October 22, 2012

3 Lab Perfect BB Cream Review & Swatches

PR Sample
This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

3 Lab Perfect BB Cream launched some months ago in three shades. It’s one of the most expensive BB Creams I’ve seen launched in the US market priced at a whooping $95.

It was created to not only protect skin with an SPF 40 (titanium dioxide) but also to regenerate cells using Phytocell Tec and Nano Clair GY.

Let’s take a look!

Although I am wincing at the price tag I must say this is one of the better BB Creams formulas I’ve come across that has launched in the US market.

This comes in light, medium, and dark. Medium seems to be a perfect for my skin tone and although a touch too dark it does adjust well after makeup is in place. The titanium dioxide is an excellent source of sun protection and doesn’t seem to take away from the texture or formula of the product. I don’t feel like the formula has an SPF smell, it doesn’t leave skin pasty after application, nor does it morph the formulation of the overall BB Cream making it loose or runny.

The creamy texture blends easily into skin providing moisture with a lightweight feel and finish that feels like second skin. Coverage isn’t exactly the same as BB Creams I’ve tried from Korea as it runs a touch sheerer but there is enough pigmentation here to ease redness, dullness, or minor problem areas (acne scarring or acne itself might need a touch more coverage). I’d say you can go from sheer to medium coverage here easily without the product looking over done or too heavy.

Supposedly it regenerates cells however, I’ve been using it daily since it launched (few months) and haven’t really noticed any major changes in my skin. Of course, I don’t have finer lines or wrinkles either as of yet which can benefit from a renewal of cells…however, I am skeptical of anything that promises to regenerate cells.

As I mentioned above this is an excellent source for revitalizing skin as it leaves duller skin looking brighter and more even toned. It creates a beautiful airbrushed, second skin finish for makeup that’s very lightweight and unnoticeable. It has an excellent wear time of around 7 to 8 hours in cooler weather and around 5 to 6 in warmth or humidity.

Although creamy and hydrating it should prove easy to wear for most skin types but dry skin types will like the formula the most since it doesn’t accentuate dry areas merely melds with skin creating a perfectly smooth, even layer.

3 Lab Perfect BB Cream pretty much covers all the bases and benefits of a good BB Cream by providing excellent coverage, high SPF, and an anti-aging formula. However, the price tag isn’t exactly friendly and I’m unsure how many are willing to dish out near $100 for a tube….

On the upside a single tube should last you quite a long time as a little of this BB goes a very long way at creating flawless, beautiful skin.

It’s just shy of being Muse Approved due to that higher price tag.

Excellent BB Cream just wish it was a little cheaper.

Available now at www.3lab.com

Tried it?

Do share!

PR Sample
This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

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

  • Reema

    I recently heard about CC Creams. They seem to be, from what I’ve read, the US’s attempt at making an actual BB Cream that does what the Korean brands do. Have you tried any? What do you think?

    • the Muse

      i tried chanel’s and another one reema I’ll be reviewing shortly…I haven’t tried any in the US though, the only one that claims to be a CC cream is olay but they simply changed the name of a product they are offered…

  • Phyrra

    It’s got a great texture but even the light doesn’t match me. Too dark.

  • Beth

    Hi Muse!

    In terms of higher- end BB creams that have launched in the US market, do you like this one or Dior’s Diorsnow BB creme better?

  • Quinctia

    If anything you put on the OUTSIDE of your skin could make it down to your tissues to stimulate the cell growth of anything, I don’t think I’d use it. Your skin’s supposed to be a barrier and keep things out of you… :/

    • Nina R.

      Many ingredients, like retinoic acid, are indeed absorbed by your skin – that’s how they work. If you want active ingredients, they must be absorbed and not just sit on top. Assuming these ingredient are helpful and not harmful, it is good for your skin’s future health for them to be absorbed into the outer layers. Sunscreen sits on top and doesn’t get absorbed – it has to do with the size of the molecules.

  • Christina

    wow 1.5 oz for a hundred dollars?!? thats highway robbery, I don’t care how miraculous it is!

  • Tiffany Martin

    I’m really skeptical and I’d have a hard time shelling out $95 for a western BB cream when I can buy some higher end Korean brands which would likely do more of what I want. Thanks for the review but this one is a pass for me.

  • Karen M

    At $95 for that small amount, I better look like Angelina Jolie after I use it. LOL!

  • Iris

    I like how it has a higher SPF but what a very high price tag. It’d better work amazingly on my skin for that price.

  • christi

    No way would I pay that, and I don’t even have a problem paying a lot for high end brands, but the most I have ever paid for a face makeup product is $55 for my YSL Teint Touche Eclat foundie. (Which is amazing btw and I pretty much despise all foundations with very few exceptions.) I will stock with ordering my Korean BBs from Sasa.com!

  • Esther

    I’ve been using this for over a year and while I agree that the price tag is steep, it really does improve skin tone and texture over time.

    I have used many Korean and Japanese BB creams before (Etude House, Hera, Christian Mode, Laneige, Cle de Pau) and none have worked as well as this. These BB creams are all good at covering up imperfections, have great SPF and feels moisturizing, but none of them doubles as skincare. Considering you spend a good portion of your day in make up, it would pay to have a BB cream that is actively repairing yourself when you have it on.

    The pros (most of these covered by the Muse already):
    – Very moisturizing so it is perfect for dry skin, seasonal changes, harsh conditions or air conditioning environments,
    – I use the lightest shade and it blends in perfectly.
    – Improves skin tone and texture over time. Also, while most foundation or bb cream wear off over time and require touch ups, I actually notice my skin gets better as the day progresses.
    – Good coverage, without any heavy feeling. Just a supple, moisturized feel. I have fairly good skin and I only need less than pea size amount for my entire face. So my 1 tube (which I use every day) has lasted me 1 year already which actually works out to be quite affordable.
    – Comes with a mini roller for even application (but when using with the roller, it does use up more BB cream as the roller absorbs quite a bit)
    – It feels wonderful, like Granny Smith apples!
    – Just to make sure there are no nasty ingredients, I showed the list of ingredients to my mum’s friend who is a well known facial surgeon and he said all the ingredients are very smoothing and has very good regenerative effects for the skin. He is now recommending this to his patients who has undergone laser treatments.

    Con:
    – Only one I have is the price. But considering I use to pay similar prices for foundation (Make up Forever, Giorgio Armani,By Terry etc) which doesn’t actually improve my skin, it actually doesn’t seem so bad.