May 2, 2012

Skin 79 The Oriental Gold BB Cream Review & Swatches

I’ve tried numerous BB Creams in the course of the last several years and I can only list a few that I really love. BB Creams are really a personal experience, I believe you have to try a variety of them before you get to the formula and shade that’s just right for you, your skin tone, and type.

Skin 79’s Gold and Pink labels are favorites of mine but above all else Skin 79 The Oriental Gold BB Cream is by far my very favorite. This is another of my HG (holy grail) BB Creams of choice which is why today I’ve hauled it out for a review.

Take a look!

This is a triple function BB that whitens, improves fine lines and wrinkles, and protects with an SPF 25. I find the SPF 25 a little disappointing as many BB have a higher level of sun protection but regardless I’m most interested in how it’ll perfect my skin.

It comes in a rather large pump style jar. This features a top depressor so you can press on either side of the top part of the tube which release a small or large amount of BB Cream into a tiny hole located in the center of the tube. I find this style of packaging easy to use as it doesn’t release a ton of product out as a traditional pump tube is sometimes known to do.

This is one of the richer, creamier BB Cream formulas. This is what a BB Cream is supposed to feel like. It’s thick, creamy, and has intense color pay off so you can go for a subtle, sheer layer to perfect skin or full on coverage to conceal acne, redness, or other skin woes.

It’s hydrating at first application but dries down to a smooth, velvety, second-skin feel that’s virtually weightless. I apply in the traditional way with a small amount warmed in the palms of my hands and pressed onto my face. As it heats in the palms of your hands it’ll meld easily into your skin creating a seamless, flawless finish.

The ingredients are uneventful less you count plant extracts and the likes for treating finer lines. I’m not a huge expert on ingredients though but just a glance over and I don’t believe this will completely treat your wrinkles or finer lines however it might prevent lines in the future should you use it daily.

Long time whitening is not a result after use either however when worn it does whiten and brighten. Not to the point of looking pasty or chalky but more of a brightening, translucency that gives you skin a healthy look. This is particularly helpful if you suffer from dull, lackluster skin.

I find it adjusts well for fair to medium fair tones. It’s a creamy beige with a slight pink undertone that works perfect well on my warmer medium fair skin. I’m just guessing since I don’t know my MAC shade but it should be suitable for NW/NC 20-30, you can press to 35 but it might look a little pasty on such a tone so be sure to use less and blend well for the best results.

Coverage is good enough to work as both a concealer (under eyes, on face, etc..) as well as your base foundation product. Prime your skin prior if you want but rest assured the product wears well for eight hours straight without oxidizing or fading easily with or without primer under it. That’s a great BB cream for you!

It actually contains a creamy cheek and lip balm on the top lid and a mirror for application. I’ve never technically used it. This is my 3rd bottle of the Oriental and every one of the blushes remained untouched…Weird, I know. It’s just a basic creamy blusher you can use for a flush of color on lips and cheeks, not a ton of special here but a nice extra none the less.

The Oriental has gone through a few label changes so at the moment they do have newer versions of both a Gold and Pink label with improved benefits. I’m not actually sure if the Purple label is even sold in Korea anymore, but feel free to correct me if I’m incorrect about this.

Typically The Oriental is sold in a set and includes the BB Cream as well as a powder and a few other pieces for around $40-$50. This is how I purchased mine directly from Korea.

However, online, the set is broken up and pieces are sold for $20-$30 so you’ll probably run into this label for around $25-$30 which I personally believe is worth it however I do cringe at the price jack!

Overall, the main appeal of the Oriental for me is the moisturizing feel that blends easily on my dry skin leaving behind flawless coverage and brighter, whiter, smoother skin. I wish the SPF was a little higher and I’m not particularly thrilled by the anti-aging ingredients but if you’re looking for flawlessness, this brings it.

It remains one of my tried, tested, and true favorites in the BB Cream realms.

I suggest Sasa.com for purchasing or Imomoko.com.

