Smashbox • Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 • BB Cream

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yelloweed on 6/9/2012 8:59:00 PM more reviews by yelloweed

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Medium   Eyes: Black    

I have been wanting to try BB Creams since it became popular with YouTube makeup gurus. Not wanting to buy from Ebay I was glad when Smashbox created their own line. I bought the Light/Medium shade at Sephora and tried it on several times.

I wanted to like this product because I paid $40 for this bottle but it has failed on me repeatedly.

It flaked on my skin even with primer. The flaking looked disgusting and was so embarrassing. I had a few meetings and people pointed out that my make up was melting or that I looked like I'm peeling.

It did not completely covered my imperfections. I still had to use a concealer. I thought BB creams are meant to be an all-in-one base for face.

The worst part is that I feel this sting on my skin after a few minutes of application (with or without a primer). After an hour of it on my face, I would develop this unbearable rash across my face and chin - like a sunburn. It hurts a lot and itches like crazy that I have to wash off all my make up. I am left with no choice but to go make up free until I the allergy goes away.

This was a complete waste of my money.

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champagneshadow on 6/7/2012 3:18:00 PM more reviews by champagneshadow

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I think that a lot of disappointment in various BB Creams has come from the hype surrounding them. They will not change your life or even your skin; or at least the domestic ones won't. I haven't tried the import products myself however. As far as this product goes it has a lot of great positives but some pretty bad negatives as well. To me (and to many others judging from the boards on here and Sephora) this is more or less a tinted moisturizer; I typically use Laura Mercier SPF 20 when I wear tinted moisturizer (usually on the hotter days of summer when I plan on being outside a lot). Being that I find the two products to more or less serve the same purpose I can't help but compare the two...here's how they stacked up:

Price: Laura Mercier is the winner. At Sephora.com 1.5 oz of this product is sold for $42 vs 1 oz sold of Sephora BB Cream for $39. An extra 50% of product for $3? Yes please!

Look: Toss up. Neither one of them provide the amount of coverage I like for just an every day look; hence I just use this type of deal outdoors on really warm California summer days. I like to mix it with Nars Illuminator in Orgasm and apply Bare Minerals Foundation in light amounts over it for a more matte look and of course Bare Minerals Mineral Veil over all of it for an even more mattifying effect.

Sun Protection: This is where the Smashbox BB is the big winner. SPF 35 vs SPF 20.

Overall Feel: I have to say I like the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer a lot better. It's a much "lighter" feel when applied vs the Smashbox which I can definitely feel on my face.

All in all I'm seriously considering taking this product back and exchanging it for the Dr. Jart BB SPF 45 sold at Sephora. Pretty much the only reason I would use the Smashbox over the Laura Mercier is the SPF and Dr. Jart gets better reviews with a higher SPF. I am anxious to see if Dr. Jart as a BB cream is comparable to tinted moisturizer as well or if it's a different beast altogether. Stay tuned!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

flamingoyo on 6/7/2012 1:34:00 PM more reviews by flamingoyo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Ever since I've heard the buzz about BB creams, I've been dying to try one. I finally bought the Smashbox one, after a salesclerk at Sephora suggested it over the other brands. I have fair to medium skin, with no problems. I don't usually wear foundation because I don't need it, so dropping 50 bucks on this was a little painful, but I had to try it. I've since learned that, for me, the best way to apply it was straight after moisturizing my skin: it goes on so smoothly and evenly in comparison to when I don't moisturize. It really evens out my skin tone and gives it a dewy glow without making it look greasy, and it compliments my blush perfectly. A little goes a long way, so I know it'll last me a while, which I'm grateful for because of the price. The only factor, besides the price, is that I've yet to notice any improvement with my skin, although I was blessed with a pretty good complexion so I have no idea if that's why I haven't seen any difference. I really love that it has a high SPF, another reason I've been applying it daily. All in all, I really enjoy the product, the packaging itself is a no muss, no fuss type of deal and it does what it advertises. I just wish the price was a bit lower. The fact that it was only 10 bucks cheaper than the Dior BB cream did not sit well with me.

