I don’t know about you but as I get older I get more cynical – about many things – but particularly about beauty products.
I’ve never really been that interested tbh, but less so, as I get older and when it comes to reading beauty pages in magazines/blogs/columns in newspapers (apart from Sali Hughes in the Guardian) I simply cba. Amanda and I get invited to lots of lovely beauty launches and I love going, but when it comes to the the bit where the very sweet (young) PR’s start to talk about the miracle properties about the particular product they are promoting, it’s all I can do not to giggle and turn the situation into a French and Saunders QVC type sketch. Sorry ladies, but unless I actually try out the ground breaking new product and it really works, it’s all just beauty bollocks to me!
There are indeed some hero products and appliances that do in some small way make life better/easier – I’m looking at you BaBylis Big Hair, Seche Vite top coat, Benefit Pore Professional and They’re Real mascara and when I come across them, I turn onto some kind of beauty evangelist keen to spread the word and share them with everyone.
I discovered BB cream in New York in the summer on a marathon shopping session in Target (why are foreign supermarkets so much more interesting?) with my product obsessed best friend and daughter. I was doing my usual, I’m far too much of a feminist to be interested in this, “thing”, when someone mentioned BB cream. After a lecture on its miracle properties ( I wasn’t really listening) I reluctantly bunged a tube of L’Oreal BB cream in my basket and thought no more of it.
OMG when I got it home and tried it out – it’s amazing and if you don’t already own a BB cream – go and buy one right now. It is a primer, highlighter, moisturiser and foundation all in one – and even if you don’t know what all of those things actually are, don’t worry, you don’t need to, you just need to know it works.
It will give you a brighter, more even skin tone and natural coverage, you will love it – AND – it doesn’t cost loads of money. The L’Oreal Nude Magique I bought is only £7.99 and Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector (on Vogues list of top 10 BB creams) is only £9.99.
I hesitated over this post as I thought perhaps the whole world already knew (apologies if you do) about BB cream, but it seems everyone I talk too is a bit like me. “Just what is BB cream?’ they ask, to which I reply, “I have absolutely no idea, but I do know it works.” Simple as!
I am not one for hype either I am a total cynic but I totally agree with you on this I have been using a medium shade Loreal BB cream lately – I have been wearing it under my foundation, my skin needs a little more coverage than the BB provides, but it really makes a difference I use less foundation and have a glowiness (a term I have never applied to my skin) I dont usually have. I was asked this morning what was different about me and was told what ever it was I looked great! My sister who never wears foundation also now uses it when she goes out and loves it too. I cant recommend it highly enough
Since watching you awe-struck apply said cream to your face in your kitchen last month, I rushed into Boots at LHR on my way home and then, when I touched down on Swiss soil I went straight (well, almost) to the nearest department store and to my immense relief found that, yes, L’Oreal also stocks it here and I’ll be able to replenish my stock at home, too. As with most things Swiss, it’s a tad more expensive (*huffs*) but tbh it’s still a FRACTION of the price I pay for my Chanel/Bobbi Brown/MAC foundation, primer and highlighter! It is groundbreaking, fantastic and for someone like me, who wouldn’t go hiking up a mountain with a Hungarian Vizsla without my foundation on, it’s a blimmin’ miracle product. X
I have the Garnier Bb and have to say I find it a little tight and mask like. does do wonders for pores thou. think I will try the Benefit pore minimiser, so thanks for the tip!
I tried it, but it’s too drying for me, rather than glowing, my skin looked dry. I prefer this http://www.shuuemura.co.uk/services/search.aspx?code=instant%20glow mixed with a bit of foundation to give a healthy glow.
Yep all true. Even copes in the Australian outback!
I’m also a big BB fan – like Jane, a bit of this and a MACred lipstick and I’m good to go! As I have dry skin, I’m always after a bit of “glow” and find most foundations to claggy/chalky. I like the No7 one (bought on spesh), as the Garnier one was a bit too shiny…
I use a Maybelline one and have now deserted my Laura Mercier tinted mosturiser for it despite having thought that it was a miracle cream.
Seesm like despite a couple of variations between brands we are all agreet, a miracle in a tube – for only £10, what not to love ! J x
Bought the Estee Lauder one when launched last year………found it too chalky, but the Garnier for me is a miracle cream, I now only use that instead of foundation, it covers without being heavy, I love it and have recommended it on Facebook where I shared your post, which I do most days!
thanks Bev #miracle
Jx