Should teenage girls wear makeup?

I try to read a variety of media, and while the Times and Financial Times are mainstays, I also read the Guardian regularly, and from time to time reactivate a free trial of the Telegraph. In the latter, I recently read Annabel Jones' 'Should teenage girls wear makeup? I think it's fine - and here's why' - and I tend to agree with her.

I started playing with makeup in the pre-teen years: when I was 11 or 12.

Puberty is starting younger and younger - I started my periods a month after my twelfth birthday and developed acne at the age of 10. This is also now happening to even younger girls, due to environmental factors such as diet. So if you do have acne, it's natural that your self-confidence would feel dented - and even though I do see the argument of letting the skin get some air (and even as an adult ensure I have at least two makeup-free days a week), I also think a bit of concealer does more good than harm (especially if, like I was, you are also bullied). This is one of the first points made by the Telegraph's beauty editor also.

I would probably just go for a lighter mineral concealer, rather than the cheap stick foundations and concealers that I used to slather on, which were quite thick and cakey. ELF does good affordable ones that will cover blemishes while allowing skin to breathe.

I also used to love messing around with nail varnishes with my cousin, and would argue that such experiences are good for bonding - though this is also an argument for cheap clothes and nail polishes, as well as plenty of nail varnish remover, as chances are it will go everywhere! I didn't have a particular favourite brand, but used to go for the classics that pervade the aisles at Boots and Superdrug - Maybelline, 17, and so on. I was mainly about the colours, rather than brands, and especially all about the glitter, for which Barry M is a good choice. It also teaches you about science - namely, not to use nail varnish remover to clean up accidentally spilled nail polish from the top of a plastic TV casing...

Experimenting with eyeshadows - especially pink glittery ones - was another favourite pursuit, and as well as being just plain fun, helps you to see what colours suit you so that you can develop a sophisticated style long-term. I wouldn't be so keen on pink glittery eyeshadows now, but would go for dark purples, blues, browns, metallics or even greens to highlight my grey eyes.

This argument is even more persuasive when it comes to foundation. While young skin doesn't specifically need it, there are plenty of lighter foundations available, as well as tinted moisturisers, and even BB creams, which didn't exist when I was an adolescent but are a great option for teen skin, not just for breathability but also their other functions (such as SPF). I wouldn't recommend cheaper options in this case - even now, I'd say investing in the base is everything so as to not damage your skin. Furthermore, more expensive brands tend to have a wider range of shades available, meaning you have a greater chance of a good-looking result. It's perhaps more important and higher-stakes than you might think to get this right at a young-ish age - I went for my first job interview when I was 15, and who wants to go with a massive tide mark along the jaw line because the shade isn't right? It's a good lesson for young people too: if you want to wear makeup, then look professional. While quite a few of the cheaper high street brands have upped their game since I was trying out foundations for the first time, most still have their 'palest' shade pitched either too dark or too orange - so I would recommend trading up. Try Lily Lolo for mineral foundations that are kind to acneic skin.

Even though I started wearing makeup at a young age, I'm forever grateful to my (otherwise strict!) parents for their laissez-faire attitudes regarding this. Annabel Jones mentions in her article about picking your battles and not restricting the amount or type of makeup your teen wears - and I tend to agree, as doing the opposite would only breed resentment. It's something your teen has to work out for themselves - and, as I have mentioned above, in their own time (and plenty of it).

As she also mentions, good skincare routines and products are vital too. Steer clear of the cheap and artificial as far as possible - brands like Lush, Zao, Couleur Caramel, and Lamazuna are environmentally friendly too. Conversely, don't be afraid to seek prescription products if really needed for teen skin conditions.

Annabel Jones' most important comment though, is that makeup is about enhancing - not disguising - who you really are. And that, for teenage girls who may be feeling more insecure by the day, is crucial.