There is a Skin79 shop that claims they are “official” on the Internet however I don’t believe they are actually associated with the Korean brand of the same name. Buyer beware as some of these shops popping up nowadays aren’t actually associated with the real brands in Korea. Of course, this is mere speculation on my part but I’ve seen so many of these “e-stores” that I’ve become wary of them.

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

  • Missy

    I’m really liking the Skin79 pink label and I also ordered from Korea. The only thing I don’t like about it is the dewy/tacky feel afterwards. But it’s nothing a translucent powder won’t fix. When I run out, I’m going to try this one! Thanks for the review 🙂

    • the Muse

      missy are you apply via patting? typically it won’t feel dewy after good, solid patting in ;-D my pleasure! Pink is a fav of mine. people hate on it b/c they feel it’s chalky but I love it.

      • Missy

        No, actually I’ve just been putting it on like regular foundation, with my fingertips. So you just pat it on with your palms? And just blend into the undereye area?

        Iz patting challenged LOL

        • the Muse

          haha ;-D for the best results you’ll want to “palm it” on your face. apply a small amount into your palms and press your palms to your face kinda the same application you’d use by applying HadaLabo toner/essence http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrrK_MdaemU you don’t have to slap yourself around though LOL just press your hands against your face and pat it on, be firm about it….it’ll have a more flawless finish with this method and product absorbs better plus more beneficial for your skin.

          • Missy

            Brilliant! Thanks for the link!! I’m going to go take off my makeup and try this. You’re so very helpful 😀

          • the Muse

            my pleasure, the video looks silly lol don’t do it as hard obviously but just lay your palms on your cheeks and give it a firm pat…! lmk if it helps!

          • Jes

            I’ve been applying it wrong the whole time!!! Thanks for the advice and link,, Muse. U R Da Best.

          • the Muse

            lol no worries my pleasure. def apply in this method, it’s how bb creams are supposed to be applied 🙂

          • Tinkibell

            Does this method work for the American BB Creams as well? I have been using the Clinique BB Cream and was wondering if I was applying it wrong!

      • Nikki

        I’ve tried the pink lable and I couldn’t get past the grey cast it left :/ I really liked the finish and feel but it made my face look dirty. It might be because I am really pale (nc 10) it’s pretty sad when bb creams aren’t even pale enough for my skin. Haha

        • Jihane

          Hello Nikki! I’ve been looking around a bit for SKIN79 product, and given you’re an NC-10 it makes perfectly sense for me that the hot pink label is the wrong one for you. It’s considered to be among the “less fair” BB creams of S79. You should def get the snail one (works perfect if you have pink undertones, but since you’re an NC which means not cool, you surely have a more warm undertone than pink) In that case, try the Skin79 vital plus (orange Label) this cream is has the most coverage and the most spf (50), check photos online 🙂

  • Suselew

    I see it up on Imomoko.com but not the other site. Do you know the diff between the gold and purple label?

    • the Muse

      not a lot suse.

      gold does all the same things as purple but it has a higher spf of 30. ingredients are all fairly similiar as well but supposedly gold has caviar extracts *insert rolling eyes here haha). I feel like purple is more creamy in my experience with both.

    • the Muse

      perfect but you do always have to be careful on evil-bay some sellers are selling black market stuff 🙁 or old, expired bb creams le sigh!

    • the Muse

      selena did you read the post? all deets are right here 🙂

  • Selena

    Oops! I finally re-read it, thanks! Do you know where I can buy a legit skin79 BB cream gold label, muse? 🙂

    • the Muse

      um there’s links in the post selena? am I missing something? 🙂

  • sylvia

    Have you tried the new Skin79 Snail bb cream? I was morbidly curious and ordered a little sample, and I like it much more than VIP Gold or Hot Pink (which were my previous faves)–As long as I don’t think about the fact that it contains almost 50% snail slime lol

    • the Muse

      yes sylvia 🙂 I’ll review it soon! quite nice stuff! LOL I’m always skeptical of that though! I’ve been using tony moly’s snail cream for the past several months and just kinda blase about the entire it contains snail mucus lol!

