The BB Cream, or the beauty balm, also referred to as the blemish balm, is the pioneering beauty product of this decade—thus far. A sci-fi tinted moisturizer that treats the skin, while disguising flaws and evening out the skin tone. It’s mind boggling to think that this one-stop-shop product can replace your entire moisturizer, primer, SPF, and foundation routine and provide the same result—saving you precious minutes each morning. It’s fair to say that busy girls will never look back.
The Product: Dior Hydra life BB Crème SPF 30
An ultra moisturizing formula that glides onto the skin to provide a natural and dewy finish. Offering a medium to full coverage, it’s the obvious choice for foundation lovers who wish to try a lighter formula. With SPF 30 to protect the skin from ageing, the formula is reinforced with centella to plump the skin’s surface and black rose to defend against free radicals that can age the skin.
The Durability test:
I put this beauty balm through its paces with a spot of horse riding at Arabian Ranches. It’s fair to say that my prowess for applying makeup far exceeds my abilities as a show horse jumper. Sat atop my pony in the midday sun, complete with compact mirror in hand (which I managed to spook my friend’s horse with), my skin looks dewy fresh, with no visible foundation lines.
The Result:
Full marks for both coverage and color. The only downside was after an hour of riding and giving my horse a good grooming session, I did notice that my t-zone could have done with a dusting of powder.
VS.
The Product: 3LAB Perfect BB SPF40
This super-scientific, pore-refining formula uses apple stem cell technology to help the regeneration of cells. With a focus on anti-ageing, the addition of hydrolized pea protein acts to encourage collagen production to plump up the skin’s surface. Although lightweight in texture, it covers minor discoloration like pigmentation and thread veins to reveal an even skin tone, while protecting the epidermis from UV Rays.
The Durability Test:
I took my BB-perfected face to the shoreline for a surf lesson and spent the first half of the lesson playing leapfrog with my enormous surfboard on the sand (they look much smaller on television) until I got the stance right. A quick glimpse in the mirror before I took to the surf, and everything appeared to be in its rightful place. I know the product is not waterproof, but after half an hour splashing about I did not go home red-faced, which meant that the titanium dioxide (sunscreen) worked.
The Result:
This product gets a gold star for sun protection and really gave an even, dewy finish to my skin. A good option for those with an active lifestyle and who are concerned with premature ageing.
The Verdict:
The winning BB Cream provides a fuller coverage, which I believe will encourage foundation wearers to try a lighter formula. I also think three shades on offer are of a better color spectrum than the competitor.
The Dior Hydra life BB Crème SPF 30 beats the 3LAB Perfect BB SPF40 by a fraction this time.