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ggalie on 6/6/2012 10:06:00 PM more reviews by ggalie

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I want to like this, I really do, but I just don't. I haven't noticed improvement in my skin (one of the "benefits" of a BB cream), and I don't think it provides very much coverage. It's nice when my skin is a little tanner (I bought medium-light) and my complexion has no problems, but when I'm paler and have a couple problem areas it does nothing. I also think it makes me feel oily as the day goes by. It blends in nicely but after a while it practically disappears, NOT what I paid for!

Not a bad product but for the price but not great, I won't buy it again.

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KellynElise on 6/6/2012 6:43:00 PM more reviews by KellynElise

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I got a sample of this at Sephora in the color Light. I have never tried another BB cream, and now I will never need to! It blended very smoothly into my skin and looks very natural and even. It did not, however, cover blemishes very well, but this was to be expected due to the light coverage a BB cream offers. The only downside to this was the $39 price tag. This product will not become a staple in my collection by any means because it's a tad pricey, but I love it nevertheless and would repurchase!

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makeupizmypassion on 6/6/2012 1:27:00 AM more reviews by makeupizmypassion

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This is the first bb cream I have tried and I love it. It gives a light to medium coverage and a very natural look to the skin. With my concealer and powder i think it gives me a medium coverage.
What drew me to this particular bb cream was the claim to control oil. It controls my extremely oily skin and lasts all day when set with a powder. I love the soft matte finish it gives to my skin, it gives my skin a healthy glow without looking to dewy or oily.
I was really hesitant to buy the bb cream because the shade range isn't very good, I have the palest skin and was worried the fair woud be to dark on me. The fair shade is a true fair shade and matches my skin perfectly, It is not to yellow or pink undertoned either!
The consistency is very thick which made it a bit difficult to blend compared to a tinted moisturiser but I found the perfect way to apply this bb cream is with a wet makeup sponge. I like to set my bb cream with my Mac Mineralise Skin Finish Natural which gives a but more coverage and makes it last all day long.
I was pleasantly surprised when I took the bb cream off at night how soft my skin felt and with continual use it has made my skin baby soft!! I love the fact it also has SPF 35 but the bb cream does smell like sunscreen. It doesn't bother me because it's not a strong unpleasant smell and you can only smell it when applying the bb cream.
The price!!! I payed $54.95 in Australia!! I would have given it 5 stars if it wasn't so expensive. When I got it in the mail I was so shocked how small the bb cream was for $54.95. But I would purchase it again because it's the best foundation I have ever purchased. Overall I think it's a great product whether you use it as a light foundation or under your foundation as a primer I think it is a great product.

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Blah15 on 6/5/2012 9:11:00 PM more reviews by Blah15

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

The shade "light" is the only face makeup to match me perfectly!! Too bad this bb cream isn't for my dry skin. It isn't moisturizing at all and has a thick consistency. Still on the hunt for the perfect face MU :(

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*TOP REVIEWER* Gingerbelle8 on 6/4/2012 2:02:00 AM more reviews by Gingerbelle8

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

At first I really liked this product because it is a nice thicker consistency and blends quite well. But after several uses I was finding it showed my flaky skin bits around my chin, upper lip and around my nose!! Ugh!! Even my husband pointed it out at the grocery store because the lighting there is super bright. He was trying to pick off the dead skin. LOL!! I like trying new products and I was using Dr Jart BB cream but it was too white for my skin but covered well. I figured with a North American brand I was sure to find a similar experience with a north American skin tone (even tho I'm Asian...but I am not paler than pale.) I find Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer in bisque is perfect for my skin and doesn't exaggerate any dry spots. But I was wanting a little more coverage...but less than foundation. I won't be getting this BB cream again. And it smells of SPF pretty bad too.

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*TOP REVIEWER* jarona on 6/2/2012 9:01:00 AM more reviews by jarona

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Very Dry, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