Dr Jart+ Regenerating BB Cream

RRP: £14

--What does the promo say?--
"This professional formula, containing cutting-edge active ingredients, covers and conceals imperfections whilst helping skin regenerate. Featured benefits include skin regeneration, sun protection and nourishing properties whilst helping to eliminate age spots and blemishes. Contains suncream to help protect the skin, macadamia ternifolia seed oil to lubricate the surface of the skin, snail secretion filtrate to hydrate and moisturise, and simmondsia chinensis seed oil to calm and smooth out the skin. Moisturises, protects and corrects, thanks to treatment serum and sunscreen, with no foundation needed. Skin looks smooth, perfect and natural."

--Packaging--
Mine was a free sample, so I haven't had the chance to try the full version of this plastic flip-top tube, but I love the edgy silver-and-black colour scheme.

--Application--
Skip moisturiser if you want and just go straight for this - the macadamia and jojoba oils already moisturise perfectly. If you really want to use foundation primer as well, you can, but again it's probably unnecessary. Just rub a 10p-sized amount between your hands and smooth onto the face. Complete with concealer and powder if desired.

--Appearance--
This is a perfect match for my skin tone, but as Asian BB creams tend to be quite pale by default, it won't suit everyone. Unfortunately BB creams tend to go for a 'one size fits all' approach.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible, in all honesty - not even the seed oils.

--Texture and consistency--
Perfectly smooth and blendable.

--Effects on the skin--
The sun protection factor in this works brilliantly, so there's no need for extra sunscreen to avoid burning - and at factor 30, it's suitable for even sensitive skin. Sunscreens also have proven anti-ageing properties long-term, so that's something that you'll see the rewards of in 20 years' time if you use an SPF on your face regularly. More immediately, good natural coverage is provided, although you'll want to finish off with concealer for any particularly bad spots. Unfortunately my free sample was so small that I wasn't able to see how far it improves skin conditions such as acne even over a few days or weeks, but I can believe that it would. Oiliness is reduced, meaning you don't feel like your face is melting and your makeup sliding off even in hot weather.

--Longevity--
Does better than most tinted moisturisers and as well as most foundations.

--Value for money--
At £21 exclusively at Boots, this competes favourably with high-end Western BB creams from brands such as Clinique and Bobbi Brown. Dr Jart is a genuinely Korean brand, so you know you're getting the real deal with this. The excellent results it provides in terms of coverage and sun protection means I'd buy it again - and with Boots offering 33% off several Dr Jart skincare products at present, it currently poses even better value for money if you can bag it for the discounted price of £14.

perfect partners
Pore Refine Re-Tighten Mask, £19
Pore Refine Tight Effect Toner, £18
Pore Refine Up-Tighten Serum, £13
Pore Refine Clear Away Gel, £16
Pore Refine Recover Primer, £18
Pore Refine Bubble Foam, £13 

Etude House BB Magic Cream

available for £9-£12 online 
available in oily skin and dry skin variants

--What does the promo say?--
"Contains skin soothing and nourishing Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Madecassol and Centella Asiatica. Promotes flawless complexion with a natural 'No Makeup Look'. BB Magic Cream offers natural looking coverage that nourishes, corrects skin complexion and protects against sun damage."

--Packaging--
Despite appearances in the picture above, the box is actually a very shiny metallic blue, with the tube itself being pale blue. Comes with a screw top lid.

--Application--
'Pat' onto the skin rather than rubbing or blending in the same way as a foundation or tinted moisturiser. Don't ask me why, but it does seem to make a difference with BB creams in terms of how the final result looks. This is easy though; it doesn't take long to get the hang of it. Finish with concealer and powder if you wish. Equally, some people like to precede the application of BB creams with primer, but this really isn't necessary, making this a great product for express makeup routines. A little goes a long way, so don't go mad with the quantity.

--Appearance and coverage--
Can initially appear dull and lacking in coverage, but just give it a couple of minutes to adapt to your skin tone. Greater radiance is apparent quickly, and while I wouldn't say this conceals blemishes 100%, appearance is still much improved. There aren't that many shades available, though, and these tend to be at the paler end of the spectrum, which could disappoint some (although what I have works perfectly for me).

