Product Review: Neutrogena Fine Fairness BB Cream UV

A few months ago, I won MY LUCID INTERVALS giveaway and received the Neutrogena Fine Fairness BB Cream. I was very intrigued about this product because of the guessing game made by the sponsored bloggers. It was quite difficult to tell if they were wearing BB cream or not, considering that a typical BB cream has an ashy undertone. 

After using this for some time now, I decided to review this product and share with you my thoughts about it. 

WHAT IT PROMISES: (details on the box)

"Instantly brightens skin to a fair, even-toned healthy glow Neutrogena Fine Fairness BB Cream is a multi-benefit whitening mousturizer in unique lightweight texture that corrects dullness and uneven skin tone for a fair translucent healthy glow. 

• Works from within: Contains new Neutrogena Healthy White Complex with Lily and Vitamin C that help inhibit melanin production that causes pigmentation and skin dullness.

• Instantly corrects: Corrects uneven skin tone with customized blended skin-matching illuminating minerals while giving you a natural-looking healthy glow. 

• Holistically protects: Shields skin from darkening and photo damaging UV rays and environmental aggressors. 

* Dermatologist Tested, Oil-Free and Non Comedogenic"

Instructions: "Use as a last step to your day care regimen, dispense a pearl size amount and apply evenly to face and neck."

SWATCHES:

WHAT I LIKE:

• The BB cream is packaged in a pump bottle. At the same time, you can easily control the amount of product to be pumped. Yung iba kasi kung makalabas ng product wagas! 

• The manufactured and expiration dates are provided on the bottom part of the bottle. It has a shelf life of two (2) years. 

• The bottle is not too big but not too small either. You can conveniently put this in your makeup kit and it won't take so much space. 

• The bottle looks very nice and clean. White and Silver, baby! 

• This BB cream smells so good. It can totally pass as a perfume... on the FACE! FTW! :P

• The product delivers its promise to instantly correct the skin tone and to give a natural looking healthy glow. I received a lot of compliments in school when I wore this product. Kahit stressed bumublooming pa rin ang level!

• A little amount goes a long way.

• It has whitening properties that will eventually improve the pigmentation of the skin. 

• It works like a tinted moisturizer. It has a light coverage and contains moisturizing ingredients.

• It is oil free!!! This is very important to know especially if you have oily or combination-oily skin. Oil free foundations or BB creams can keep your face from becoming greasy at the end of the day. 

• It is non-comedogenic. True enough, I did not experience any breakouts. :D

• Although it is available in one shade only, it has skin-matching properties that will suit your skin tone and complexion. 

• And most importantly, it shields the skin from UV rays and environmental aggressors. I'm not fond of applying sunblock especially during lazy days so using this BB cream can act as a sunblock as well. 

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:

• It is quite expensive for its size. (FRUGAL ME! :P) You can buy this for Php 720 at any Neutrogena outlet. (Try Watsons and other leading department stores)

• It has a very sheer coverage; it does not effectively conceal blemishes and dark circles. So considering it is worth Php 700+, you ought to spend more for a good concealer especially if you have problematic skin or very dark under eye circles. But if you have minor blemishes and less acne, this won't really be a problem since what you really want to achieve in using this product is a natural-looking coverage. 

• It didn't last long on me. I had to retouch after 2-3 hours. Note: I have combination oily skin. Tip: Set it with a powder foundation or makeup finishing spray.

• It leaves a white cast when shot with flash. Tip: Use a bronzing powder and blend well unto skin to tone down the brightening effect. You wouldn't want to look awfully white in photos, right?  And that's why I mentioned previously to use a little amount of product- pearl sized amount. :P 

• You have to wait for 3-5 minutes for the product to blend in on your natural skin tone. I've read in some reviews that this product is difficult to blend. I didn't experience the same because I used my Marionnaud blush brush. If you use your fingers or sponge, you might experience the difficulty in blending. 

Get ready for the Sexy Face! 

Will I repurchase?
I love the brightening effect of this product and I enjoy using it. I have tried different types of BB creams and, so far, this impressed me well. Hypothetically, I would repurchase this because it truly delivers what it promises. But, since in reality my current priority is skin care and that I'm not really a wealthy person who can buy what she wants when she needs it, I know I won't be able to repurchase this anytime soon. Wala pa sa vocab ko ang back-up product! HAHA. Gumaganong level na ako ng pagkakuripot. >_< Also, considering that I am a blogger who reviews makeup products, I tend to try different brands even though I've already found the product that works for me. So, in conclusion, if you want that healthy glowing effect, this is the product for you. 

Thank you for visiting my blog! Stay happy and beautiful!

Mall Hopping with Juju

Hey guys. here's my recent Self Portrait. I've been working on my portfolio and this summer, I'll be attending a photography workshop to hone my skills. Nope, I'm not using a DSLR... not ven a high end, high quality compact digicam. But this month, my mom promised to support me on this. :) I hope she buys me a DSLR. please please please. So anyway, back to my real post. teehee.  

