BB Creams

I own more make-up than I could put on my face and use up in a year. Don’t you hate it when
your husband says “why”? Why do you need so much? And what? More eyeshadow? You
spent $20.00 on a LIPSTICK?
Hon, listen, this makeup isn’t for you. I don’t make fun of your collections, obsessions and
addictions.

You all know my mantra “always try before you buy”. This is why I don’t buy on-line.
But when I saw Tarte’s new BB tinted moisturizers on their web page, I was intrigued and
seriously tempted. Tarte is cosmetics line and their products are touted as “high
performance naturals”. Their line contains more natural, healthy ingredients with very few
chemicals. The idea that fewer synthetic formulas make better quality makeup really appeals to
me.

BB Cream stands for Blemish Balm Cream. The product was originally created by a German
dermatologist to help soothe and regenerate skin tissue after laser surgery. Don’t get confused.
Not all BB creams and tinted moisturizers are one in the same. Be aware what you are buying.

BB cream is an all-in-one treatment. It is used as a foundation, for sun protection (contains SPF
of 30 or higher) and to cover and treat blemishes. It also has anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory and
soothing effects. If your product doesn’t do this, it’s more likely a tinted moisturizer.

Well, as I said I don’t buy makeup on line. But I use Tarte products, (Sephora carries them). I
commented about the new BB tinted moisturizers on instagram and the owner gave me a very,
very good discount. So, now I can never say I never buy make-up on line.

It’s hard to buy tinted anything on the internet. It feels like surfing blind. I had to guess my
color but having only four choices it’s not too difficult.
I loved the way my skin felt and how I looked. But in four hours my skin felt like I had been
working at McDonald’s as the french fry, fryer girl.

I am sad because I did fall in love with it, at least for four hours. Lucky for my lovely mom she
has the same skin tone as me and I sent her a box of goodies. Hey, mom! I know your dry skin
will be loving this!

What does work for me is the Garnier BB cream. I was wandering through Target, saw it, threw
it in my basket along with three belts, two shirts, a few bags of Valentine’s Day candy, a purse
and nail polish. See? I don’t “just” buy facial products.

I use Tarte’s BB cream one day and Garnier the other. I do see (and feel) a substantial difference.
Although this particular Tarte BB cream wasn’t a perfect fit, I do love their products.

Most BB creams are quite pricey at the moment. They originated in Asia are are becoming a
very hot trend here in the US. So far, brands made in Asia such as Dr. Jart, Missha and The Face
Shop have all the benefits that true BB creams promise. Western cosmetic companies such as
Garnier (which I like), Boscia and Clinique have been criticized for being nothing more than
tinted moisturizers.

I suggest you take a field trip to Sephora, my own personal product’s theme park, and learn more
about the difference between BB creams and tinted moisturizers. Sample, sample to your heart’s
content and see what is right for you. My heart, unfortunately seems only content for 28
minutes. (Attention span equaling a minute for every year on this earth.)

As for me, my friends, I may see you there. I am so intrigued by this trend I intend to try and
review more BB creams.

Look forward to a guest review on the Tarte BB tinted moisturizer on dry skin.

Whew! I need a break. I know there’s a Starbuck’s over…..wait! Is that Sephora right next
door? Fancy that.