--Texture and consistency--
Not especially stiff. Almost verging on being too runny - if your fingers are already warm it will begin to melt almost immediately upon contact, so work quickly. This is strange, though, given how long it lasts once it's on your face.

--Longevity--
The strange part is that its runny, almost melty quality, once the BB cream is on your face, it will survive even hot summer evenings completely unscathed. Will not rub off or fade on your face in the course of a normal night out.

--Effects on the skin--
Like all good BB creams, this has a good SPF (of 30 in this case) and contains several other positive natural ingredients to improve skin condition over time. It also contains madecassol, which is known to treat wounds and scars. This all suggests that provided you're not allergic to any of these ingredients, you should see a good improvement over time. The differentiation between oily and dry skin types is encouraging, too (I have the oily skin version).

--Value for money--
Mine was bought for me as a present, but I would still pay what's being charged online for this (£9-£12 depending on retailer, including postage). It provides good coverage rain or shine, doesn't require primer as backup to help keep it in place, and is packed full of good stuff to improve skin condition over time. Would definitely purchase a new tube when this one runs out, as this is without doubt comparable to the best of Western BB creams (Clinique, Bobbi Brown...) with a much lower price tag.

perfect partners*
Dear Girls Be Clear Pact Compact Powder, £11
Dear Girls Be Clear Moisturizer SPF30, £9
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Cream, £13
Baking Powder BB Deep Cleansing Foam, £12
Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub, £12
Oh My Goodness! Trouble Break Mist, £15
Golden Ratio Face Glam Highlighter, £14
Wonder Pore White Clay Clear Mask, £18
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Tissue, £9
Surprise Stick Concealer, £7
Surprise Concealer Kit Cover for Skin Blemishes, £8 

*none of the prices listed above include postage.

Cosmetics Contemplations: Knowing Your Beauty Alphabet

To beauty bloggers and columnists everywhere, 2012 will surely be remembered as the year of the BB cream (I'm still busy trialling a huge quantity of them; prepare for a post on a battle of the BBs in 2013!).

To some, it could still seem slightly baffling as to what a BB cream even is exactly: just about every brand going has jumped on the bandwagon, and all of this new information could seem a little overwhelming. It's important to note that there is a clear difference between a tinted moisturiser and a BB cream: tinted moisturisers obviously moisturise (and with that comes anti-ageing qualities), but also offer coverage equivalent to a light foundation. They often contain sunscreen as well. BB creams are supposed to do all of this and more, and to my mind any extra qualities should be quantifiable - not just something vague like added radiance. BB actually stands for "blemish balm", so the first thing on the list should be an ingredient that actively combats blemishes (whether this is tea tree, salicylic acid, or another spot-fighting agent). They can also act as a makeup primer, meaning that this is another step that BB cream users can skip. In Asia, where the creams are extremely popular, they frequently contain a whitening agent, which understandably doesn't go down too well in Europe. In the West, BB is often said to stand for the far more woolly "beauty balm", which means that many products given this label are little more than tinted moisturisers with a different name. To me, that is a real shame, as there is little worse to me in the world of consumerism than shoppers being out-and-out conned. 

However, this bombardment of information is set to become even more bewildering in 2013 thanks to the inception of CC and, yes, even DD creams. So what are the differences between DD creams, CC creams, BB creams, and tinted moisturisers? 

CC can stand for "complete correction", implying that these would be good for those wishing to blur pigmentation and scars. However, CC is also reported to stand for colour correction, complexion control, and various combinations of these words, making them far less distinct from our friends the BB creams. They are essentially supposed to be revamped versions of BB creams - doing all that they do, but with more radiance, more and longer-lasting coverage, and with a lighter texture. In addition, they are meant to have an even lighter texture, and come in different tones for different needs, in the manner that we are already used to with concealers and primers (pink, yellow, blue, green and lavender, to correct redness, dullness, and so on).

