July 10, 2012

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream Swatches

I’ve already reviewed the Maybelline Dream Fresh 8-in-1 BB Cream in a prior post. I picked up the shade medium from the UK when it originally launched and since it’s so readily available here in the US now I decided to indulge in the Light/Medium shade selection since I felt like the color I originally purchased was a tad too dark.

Here are some swatches and a few babbles comparing the UK formula to the US one.

I think the Light/Medium shade might be a better match for me than the original duller, darker beige of the Medium. I swatched the shades side by side for comparison if you’re still deciding on your color but no need to go by my swatches as there are testers available on displays at drugstores.

One thing I noticed was the US version is actually a little thinner and less gel-like than the UK formula. I could be nuts but I feel like the UK version had a far nicer formula in comparison. I’m getting even MORE of a tinted moisturizer vibe after trying out the US formula.

Either way, they still haven’t successfully captured the true idea and concept of an Asian BB Cream. I think I’d be happier if brands stopped tossing “BB Cream” into the name of the product and simply saying its either a tinted moisturizer or a sheer skin tint of some sort.

Light/Medium and Medium

On a positive note, Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream is a very nice formulation. I think it’s nice being able to head into the drugstore and purchasing a counter quality tinted moisturizer formula for as little as $8-$9 compared to higher end prices of $42 or more for the same.

Anyone try this yet?

Thoughts?

Do share them!

I purchased this item.

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

  • Tammie

    I think I might go and look for this when I get a chance…I like the sound of it (as a tinted moisturizer with SPF). I don’t usually wear BB creams or any other cream foundation because I am hyper aware of it on my skin…but this sounds like it is pretty thin and would go great under my Almay Smart Shade powder, which provides pretty decent coverage for a powder. Maybe both of them together would be perfect 🙂

  • LaLa

    Haven’t tried this yet I’m always afraid to try generic brands my skin never really likes! But i’m too stuck on my Smashbox BB cream I have to say working for Sephora as long as I did that is my fave BB cream on the market since BB was introduced to the US 😀

  • Cynthia

    I totally agree with you on this. I did a swatch and felt that this BB cream is too sheer and the color range are a bit off as well. I’m not if sure if has a good coverage for me since I have red blemishes. But the price isn’t bad at all.

  • Charlotte

    I agree, while they are not BB creams, at least now we have a wide selection of really decent tinted moisturizers to choose from. Gotta look at the bright side!

  • sai

    I wish this stuff is available in hk…….thinking to include this in my next cheapsmells order hahaha

  • Tiffany Martin

    My drugstores never seem to have testers so I appreciate the swatches. As a potentially good cheap tinted moisturized I’m considering this but I know it’s no BB which is sad. >:

  • Emily W

    I picked this up after your initial review and love it as a summer tinted moisturizer! Sometimes it can get greasy by end of day, but anything but foundation and primer can go that way on me when it’s hot outside. Great formula, though!

  • kristin

    I just got a tube of this from walgreen. I agree it does appear like a tinted moisturizer. I like this alot more than any TM that i have tried. It dries and sets. Most Tms stay too tacky for my approval.

  • Kelly

    I agree wholeheartedly on the calling it a BB cream. It’s a tinted moisturizer for goodness sake, they’re using BB cream as a new marketing scheme of course lol instead of actually making it one. Saying it’s 8 in 1 kinda annoys me the most though…

    Though, it seems like a nice thing to have for summer when you don’t want something so heavy. Besides I wear a separate sunscreen and reapply throughout the day anyway, so it not having all the things a BB cream is supposed to is alright I guess lol

    Thanks for the review Muse! Helpful as always 😀

    • the Muse

      kelly, completely agree, it just seems like something they slap on for marketing value only with no real formula to back it up! groan! my pleasure. Did you like it as a TM? I thought as a TM it was lovely however, as a BB cream, well, it’s not that at all!

  • Daisy

    I LOVE this BB Cream. Though it’s coverage is very light, it definitely smooths an uneven skin tone. I’m a realist when it comes to coverage. I always use a yellow based underbase in red areas, concealer under the eyes, THEN I apply the BB Cream. t’s wonderful if you want a light feeling makeup. Since I live in the hot desert, this was perfect. I will continue to buy this as long as it is available.

    • Michelle Ward

      I’m shocked to find out that this product isn’t a “true” BB cream!! I love to wear this stuff!! It doesn’t feel mask-y like regular makeup!! I’ve never owned a BB cream before this one (apparently I still don’t), but I do like it!! It DOES wear a lot like a tinted moisturizer with sheer coverage. I’m happy I decided to give it a shot!!

  • Madison

    This is THE best BB cream I’ve ever tried (and although it’s not “technically” a BB cream, I still think it stands up to the higher-end products I’ve tried). I originally purchased the Medium shade which was perfect for summer/fall, but now that it’s winter I think I’ll grab the Light/Medium, as the Medium is a bit too dark. But even being too dark, it still blends well (and I still have half of a tube, even after 6 months) and provides perfect coverage. I also usually smooth it on after my (acne-treatment) concealer, moisturizer, and primer, and it still goes on smoothly and conceals anything I might have missed with concealer. This TM has become my new foundation!

  • Rebeca

    Great swatches! Louve the site.

    What are the undertones for those?

    I’ve tried ‘Medium’, I thought it was like a MAC NW-30.
    Though the intensity was fine (maybe just a tad darker than my skintone), unfortunately the undertone was too cool for me. I’m something of a NC-27.

    By the way, Muse, for reference — what’s your shade? I’m familiar with MAC, Dior, Givenchy… Though not Shiseido.

    Thanks!