The Difference Between BB, CC and DD Creams

The Difference Between BB, CC & DD Creams (Click to enlarge)

BB Creams
BB cream stands for blemish balm, blemish base, beblesh balm (apparently because of a trademark in Korea on the word "blemish"), and in Western markets, beauty balm. It is a cosmetic item sold mainly in East and Southeast Asia, although the majority of larger beauty brands have introduced BB creams to Western markets. BB cream is promoted as an all-in-one facial cosmetic product to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock. It can be worn alone as a tinted moisturizer, over serum and moisturizer as a regular foundation, and under powder, depending on the desired amount of coverage. 

CC Creams
CC cream is a marketing term coined in the wake of the marketing term Blemish Balm cream or Beauty Balm. Both BB creams and CC creams are tinted moisturizers containing sun protection. There is no scientific definition for either term, nor is there quantifiable basis for difference between BB creams and CC creams: differences between the two vary from brand to brand. CC cream is used by some brands to mean Color Control cream, or Color Correcting cream, and some brands claim to reduce the appearance of skin redness or sallowness or to improve uneven skin tone. BB (Blemish Balm) cream was originally formulated in Germany and has in recent years gained popularity in Asia, and is also gaining popularity Europe and North America. Coverage can vary greatly among the different brands, and differences are more often than not minimal when compared to BB creams. Some users apply them as primers rather than as a replacement for foundation. If you're acne-prone, have dull skin, dark spots or constant redness, CC cream is for you. Use CC cream to help with redness, acne, dark spots, sallowness and more. It's also lighter than BB cream! 

DD Creams
DD creams combine the power and benefits of both BB and CC creams. However, their primary focus is anti-aging. The anti-aging speciality of the cream works to diminish wrinkles and fine lines throughout use. Additionally, DD cream will balance skin tone and protect the most sensitive areas of your skin. Supposedly, you'll really see improvements in your skin with continued use, so use often and incorporate it into your daily routine! DD cream's strongest selling point is their anti-aging benefits. If you're looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, this cream is the cream for you. 

Source: Wikipedia & Marie Claire

Product Review: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion

Some of you might have heard of the new Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion from Estee Lauder. It was launched early this year. I'm so excited to share with you all about this product. For your information, I've been using this product for 2 months now. And, I'm quite amazed with the result.

About this product:
Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion repairs the look of past damage around the eyes. It super-potent, fast-penetrating serum helps dramatically reduce the look of every key sign of aging around the fragile eye area like fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles and dryness. Their exclusive Chronolux™ Technology helps skin optimize its natural repair processes to reduce the look of the fine lines and wrinkles that can appear first around your eyes.

This lightweight and fragrance-free eye serum is formulated with anti-pollution technology to help significantly inhibit the appearance of visible damage from environmental assaults. It creates the optimal environment to keep your eyes looking younger, healthy and radiant. Hyaluronic acid helps skin lock in moisture and strengthen its protective moisture barrier. Powerful anti-oxidants help neutralize environmentally generated free radicals before they can cause future damage.

Here's my review:
I think this is phenomenal and it has been the best eye serum so far for me compared to what I've used before. It comes in a 15ml bottle with a pump applicator. I like the packaging and it's easy to use. The first time I tried, especially in the first week, I was blown away by it. My under eyes are more supple, smooth, silky, soothing and hydrated after that. It did a great job in reducing my dark circles, fine lines and puffiness, too. From the moment I applied, I can feel the sensation somewhere. I like the texture of the serum and feeling of complete comfort on skin that it leaves. I like it lightweight as I'm aware of my delicate and thin skin. This product seems to have balanced out my skin really well. I can see huge difference and improvement under my eyes ever since I started using it which I feel incredible. I apply it every day morning and evening before my usual moisturiser. I pump a pea-size drop which is more than enough for both eyes and then dab it around the eyes using my ring finger. I gently massage the serum until it is fully absorbed. The only drawback is the price. Although it's pricey but a little will go a long way and it is worth it.

