Reader’s Request: Maybelline Pure Mineral BB Base
Ahhh BB Cream. It’s the heart of my coverage existence dontcha know. I promised myself that when I finally got around to writing a review for you on the Maybelline Pure Mineral BB Base I would NOT get into the politics of what a BB Cream is, why it’s wonderful, etc….
I�m going to keep that promise because we will be here all day if I get into a mega discussion about BB Cream. Allow me to direct you to my “what is a BB Cream?”� post from several months ago for a brief introduction in the vast world of BB.
Now on with the review of the Maybelline Pure Mineral BB Base!
Jump!
What is it?
Maybelline Pure Mineral BB Base is a primer of sorts and a base, I know quite confusing but yes it can be used to prep and used as a foundation/base product. It has a formula that�s blended with eight kinds of minerals such as copper, zinc, sodium, titanium, and more….these natural minerals are supposed to enhance your skin condition. The general idea of the product is it can be uses a primer before foundation or as a foundation itself for lighter coverage.
The Good…
It�s quite good acting as a really fresh base for makeup. It has a thin consistency and isn�t highly pigmented but still manages to even out skin tone and freshen up dull skin making it a nice quickie foundation when you aren�t up for applying something heavier. The added benefit of SPF 26 is a nice little plus. The color is a universal shade however I felt it was a little too light to be worn alone but looks quite good under foundation so it�s a nice prep that offers extra SPF to my makeup application. I don�t really love silicon based primers so this acts perfect as a hydrating prep for my base makeup. Below the circle shows where the base was blended in and outside circle is my normal skin sans the base.
The Bad…
The universal shade will likely NOT suit most skin tones sadly. It�s made for the Japanese market and even the universal Asian undertones will probably feels its way too light. It obviously doesn�t come in further shades since its exclusive to Asia so sadly you can�t go with the next darker shade as it�s a one color fits all kinda of shade. The shade falls into the realms of porcelain which is an odd choice for the Asian market. I�ve seen it online for a reasonable price but it is available within Asia in most cases so it�s not something you can head to the drugstore to purchase again once you run low.
Who might not like it?
- Those who want lighter coverage with the added benefit of an SPF.
- Anyone with certain dullness that needs some freshening up.
- Anyone who has very light skin and can�t find a good base product that works well with their tone.
- Anyone who doesn�t mind taking their coverage color a step down or two and desires “whiter”� skin.
- Asian women who want to tone down yellow undertones.
Who might not like it?
- Anyone who doesn�t really understand or appreciate the idea of whiter skin that the Asian market embraces.
- Anyone who really isn�t into a “universal”� color product.
Final Thoughts….
I personally really like it. It successfully evens out my skin tone and erases dullness while freshening up my face and making it look more awake. These are all things I look for in base products and it successfully does all three. Sadly, the shade ran a little light for me but under a BB Cream it works quite well at giving my face a fresher look which is exactly what I desire when it comes to good base products. I probably won�t purchase again unless they release a slightly darker shade (which probably won�t happen) but the idea behind the product is great.
I got mine from Japan for $17 but Sasa has it available for a mere $12.60 if you�re wanting it.
It�s worth a haul for anyone with a lighter skin tone who has a harder time matching up base for their skin.
Nice but color is a tad bit of a problem for me and most anyone else who tries it.
Disclosure: The following item was purchased by me for review purposes (and because I like flinging my money at makeup products of any kind) on Musings of a Muse. For further information please see my FTC Guidelines or my Disclosure/Disclaimer posts.