I met up with a beauty blogger, Juju last Feb. 27. We went to SM Megamall, SM Cubao and Gateway to buy and browse make up products. Our first stop is ETUDE HOUSE in SM Megamall. And here's what I bought:

I don't really like pink but this time... this pink paperbag comes with great surprises. :)

I only bought 4 items amounting to over a thousand pesos so I got a freebie! 

Etude ran out of Eyelash curlers so they're giving away MINERAL BB CREAM SAMPLES! 

Don't miss this chance. :)

Alright. The first thing I grabbed is the Color Me Nude lip concealer. This one is reserved by someone but since she didn't confirm, the SA allowed me to purchase it. Lucky day! :) This is worth P228. 

Thanks, Thiamere for recommending me this one! This is a good substitute for Nude lipstick. You can use this as your base so when you put on your lipstick, it will make it smoother and long lasting. :)

tadahh! It's the Dual Fibre Brush. I super love this brush. It's really good for stippling. I don't have other brushes so I can't really compare it other brands. I heard it's a great alternative for the MAC Version. I use this in applying my Maybelline Mineral Foundation and so far, I'm liking it. 

You can use this as your blush, powder or foundation brush. :)

It's worth P428. I think that's a good steal considering it's performance as a dual brush. :)

Juju bought this one too. I got intrigued by Etude Skin care line so I grabbed this one. (It's one of the cheaper products). :D  It's a heating scrub. I tried Garnier Heating Mask and I really love the warm feeling on my skin. This time it's a scrub and it works against blackheads so I gave it a try. 

I'm on my second week so I can't really give my verdict on this product. I'll post my skin care product review soon. And of course that would include my update on the VMV skin care products I bought. I'm so excited. teehee. 

This stuff is worth P298. They have other products on the same line so you might want to try them. :) They also have a guide as to what product you can use to get rid of your black heads. :) 

Actually, I only bought this stuff so I can hit P1000. This is worth P98. I don't know how to put these on but I'll try it this summer. :) Any tutorials guys? Haha.

Yey! So I got this one as a freebie.

Juju told me this works so good. But I hope she makes a review soon. I'm thinking of buying this one. 

However, I don't want to buy it just because it sounds so good. Haha. I'm fine with my new foundation routine so I'm thinking if I'm going to replace it with this one. :P I've been buying a number of foundation (BB creams included) so I don't know... Haha. :) I'll stick with Maybelline for now. (Juju.. SPECIAL REQUEST: REVIEW)

Familiar with this plastic? Yeah. SM. haha lol

So I only bought one stuff in SM Cubao. :) I didn't really plan to buy any make up there because my intention was really to browse shoes for my graduation party. :) 

But, oh well, who can resist this?

It's Maybelline Clear Smooth Mineral Liquid Foundation.

It's very affordable. For a price of P299, you can have a flawless skin. I was thinking of trying Maybelline Angel Lift but the SA told me that this one has a better coverage. 

I use this together with Maybelline BB cream and (oh my) this works like a miracle. This is worth a try guys.

Seriously. My laugh lines are somewhat invisible and the shade really blends well on my face so it feels and looks as if I have no foundation on. LOVE IT.

THE LAST STOP

Juju went home earlier than I did so I simply hang out on the mall (gateway) alone while I wait for my boyfriend. I went inside Rustan's department store and I found this.

BUBBLEGUM

hehe. It's so cute. I thought, at first, the color of this balm is blue but I was wrong. It is actually pink.

This is worth P79.

So these are the things I bought. I really enjoyed hanging out with Juju, Our next mall hopping is in Greenbelt and I can't wait to go there. If you guys know make up stores, let me know. I haven't been there. Hehe. As a student, I'm a home buddy type of girl.  School-house-Family Business. That's my life. :) Good thing I have a beautiful reason to go out with friends or just myself. :) Love Make up! 

I hope you enjoyed my blog post.

Love ya, guys!

MAGGIE

Empress Project

I've been in love with photography since last year. Although I don't have the SLR or expensive digicams, I really wanted to pursue photography and create good pictures with different themes and concepts. I've been creating self portraits (check my deviantart and multiply; links at the side bar) and it really makes me happier now that I can incorporate make-up and fashion styles with photography.

After school, I went home and I've decided to have a photoshoot.

I really want a neutral look. I don't really wear heavy eye make up. I want it to be subtle. I'm really new in applying make up so somehow I look like I have no make up (I did something with my eyes but it's not obvious in the picture.) I guess the camera is also at fault that it can't capture minute details. But oh well... I still enjoyed my silly shots.

Eyes: (Shawill Pallete) Gold and Black

         (Avon Pallete)  Brown and Mocha

         Elianto Mascara

         Sara Lee Eyeliner

Face: EverBilena Foundation Stick (Miel- effective concealer, pinkish)

         EverBilena Dual Foundation Cake (Oriental)

         Maybelline BB cream (I applied it on my cheeks and above my lips

Lips: Everbilena Dual Foundation... (not really a good substitute for nude lipstick but for the sake of this photoshoot, it will do)

So this is my first edit. I have several pictures outtakes and probably, I'll make another edit next time.

