Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

I love this new BB cream hype. I was never that keen on tinted moisturisers as I have very pale skin so they often made me look like I've just smothered fake tan on my face. But I love the concept of not having to wear heavy foundation and BB creams are a perfect replacement.

I have read lots of reviews on Maybelline's BB cream so decided to purchase it from Superdrug for £7.99 and try it out. I am not going to lie at first I wasn't that keen on it. The tube it comes in, is quite pretty but messy. I bought the light shade but it just disappeared on my skin giving little coverage.

However over the past week I have managed to make the product work for me. It does give a nice glowy and natural 'no make-up, make-up' look. Plus having a SPF of 30 so it protects my skin and keeps it hydrated as well. I do use a little amount of Smashbox tinted moisturiser with the cream to give a slight colour to it and if I feel I need more coverage that day.

I tried 17 BB Blemish Balm back in April for when I went on holiday to Florida. In the heat I didn't want thick melting foundation so tried this out and loved it. It gave a glowy dewy look and had a slight tint to it as well as a SPF of 15. I think I may prefer my 17 BB balm to Maybelline's version but I also hear good things about Garnier's BB cream.

Despite the hype I believe BB Creams/balms are an acquired taste. I like the glowy/dewy skin look and rarely use powder. So I love the BB creams as they are perfect for the glowy look. But those who prefer the matte powdered products might not like the BB products as much.....

Sephora Smash Box Mascara

I picked up this mascara from Sephora in Paris. The Smash Box Full Exposure Mascara is one of the few mascara's that I have tried that doesn't dry out my lashes so I can apply as many coats as like through out the day with out it becoming clumpy or getting flakes of black mascara around my eyes. It's nice and light yet still adds lots of extra length perfect for creating the doll like look featured on many catwalks for this Spring/Summer.

Sephora Smash Box Tinted Moisturiser

In Paris I was determined to go to make-up store Sephora, I went with the mind set to get things I actually needed. With the holidays coming up I plan to ditch foundation in favour of tinted moisturiser. I have never used make-up brand Smash Box before but have heard many great things about them so I thought I would try their products out. Their simple plain black and white packaging makes it seem bland against they pretty retro glamour designs of some other brands such as benefit but the quality of the products makes up for that. The sheer focus tinted moisturiser is oil free and I only need a tiny smaller then a pea size amount for full coverage and it gives me a healthy glow.