          • Cj

            Is it normal toned like the orange label or grey toned like the others

          • the Muse

            mmmm I don’t find it grey at all, more creamy beige…! very hydrating!

  • sylvia

    Lol I thought it was all hype but the snail makes my facedewier than the other skin79 bbs…but not slimey that would be gross
    Not sure if it’s the miracle ingredient they make it out to be since I only had a sample

    Cj–they haven’t released it in north america yet but you can find it on ebay for a decent price

    • the Muse

      it’s quite hydrating compared to others ;-D nice glide! agreed…I hear all sorts of claims even whitening abilities, ummm no! lol

      • Boone

        I’m totally on board with the snail slime hype! I’ve been using Etude House’s snail cream for several months. It’s called “Darling cream” and you’d never guess it has anything to do with snails except there’s an adorably tiny drawing of a snail on the top of the jar lid. I picked this particular cream because it has the highest percentage of snail slime I could find LOL! I don’t know if it does anything for wrinkles (don’t have to worry about that JUST yet thankfully), but I swear nothing has been better for soothing, healing, and normalizing my ultra-sensitive, uber-reactive skin.

        In conclusion, I FLOVE SNAIL SLIME! 😀

  • MIss_Silk

    I am really grateful for your review on this one because I’m seriously thinking of purchasing this. I’m really content with my Missha one but I want to try more brands.

    I am planning on picking up the Pink Label one too

    • the Muse

      hi miss silk! It’s def a lovely one as is the pink label if you’re looking for a whitening bb!

  • kate

    You’ve peaked my interest in BB creams once again! =) Do you like this one better than the SKIN79 Super+ Beblesh Balm BB Cream Triple Function (hot pink bottle)? This one seems most popular on amazon but I want to try the Oriental Gold if you like it better! I always listen to the Muse! I checked out all the korean markets around Seattle and they don’t carry Skin 79 or Missha(which I think is the other popular one). Thank you!

    • the Muse

      I like the oriental better than both the pink and the gold label bbs kate 🙂 def. It’s a fav of mine!

          • kate

            Muse!!! I hope you get this comment!!! I got this bb cream and have been wearing it for the last 5 days and OMG, I love it!! It’s perfect, comfortable, smooth, and feels so good for my usually dry skin! You were right, again!!!!! Thank you soo soooo much for reviewing this and guiding me to the right decision!!!!!!! I <3 you!

          • the Muse

            FANTASTIC kate just fantastic! I’m so happy to hear it. Enjoy dear!!!!!!!!!!!! ;-D

  • Quinctia

    Would you say there’s any/much difference in color between this and pink/gold label? I picked up a small tube of gold label in my last order of the pink–I honestly don’t see much difference at all between those two. If this is about the same shade, I might try it next.

    • the Muse

      yup def, the pink/gold label standard versions are both grey bb creams producing a whitening effect. not everyone likes how pasty they end up looking. this is more creamy beige with slight pink undertones. the gold oriental maybe you tried?

      • Quinctia

        I think it was the standard gold that I’ve got. I don’t mind the “whitening” BB creams too much because that seems to help with my redness, and then they aren’t too beigey for my skintone. The regular skin79s are a good match, so perhaps I’ll save a little cash and be happy with what’s already working for me! I’m pink enough that I’m always a little iffy on BB cream or even tinted moisturizer shades.

  • Fuu

    My first BB Cream and I love it. I massage it on, and then pat extra onto my eyes and nose for extra coverage, then set with BareMinerals Gold Mineral Veil. Or, if I want extra coverage; BareMinerals foundation applied with a big brush, then the veil.
    I researched a lot other before buying this one. (off of Amazon from seoulglamour $16 total, and reviews say that are legit from Korea)
    I like that fragrance is not towards the beginning of the ingredient list, and the sunscreen in it is not chemical.
    I HAVE noticed lightening of my freckles and dark circles.

  • Miss D

    I love this BB cream as well…wearing it right now! And, I too, never use the blusher! Haha! 🙂

    • the Muse

      LOL miss D! omg it goes to waste! ;-D I dunno why but I just never bother or sometimes just forget it’s in there!