In my quest for the perfect BB Cream, Smashbox has not afforded perfection for my skin type. Here's the story: I've been trying many BB creams before making a final decision to purchase. (FYI--Boscia is the one for me). On a whim, I figured I would try this out. While in Nordstrom, one of the Smashbox S/A's gave me a sample in the "Light" tint. As I had tried the "Fair" and the "light" on my hand, I mentioned that the light was far too yellow for my skin. She said. "No it's not"...and gave me this light sample. First of all, I know my coloring. This "light" just wasn't for me. My skin looked jaundiced as though I was on a 20-year bender. Not a good look--especially for a woman in her 50's. Secondly, this is not as hydrating as the Dr. Jart or the Boscia (sorry for the poor spelling). My skin is very dry and I really need a super-hydrating product. Application is "meh". It doesn't go on as well as the other BB creams I've tried. Look..I realize very much that what may work for others may or may not work for me--and visa versa. It all depends on your skin's characteristics and your coloring. Smashbox BB cream just is not a good choice if your skin is very fair, freckled, dry..AND shall I add "mature"? I did give it 3 lipsticks on the price because I don't think it is any more expensive than other BB cremes that I've tried. Also, I don't think the packaging is bad either. This just does not work for me. Thank you for reading this review and have a wonderful weekend!

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

lulucitron on 5/27/2012 11:50:00 PM more reviews by lulucitron

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I love this product. It is expensive but I am saving money not having to purchase a separate moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock...this has all of these items in one package.

I tried the garnier bb cream and it made me break out plus I didn't like the greasy feeling it left on my skin. Smashbox leaves a silky matte finish that is easy to apply and doesn't require much product. A pea size drop on each of my cheeks, forehead and half a pea size on my nose and chin does the job. It lasts all day and looks fresh and natural.

I didn't think I'd find something to replace my laura mercier tinted moisturizer, but I certainly did! It has found a permanent home in my makeup bag.

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evosmalls on 5/20/2012 9:28:00 PM more reviews by evosmalls

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I got a sample of this in Light and really wish they had the Light/Medium in stock. Kept shine away all day! Texture was great and didn't make me feel like I was wearing anything. Definitely need to get a hold of Light/Medium. I just wish you got a little more product for the $39.

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megheartsshoes on 5/20/2012 3:45:00 PM more reviews by megheartsshoes

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

i feel like i can't give this 5 stars simply because i haven't tried enough bb creams to compare it to, but i absolutely love this product. am already hoarding it because i don't ever want to run out! i'm a never-leave-the-house-without-a-little-makeup girl, though i do like a light hand and a very natural look. tinted moisturizers have been a standby for me, though i always wished i could get a little bit more coverage.

enter smashbox bb cream! this cream looks gorgeously natural, gives my dry skin a beautiful glow, and adds enough hydration that my skin feels lovely. it's easy to build for more coverage, so i can often skip concealer unless i have a breakout that needs something more heavy-duty.

love this!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

pinkwings07 on 5/18/2012 3:54:00 PM more reviews by pinkwings07

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

When this first came out it was hard to go anywhere online and not see it adverstised, so while at the store one day I purchased it. Its okay, I use it as a primer and then put my foundation over it, I switch between liquid and powder foundation and it looks nice under both. I read some reviews where it was used alone as a foundation, for me personally it doesnt give a good enough cover to hide imperfections. Although I'm happy with the product I dont think its a necessity for my makeup drawer and I wont be purchasing again.I think I can find something else just as good at a lower price.

*pinkwings*

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ClaraJ23 on 5/6/2012 9:46:00 PM more reviews by ClaraJ23

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I am not really a huge foundation fan but this stuff goes on super easy and blends really nicely. Stays on all day and keeps shine at bay. I will definitely purchase again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* makeupdee on 4/21/2012 2:10:00 AM more reviews by makeupdee

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using a sample of this for the past week, in conjunction with Kiehl's Ultra Facial cream, and my skin has been just the best ever... not exactly sure which of the 2 products is the most responsible for it, but my skin looks totally even, no breakouts, small pores, and stays just nice and matte and great looking even at the end of the day. I really like the coverage-- it's the perfect amount -- more than a tinted moisturizer but it still lets some skin show through. It does actually seem like it's doing something therapeutic for my skin, because I can honestly say this is the first foundation/coverage product I've used that doesn't have any negative effect on my skin and actually seems to leave it in better shape. They were out of the Light/Medium, so I've been using the Light shade, which isn't bad, but Light/Medium seems to be the perfect shade and especially for summer. I only wish it weren't so expensive.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

daisyeyes on 4/10/2012 4:31:00 PM more reviews by daisyeyes

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I love this stuff! It goes on easily, lasts all day. More coverage than other BBs or TMs, but not too much. Had great luck with its sunscreen properties on a recent beach vacation. As others have mentioned, it is expensive. One tube will last a long time, though. It only takes a small amount to cover your face.

