April 10, 2012

Shiseido Anessa Face Sunscreen BB SPF 50+ PA+++ Review & Swatches

Shiseido Anessa Face Sunscreen BB SPF 50+ PA+++ is a very welcome addition to the Anessa Sunscreen Collection in my opinion. Being such a big fan of Shiseido Anessa for Summer protection, I was very excited they decided to release a high level protection sunscreen with a tint.

This hybrid formula offers a whooping SPF 50 as well as coverage.

Let’s take a look!

I think they might toss “BB” around a little too loosely here. It’s more of a tinted moisturizer with a beefier formula rather than a full fledged BB Cream. You stare at the name and BB starts morphing into BB Cream…it’s a little misleading.

The lightweight coverage is incredibly comfortable and the added benefit of the SPF 50 just makes it all the more enjoyable. It absorbs easily into skin with a sheer finish that corrects minor issues and evens out skin tone.

For better coverage, I’d highly suggest a BB Cream from Skin79, BRTC, or any number of other brands which will give you a better color pay off as well as higher sun protection.

I’ve noticed Japanese BB Creams are a fair imitation of Korean ones. I don’t particularly like them and find they act much like what we are seeing here in the US. I do prefer Korean based brands for my BB Cream needs.

That being said….

The joy here is the lighter formula that’s virtually weightless while offering sun protection. Products containing high levels of sun protection are typically heavy and leave a white, pasty finish. This has no such issues. The light, creamy texture delicately hydrates skin while offering very basic coverage that perfects skin but doesn’t necessarily conceal problems.

It’s available in two shade selections:

  • Light: fair to light
  • Natural: light to medium

Both Light (which I’ve seen swatched courtesy my friend) and Natural (which I have here) both have a strong yellow undertone. The natural seemed to fit me fine but isn’t a spot on match for my tone. The sheer finish of the product is what allows most anyone to wear the natural shade (even olive skin tones) as pigment is very, very sheer.

Shiseido Anessa Face Sunscreen BB SPF 50+ PA+++ is a great product for what it is but it can be deceiving, misleading, and confusing when words like “BB” are thrown into the name of the product.

I liked this a lot so long as you aren’t reading into as a BB Cream, because that, it is not.

Muse Approved for purchase.

AlphabeautyUK on E-bay sells this at a fairly reasonable price.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the seller mentioned in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Sarah

    love the texture of bb creams (like the real asian bb creams) but run in to the problem of my skin turning orange or an unbelievable color on me. unbelievable as in ‘you’re not brown, sarah..what’s on your face’ not ‘holy hell you’re blue’ unbelievable. got any suggestions for good bb creams that are for fair complected people?

    • Barbara

      Skin79, Holika Holika, and Missha’s Perfect Cover are good matches (I’m pale and they’re the only ones I found so far). FYI on Holika: each color seems to have a different tone so bear that in mind while shopping around.

    • Quinctia

      I can’t say I ran into either one of those problems with Skin79 Hot Pink or Missha. I feel that Missha definitely makes me look a little paler than normal, like it took all the natural color/flush out of my face, but it didn’t have quite enough coverage to be used alone, so I’d usually top it with a thin layer of my normal foundation. I’ve been wearing Skin79 alone!

      I’m not at the fairest end of the spectrum, but I’m around fair-light. UD’s TM is simply too dark for me altogether, but in normal foundation ranges, I’m usually 2-4 shades in from the lightest.

    • Julia

      Sarah, I am very fair (never used MAC but would guess between N 5 and 10, as almost every foundation is too dark for me – for reference, I use the fair shades (Fair Neutral or Olive Fair) from Everyday Minerals) and Missha BB Creams in #13 are fair enough for me. Unfortunately, their Perfect Cover BB Cream broke me out, though, but I really can’t tolerate chemical UV absorbents, so if you can, go ahead! They also make one without them, the Signature Real BB Cream, which I might try next.
      At the moment, I am using Innisfree Mineral Sun in shade #01, which fits me quite well if I apply it correctly.

  • sarah

    hi i love reading u u have lots of info abt bb cream
    which one is ur fav
    and would u recommend me one with medium coverage
    thanks

  • Evy

    Loving your reviews! Very thorough (n.n). Did you purchase this online? Do you know any good and trustworthy websites that offer oriental makeup/skin care brands?

    • the Muse

      thanks evy glad you enjoyed it. seller is listed right in the post.

  • Vee

    I actually prefer the texture of tinted moisturizer to bb creams, which tends to be heavier. So I will definitely this one now, cheers for the review.

  • Hoa Du

    How can I purchase from you two of Shiseido Anessa Face Sunscreen BB SPF 50+ PA+++