I'm really petite... Tiny winy... hahaha :P

Thanks, everyone! I welcome comments and suggestions. :P

MY DEVIANTART

MY MULTIPLY

Purple Hat!

I bought it at SM Cubao! Available colors are Purple and pink. i was looking for grey but the saleslady told me that it only comes with two colors so.. :( sad sad sad. Well.. it doesn't look that bad. :P

Eyes: I used Shawill's gold, purple and black eyeshadows.
I used sara lee eyeliner.
Elianto Mascara
Face: Ever Bilena Foundation Stick (Miel- effective concealer)
Ever Bilena Duo Foundation Cake
Maybelline BB cream. (I only used it on my cheeks to cover the blemishes and reduce pores)
Lips: I used the Foundation cake. hahaha. No nude lipstick :( I'll buy soon! :P

Updates!!!!

Yesterday I went to Gateway to see a movie with my boyfriend. After the movie, I've decided to have a quick look at watsons and see if they have new make-up stuffs. And I didn't fail. THERE ARE NEW MAKE-UP brands!

Watsons already has SHAWILL and 4U2. I've seen 4U2 in SM. Cubao and Marikina. I think all SM has that brand but it's really a convenient thing that watsons now has it.

The 12 eyeshadow pallete of Shawill... is.. again... SOLD OUT. I went to the 4U2 stall. They sell super cute eyeshadows. I think they are more pigmented than that of shawill. (i tried it and compared but, unfortunately, I don't have pictures!!!) However they're more expensive. For a price of P230+, you only have 4 eyeshadows. Their 8 eyeshadow pallete, is worth P924. I forget if it's 924 or 994. But it's bigger like the circular eyeshadows of MAC.  Hahaha. I'll check it later.

One thing you might want to check out is their more affordable packages. I'm surprised they have BB creams. YES. BB Creams for P194.00. You got that right! hahaha. It's the most affordable BB cream I've ever seen. But still I'm not convinced if it really works. The packaging is simply plastic and it's with the other make -up stuff like cheap make up brushes, eyeshadows and the like. Maybe I'll buy it later... and see if it works. A disadvantage would be no available testers for it. But for the price, I can gamble for it. :P


Another update is that I bought MAYBELLINE BB CREAM and so far! I LOVE IT!

I have a better picture of it but my phone hangs whenever I use the bluetooth so I don't know. I guess I have to get my digicam for this. :P

It's different form all the other BB creams I've tried. I've tried Elianto and even Missha Perfect BB cream Cover. Both makes your face oily but the Maybelline BB cream makes your face matte. When I applied it on my face, it's easier to apply because it's so smooth. It has a heavier coverage because as you apply it you see the consistency of the cream on your face. It really makes your face glow. But as said in other reviews, after a couple of hours or more it blends to your skin tone. (which I guess is better than fade altogether) However one thing you should know is that even if the whitening effect diminished, the coverage is still there- the blemishes are still covered and if you have uneven skin tone, it helps reduce it. I definitely recommend you to try this. In  the past, I've seen other reviews by people from abroad saying that it's not worth the price. The packaging is so small and it's almost worth a little less than P1000.

Well... BEHOLD PHILIPPINES, Maybelline BB cream is worth only P299. YES! If you're not really using so much of the cream, it can last for 4-6 months. If you really put a lot (which I think is not necessary considering the heavy coverage), maybe it can last for 2-3 months.  One tip for using this BB cream , the sales laldy told me that it acts as a foundation and/or primer. For better results, use it as a primer then put powder or foundation powder on your face. If you can afford to buy the maybelline minerals, try doing that with their mineral foundation. I think the effect is significant. If you also have the ellana minerals, try it and see better results.

Today is January 22, 2010. I have a make-up list for February that you may want to buy too! If you bought them already and you think i shouldn't buy them, just comment me and I'll really appreciate it. If you have suggestions and other ideas, COMMENT PLEASE!

1. Etude Haul with Marither ( I Still don't know if I'm going to buy the BB cream. :))
2. Ellana Minerals (I wantted to buy their kabuki then concealer, foundation, blush and lipgloss)
3. ECO TOOL BRUSHESSSS!! (A Must Have! Visit Ebay.ph for more affordable transactions... I visited a multiply which sells them but they're so much expensive like they go P1200+ exclusive of shipping)
4. NUDE LIPSTICK!!! (Can you suggest any brand??)

Well.. I can only think of 4 so there you go. If ever I can't save that much money than the list can still apply for March which is GRADUATING MONTH. Yes, I'm graduating and I think I might ask Dad and Mom for a simple gift... :)) Make up gift that's what! :P

PS. I forgot again to put watermarks. Oh well. :))