BB Creams (Pt. 3) - BRTC's Gold Caviar BB Cream

Finally, my BRTC's Gold Caviar BB Cream arrived in the mail two weeks ago! I decided to buy this one online versus at store level because I just couldn't justify the mark-up! I paid $28 for 60 g (USD) online instead of $41 for 35 g at Pacific Mall or at The Galleria (a popular Korean supermarket). Luckily, I was able to find a coupon code, so the shipping worked out to be $2 (or something close to that). If you spend more than $79 though, your shipping is always free. Oh! Before I forget, BRTC stands for Bio Remedies Therapeutic Cosmetics. 

I have to admit - initially, I hated this product. I cringed at the scent, the thickness, and the packaging. However, after experimenting with it for a bit, I've grown to accept certain things and love other parts of this BB cream.

Let's begin with things that I've had to compromise:

• The Scent. I'm not sure how to describe the smell. Perhaps floral? It just doesn't smell fresh and I found myself holding my breath as I was applying.
• The Dryness. Because the product is so thick, I had a really hard time blending this product onto my face (something that I didn't experience with Skin79).  I felt like it made my face look really dry.  
• The Packaging. Would have preferred a pump instead of a squeeze tube.

If at first you don't succeed - try 'try again'. I really didn't want to give up on this product because I had read such great reviews. In the last week, I've been mixing it with my favourite moisturizer (2 parts BB cream, 1 part moisturizer - it should all equal to one generous pea size amount). The results? Amazing! It also tones down the smell, to the point where it actually doesn't bother me at all! 

Here's why I love it...so far:

• The colour is a bit darker than Skin79's Super+ Beblesh Balm (the hot pink one), making it a much better match to my skin tone.
• The colour shade is also less grey in tone and the coverage is awesome :)
• Great sun protection - SPF50!
• It truly lasts all day, which is great for me, as my days are long. I come home from work and it still looks really good! On the downside, you might find it difficult to clean all the product from your face. I would recommend using a Cleansing Oil to remove this BB cream, and then follow up with your favourite facial cleanser and toner.
• It gives you the 'no make-up' make-up look 

On top of all the great things listed above, BRTC's Gold Caviar BB Cream also claims to have anti-aging, whitening and restorative properties. I haven't used this long enough to see these effects, but will definitely keep you posted! I do think this BB Cream is a great summer substitute to Skin79's, as the SPF is higher and the shade is a bit darker.

On a side note: I also received a few samples of the Jasmine Water BB Cream from BRTC. The colour is a bit more peachy and light in colour, but definitely more moisturizing and easy to blend. I also didn't mind the scent at all. If you don't want to do the extra step of mixing moisturizer, this one could be a great option for you.  

Wearing: BRTC's Gold Caviar

If you want to get BRTC's BB Creams online, check out their website at www.brtcstore.com. As mentioned above,  shipping is free if you spend over $79. If not, expect to pay $9.95 for shipping to Canada. 

BB Creams... still love them!

BB Creams (Pt. 2)

I've been pretty particular with how I put on BB creams because they are a lot thicker than my favourite foundation, and the coverage is not quite the same. Due to the thick consistency of the product, I've had to forgo the stippling brush that I love so much. To avoid rambling on (since I really am so good at that), please see below for my step-by-step application process.

Step 1: PREP. On a clean face, apply your favourite moisturizer and eye cream. Since it's the winter time, I've been using a heavy duty one from Clinique (Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator).

Step 2:  NOSE & CHEEK. Put a pea size pump onto the back of your hand and work the product from the center of your face. I like to start at the bridge of my nose, and then work the product outwards to my cheeks. I find that the fingers are the best way to apply BB creams, as they warm up the product, making it easy to blend. Repeat on the other side of your face.

Step 3: FOREHEAD & CHIN. Still using the same pea size pump, work the product on you forehead and then chin - don't forget to bring the product down to your jawline and neck. Don't let the grey cast intimidate you - just keep on blending!

Step 4: FOCUS ON TROUBLE AREAS. At this point, I would've used up the entire pea size amount. If you require more coverage, proceed with a half pump on the back of your hand. I usually go back and gently pat on an additional layer on areas that require a bit more coverage. For me, these areas are underneath my eyes, around my nose and right above my eyebrows. I'd like to emphasize that the key word is pat. I don't rub in the product at this point - only enough so that there aren't any harsh lines. Don't be scared to be liberal with the amount you layer on - I find that no matter how much additional product I use, my skin still looks natural at the end.