The DD creams are meant to provide us with our daily defense. These, though, are not for the face, but for the feet and body. Given the battering my feet seem to get each day even when wearing flat shoes, this is a revolution that I am looking forward to. As well as softening the toughest skin like regular body creams, the more heavy-duty DD creams also promise to reduce other body blemishes, such as stretch marks.

Amazingly, AA creams also already exist (although they are far less common). These can theoretically be used by people with any skin type, and typically contain avocado, alpha lipoic acid, allantoin, and vitamin A to help with anti-ageing and general skin condition. Further to this, there are even whispers on the wind of EE (early elimination) creams - although it seems that very little is known about these at present.

You could ask why all of these categories are even significant. For genuinely new types of cream, it should be easy to distinguish these from others and not become confused. For other creams that are easy to mix up with others, surely it shouldn't matter what they are called or marketed as if they are right for your skin? 

However, to my mind, it does matter - firstly from the point of view of cost. Clinique's BB cream is £25, while its tinted moisturiser is only £21.50. This also works for more affordable brands: Nivea's tinted moisturiser costs around £3.50, but its BB cream is closer to £6. If the BB cream genuinely offers different benefits, then a higher price can perhaps be justified - but if there is no difference at all (as is often the case in the West, whose brands frequently put notoriously little effort into their BB creams), then why should the consumer pay more for what is essentially just the bandwagon of a new trend, even if the difference is in name only?

Then there is the basic matter of integrity and transparency, and respect for the customer. If you treat your customers like idiots, and they find out, they will vote with their feet.

So my advice is this: don't touch a BB, CC, or DD cream with a bargepole unless you know full well what you're buying, and can justify the cost, knowing that the product is genuinely different to existing concepts. I therefore offer this handy "cut-out-and-keep" guide, just the right size to keep in your purse, so that you know what you're getting:

Type of cream	This cream should :
BB	Moisturise, anti-age, have an SPF, offer light coverage or better, combat blemishes
CC	Moisturise, anti-age, have an SPF, offer medium coverage or better, combat blemishes and scars, come in different tones for different needs
DD	Be for the feet and body, intensively moisturise, reduce body blemishes

And as jokes abound regarding the similarity of these cream names compared to the nation's bra sizes, it's my hope that retailers and manufacturers will wise up and begin to inform consumers better about their choices. That, after all, is why I started blogging - and rest assured that as soon as more information about EE creams (and who knows? FF creams, GG creams...) becomes available, I will be right here waiting for you.

17 BB Cream SPF25

RRP: £6.99

# of shades available: 3

--What does the promo say?--

"17 Blemish Balm BB Cream. All in one magic make up. Improves skin within 4 weeks."

--Packaging--

The black and yellow colour scheme has fun, summery, "bumble-bee" type connotations which make the whole thing seem very cheerful. Block capitals on the front of the box and tube keep information to a minimum while making sure you know all that is vital. However, further details are forthcoming on the back of the box and tube, more so than on the Boots website (ultimately the product promises to prevent breakouts, minimise pores, control oil, give a flawless finish, conceal imperfections, and protect skin thanks to the SPF). The squeezy tube is easy to use, ensuring that no product is wasted, and the lid clicks closed securely.

--Application--

Pat the cream gently onto clean dry skin. Finish with powder if desired.

--Appearance-- 

This BB cream gives far better coverage than most other Western products of this type: rather than being sheer, it offers full concealment of blemishes, and despite there only being three shades available, I found that the 'light' version sent to me by 17's PR was a perfect match for my skin tone. In fact, coverage was so good that I often found myself bypassing the concealer that I keep by the side of my bathroom sink - so if this product can streamline my makeup routine, so much the better! Delivers a flawless finish as promised, although whether or not a product minimises the appearance of pores is always going to be difficult to measure.

--Scent--

Scentless, I'd say.

--Texture and consistency--

Very creamy and luxurious without being heavy or bogging the skin down. A little also goes a really long way and it's very easy to blend, too.

