Rimmel BB Cream Beauty Balm Review & Swatches
Rimmel’s new BB Cream Beauty Balm has launched in the US. I found displays at Harmons for this new Spring 2013 launch. So far I’ve seen it in four total shades however, the launch in the UK included only two.
Colors include Fair, Light, Light/Medium, and Dark I believe but don’t quote me as some displays were stripped bare.
I hauled both the Light and Medium shades in the hopes one would be a match.
Take a look!
This is a mere 1 oz size with a budget friendly price of around $5-$6 at Harmons. I suspect it’ll be higher once it hits CVS and other mainstream drugstores.
As with most BB Creams released here in the US it does prove disappointing. It’s marketed as a 9-in-1 Skin Perfecting Super Make Up BB Cream with benefits that include lightweight coverage designed to prime, mattify and moisturize, minimize the appearance of pores, conceal blemishes and protect the skin with SPF 25.
If you can get past the “BB Cream” aspect the formula is a lovely, sheer tinted moisturizer at best. Many going into this purchase that have very little experience with Asian BB Creams will likely love how weightless and smooth a texture this has. However, those who have experienced the joys of a true BB Cream will find it disappointing.
I’ve tried to distant myself from the BB Cream aspect when I’m reviewing these products lately as I end up just ranting about them rather than raving some of the benefits they do have.
This is a light, creamy almost gel-like texture with a delicate satiny dry down on skin. It evens out skin tones, blends very easily, and offers a bit of moisture during first application but not throughout the wear. Coverage is very sheer so it’ll perfect skin a little bit, possibly ease some minor redness or dullness, and create an overall even appearance but it won’t hide or conceal major issues such as dark spots, heavy redness on cheeks or face, and acne or acne scarring.
The product seems to settle nicely on my skin and doesn’t accentuate flaky areas. It has a smooth, even appearance and looks like I’m not wearing makeup at all. It eases some of my dullness and perfects skin on a whole creating a very nice overall canvas for my makeup. I’d definitely lean towards calling it a tinted moisturizer versus a BB Cream though due to the lack of coverage among other things.
Unfortunately neither Medium or Light was a good fit for me however, combining the two seemed to work out well. I find Medium too orange and Light was a little too fair. Combining the two created the perfect Light Medium tone for my skin.
On oily skin it should prove a fairly nice wear however, it doesn’t have strong mattifying properties. It might ease some minor oiliness but if you’re an oily skin type a primer prior or a touch of powder after might prove the best way to keep oil at bay.
Overall, Rimmel BB Cream Beauty Balm is a tinted moisturizer at best. Coverage is sheer and other benefits such as the supposed mattifying benefits are weak. The SPF 25 is appreciated but I wouldn’t skip out on sunscreen prior to application if I were you. Active sunscreens include Avobenzone (3%), Octionaxate (4%), Octisalate (4%), and Octocrylene (2%). If you’re looking for weightless barely there coverage that will perfect already good skin this is an excellent way to get that fresh, natural makeup look. However, those seeking anti-aging benefits, high sun protection, and pigmented coverage might feel this missed the mark by a mile in the BB Cream department. Tinted moisturizer yes, BB Cream it is not.
Available now at drugstores.
Tried it?
Do share!
P.S. BBC America’s 2013 Lineup….yes, please, but let’s skip the Nerdist, k, thanks.