Skin79 Intense Classic Balm SPF 20 PA++

A reader friend reminded me that I haven't reviewed that many BB creams recently, and asked if I have stopped using them. Yes, I have not used BB creams for the last two weeks, but it was because I was trying out a skincare line, which interestingly asked its users to only stick to a few very basic products within the line for the first 4 to 6 weeks of use, and begged that one use no facial makeup (but eyes and brows and lips and blush are okay) for the first 6 weeks, so that you may experience the full effects sooner. I was hooked on this skincare line by my Korean derm, who loves all natural lines with minimum ingredients and no preservatives, and I won't say anything more about this line until I've finished my 6 weeks, and can give you a better idea. :P

Anyhow, that is why I have not used BB creams in two weeks and forgot to review them. However, my suitcase is packed with BB creams I bought in Korea, and this is just another BB cream I could not resist picking up at the skin79 counter. 

To be fair, I was somewhat acquitanted with this BB cream since I bought it from Korea almost a year ago, and planned on using it. However, my young teenage cousin (male) came to visit and was so sick of his acne issue so that no girls would talk to him. He snatched the most masculine looking BB cream on my vanity and used it. He liked it so much that I gave it to him. So this is actually the first time I'm trying this BB cream on myself. 

So enough of my rambling and on to the actual review. :)

Skin79 Super Plus BB Cream VIP Gold Review

Many people have trouble distinguishing this BB cream from the VIP pink BB cream. They are after all so similar, with almost the same description, the same bottle structure, except for the color. I couldn't find that much difference between the two BB creams either, except for one thing. I discovered that this BB cream just might be the Hot Pink's twin sister for different skin types.

Skin79 Super Plus BB Cream Hot Pink Triple Functions Review

As I mentioned before, since I'm staying in Korea, I might as well try out some other BB creams. This is just another BB cream sample I picked up at the Skin79 counter with my purchase. I actually used this before for two weeks, but I wanted to get a sample to refresh my memory before I do the review (I actually tried a total of 60ish BB creams before :P) I didn't really expect much out of it. Skin79 is a good brand, so I expected it to be safe, but it's targeted to teenagers and people in their 20s, so I didn't really expect anything too great either. I guess I was just curious since I liked skin79's diamond total BB cream, and wanted to try out the entire line-up to see if there is something better out there. Well, I wouldn't say this is my favorite BB cream, but it is much more than I expected

Skin79 Lovely Girl BB Cream Review

Since I'm pretty much stuck in Korea for a while anyway, I decided to try out a few more BB creams, since the Korean counters are pretty generous with samples (when you buy another full sized product). So I went to the skin79 counter to buy another bottle of my beloved Diamond Total BB cream and asked for a few samples of a few other BB creams they carry. The samples are small, but since I only use a little BB cream anyway, each sample should last a week, which should be sufficient to do a review.

First off, this BB cream is designed for young girls between the ages of 17 to 22. I thought I barely fit into the age range, so I tried it. (lol, I'm not telling you my age, sorry). I can see how this BB cream would be targeted to the younger age range, because....

Skin79 Diamond Total BB Cream Review + Samples

This is the much awaited review of the skin79 Diamond BB cream in the dark pink bottle.

I first saw this online at the skin79 website. Since my friend, Lisa, was not impressed by the former "light pink" diamond collection, I thought nothing of buying it. However, while walking through a mall in Korea, I saw this on display at the skin79 counter, along with the rest of the collection. This collection was so beautiful that I couldn't drag myself away. I believe the whole collection contained three different kinds of BB creams, pressed powder, loose powder, twin cake, concealer, and blush. If I bought the entire collection, it would have been around $120. Frankly I was tempted, but recalled that I never cared for powder blush, concealer, or powder. I checked kimoko's reviews, and found that the BB cream that came in the bottle (not the tubes) was highly raved.