  • Tinkibell

    I have to THANK YOU so much! I tried the correct way to put on my BB Cream today and could NOT believe the difference! I liked the look before but now I am over the moon!

    I don’t know how I missed this tip before, but boy am I glad I know it now!

  • Laura ortiz

    I have read all the comments and am amazed to learn of this product. Finally found a product I have been looking for. I was recently diagnosed with vitiligo and would really like to try this product. I have oily sensitive skin sprinkled with freckles and dark spots. This is right up my alley. Muse, please tell me which one would be best for me?

  • Vie

    i also have this bb cream, and i love the smell! but i found this not too much coverage on my face.. and slight sticky when i used it too much.. weird though.. and after half day, the bb cream looks like wear off because i can see my face looks like not wearing bb cream at all.. and after washing face, i can find tiny bump around my cheek and nose 🙁 .. i tried the sample mini size n i love it, but the full size didn’t live up the expectations T_T weird..

    • Annie

      @vie: that is odd. Did u check if u got a real one or a fake one? it doesnt make sense that the sample work well while the full bottle doesnt when they’re the same product. there are a lot of fakes out there. u should double check, and what seller did u bought it from?

  • Vie

    and yeah i love the cream blusher because its not drying my cheek and the color looks natural 🙂

  • sherb9

    Hi, I’m looking into getting my first bb cream. I want something to cover some acne marks but doesn’t feel as heavy/unnatural as foundation. Would the Oriental Gold work?

  • Judy

    Hi! Thanks so much for this blog. Really informative. I do wanna get a Skin79 bb cream but don’t know which one to go for. But I do like your review on the Oriental. What I would like to know is that is it suitable for me as I have dry skin and live in the Tropics? Really appreciate your reply. Thanks in advance.

  • Sensible

    Hi! Happy to find this thread. I myself just received my first shipment of BB cream from Skin79/ I really like the Oriental except that it shows a mfr date of 9/11. Should I ask to return this product? My other cream was made 5/12. I heard the shelf life is 3 yrs from date of mfr. Any idea? What would you do in my case? Thanks!

  • Debora Springer

    I know you said the Oriental Gold adjusts well for fair/medium skin, but: I’m a redhead, so I’m very fair with cool/pink undertones and have a world of trouble getting things to match my skin. I’m terrified to pony up the cash and buy this sight-unseen. Have you tried this or seen it on anyone with similiar skin? I hate to go from porcelain to beige.

    Also: have you tried the Stila BB cream? You won’t love it because of inadequete coverage but man, it creates the most beautiful finish for skin – a truly my-skin-but-much-better look. It’s doesn’t conceal, but it does a lot more than a tinted moisturizer – you’d have to see. It adjusts light enough, but a little too peachy on me or I’d be in love.

  • missv

    Do they have more than 1 shade? I’m a MAC NC 35, and I currently use Missha’s Perfect Cover in #27 (their golden yellow shade) and Skinfood Peach Sake BB in #4 (I got it from their southern CA store). So, I definitely need tanner, more golden shades, and can’t wear a lot of bb’s because of that. Thanks in advance!

  • goldielocks

    Hi, I am currently using the VIP Gold from skin 79, and it works alright but I’ve been thinking about switching to the one in the orange bottle because I heard it’s better for oily skin. Do you have any recommendations for a bb cream that’s good for slightly oily, acne prone skin? Thank You!

  • Tamie Presti

    Thank you for your wonderful review of the SKIN79 BB Cream. I can’t thank you enough for providing the websites of where to purchase. I had placed an order with Amazon and got scared of all the things I was reading about counterfeit products-so I cancelled. Now, I’m awaiting my purchase from Imomoko.com.

    • the Muse

      my pleasure tamie you def have to be very careful where you purchase from. people assume amazon is completely safe but that’s not the case as it’s amazon marketplace! good for you for cancelling it!

    • the Muse

      this is your makeup z, it’s a foundation product not a skincare one. Hope this helps!