Step 5: (optional) CONCEAL. If there are still visible blemishes at this point, you can use your favourite concealer to hide them. I don't normally do this step... not because there aren't any spots, I'm just too lazy to do anything about it :p.  

When you're completely done, you may find that the finish is too dewey. I can see how some people may find it heavy. However, once it's been absorbed and the product oxidizes to match the colour of your skin, the dewiness subsides and so does the heaviness of the product.

Step 6: MAKE-UP. Put on the rest of your face.

Step 7: BLOT & SET. For those of you who have oily skin, you can set your face with your favourite loose powder. Because my skin is extra dry in the winter, I haven't had to do this. It will probably be incorporated into my routine as the weather gets warmer. I find that if you blot gently before you set your face, your make up lasts a lot longer too. To blot, take a piece of tissue, pull it apart so that you have two thin pieces. Save one for the next day and use the other one by pressing it firmly on your face. Proceed then to firmly set your face with your powder. For now, I skip this step and just use a make-up setting spray (I'll save that post for another day).

TA-DA!  You're ready to go :)

BB Creams (Pt. 1) - Skin79's Super+ Beblesh Balm

Huh? BB Creams?! 
 After watching several YouTube videos, and seeing Smashbox launch a line of their own BB creams, I had to find out what this product was all about. So to answer the question, BB creams stand for Blemish Balm (it's also been referred to as Beauty Balm or Beblesh Balm). Originally developed for laser skin surgery patients, this tinted cream was meant to hide post-laser scars, while also protecting, healing and soothing the skin for a quick recovery. It's one of those all in one products that tote multiple skincare claims - including:

• Anti-aging properties
• Whitening of scars and blemishes
• High SPF to protect the skin from the sun and UV rays
• Preventative measures and treatments for acne
• Evening out skin tone
• Moisturizer and priming the skin
• Minimizing pores

There are so many BB creams available in the market today, it was definitely hard to choose my first one. Although predominantly sold in Asia, it has quickly expanded into the North American market with brands like Smashbox, Clinique and MAC producing their own variation of BB creams.

After a lot of research, I finally decided to buy Skin79's Super+ Beblesh Balm with Triple Functions (picture above). It's formulation claims that it's whitening, anti-aging and UV protecting. I've been using it for 2 months now, and I have to say it's my go-to every day face product.

Why I love it:

• It does an amazing job at covering pores
• It gives a very natural finish
• You have the option of layering more product for better coverage on troubled spots without looking cakey
• It has sun protection built into the product already
• It has helped to even out my skin tone

Unfortunately, there is only one shade to this BB cream and it's meant for people with fair to medium skin tones. It comes out in a greyish cast, but oxides to match the colour of your skin after 15-20 minutes. The picture on the left shows the texture and colour of the BB cream.  As you can see, the formula is pretty thick, but after you work it in, it blends quite well into my skin. I'm not sure if you can see it in the picture, but the coverage is quite good. It manages to hide most of the red blood vessels and blotchy spots on the back of my hand.

If you live in Toronto and want to buy BB creams at store level, they are almost everywhere in Pacific Mall (not so much if you go to First Markham Place). Skin79 is a very popular brand and can be found in most stores within Pacific Mall that sell beauty products. I will suggest to shop around when you're there. I bought mine for $27, without realizing that some stores were selling it for as little as $22! If you're not  accessible to any Asian malls around your neighbourhood, you can buy BB creams online - most companies will ship anywhere in North America (www.skin79northamerica.com). It's even readily available on eBay! 

For someone who wants a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer, I highly recommend using BB creams. The finish is really natural, but I wouldn't say it's completely flawless. For a flawless face, I still depend on my favourite foundation by Guerlain (I'll save that post for another day). But for every day use, I think BB creams are great. My evened out skin tone makes my skin look so much better without make up on -  a big BIG bonus for sure! :)
 
For more information, check out FrmHeadtoToe's YouTube videos on some of the most popular BB cream brands available in the market today.