It gives a slightly dewy finish, less than Boscia BB, which I am currently sampling and think is a bit oily. (I have normal to dry skin.) It stays put and doesn't settle into fine lines. I finish with MUFE finishing powder and usually blot mid-day with Clean & Clear blotting papers. That's all I need to keep it looking fresh.

I like that this comes in four or five colors. I am NW15 and ended up buying both fair and light. Fair is really, really light. Light is a bit dark for me, although I could probably get away with it alone in summertime. I mix them in varying proportions according to the look I want and the lighting I will be in.

Get a Sephora CM to make you a sample pot of this. It's worth trying!

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

meertiger on 4/6/2012 9:12:00 PM more reviews by meertiger

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is my current favorite to use as foundation. I don't use any primer with this, and since it has SPF I don't have to use sunscreen with it either. The consistency is thick and creamy, and it spreads well on the skin. I have rather oily skin, and set with powder this lasts on me the whole day! The coverage isn't too heavy but i can be sheered out or built up. For me, this is a daily staple that I absolutely love! I own the color fair.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

lekiss on 4/5/2012 11:32:00 PM more reviews by lekiss

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

So I have NEVER felt compelled to write a review, even coming across some amazing products throughout my time, but this was too amazing to NOT write! I am the type of person who is OCD about my skincare (I learned as I got into my early to mid 20s) and I'd rather not wear makeup than wear cake face and have my flaws even more pronounced than before. That being said, I have tried it all - don't we all say that? Haha. Truly, though, I thought my new go-to was the Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid, until I realized that no matter what I did, it sucked out all the moisture in my skin and left dry patches, but then by the end of the day it would pool in my t-zone/pores -I'm actually oily and acne prone, but as I'm approaching my mid 20s, my skin has changed and has become dehydrated in some areas. This bb cream IS drying - so you must moisturize before you put it on; but I am an avid skincare aficionado, so this is just like my regular routine. Skincare is skincare and makeup is makeup (in my opinion, of course). No other makeup has stayed on my face so well AND when I do get oily, it doesn't emphasize or pool into pores - it just becomes dewy/glowy and I use my Sephora Matte blotting papers and it does the trick! The MUA at Smashbox showed me a new way to apply it - and it turns out I was using too much! Squeeze half a pea, or pearl sized amount into your palm, take your three fingers and work it in, then press and dab into your face! Voila - the results are literally, unbelievable. From Nars to Chanel to Estee Lauder (I could name many more!), this is the product for me. I can't believe I have found something that works - and no, I don't believe the bb cream hype about the 395823532 benefits for your skin. Like, I said, I separate the two aspects of skincare and cosmetics. But, as a cosmetic, I will say this is TOP NOTCH! Get this, you won't regret it.

13 out of 13 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* graceface07 on 4/1/2012 11:43:00 PM more reviews by graceface07

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

received a sample at ultra and i am SOLD! i didn't understand "bb" cream but after putting this on my skin felt and looked amazing/ matte yet fresh and evened out. I couldn't stop looking - was this my skin? looked so natural! the next day my friend who had the same sample agreed. we had to go back and get this. I have tried other smash box liquid foundations in the past and was disappointed so congratulations smash box you have a winner! I'm in love! truly felt camera ready,

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rheaZ on 4/1/2012 3:06:00 PM more reviews by rheaZ

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown, Wavy   Eyes: Brown    

I'm a MUFE 153 (somewhere between nc40/42) and I picked up this product in the medium shade to see what all the bb hype was about. I felt it was overpriced at $39, but I had a coupon and some stuff to return at Sephora so I ended up paying $24 which wasn't too bad.
I have combination skin with oily and dry patches, and I found the texture of this BB to be a bit too dry out the tube. If I want to be able to blend it at all, I need to mix in some jojoba oil or a bit of moisturizer. Once I do that, it blends beautifully, but for the cost I'd expect this product to carry it's own weight and work alone.
The shade is a little dark for me, but will probably be perfect for the summer months. I doubt I'll be repurchasing because I've found a better color match in Missha's #31.
In Smashbox's defense, this stuff sits quite lightly on the skin and it's easy to forget you're wearing it. However that might be because at 40 bucks an ounce, I'm quite reluctant to use a large amount in one sitting and tend to spread it thin.

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