Ingredients:

Click here to enlarge

How to use:
Apply AM and PM to clean skin around eye area. Use alone or under your targeted eye creme.

Have you tried this product?

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence aka Miracle Water

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (75ml)

I'm sure we've all heard miracle stories about SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (FTE) or so called "Miracle Water" where it can transform all 5 dimensions of your skin to become crystal clear. FTE has been for over 30 years and still remains as one of SK-II's best-sellers.

Here are the 5 dimensions:

Click to enlarge

SK-II is a Japanese brand loved by many Asians for their signature ingredient, Pitera. Pitera, a 'Secret Key' to beautiful skin is a singular blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids that work together to help restore the appearance of your skin's outer layers, by enabling the skin's natural surface rejuvenation process to function at its prime. Today, scientists continue to marry this miracle of nature with breakthrough science in the advanced skincare line SK-II - which, like Pitera, combines nature's purity, incorporates timeless rituals for body and soul together with modern technology to restore the natural beauty of your skin.

SK-II Pitera Essence Trial Set

I bought this product on a recommendation from my younger sister and apart from that I've heard lots of good reviews about it. My sister has told me that most of her friends are using this product and their faces have turned out to be softer, flawless and fairer. So I decided to try it out. My first try was the SK-II Pitera Essence Trial Set and that was 3 months ago. This trial set includes SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (75ml), SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (40ml) and SK-II Facial Treatment Mask (picture above). A bit about my skin. I'm currently in my mid-30s and have dry skin type. I also have some pigmentation, uneven skin tone and dull skin. I notice that after application, my skin becomes supple and softer, fairer and brighter in just 3 days. After two weeks, not only does my pigmentation appear lesser but my skin also becomes moisturised and I noticed a reduction of fine lines under eye, too. It really keeps my skin crystal clear and moisturised all day. In fact, I wasn't expecting anything special like this before. I use FTE everyday (daytime only) without fail before applying my preferred skincare product. And, it blends well with it. For 75ml of FTE, it lasted me a month plus. Although it doesn't come cheap, it's worth it. Thumbs up to FTE!!

How to apply? Sprinkle about a teaspoon of FTE into the cupped palm of your hand. Rub hands together and press gently and evenly onto face and neck. Your skin will absorb the Essence quickly and naturally. You can also soak a cotton pad and gently pat it onto your face and neck.

Have you tried this product?

Product Review: Nature Republic Catching Star Jewel Shimmering Powder Pact

I'm going to review the Nature Republic Catching Star Jewel Shimmering Powder Pact today, which I have been using nearly every day since I got it 2 months ago. I love this product because it saves my time whenever I'm in a hurry :) Why do I say that? Because it can be worn alone without foundation. It is already a brightening powder foundation by itself and it has SPF 25 PA ++. This product comes in two colours, namely Pink Beige (01) and Natural Beige (02). The one I have is in Pink Beige.

So, how well does it cover the flaws? See it for yourself. On my left, you can see that it evens out my skintone perfectly. I swept it on with the applicator. It glides easily on my skin. It gives me light to medium coverage. I love it for the lightweight feel and it doesn't break me out. Unfortunately, I notice that it does not last for the whole day. Every 4 hours, I have to reapply again. That's why I always bring it around with me wherever I go.

Click to enlarge (FYI, it's all written in Korean )

I love the packaging and the lovely smells, too... I am all about sparkle and usually love stuff like this. But honestly, the sparkle or shimmer is great! Once you apply it, it really brighten up your skin :) This product is suitable for all skin types. For those with oily skin, this product does control oil, according to the sales rep.

Product Review: Nature Republic Advanced Cell Boosting Ex BB Cream

In my previous posts, I did reviews on Skin79 Oriental Gold BB Cream and The Face Shop The Skin Extra BB Cream SPF20 PA++. But, this time would be Nature Republic Advanced Cell Boosting Ex BB Cream SPF30. I've been using this product for a month or two and I think I've used it enough times now to give you a little review.

