Maybelline BB Cream - Review & Comparison with Ponds TM

Some of you may remember my sister Simran contributing reviews around two years ago. Well then she got busy with studies. After a long time, she has sent in a review. :-)

It claims:

This is my tube in 01 Nude, Simran uses Radiance

           PROVIDES 8 BENEFITS IN 1 STEP!

·         Instantly brightens : Brightens skin to one tone lighter.

·         Protects with SPF 21/ PA+++ : Has a smooth, light & non-greasy texture.

·         Evens tone : Hides imperfections & corrects uneven skin tone.

·         Hydrates : Moisturises all day(8 hours).

·         Conceals : Perfectly conceals flaws, blemishes & redness.

·         Smoothes : Instantly makes skin softer & smoother.

·         Mattifies : Controls shine all day.

·         Freshens : Resists sweat & sebum for 5 hours.

                        EASY TO USE

                        DERMATOLOGIST TESTED

                        WONT CLOG PORES

                        SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES INCLUDING SENSITIVE SKIN

Shades:

• Nude - 01
• Radiance
• Natural

Price: Rs. 199 for 18 ml (I got it on a 15% discount in Lifestyle for Rs. 169)

How-to-use: Apply daily on skin and neck

BB Creams:

Time for a little background on Blemish Balm creams:

The formula is reported to have come from Germany where dermatologists use it for healing laser skin surgery. Famous South Korean actresses then began using it for beauty purposes and subsequently its popularity spread like wildfire. Referred to as the secret of Korean actresses, the hallyu (wave) of Korean cosmetics in Asia started in 2005 with the launch of the BB Cream. Dermatologists initially used it to help laser surgery patients protect, soothe and regenerate their highly sensitive skin while also providing good coverage for post-laser scars and redness. The Korean cosmetic industry soon launched a non medical version of the cream, starting the cult it has now become.

The trend that started in Korea first spread to Japan then to South East Asia and has now quickly made its way to Europe and the USA.  Garnier, MAC and Clinique have already launched their own versions.

In short, BB creams are a all-in-one mesh of beauty products, serving as a moisturizer, foundation, concealer and sunscreen.

Review:

I was a little confused as to why Maybelline was calling this as a BB cream, since the BB here actually stands for Bright Benefit as opposed to the conventional nomenclature of BB i.e. Blemish Balm.  But I think it is because their BB cream also claims to be an all-purpose product and smoothen out and brighten the skin.

When I first saw it I thought it was an off-product of a tinted moisturizer, and frankly I still feel its no different. I use Ponds Anti-Ageing Tinted Moisturizer and so comparison was inevitable. 

• The Maybelline BB Cream provides much lighter coverage than Ponds. 
• The concealing power is quite low, although it does help in evening out the skin, and thus brightening it. 
• The moisturizing capacity is also low, I have to use a separate moisturizer underneath, but do keep in mind that I’m in Ahmedabad which has low humidity, lower temperatures and so there is a need for a stronger moisturizer here anyways. It is something that can be used daily, and will serve well for routine events.
• I had been told by the SA that a week’s use would lighten my skin tone (:P), I’ve been using it for 2 weeks now and no such thing has happened. I bought this in Radiance, which is the lightest shade of all.
• Also the tag of ‘Clearglow’ had me hoping this would give me the dewy look that Ponds did not, alas that was not the case.

Will I re-purchase?

I think not. Ponds tinted moisturizer does all the things that the Maybelline BB cream does much better. 


It is a stronger base and foundation, and gives me better coverage and glow. 


Also Ponds is priced relatively lower (Rs. 215 for a 30 ml tube), but then it has a lower SPF of 15 and is not supposed to a skin lightening agent either. 


The Maybelline BB cream is a nice product as a stand-alone, however in comparison to other tinted moisturizers available it fails to make an impression.

Have you tried any BB creams? Do share your experience!!