providing natural coverage, while helping to control oil.
I also wear a powder over the BB cream to set it, and find that the Smashbox works best with the Smashbox Halo Hydrating Powder. These two products together provide a medium, natural looking foundation and coverage. I have been using the Smashbox BB cream for about 2 weeks now, and I find that it has helped to smooth my skin, even out the skin tone, and provide great moisture during the day. I still start off with a moisturizer, but I find I use a lighter hand now.
I suggest using a stippling or patting motion to press this in to your skin, as opposed to rubbing it in as you would a foundation. This seems to give you better coverage, with a more flawless finish.
At $39 for 1 oz, it’s a bit pricy, but if you consider that you are replacing multiple products, it’s not too bad. Smashbox tends to run dark, so I use LIGHT but could probably do with FAIR in the winter.
My verdict: A-. Why the minus? It’s a bit confusing; while they claim you can replace foundation, the coverage level isn’t such that it’s a true replacement. I do like the way it performs and enjoy it, but I wish the coverage where a little more.
Great review Thea! A lot of great info and good point about not being as pricey since you are replacing some items. At some point I will def try smashbox bb cream. Xoxo
Thank you Miss Edie! I think you would like it.
I”ll be using the Boscia next week, followed by the Stila.
Lots of newness to play with!
So glad I found this post. I was looking for a honest review of BB creams and it’s good to know that you feel exactly the same way about them! I’ve been using the Boscia for a week now and I like it. I still use concealer too + moisturizer + bronzer to set cause I, too, feel that the BB isn’t enough coverage. But I do love the light texture of it. Let me know how the Boscia works out for you!
Follow me on twitter @helenvong
Welcome Helen! Thanks for stopping by.
I need to post my review of the Boscia, but to be honest – I prefer the Smashbox.
I also have the Stila, but it’s more like a tinted moisturizer.
Thanks for reading!
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