--Longevity--

Lasts quite well throughout the day, although could perhaps do with one touchup after 5-6 hours of wear. Still, at this price I'm not complaining; many more expensively-priced products do worse.

--Effects on the skin-- 

Thanks to the SPF, this product stood up to the South of France sun for a week straight, meaning I didn't have any sunburn or redness on my face. I also did notice an improvement in my skin condition over four weeks' use, as 17 said I would. A wonderful product!

--Value for money--

Excellent. It works brilliantly and is priced modestly in line with competing products made by Garnier, Maybelline and Superdrug - and can even give more expensive brands a run for their money. I would definitely purchase a replacement tube as soon as this one runs out. My faith in 17 is restored!

Yves Rocher Sublime Skin BB Cream

RRP: £18 (though currently on offer at £9.00)
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--

"BB cream- 1 beauty step, 6 results, Perfect Skin!

Sublime skin BB cream 6 in 1 :
- 24-hour moisturising,
- Evens out skin tone,
-Hides imperfections and signs of fatigue,
-Smoothes skin,
-Amplifies radiance,
-Protects against external aggressions.
A light texture that spreads uniformly over the skin."

--Packaging-- 

The peach, white and green colour scheme is not terribly modern, but does capture the idea of white tea very well. The squeezy tube is convenient and easy to use.

--Application--

Applying blemish balms is slightly different to applying foundations and tinted moisturisers; to avoid them looking caked on, you almost need to 'slap' them on. Many websites have articles written on this subject; just Google "how to apply BB cream" for more information. But don't worry; it isn't rocket science.

--Appearance--

The light shade of the cream initially looks a bit grey straight out of the tube, but matches my pale skin tone perfectly once on. Hides signs of fatigue well, evens out skin tone and promotes radiance as mentioned in the promotional material, but I found that face powder was needed for a more matte finish.

--Scent--

Nothing chemical, although the white tea is hardly detectable either. I'd go as far as saying it's scentless.

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy and luxurious, yet easy to blend in. Never once feels cakey or greasy, drying to a powder-light finish.

--Coverage--

Doesn't quite last 12 hours, but then again it never claims to. It hides imperfections quite well, but not perfectly: I found that extra concealer was needed for me.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin felt moisturised for sure, but I would have expected slightly more turbo-charged healing properties. For a couple of weeks I thought I saw a difference in my acne, but then the situation reverted to how it had been before. A shame.

--Value for money--

I would definitely repurchase this for the launch price of £9.00. However, at £18 I would hesitate. Even though Yves Rocher is a quality line that uses natural ingredients well, I would be more inclined to go for Clinique's in this price bracket, as it offers greater sun protection, or to try BB creams by Missha or Skin79, which are genuine BB creams all the way from Asia. One of the best Western BB creams on the market, however.

perfect partners

Concealer, £7.90

Pressed Powder Compact, £10.50

Perfect Primer, £18.90

Radiance Corrector Pen, £13.00

Natural Blush, £11.50 

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35

RRP: £28
# of shades available: 5

--What does the promo say?--
"Moisturise, perfect and protect-instantly and over time. Now it's easier than ever to get great skin with Bobbi Brown's new BB Cream SPF 35. Inspired by a skincare/makeup hybrid that's a cult favorite in Asia, this formula combines moisturiser, treatment, SPF and a lightweight foundation in one. Plus, it's available in five skin tone correct shades carefully formulated by Bobbi herself. Consider it your skin's new best friend. The secret to its multitasking magic: Water-attracting molecules boost hydration; light reflective pearls brighten dull skin; botanical extracts and caffeine reduce discolouration and redness; pore-reducing peptides minimise fine lines; and finally, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants fend off future damage."

--Packaging--
The black and white design keeps things minimalist and simple, and the dispensation of product is well controlled. Bobbi Brown also has the advantage on its side that BB stands not only for Blemish Balm but also for Bobbi Brown - so half of the brand's work seems to already be done.