Click here to enlarge

I like the packaging and it pumps out the cream easily. I've already liked it the first time I used it. This cream is a lot thicker and easier to blend out. It's up to you how much thicker you want it to be. The thicker you apply, the more coverage you get. It has SPF 30 in it which will help protect the skin from the sun. The sales rep told me, there is no need to apply moisturizer anymore as it already has moisturizer in it. I've tried applying it a few different ways now, and the best way that I can work with is to use a primer/moisturizer beforehand and blend out with my fingertips. I don't use brush as it leaves steaks of the BB Cream. As far as coverage goes, it surprises me as it offers me better long-lasting coverage and it does help to even out my skin tone.

Product Review: Benefit Eyecon Brightening Eye Cream

I bought this product to get rid of my dark circles and fine lines. I use it every morning and night and have seen only minor result especially for my dark circles. I dab it on my middle finger and dot it under my eye area and pat the cream into my skin.

Swatch

What I like about this product is that it reduces my fine lines and soften/hydrate my under eye area which is so sensitive and thin. It is a good moisturizing eye cream, I must say and it does have a nice texture.

 Click to enlarge

For my dark circles, it didn't seem to lighten and fade since the day I've bought it (ie. it's been 4 or 5 months now) and my dark circles is still very obvious :(. I'm a bit disappointed with this product as it does not what it claims to do. Some more, it's not worth the price!!! I thought I would get a better eye cream for the money I've paid for. Lots of sleep is better, I think... So, don't waste your money on this one!! No matter what, I still have to use it up and will definitely not repurchase or recommend this product to anyone. I guess, I still have to continue my search to look for something better that can reduce and lighten my dark circles.

Product Review: Nature Republic Morning Fruits Body Lotion

This is from Nature Republic lotion, specifically morning fruits range in grapefruit. It's creamy in texture. It's comfortable on the skin and yet you can enjoy the fruit's smell on your skin. I like the smell very much. But, unfortunately it doesn't last long. Too bad, isn't it? As for the price, this is really quite decent. Not much I can tell about this product...

Here's the ingredients:

Click here to enlarge

My Collection of Face Masks

Face masks are an important part of any skin care regimen. But, why is that important? Regular cleansing only removes surface dirt and grime, but only a facial mask can actually draw out impurities from beneath the top layers of the epidermis. Mask not only helps exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, it also helps stimulate blood circulation and leave your skin feeling smoother and softer. They are also a great way to feel pampered and relaxed actually :)

I love to switch masks every now and then. I have a few sheet masks here which I got it from Nature Repulic at a local shopping mall. While for Dermal, it was given by a good friend of mine who visited Korea a few weeks ago. She gave me 2 pcs only, but I wished she could give me more... haha :) Both Nature Republic and Dermal are Korean skincare and cosmetics brand. All I can say is they are really good and it works so well on me. The instructions say to leave it for 20-25 mins for Nature Republic and 15-20 mins for Dermal, but I always extend it for another extra 15 mins until it dries up (but not too dry). I love the feeling after that as my face is so moisturized and refreshed. I absolutely love these masks. If you ask me, will I repurchase this mask? My answer is definitely YES!

Here's the masks from Nature Republic:

1. Five Derma Source Coenzyme Q10 Solution Mask
Description: SOS facial sheet mask for enhanced firmness and vitality.

Ingredients (click to enlarge):

2. Five Derma Source Vita. A Solution Mask
Description: SOS facial sheet mask for enhanced radiance.

Ingredients (click to enlarge):

3. Five Derma Source Vita. C Solution Mask
Description: SOS facial sheet mask for improved tone.

Ingredients (click to enlarge):

4. Five Derma Source Vita. E Solution Mask
Description: SOS facial sheet mask for enhanced firmness and vitality.

Ingredients (click to enlarge):

5. Essential Flower Mask Rosehip
Description: Flower mask sheet which contains Vitamin C, firming skin condition.

Ingredients (click to enlarge):

Here's the directions on how to apply:
1. After washing, apply toner. Pull out mask sheet from package and unfold.
2. Carefully fit mask over face.
3. Remove mask sheet after 20-25 minutes. Gently pat any remaining formula into skin.
* Use 2-3 times a week for the best result. * Do not reuse mask sheets.

