THE FACE SHOP Lovely ME: EX BB CREAM

I'm beyond excited! I've been wanting to start a blog but I never had the chance to actually do it until today. I've always felt guilty about doing something other than studying (which I'm supposed to always do!). But I've been collecting and using waaayyy too much products that it would be such a waste to not share them with YOU. 

Please do not hesitate to ask me about anything make-up and skin care related (or law related, whatevs :p) . I'd be more than happy to answer. :)

I'll keep this intro short and simple, crossing my fingers that this post will be the first of many! *CHEERS*

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Ok, first up is BB Cream. *yay*

BB CREAM HISTORY

I remember my boyfriend telling me about his co-resident doctor telling other doctors that "BB cream is a BRAND". 

No. To correct her, BB Cream is not a brand. 

BB cream is a generic term actually used by hundreds of different shops to label their products with BB cream components. The Body Shop, The Face Shop, Etude House, Maybelline etc all have "BB Creams". BB cream stands for "blemish balm". It was first used in Germany as a post-operative remedy for scars and blemishes. It's so effective that make-up and skin care lines in Asia, particularly in South Korea, developed it into a marketable, commercial product. This way, everyone has access to it. 

If you've noticed, Korean faces (think: Sandara Park) have that distinct mannequin-ish finish. That sort of dewy, supple, glowing, almost shiny look. This is the kind of finish and coverage that BB cream gives. 

Review:

This is the first and only BB cream that I own as of the moment. BB creams are generally pricey so I've been very reluctant on getting one for myself. However, this BB cream from The Face Shop just cost me Php 345.00. Andddd because I was just starting on BB creams, I've decided to get one for myself.

I've already got two of this little bugger, bought the 2nd one the other day! :D Just a little warning to those unfamiliar with BB creams, the product only comes in a shade or two. The reason behind this is that the cream oxidizes after sometime, naturally blending in with your skin shade. Soooo, you don't have to worry about looking like a zombie. Give it 5 minutes and it'll settle nicely on your face. 

Lovely ME:EX only comes in one shade and it's also the cheapest BB cream in the shop. I think it's great for beginners! *Asian BB creams are mostly ashy in color and gel-like in texture. American BB creams on the other hand are more foundation-like or similar to a tinted moisturizer. Which is better? I haven't tried out American BB creams to give it a fair and accurate review, but basing on the swatches I've done in stores, I've found it to be too watery and tinted.*

I would recommend Lovely ME:EX to those just trying out BB creams for the first time. It's cheap, it stays on for a good 5 hours and it doesn't break me out. My skin's kind of sensitive, so if it didn't break me out, there's a high chance it won't break yours. I usually use this whenever I'm in a rush to go to school. I don't put anything underneath it anymore just because this product moisturizes well already, plus it has SPF 20 which is GREAT. 

Sometimes when I'm not too pressed for time, I'll layer a bit of setting powder on my T-Zone just to minimize oiliness throughout the day. Otherwise, BB cream by itself is good enough. The packaging is decent. I like compact and simple packaging. I've dropped it a bazillion times and it's still ok. I've read some reviews about how a lot of the product spills out and messes the cap. I did not have any of those problems. I think that happens when the product is left standing up. I lay down mine inside my make-up train case so that's probably why the cap's still squeaky clean and the product is where it should be (inside the tube!).

One important thing to remember when buying BB cream is to first assess your skin type. If you're the oily or normal-oily type, i suggest you get the water based BB cream. This is to prevent further oiliness. makes sense? :) If your skin type is dry or normal, the regular BB cream should do.
Coverage wise, BB cream gives sheer coverage. I don't see this as a negative thing at all. That's why you have concealer and foundation right? The ultimate goal of the product is to give your skin a healthy, supple look. It doesn't promise full or thick coverage.

If your skin is oily and you still want to try Lovely ME:EX, I'd suggest you just set it with powder and blot paper after every 3 hours. Gatsby blotting paper should work fine.

STAYING POWER: 3/5

PRICE: 5/5

PACKAGING: 4/5 

COVERAGE: 4/5 (BB cream standards)

GETTING IT AGAIN? YES