Beauty

Makeup Review: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

August 13, 2013

I gotta start this by saying that although I love luxurious cosmetics as much as the next girl, I try to be frugal with my money and only purchase truly quality products. I had heard so many rave reviews for Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream, so since I was in the market for a new foundation, I walked over to Sephora the other night and purchased it.

Smashbox BB cream PS

I had high hopes for this baby, so I guess that’s why I feel so bummed that I didn’t like it. As usual, I did my research before buying it. I found many sources saying that this BB cream was the best on the market right now. I guess that’s probably why I’m so disappointed that this product didn’t work for me. Here’s why:

  1. The shade range is pretty small (five shades). I tested out both the Light and Fair shades in Sephora and decided on the Fair shade, which is the lighter of the two, as the Light looked too dark on my skin. After a few uses, it became clear to me that Fair was far too fair for my skin. It made me look pasty and washed-out (not cute).
  2. I expected more coverage. It claims that it’s medium coverage, but I would expect a more build able finish from a medium coverage formula. Even with more than one layer, the coverage remains light to medium (and my skin is relatively clear and problem-free, which brings me to my next issue…).
  3. It made my skin look even blotchier for some reason. It could’ve been that the shade of BB cream was too light for my skin tone, but the blotches and unevenness were only emphasized on my skin.
  4. By the end of the day, my t-zone was shiny. Even with my usual dusting of pressed powder in the morning, the greasies crept through this BB cream. Again, not a cute look to be sporting (and especially not something I want to worry about at work).

I had such high expectations for this BB cream based on the many great reviews it’s received. Again, what doesn’t work for some may work for others, so this is solely my opinion! Personally, I’ll be heading to Sephora tomorrow to return it (and then going to the M.A.C. store to buy this).