Here's the masks from Dermal:

1. Dermal Royal Jelly Collagen Essence Mask

Description: Nutrition, moisturising, and refining

Ingredients (click to enlarge):

2. Dermal Pearl Collagen Essence Mask

Description: Moisturising, convergence, and brightening

Ingredients (click to enlarge):

Here's the directions on how to apply:

1. After cleaning, dry face and soothe your face with toning water.

2. Take out the mask sheet from pack and unfold it.

3. First, gently apply the mask sheet around your eye part and then fit your face contours.

4. Leave on for 15-20 minutes.

5. Peel off the mask sheet and tab the remaining collagen essence over your face until it completely absorbs to your skin.

For Dermal mask, the life shelf is 3 years after the manufacturing date.

Product Review: Nature Republic Aqua The Ocean Foam Cleanser

Here's what I bought over the past few weeks:

I like face cleanser with rich lather. I am delighted to know that there is a face cleanser that lathers up and yet you just have to put on small amount of gel on your palm with little water. This cleanser leaves my skin feeling soft and I'm so impressed at how soft my face feels afterwards. The thing is it does not specify a particular skin type on the tube. Whatever it is, I can conclude that it's all about "you get what you pay for". Oh ya, I like the smell, too... It's fantastic! This product is really awesome!

You might also consider the following:
Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Ultra Foam Cleanser 6 fl oz (177 ml)
Lancome CREME Radiance Clarifying Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, 4.2. fl oz.
Kimberly-Clark Professional 91554 1000ml Antb Foam Clear Kimcare Skin Cleanser
SHISEIDO by Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam N--/4.2OZ

Product Review: Skin79 Oriental Gold BB Cream SPF25 PA++

This is my second review on BB cream product. Previously, I used TheFaceShop The Skin Extra BB Cream SPF20 PA++ (click here for product review). Bought this genuine Skin79 Oriental Gold BB Cream (please beware of fake skin79 products as there are fake Skin79 BB cream that is being distributed now in Taiwan at super low price) early last month and tested it out for 3 weeks now. This product, which gives SPF 25 protection against the harmful rays, is ideal for dry/combination skin that needs whitening and wrinkle improvement.

This cream is presented in dual purpose container. The upper cap is equipped with creamy touch lip and cheek; the bottom part contains the oriental gold cream. For the cheek and lip cream, it looks super natural, a little bit creamy and easy to blend. You can choose this cream to be lighter or heavier.

Press out the BB cream

Here's my review:

I love the smell! It smells like flowers. It keeps my face from drying for the whole day without making my face break out (as I work in an air-cond place) and it has made my face look younger :), healthy and radiant. The coverage is very minimal and it's just nice for me (just enough to hide little spots) but doesn't last for the whole day. This product doesn't give me a flawless effect (unless your skin is already flawless), instead it makes my skin shiny and radiant. However, this product claimed that it has whitening effect, but so far, I don't see any result for it. The formula is very light and blends really well on my skin. This product is highly recommended to those who have dry skin (but not oily skin or else use loose powder to control the oil and the shine) with fine wrinkle lines. And also for those who want light coverage and already have flawless skin. Overall, this BB Cream is better than the previous one I had. Quite happy with this product!

