Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Review, Swatches, Photos
Clinique has joined the realms of BB Creams being released in North America. Thus far we’ve seen BB Creams from Smashbox, Boscia, Dr. Jart, and MAC.
I’ve noticed a few main differences with BB Creams here in the US versus the many I’ve tried here from Asia, these differences include:
- Lower SPF (15 to 30 but no higher)
- Lack of anti-aging ingredients
- No whitening properties
- No Acne, skin treatment ingredients
- Lack of pigment
Of course, these things are to me what makes up a good Asian BB Cream however, North American standards are somewhat different particularly when addressing whitening ingredients, this is understandable and the lack of such an option in our BB Creams can be overlooked but other things such as anti-aging ingredients, lower SPF, etc…is rather disappointing.
Clinique released it’s BB Cream in Asia several months ago and most recently we are able to purchase it here in the US.
Let’s take a look at Clinique Age Defense BB Cream and see if it lives up to Asian standards.
Jump!
If you have no idea what a BB Cream is or how to use one or how it might be difference from a Tinted Moisturizer I do suggest reading up on BB Creams by clicking here and here for further information.
Clinique Age Defense BB Cream does lack a few things that makes up a good Asian BB Cream. This isn’t a treatment cream so it will not heal your skin, make it look better, etc….this does not contain anti-aging ingredients nor does it brighten or whiten. It does contain a decent level of SPF 30 for sun protection and contains a fragrance formula free that’s gentle enough for use on most skin types.
Traditionally speaking, it is not what you’d come across on the Asian market however Clinique, like many of the North American BB Creams released, has taken the concept of Blemish Balm Cream and improvised a little for the US Market.
This BB Cream is a solid performing product that offers sun protection while perfecting skin and creating a good solid base for your color cosmetics. Count me impressed because up until now Clinique proves one of the better BB Creams I’ve tried from the brands released here in the US.
The formula is a think consistency cream which absorbs easily and creates a dewy finish on skin. Those with dry skin will enjoy the very light hydrating feel of the product and those with oilier skin will appreciate how easily it absorbs without feeling greasy. Granted, it’s supposed to act as a moisturizer as well as a base product but the moisture effect is very light so prepping prior is essential to getting good, even coverage. I’ve heard and read a few reviews that felt the cream wasn’t hydrating enough but I personally felt it had a nice even glide and felt nice and light on my skin however if you’re not used to cream foundations or BB Creams it could prove a different experience for you.
The sun protection is an SPF 30 and offers both UVA/UVB protection thus not treating anti-aging but preventing it. According to Clinique it does contain antioxidants that will help protect skin against environmental aggressors thus again offering protection but not treatment of aging.
Coverage is sheer and can be built up to midway medium…not completely covering major problems but doing a fairly good job of covering minor issues particularly redness, fine lines, etc…it perfects beautifully in my opinion and evens out skin tone, creating a flawless canvas.
The two shade selections are 1 and 2. This is where folks will begin to rant, complain, etc…but if they did a whole range of colors it would defeat the purpose of the product actually being called a BB Cream, they could just call it Tinted Moisturizer or foundation…hope that makes sense.
Many Asian BB Creams have a nice knack for self adjusting and fitting many skin types but it is a rarity and varies from brand to brand and product to product. Clinique’s version does not adjust all that well but it does make a good push to try and adjust to your skin type. Shade 1 for me was a little too pink and it left a white cast on my skin however with a 15 minute time frame it started to settle down and created a nice glow-y effect but sadly the white was still there. Shade 2 was actually a better match for me. It starts out very beige but has a nice creamy base as you massage…be sure to NOT pass up Shade 2 believing it might be too dark because the color, once touched and smoothed on it, changes drastically. I’m probably between these two shades as if I combine them it matches my skin well but I’ll probably end up keeping Shade 2 as that was the better fit. Shown below: Shade 2 on the left and Shade 1 on the right.
Overall, Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30 isn’t really a typical Asian BB Cream but is a good solid try at being one. I liked it even though the fact that it isn’t a typical BB Cream does disappoint. The coverage was good for me, the formula nice and creamy, and the wear, like any good BB Cream, was excellent as it didn’t oxidize on my skin, fade, or turn gray-ish…!
At $37 for 1.4 oz is disappointing but…we aren’t in Korea and we can’t expect to pay the same lower costs as the Asian market.
If you’re looking to have the BB Cream experience and don’t mind a few quirks and things left out of a traditional formula, you may end up just loving Clinique version.
Seasoned BB Cream users will enjoy the formula but the lack of extras and perks that they have come to know, expect, and love about BB Creams may be missed and possibly ranted about an ickle bit.
I’m not sure when this will be on counters but it is available at Sephora and Sephora.com if you’d like to swatch and play, I think it deserves, at the very least, a check out!
If you already tried it, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!