--Application--
BB creams often require more of a "slapping" motion as you put them on, rather than a "stroking" motion, so that they blend into the skin correctly and don't just sit on top in a cakey layer. This is no exception. After primer, "slap" this on, and then add concealer and powder if necessary.

--Appearance--
A very thick, luxurious cream, which on the skin provides a perfect match for my skin tone (Bobbi Brown's PR team sent me a free tube of Extra Light) and boosts radiance. It also really covers blemishes well: once I'd put it on, I'd often find myself reaching straight for the face powder rather than bothering with extra concealer.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible; no need to worry about chalky, chemical or overly-perfumed smells.

--Texture and consistency--
As mentioned, this is thick and luxurious and yet blends easily.

--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, I didn't notice much healing going on throughout my use of this cream, which is supposed to be part of the effects of BB creams.

--Longevity--
Lasts quite well, but tends to come off more easily around the chin area (which is possibly the area of my face that I touch the most, so it's probably more likely my fault than Bobbi Brown's).

--Value for money--
At £28, this is expensive, but a high-quality product in terms of the finish provided and the high SPF is a great advantage. However, I'd perhaps expect its short-term healing powers to be greater, in line with more traditional BB creams (although this product does have other traditional BB cream qualities). In the same price bracket, this compares favourably to Clinique's BB cream, and I'd also be interested to try versions by Dr Brandt and Smashbox to see how they match up.

perfect partner
Long Wear Gel Eyeliner, £17 

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30

RRP: £25 for 40ml

# of shades available: 3 (with the third being an online exclusive)

--What does the promo say?--

"NEW Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30 is a medium to full coverage cream that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps conceal imperfections and enhances skin's complexion. The formula calms skin and helps protect against UV and environmental damage while working to help balance the skin, and provides oil and shine control to extend the life of the foundation all day."

--Packaging--

The pale green and silver ensemble is so far, so Clinique. Nothing outstanding here. Metal lid feels luxurious yet secure. Squeezing out of product from bottle is very easy to control.

--Application--

The product insert gives a range of possible uses, so you need to apply it as you see fit. Either way, you start by applying it all over your face. This way it serves as a sunscreen (and therefore an anti-ageing product), concealer and moisturiser, which also claims to soothe, protect against environmental aggressors such as pollution, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and play the role of a foundation. So you can just stop there. OR, after you've applied it, you can use it as a primer - so you can continue applying the rest of your makeup as normal.

--Appearance--

I find that shade 01 matches my skin tone very well, although if I had one teeny tiny criticism it would be that there is a slight off-white effect, which comes from the sunscreen element. This can be remedied through the artful application of powder - I'm currently using Benefit Dandelion and Arbonne pressed powder. Skins that are even paler could potentially just leave it at that, though.

--Coverage--

Coverage is excellent. For me, the use of powder, while necessary to regulate the colour slightly, is not needed for extra coverage, while the use of concealer need only be minimal (and maybe even not needed at all on good days).

--Texture and consistency--

Is similar to a light foundation in its consistency; it's not creamy enough to match a tinted moisturiser, and yet doesn't feel at all sticky. I'm guessing the lack of total creaminess is due to the sun-protection properties.

--Scent--

Slightly chalky perhaps, but ultimately smells clean. Nothing from the ingredients list jumps out as being dominant.

--Effects on the skin--

Wow-factor effect comes mainly from the coverage provided as well as the longevity of the product (see below). Face feels moisturised and oiliness feels controlled, but no more than with the use of my regular ensemble of products. Skin is not irritated by the use of the product. Longer-term use and testing would be required to see if it really protected against environmental aggressors or provided an anti-ageing benefit. Sun protection is excellent.

--Longevity--

Once applied, this doesn't need to be touched up. For this reason, it works well as a concealer, primer, foundation and sunblock.

