Monday, February 17, 2014

smashbox camera ready BB Cream: Swatches + Review!


Considering I just posted a first impression/review video on this BB Cream up on my YouTube channel, I figured I should probably put together this blog post that was kind of sort of supposed to go along with it… I refuse to sing "Nobody's Perfect" for you all at the moment so just take my word on it: I'm flawed. Which is actually the perfect transition into a BB Cream review if I do say so myself!! Funny how stream of consciousness writing works out like that sometimes (I'd like to think I'm innately clever but the other 99% of my life proves otherwise).



Like I mentioned in my "What I Got For Christmas 2013" video this BB cream was actually one of the main reasons why I splurged on the Sephora SUPERSTARS kit in the first place. It was something my mom had purchased back in the day (she had gotten a lovely 'makeover' by a smashbox lady at Sephora one day and this BB cream was one of the things that impressed her) so, as you do, I had tried it out for myself and remembered really liking it as well. Now that I know 'makeup things', however, I wanted to see if my memories were as accurate as I often like to think.

The first thing that I noticed and remembered was the shade; I'm fairly positive when smashbox first released this line of BB creams they only had three shades available (light, medium, and dark) but now that they've gained popularity in the beauty community the line has expanded to eight shades. It's not the perfect shade selection but it sure is better than the original three! Another thing that I remembered was the thickness of the BB cream itself. I'm far more used to using runnier (though far from watery) foundations so the utter body in this cream was quite new to me. It's hard to say why exactly it's such a thick formula but I've got a feeling it has to do with the moisturizing and SPF (this stuff smells like straight up sunscreen so be wary if that's something that bothers you) qualities involved in the BB cream.


The first time (okay it was the first multiple times but who's counting?) I applied the smashbox camera ready BB Cream it was a bit of a mess… or, if I'm being honest, a lot of a mess. This stuff definitely has a learning curve involved if you're used to using foundations rather than tinted moisturizers (which is all American BB Creams are if you haven't figured that one out already); it settles into nose pores extremely easily and can also look streaky if you're not meticulous with blending. At first I thought it was because I had used a primer underneath but later found out through experimentation that this stuff looks much worse on my skin without any primer at all. So, overall, it just takes some work on the user's part. Using a very dense, flat angled foundation brush has made blending a bit easier and provides more 'flawless' results while the bit with the nose pores… well, I'm still working on that (I basically just try to avoid that area of my face while I figure it out).


Overall though I think the results look quite nice for days when you're not really trying to impress anyone but still want to look semi-put-together. The smashbox camera ready BB Cream evens out skin while providing a nice dose of moisture and sun protection. It's not the best at controlling oil (my nose and forehead definitely feel greasy a few hours in) and, if you have dark spots or redness, you're going to want to use a separate concealer on those areas because this BB Cream will fade a bit throughout the day and allow those areas to peek through.
I'm not sure that I'd repurchase this BB Cream but it's definitely not something I'll be suffering through while using it up. I think it's worth a try if you're looking for a decent tinted moisturizer though! And remember: samples from Sephora are always your best friend *wink wink*.

Have you tried the smashbox camera ready BB Cream?
Love it? Hate it?
What's your favorite face product for lazy errand-running/class lecture-filled days?
Do share!

xoxo - Cassie

14 comments:

  1. I did try a sample of the Smashbox BB cream and had the same experience as you... Clinging to dry patches, oily on my chin and forehead at the end of the day, and hardly covered my redness. Not my favorite face product honestly, I'm sticking to my Garnier BB cream for oily skin. :) By the way... I picked up Covergirl's 3 in 1 foundation per your review, I cannot wait to test that baby out!

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    1. People keep mentioning that Garnier BB cream and it's making me really curious to try it out!! And ooo I hope you love the CoverGirl foundation; seriously it's one of my favorites even to this day :)

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  2. I haven't tried the Smashbox BB cream, but I do kind of love BB creams (if they're actual BB creams...you know what I mean). I use one from Skin79, but recently I've been really liking the Pond's BB cream for those no-makeup-but-makeup days. It does a good job evening out tone and it's very moisturizing (my skin has been BONE DRY lately).

    And I watched your video and thought it was so sweet! I'm so glad you liked the package. I actually bought you one of those Lindt packs and then accidentally ate all of them myself, so I had to go buy you another one to send. Confessions.

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    1. I've always wanted to be able to try real BB creams but I'm pretty positive the shades they make would ever be right for my skin… I'm just not porcelain enough! Also, I've heard good things about the Pond's BB cream and I'm intrigued especially if you give it a thumbs up. And yeah I just HAD to thank you/show you the tears you induced with your lovely package haha. So glad to hear you got some chocolate out of the whole thing as well even if it meant you had to go buy me another package hahahah I'm proud of you.

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  3. I think I might have to skip on this one! The price is a tad too high for me if it's messy and clings to dry patches! Great review!

    www.lilting-grace.blogspot.com

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    1. Yeah I don't blame you Louise! I think the price is too high for what the product is/does :(

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  4. I've tried the garnier BB cream, and yeah, nothing but tinted moisturizer! I've also used Clinique's City Face with SPF 40 for days when I'm lazy yet know I'm going to be outside in the California sun. How do you feel about CC creams? Do you have any recommendations for those? I'm using some that I got in my Birchbox and/or ipsy bag and they are okay, plus I also have Clinique's CC cream. All of them are fine, which ones I use depends on how dry or oily my face is feeling on that particular day.

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    1. Yup they're definitely just tinted moisturizers haha! And honestly I've never tried a CC cream because I feel like they're just another marketing ploy… I do have a baby sample from stila though that I'm planning on doing a first impression/review video on so look out for that in the future :D

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  5. Looks like it provides light, natural coverage for days when you might not want to wear a full on foundation. The application sounds a bit tricky and slightly labour-intensive, lol. My favourite tinted moisturiser (which is basically the same as BB cream, right?) is the Laura Mercier one, though Garnier do a good one for oily/combination skin as well :)

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    1. Yeah the application process is a bit annoying but oh well; you win some you lose some!! And thanks for the recommendations I'm definitely curious to look into both of those! :)

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  6. I can definitely a light coverage and evening out of your complexion, it looks very natural and great for casual days. I however prefer asian bb creams that are usually medium to full coverage like foundations. I prefer something full coverage that I can sheer out mixing with something.

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    1. It really is great for casual days; I'm loving it for those purposes!! Glad to hear you love real BB creams though, I'm jealous! I wish I had light enough skin for them :(

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  7. I got a sample of it when it came out a while ago and it was probably my favorite BB cream I have tried! It looks gorgeous on you!
    - Andrea Marie xx
    frominsidemycloset.com

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    1. I'm glad you really like this BB cream! I haven't tried any other ones so I don't really have anything to compare it to but I figure it's one of the better ones since it was deemed a 'favorite' haha. Thanks so much Andrea! <3

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