  • Christina

    Muse! I bought this mainly because you’re awesome and I never would’ve figured out bb creams without you, but I’m having such trouble getting it to stay on my face! I can’t figure out what’s wrong! I pat it in, I smooth it down, and then I dust with powder after it’s set for a min. Midday, I glance in the mirror, and horrors of horrors, my makeup is completely gone. Mind you, my blush (MAC) is solidly in place, but my tzone is totally obliterated the bb cream and powder, and it’s also mostly gone from everywhere but my blush area. I’ve used the BRTC and Missha with minor to no problems in wear, and so I’m completely baffled as to the cause. Any advice on a proper primer/setting powder perhaps? Maybe the mixture of what I’m using just isn’t working.

    • the Muse

      hi christina…hmm! do you palm it on? I typically prime with photoready primer, palm the bb cream on, and apply my makeup and it lasts for me through the day with absolutely no issues. my skin is drier though, no oil. do you have oily skin? perhaps it is fading quickly do to that?

  • Diana

    Hi Muse! I was wondering what websites you recommend on buying bb cream? I know websites such as ebay sell fake bb creams and I don’t want to experience that. I know that amazon also sell bb creams from different sellers but its hard to figure out if their authentic or not.

    • the Muse

      amazon is worst than ebay sometimes Diana. imomoko.com, sasa.com, as well as zinoparks on E-bay are excellent, safe ways to purchase.

  • Mediterranean Maven

    Thanks for your review of the Skin79 Oriental BB cream. I happened to have a couple of samples of the pink label and the VIP gold. I just tried on the gold and wow! No wonder you love this! I have fair skin with slight beige/yellow undertones with a tendency towards redness and this stuff really camouflages flaws. It’s my skin but better. I haven’t set with powder yet just to see how it wears – this feels so good and light on my skin. My dry, sensitive skin is so soothed – thanks, Muse!

      • Mediterranean Maven

        This stuff is actually goof-proof. I tried applying it with the palms method as well as with my Real Techniques angled foundation brush and both times the application was clean and flawless. It sets well and quickly and doesn’t budge. Love it! It The VIP gold was the one I tried on. What’s the difference between the VIP gold, the oriental and the other colors: pink, purple and orange? If they feel as good this one – VIP Gold – I may never wear traditional western foundation again – LOL.

          • Mediterranean Maven

            What’s the difference between the VIP gold, the oriental and the other colors: pink, purple and orange?

          • the Muse

            oriental and gold is for aging skin, white is snail care (hydrating), orange is the vitamin c formula with updated sunscreen, pink is triple function with “diamond shimmer”, hot pink is the 10 in 1 formula (brightening, whitening, anti-aging, sunscreen, etc…), and purple is the dream girl formula for younger skin/acne/sensitive.

  • Maria

    Hi! I know this is an older post, but I found it while trying to find a subsitute for my beloved Skin79 Oriental Gold which I think they no longer sell 🙁 My skin is super dry, I tried the snail care and I loved the texture & the feel of it on my skin, but sadly it was just too light for my skin tone. I’ve used the hot pink & gold in the past, and they were fine, but I didn’t think they held a candle to the Oriental Gold. I just tried Missha Perfect Cover and hate it, it is drying out my face, showing lines & flakes & just looks awful…. Any other suggestions to find something to replace the Oriental Gold BB? Thanks!

  • Mediterranean Maven

    I love the VIP Gold and the Oriental – and I have yellow undertones in my fair to light skin. This stuff goes on easily and I’m using my Sigma F80 more these days to apply it for an airbrushed finish. I finish with a light dusting of ybf neutralizing powder and I’m set for several hours without the need for a touchup. I too have dry skin and this stuff has been a godsend. Haven’t used traditional western foundations in months now since I got this. The bottles last forever so they’re a great deal. Thank you, Muse for telling me about this. My skin thanks you too!

  • sam

    thanx for the review mmm.. i have yellow undertone , I have acne, my face always red when I use any thing with pink undertone I look sooo bad so is this bb cream will match my nc20 face 😀