--Value for money--

While I was initially a little shocked at the price, this comes into the same price range as foundations by Stila and Dermalogica. For tinted moisturisers the brand comparison is even better, falling into the same bracket as tinted moisturisers by Laura Mercier and Yves Saint Laurent. The appeal also comes from the fact that this BB cream, unlike a lot of Western offerings, actually seems to be a real contender to the multi-function products found in Asia rather than just being a tinted moisturiser under a different name. To recap, the Clinique BB Cream offers 9 separate functions (1. Concealer; 2. Anti-ageing over the long term; 3. Reduce the appearance of lines in the short term; 4. Defends against environmental aggressors;  5. Soothes; 6. Moisturises; 7. Controls oil; 8. Foundation; 9. Makeup primer). On the downside, though, this is expensive for a BB cream and you do have the feeling that Clinique are capitalising on the brand's image just a tiny bit: the only BB creams falling into this price bracket are the most premium lines from genuine Asian brands Missha and Skin79 (their normal products cost less than this). However, I would probably still buy it with my own money (I was sent a PR sample this time) due to its fabulous coverage, good colour match, ability to stay on the skin without turning my face into an oil slick, the fact that a little goes a long way, and the idea that while it is in the same price bracket as the brands mentioned above, it does so much more.

perfect partners

Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm, £16

Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion, from £16.50

Quickliner for Eyes Intense, from £13

No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream (Normal/Oily)

RRP: £12.95/40ml
# of shades available: 2 (Fair/Medium)
Other variants: Normal/Dry, Dry/Very Dry

--What does the promo say?--
"Take off those winter layers and reveal your outer beauty this spring with new No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream. Its unique 3-in-1 formula evens and enhances skin tone and disguises imperfections, while the nutrient-enriched formula helps to banish blemishes. And with the added protective power of SPF 15 and 5 * UVA technology to help skin stay youthful, BB is the only way to wear this season’s must-have essential - perfectly-pared back, beautiful skin."

--Packaging--
The black and white squeezy tube adds to the arsenal of colour schemes permeating the BB cream market: I've already seen BB cream packages that are peach and hot pink before this one, so it's always good to differentiate. I'm not such a fan of the shape, though: not for any practical reason, but only because it doesn't look like the rest of its No7 brothers and sisters (primers, foundations etc). This tube is squatter than the other similar products made by No7.


--Application--
Apply to clean dry skin, over primer if required. Nothing tricky about that.


--Appearance--
This product promises light coverage, and that is exactly what you get. If you have blemishes and were hoping that this product alone would cover them up completely before you went outside, you can forget it - you WILL need to use a concealer with this. Another thing you may wish to use, depending on your skin, is face powder: I found that this product did not deliver a mattifying effect (skin began to look shiny within an hour), so I needed to apply face powder to compensate. The colour match, however, was perfect for me (I was sent Fair), so I would definitely be happy to use it on days when I wasn't too concerned about covering up blemishes.


--Scent--
While I have heard other complaints about the scent of this product, I have not personally found this. I would in fact go as far as saying that the No7 BB Cream is scentless. Perhaps others just got a bad batch.


--Texture and consistency--
This BB cream has the nicest texture of any I have tried. It's creamy without being too thick, blends beautifully, and is definitely not sticky. Nice one!


--Effects on the skin--
In terms of what this BB cream offers I have difficulty in seeing how it will clear up my blemishes or offer any other benefit beyond sun protection (which in its turn is a form of anti-ageing benefit), given that the SPF seems to be the cream's main selling point. I don't doubt that it does protect skin from the sun, but BB creams are surely supposed to be more than a tinted moisturiser or glorified sun cream. I haven't been able to use the product for long enough yet to say if this does help my acne, though, so the jury's still out on that one.