Get it here:

Product Review: L'egere Purifying BB Facial Peeling Gel

So far, I haven't read any reviews about L'egere Purifying BB Facial Peeling Gel. It is a facial peeling gel (gentle exfoliator) to remove dead cells that inhibit the natural process of cell renewal, leaving skin clean and glowing. It stimulates cell activity, revitalizes and prepares skin to receive nourishing moisturizers. But, don't use it on irritated skin. This product is well-known in Taiwan nowadays and it also featured on a Taiwan variety program called "女人我最大" (My Greatest Woman) or "Queen" in Taiwan to discuss topics about women, makeup, beauty, skincare and etc. Because of that, I decided to get one for myself. This product is suitable for all skin types and it is made in Japan. I only use 1 pump 2 times a week. When I use this product, I can actually feel it getting into my pores and cleaning out the dirt. My skin feel softer, smoother, brighter every time after I use. Apart from that, you can also use it on your elbows, knees and ankles (areas that tend to get dark) that need more attention when it comes to lightening and exfoliating. It's multipurpose, and I like it very much!!

Check out the video here:

As you can see in the video, it comes out as a gel and as you massage onto the skin, it starts to emulsify and the buildup is the dead skin.

Deary Masks

I came across a Taiwanese mask called Deary few weeks ago and I thought of sharing it here. I don't know why these days I'm just so crazy about Taiwanese, Japanese, and Korean stuff. At the moment, Taiwanese, Japanese, and Korean stuff are quite popular on the net, although these stuff are not a brand that particularly caught my attention before… All I can say, these masks are very worth their affordable price, work really well for me, and I highly recommend them. I really love the results alot! I left mine on for about 15-30 minutes and I could see the difference obviously. I really enjoyed it, the next day my skin felt smooth and even!

Here's what I've bought (from left to right):

1. Deary Rose Co-Q10 Mask
Functions: Firming and rebuild skin collagen. 
Best for: All skin types, especially wrinkles, fine lines, and less elastic skin.

2. Deary Chamomile and Arbutin Mask
Functions: Whitening and minimizing pigmentation.
Best for: All skin types, especially pigmentation, freckles, and uneven skin tone.

3. Deary Pearl and Vic. C Mask

Functions: Hydrating and repairing dry skin

Best for: All skin types, especially dry skin and dull skin tone.

How to use:

1. After cleansing, wipe it dry, gently apply the mask for 15 minutes.
2. Peel off the mask.
3. Tab the remaining essence all over your face. Do not need to rinse with water.
4. Use it daily or 3 times weekly.

Product Review: The Face Shop The Skin Extra BB Cream SPF20 PA++

Have you heard of BB cream? BB cream, also known as Blemish Balm or Blemish Base, is a cosmetic item sold in Korea and it is also the hottest beauty product in Korea. BB cream started out as a therapeutic moisturizer in Germany used to treat the irritated skin of the patients who went under peeling, laser, or microdermabrasion. BB cream is actually an all-in-one make up product that can be used as a moisturizer, make up base, concealer and foundation. This cream really save my time during the morning rush!

I've heard many reviews about different brands of BB cream lately. So, I decided to try The Face Shop The Skin Extra BB Cream SPF20 PA++. I bought it few months ago and it was my first BB cream from The Face Shop. I think it sounds good as it claims that this product "formulated with Marjoram and Acti-firm Complex to sooth irritated skin, this 3-in-1 moisturizer offers SPF20 protection, corrects complexion with natural coverage and replenishes skin with nutrients".

Companies that currently carry the BB cream are mostly Korean and include the following:

Bio Remedies Therapeutic Cosmetics (BRTC)
Skin Food
Missha
Skin 79
Etude
The Face Shop

Here's my review:

I don't really like the smell because it smells like sunblock!! It has very good coverage indeed and it lasts me all day. I usually put on a light layer since I prefer a natural look and then I blend it in, after that I pat my face lightly for it to set. Once it sets in, it just looks so natural and my skin is much less oily throughout the day. For this product, you don't have to put too much on otherwise it may looks so cakey. To keep my skin moisturized, I sometimes wear it after moisturizer as I have dry to normal skin. My skin could gets dry easily without moisturizer after few hours of application. I thought it's supposed to hydrate my skin but it's not!! But, nevermind... It's still one of my favourite product though!! Perhaps this product is more suitable for those who has oily skin? Well, I'm not sure... You gotta try it out!!


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