May 28, 2013

Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream Review & Swatches

Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream

Unfortunately Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream Sunscreen ($38), like most US brands, doesn’t quite get the idea of a BB Cream down correctly when compared to Asian brands. But they might just have something special on their hands here as the formula is positively delightful and quite silicone-free as well!

Let’s take a peek!

Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream Sunscreen

Available in a single Light/Medium Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream is one of the more interesting BB Creams I’ve recently tried. They make the unfortunate mistake of dubbing it a full coverage BB Cream on Sephora’s website…I have to have some pause here and address that. This is a very sheer product and when compared to Asian BB Creams, well, you can’t even compare the two. I’d lean more towards tinted moisturizer at best when it comes to the color pay off here so I’d recommend it for those who wish to perfect but not necessarily conceal skin problems.

If you can get past that the formula has the incredible perk of being silicone-free. Great if you have sensitive skin and even better still if you just desire a lighter texture. The lack of silicones gives the formula a rather interesting feel and texture. It starts off very rich and creamy but upon contact with skin it has a watery feel. This in fact translates as a very cool, refreshing feel as you apply. It absorbs very easily into my skin while evening out skin tone and providing a satiny finish on dry down. As you know my skin is drier and duller so I’m always looking for products that will perfect but not necessarily conceal any problems as I don’t really have them. My skin is blemish free yet duller so I rely on my foundation products to provide some light and health to my skin. This indeed does that. It did surprise me though as the single universal shade of Light/Medium runs towards being Medium and has orange undertones. The shade does adjust quite well though and provides just the right touch of color I need to ease dullness and brighten my face.

Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream Sunscreen Swatches

Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream Swatches

Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream Swatches Blended

Although moisturizing at first it dries down to a more satiny finish that’s lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. I love discovering products like this during the warmer weather as they are the ideal pick for Summer lightweight coverage. Breathable, doesn’t make my skin look or feel oily yet still provides a hint of moisture, and gives a healthy overall appearance.

I admit I find certain things about it disappointing. The SPF 15 is very low for a product like this and the BB Cream in the title is confusing as this is more of a tinted moisturizer than that of a BB Cream. But overall, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. It provides natural coverage and give my skin a fresher, healthier appearance and wears quite long. Those with sensitive skin will adore the lack of silicones as well.

If you’re looking for just the right lightweight coverage that isn’t over done which perfects skin I’d suggest swatching Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream Sunscreen in store!

Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream 8

Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream 7

Anyone try it?

Love to hear your thoughts.

It’s available now at Sephora, Sephora.com, or learn more at www.renskincare.com

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

  • Tiffany Martin

    Good review but I have to say very few people have sensitivities to silicones. They are a 1 out of 5 on acne risk (cosdna.com), and a low allergy risk as well.

    I can’t tell why you singled it out as a problem ingredient saying that it’s an incredible perk that this formula does not have them. What do you think is bad about silicones?

    • the Muse

      thanks tiffany. I typically avoid silicones in primer as for some reason it does not agree with my skin and makes me incredibly itchy thankfully this isn’t the case for bb creams or other base products that contain them (otherwise I’d be in serious trouble).

      Many readers are always looking for a silicone free bb cream which is why I signaled it out in this post. I guess some believe it sits on top of the skin which in turn traps oil/dirt etc and causes break outs. Thankfully, as I mentioned above, I don’t have the issue but did take note in this review to mention the lack of silicones for those shopping for a BB Cream without one if they are sensitive to such an ingredient considering many BB Creams have silicones so it seems rare one is formulated without.

      • Tiffany Martin

        Excellent answer, thanks for replying.

        I think some people have serious reactions to products and sometimes blame the wrong ingredients (which sucks, because then how can they protect themselves best?), silicones being one of the most villainized. But it sounds like you have thoughtful reasons for making a special mention of silicones in the review.

        As an occlusive, silicones (and all occlusives) can trap unpleasantness underneath. Since switching to double-cleansing I have never broken out from silicones or occlusives and forever forgave them after that (;

        • the Muse

          my pleasure tiffany. honestly, they don’t bug me at all aside from primers…omg primers…well actually one in particular, smashbox primer. just makes me feel like I have a ton of ants running around under my skin. outside of that I never really had a problem with them but many reader’s mention they are bugged by them and always looking for a BB cream that doesn’t have them which I find a rarity as most all BB Creams have them especially Asian ones :-/

  • Alison

    Hi muse,
    I am a person extremely sensitive to silicones. I’ve looked far and wide for BB creams without silicones; so far in canada there are five. Rimmel, garnier, maybelline, khiels, and the one you speak of.
    The garnier and maybelline don’t count since they hardly have any coverage.
    It’s nice that you put a shout out to those allergic to ‘cones. Any other silicone free face products you know of?

    Ali

    • the Muse

      hi ali thanks for that list! I actually did NOT know that the rimmel and maybelline ones were silicone free. Outside of primers I’m ok with silicones in my products. Quite a good deal of my readers and a few of my friends are super sensitive to them though. I honestly don’t really know many products formulated without them…it seems so difficult to find solid skincare that actually is silicone free. If I think of anything I’ll let you know OR I know some reader will prob have suggestions 🙂 The ren sadly isn’t a BB Cream either btw…more TM…it seems Asian BB Creams are def loaded with silicones 🙁 I’m always asked which do not have them and I’m hard pressed to recommend anything that doesn’t have them :-/ have you tried the khiels btw? just curious…I kinda like it but again it isn’t as pigmented as Asian BB Creams :-/

  • casey23

    I always look at the ingredients list first to see whether it contains silicones or not. I believe that is a sensitivity depending on regular use. But now I have, and I can’t stand that itching (then later at night turning into a land of little acnes/whiteheads) so I’m glad you mention silicone in your reviews.
    But I really want the companies to stop promoting spf 15/10 as a “protector”. Last week I was on a vacation, where I realized even though I’m not that fair skinned (a standard mediterrean olive skin actually) spf 15 only gave me sunburns! I will consider this product but only with some extra help from my regular sunscreen (Yves Rocher UV Beauty Shield – doesn’t contain silicone either if I’m not mistaken and I recommend to every type of skin).

    • the Muse

      i couldn’t agree more, spf 15 or 10 is crazy…it’s not enough protection 🙁

  • Jenn H

    I love the The Rimmel BB cream, but it does contain silicones. Triethoxycaprylylsilane and Cyclopentasiloxane, to be exact.