Clarins UV Plus BB Cream SPF 40 UVA-UVB/PA+++ Anti-Pollution Perfecting Cream
Clarins UV Plus BB Cream SPF 40 UVA-UVB/PA+++ Anti-Pollution High Protection Perfecting Cream. Now that's quite a mouthful isn't it?
I first stumbled upon this product when I was getting my Mom her favourite Clarins Double Serum last year and I casually asked for a sample of the BB Cream after the SA tried to get me to top up my purchase to get a GWP. I am not a fan of Clarins products but when the SA swatched the product on the back of my palm, I was mildly tempted by the full coverage and asked for a sample instead since it was pricey and didn't know how well the product will perform on my skin.
A whole long list of ingredients
The product is housed in a rather small tube that almost looks like a deluxe sample rather than a retail product.
Is 30ml or 1.2 OZ a really tiny tube?
Look at it in comparison on my palm. It looks is tiny huh?
I brought it with me to the United States back in December and checked-it in my large suitcase and I probably did not screw the cover tight because when I got home and unpacked, there were lotsa product on the underside of the cover. The pressure from the aircraft and from my exploding filled-to-the-brim suitcase must have caused it.
Clarins UV Plus BB Cream SPF 40 UVA-UVB/PA+++ Anti-Pollution Perfecting Cream
Coverage: Full
Texture: Thick, very thick
Shade: There is only 1 shade to this BB Cream and it is pretty fair
Undertone: Slight yellow
Fragrance: Flora scent (typical of all Clarins products)
Oil-Control: 6+ hours
Finish: Semi-Matte
Other Comments: The price of this product is probably why you do not hear much about this BB Cream. Retailing for S$64 for this 30ml tube in Singapore, it definitely is pricey. I have not had good experiences with counter brands / high-end BB Creams and didn't think I will like it especially since Clarins skincare do not seem to work for my skin and when I first tried the tester at the counter, the cream was thick which screams moisturizing on my oily skin. But the SA who served me at the Raffles City Robinsons counter was really nice. She agreed that BB Cream has to be tested prior especially since it has a hefty price tag and so instead of 1 sachet, she gave me 2 sachets to try the product. I was pretty amazed with its full coverage because most higher end brands' BB Cream are marketed as a tinted sunblock that offers minimal coverage. What I did not like about the BB Cream is that the texture of this cream is so thick! So thick that it was difficult to blend. Forget about using a sponge or foundation brush, it will never work because of how thick the cream is. Instead, you are advised to pat the product onto your skin in small areas. But it is because of this thick consistency that offers a full coverage with just a small amount of product. A little definitely goes a longggggggg way and if I tell you that 1 sample sachet that has 3ml of product lasts me an entire week of full coverage (with no concealer required), will you believe it? It is true! I have got lunaface to try it out and she did not make it to complete the sachet and toss it out by the 3rd day or so. Leaving the thick texture aside, I really like this BB Cream for its high SPF, full coverage and flawless finish. For a BB Cream that has such a high SPF and coverage, one will only think it will be too moisturizing but that was not the case, in fact, my oily skin loves it so much that it got me looking to get the retail product by the 3rd day of using the sample sachet. I was almost willing to pay S$64 for this 30ml tube but luck was on my side when I found this BNIB for S$40 online. Still a little pricey but hey, it is a S$24 savings, so why not! Would I recommend it? Well, to be very honest, you might not appreciate the thick texture which takes alot more effort in blending out the product. Since it is full coverage, unless absolutely necessary, you are not advised to set it with a powder but since I have oily skin, I still prefer to set it with a mattifying powder to avoid looking overly dewy / greasy in 6-7 hours. Both lunaface and manic_milo have tried the sample that they have gotten from the Clarins counter after how much I have raved to them about the product and they are on the fence about it because of the thick texture. They both prefer something that is easy and quick to blend which this BB Cream is definitely not. With its small handy plastic tube, it is a perfect travelling companion and you do not need a seperate sunscreen with this product too.
Oh yes, this particular BB Cream is an Asia Exclusive product. Clarins has another BB Cream that is formulated for the mass International market which is in a red packaging and is called the BB Skin Perfecting Cream with an SPF of 25 but with at least 3 shades to suit the darker skin tones.