That afternoon, I bought this bottle. It contained powders of five precious stones, including diamond, which did not mean much to me. I love diamonds, and I take serious pleasure in wearing engagement ring consisting of diamonds and aquamarines, but it means nothing to me to wear diamond powder on my face.  To be honest, I was even afraid of the powder making the BB cream coarse, which would damage my skin. However, the BB cream is very creamy, and did not have beads, fragments, or anything of the like in it. 

The next day, I tried to put it on. I had some trouble at first, because I did not know that you were supposed to twist the head of the bottle before you could squeeze anything out. After I finally figured out how to open it, I spread a thin layer of BB cream on my face with my fingers. The result was a natural-matte finish. The coverage was sheer medium, since it covered some of my fading pimples, but did not cover the new ones. (I was getting pimples from my trial with the clarisonic, which turned out to be not so good. I'm sure it did not damage my skin, but.... well, I'll post a review soon :D)

My Quick Take:

Coverage: Sheer to medium. Very blendable, but not as layerable as some BB creams I've tried. What I mean is, you can pile on a pretty thick layer without caking, but the coverage would not increase dramatically (although it would increase some).  

Oil-control: I started oiling up around my nose after 7 hours without blotting or powder. However, the coverage and natural-matte finish lasted till I washed it off (11 hours after I put it on). 

Color: This has a sort of yellow undertone that would look quite flattering on most people, especially on photos. I feel it would be good for N15 to N35. 

Finish: No glowy look, just a very natural-matte finish as though I am wearing nothing. Very very natural. 

Special properties: Protecting, slightly moisturizing, evens skin tone, and good anti-aging properties. High SPF factor of 37, which I like. 

Overall: For a while, I was ready to acknowledge this as my HG since it is so pretty, and fit all of my criteria. However, I found that the healing properties are not as prominent as that of some other BB creams. The healing property is as good as all the other ones (VOV, Jadilla J) I've tried, but I've heard of more "miraculous" creams, so I'm still on a search for those.

Generally, however, this BB cream does shrink my pimples, and fade my pimple marks faster.

In a word, this BB cream is really good for mostly clear skin (or not inflated skin with whiteheads and blackheads) needing sheer medium coverage. It looks VERY natural, and GREAT in pictures!

Samples:

5ml: $6 plus shipping (can be combined, and should be under $3)

email me for larger samples or the whole bottle

Going wild shopping in Korea!

Of course, this is not all my stuff. I CPed some of those for my lovely friends back home. :) I am still in Korea...more reviews coming up!

Update

Hey girls! I am still in Korea because of some messy business. However, my coworker is bringing back all the CPs for me, and they should arrive at your places by next Friday. :) I will probably stay for another two weeks, but I am busy testing (and I might add, buying) a lot of BB creams and lipsticks. I am also checking into quite a few liptints and lipstains. I've found that some work very well with my natural look, and lifestyle. I can apply stain twice a day and apply lip balms on top when I'm extra busy.
I got a clarisonic pro for $90 at a Korean promotion, yay!
BB creams I am loving:
1. Hanskin BB cream Super SPF 30

As many bloggers said, this one is pretty thick in texture and will give you full coverage if you are not careful with application. I don't like going full coverage even though I might have a few pimples lurking around due to the purge clarisonic is giving me. Hanskin clears them up very fast. I like to apply directly after skincare so that I can easily apply a thinner layer. I usually wait a few minutes between moisturizer and BB cream.
2. Skin79 Diamond Total BB cream SPF 37

When I looked into this BB cream, I was incredulous. It has most of the things I look for in a BB cream and sounded perfect. Plus, it has pretty good reviews. When I tried it, I was not disappointed, and for a while, I was ready to acknowledge this as a possible HG. Not to sound shallow, the packaging looks like a HG product. :)

This is just a sneek preview. Reviews will be coming up within two weeks, after I've thoroughly tested the products. Oh, and btw, I've also got half a dozen of other BB creams that are not bad either. :)