DD creams (daily defence or dynamic do-all) are supposed to be even lighter than BB or CC creams (read my reviews here and here respectively). These creams have also brightening and anti-ageing ingredients and provide SPF. Are they really that different to have their own category in the alphabet system? Well, I think that all these are marketing techniques to create trends in beauty that we as beauty junkies will follow.
However, for the sake of this blog (that is always my lame excuse) I have tried and tested Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse DD cream. Nuxe describes it as a daily defence moisturising and beautifying tinted cream that not only does it moisturise and beautify the skin but it also provides protection from stress, pollution and UVA/UVB with SPF 30. I have used it both with moisturiser and on its own with just a bit of serum underneath and I can say that both ways worked for me, depending always on the weather. The consistency is quite thick and creamy and needs quite an effort to blend it (fingers or kabuki brush) and make it look flawless on the skin. The coverage is great and it can be compared to foundations rather than tinted moisturisers. It needs a little setting powder especially in your T-zone since the finish is more on the dewy side.
The negative part is that there is a limited shade range (again), just three colours (light, medium, dark) and its quite difficult to find a match. I have the medium one which is ok for me only during the summer. So if you find a match, I think it is a good product with a decent price which provides great coverage, protection and moisture for every day use.
Have you tried any DD creams?
I'd love to read your thoughts.
xo
Mary
CC creams (colour correcting or complexion correcting) are supposed to be lighter in texture than BB creams (read my post here) since their main purpose is to address complexion issues such as uneven tone and pigmentation. It can be said that CC creams are a better version of BB creams with more brightening ingredients. Moreover, not only do they provide concealing without a heavy finish, but also anti-ageing properties, SPF and hydrating ingredients too.
I have tried and tested a couple of CC creams, the Phytomer CC Skin Perfecting Cream (read my review here) and the Chanel CC Complete Correction cream. I got a really generous sample from the Chanel one last summer and liked it a lot. The price however was holding me back (€66 for 30ml) but finally I buckled in Xmas sales. And never regretted it.
Chanel claims that this cream benefits your skin in 5 steps. It corrects, soothes, moisturises, protects and perfects. And -0h my- I agree. You need nothing but a serum or a primer and a setting powder and off you go. It is a multi-functional product that solves the problem for those who don't want too many steps in their beauty routine.
For me, the most important factor is the SPF 50. This is the main reason I got into the alphabet skincare system anyway. I don't like using a moisturizer, a sunscreen and my foundation on top of them. I feel my skin gets clogged and does not breath. Chanel manages to cover all these needs and the high SPF which I need all year round (don't forget I live in Greece!)
At first you'll think the product comes quite thick but when you apply it on your skin it melts. I totally recommend fingers to do the job, and not too much product. Although it gives you a light to medium coverage, you can built thin layers with gentle motions. The finish is dewy (which I love) but if you want to last a bit longer you can set it with a translucent powder.
Overall this CC cream is one my favourite multi-functional products. There are cons though, the high price, the limited shade range (I am a true 30 match) and the floral scent (this particular we all know in Chanel products) but instead of buying a moisturiser, a sunscreen and a foundation you can have it all in one product. Sounds like a win-win to me!
Have you tried Chanel's CC cream?
What are your thoughts?
xo
Mary
The summer is here and apart from the holidays we're all dreaming, we need to start thinking about SPF. The need for a little bit of coverage during the day alongside with the SPF lead us towards the Asian inspired BB, CC, DD and EE creams. This post will be divided in different parts and will try to decode and identify the differences between these creams helping you figure out which is the most suitable for you.
BB creams (beauty balms or blemish balms) provide not only coverage but beneficial skin care additives and SPF. There is a similarity noted with tinted moisturisers but BB creams take the beauty ritual one step further with moisturising agents like hyaluronic acid to hydrate and with anti-oxidants to help battle wrinkles. The best part is that there is one for every skin type and even people with problematic skin can find acne-friendly formulas that are oil and fragrance free.
The first and only BB cream I've tried is the Dior Hydra Life BB. It has a thick consistency and gives a medium to full coverage which is enough to cover imperfections and make your skin more even. It is better applied with fingers rather than a sponge or a brush and gives a natural glow. Mature skins will appreciate this product even more, since the hydration it provides makes your skin look plump. The colour range is a bit disappointing with only three shades which are quite salmony and peachy (I've got 002 Golden Peach). It is very pigmented and a little goes a long way. Combination and oily skins will definitely have to set it with powder and if you live in humid and hot climates take your powder in your bag, you'll need it during the day.
Overall, it is a good product that will offer you great coverage and SPF30, but I think is better for drier, more mature skins (if you match the shades). I also believe it does not behave well in extreme heat and humid weather, as it needs constant touch-ups.
Which is your favourite BB cream? Which one should I try next?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
PS. Keep in touch for the next part, CC creams.
PS 2. Just found out that this particular BB cream will be replaced by Hydra Life Water BB. Sounds really interesting!
xo
Mary
