Bobbi Brown’s BB Cream – swatches and review

August 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

I’ve managed to keep the hype at arm’s length until Bobbi Brown joined the party. I grew up with Clinique thinking that was the only option for me – forever reigned in by the silver and medical white finishes. Soft, inviting and good for you.  Well, I lost the Clinique shackles last year and purchased Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation for those days when I felt I needed a bit more coverage.  It blends and builds up in an instant and leaves me with a soft and natural finish.  If Bobbi’s foundation can do that, then obviously I had to get well-acquainted with her BB Cream.

Call it what you will – beauty balm, blemish balm, etc., etc.  BB Cream was originally used on patients post-surgery and then made its way to the Far East where it captivated the Asian beauty market for decades. Finally, it was re-imagined for the Western world.  The accessibility of beauty balm is immense – from Maybelline to Smashbox, your options are endless.  It’s just a matter of finding the right formula for you.

Bobbi Brown’s BB Cream in “light”

Bobbi Brown’s BB Cream swatched on the inside of my arm

Breakdown of Bobbi’s formula:

  • Balances (moisturises), brightens (clearer complexion), renews (smooths) and protects (35 SPF).
  • Creamy consistency.
  • Blends well with your fingers or when using a foundation brush.  However, I found I needed more product when I used a brush.
  • My skin felt soft and touchable.
  • The plastic tube is great for travel.
  • I still feel compelled to use my facial moisturiser, because my skin’s been flaky thanks to the dry winter.
  • Kept the afternoon shine in my t-zone to a minimum.
  • Available in five shades: extra light, light, fair, medium & medium to dark

Wearing Bobbi Brown’s BB Cream

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Bobbi Brown’s BB Cream:

  • $60.00 AUS / $42.00 USD.  When I bought this last Thursday, the makeup artist told me it was going to retail for $75.00.  Boy, am I glad they came to their senses!

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

  • 8 out of 10 bags – I think I prefer her foundation over the beauty balm, but it’s nice to have options.

Likelihood to purchase again:

  • I really should’ve caught a whiff of Beach during my visit.  I can always go back ;)
*loving my lippie?  I’m wearing MAC’s Hot Gossip.  I’ve been toting this baby since November 2009.
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Essie’s Lovie Dovie – weekly nail review

August 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

“A perfect true flamingo pink.”

I get Pepto-Bismol or even a touch of Bazooka Joe.  Perhaps it’s the colour found underneath, but we wouldn’t want to ruffle a flamingo’s feathers would we now?  I don’t know what it would be like to be on their bad side and I don’t ever want to find out.

Let’s just enjoy Essie’s Lovie Dovie and call it a day.  Creamy pink, girly and brings a smile to my face.  That happy-go-lucky pink which sings spring is coming.  Only two more weeks my friends!

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Daily Dalliance: Bitten by Kevin Murphy’s Color Bug

August 19, 2012 by 4 Comments

If you were a Nickelodeon kid, you’ll remember the squishy Gak sold in those funky shaped containers – that’s the image that sprang to mind when I spied Kevin Murphy’s Color Bug hair shadow.

Where were we?  Oh, yes, Kevin Murphy’s Color Bug.  Small hand held jars of infinite goodness which can add a bit of flair to your hair.

Color Bug

Kevin Murphy released The Color Bug in 2011 to give commitment-phobes and adventurous gals alike the ability to colour their hair easily for an evening of frivolity.  After the fun was had, into the shower you go in order to shed the colour from your hair.  Simple as that.

I find myself in the commitment-phobe category, but always wanted a dose of colour in my hair that was unexpected and didn’t necessarily detract from my personality and look.  Color Bug has given me that chance to play.  If you want to go a bit further than I did, orange and pink Color Bugs are also available for purchase.

Step-by-step guide

Color Bugs are easy to use, but can get messy – grab that towel.  Make sure your hair is dry and even use a leave-in conditioner for girls with lighter hair; this helps to create a barrier and a base for the colour to hold onto. Then I reached for a section of hair I wanted to colour and sandwiched it between a tissue and the flat side of the applicator. I moved my hand in a downward motion a couple of times and massaged the excess in with the tissue. I chose random spots all over my head and worked away until I was satisfied.

A few things to note:

  • Some of the colour will come off when you brush your hair.
  • Use hairspray to help seal your handiwork.
  • Your hair will feel drier than usual; I think this has to do with the chalk quenching any moisture in your hair.
  • Check for colour fall out on your face and neck; you can wipe rogue hair chalk off with a damp cotton round.

Purple Color Bug swatch without flash

The results

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Kevin Murphy’s Color Bug:

  • $24.95 AUS

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

  • 10 out of 10 bags – cheap, temporary and simple.

Likelihood to purchase again:

  • My hair doesn’t really scream, “oh my, she has purple hair!” Which is what I was striving for. I might have to add pink to my rotation.
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