--Value for money--
I have to admit that £12.95 is about the most I would pay for this cream, given that I would expect a genuine BB cream to offer more than mere sun protection and light coverage. That, to me, is what a tinted moisturiser does. BB creams have historically (read: in Asia, where they originated) offered whitening properties, which is clearly never going to fly in the UK, so I wouldn't expect them to offer that, but I would expect No7 to offer something extra in their product, such as an active blemish-fighting ingredient (BB does stand for "blemish balm", after all!) or something to reduce scars. Admittedly, Garnier's version does not do much in this regard either, but it is still early days for BB creams in Europe and theirs at least has "inspired by BB creams" in its promotional material, which helps to distance their products from the genuine article. Still, BB cream or no, I'll be continuing to use this product as we get closer to summer (my least favourite season - boo hiss).


perfect partner
Airbrush Away Primer, £19.50/30ml

Garnier Miracle Perfector All-in-One BB Cream

RRP: £9.99/50ml

# of shades available: 2 (light and medium)

--What does the promo say?--

"Garnier's Miracle Skin Perfector Cream, inspired by the Asian skincare sensation, B.B. (Blemish Balm) Creams. Garnier BB cream for immediately perfected skin with even tone and boosted glow. Blurs imperfections and smoothes fine lines. SPF15 protection and 24hr hydration." 

--Packaging--

The skin tone-coloured packaging is more reminiscent of a standard tinted moisturiser or foundation's packaging, in contrast to the usually more glitzy packaging of other BB creams I've seen from Asia. This may not immediately alert consumers to the notion that this product is supposed to do something different. However, the packaging is sturdy, reliable, and easily controllable - you won't get silly amounts of product ejected all over your hand unless you try really hard.

--Application--

Simple really: squeeze a pea-sized amount onto the back of your hand and then distribute evenly over your face, rubbing it in, avoiding the eye area. You can do this in between concealer and powder if you like.

--Appearance--

A thick, skin-coloured cream that blends in well with my pale skin tone. At the edges, though, you have to be careful to blend the product well as there is the danger of tide marks or it looking slightly orange. The overall effect is a dewy one (hence why I prefer to set it with powder for a more matte look for work) and I wouldn't say it covers blemishes brilliantly on its own.

--Scent--

Slightly fruity, slightly floral - it's possibly the geraniol that does this. Very pleasant and very different to the tinted moisturisers and foundations currently available to consumers.

--Texture and consistency--

Blends very well, although as I mentioned, be careful at the jawline and hairline for tide marks. Definitely feels different to a foundation or tinted moisturiser - it's more creamy, rather than giving a powdery or paint-like feel. Not runny at all and very easy to control.

--Coverage--

As mentioned, not fantastic, even with a fairly heavy-duty concealer being used underneath it. As for wrinkle/fine line coverage, I wouldn't know - I am only 25 after all and so don't have many.

--Effects on the skin--

With reference to my comments above, this product does contain an agent that acts like a temporary 'plumping' agent to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, but nothing noticeable jumped out at me in this respect once the product was on my skin. The dewy finish probably contributes more to the awake-looking appearance than the caffeine it contains, and in any case, presumably the effects of the caffeine, like the vitamin C and SPF that it also contains, wouldn't be visible in the short term anyway. On the up side, though, I did notice a general improvement in the condition of my skin while using this product - in terms of testing out the claims on Garnier's website, redness did seem to be reduced, complexion seemed more glowing, radiant and unified, and blemishes seemed reduced as well (although curiously the product contains no immediately obvious blemish-reducing agent).

--Value for money--

In spite of this product's shortcomings (and speaking of which - only 2 shades available, Garnier? Come on.), I have found myself pleasantly surprised. I know I was lucky that the light shade was suitable for my skin (which was the one I chose when Garnier asked what I wanted), and I know that its ability to conceal definitely leaves something to be desired, but the texture is really pleasing and the effects on the skin more than satisfactory (although to say in the promo that skin will be 'immediately perfected' is more than a bit of an exaggeration). Nonetheless, I shall be interested to see how this product competes with Clinique's attempt at a European BB cream (Asian ones tend to have whitening as their goal), as well as with bona fide BB creams from Korea and Taiwan.

perfect partner

Caffeine Anti-Dark Circles 2-in-1 Roll-on, £10.20