Maybelline Dream Pure BB Review

  Maybelline has released a new BB Cream, claiming to be a "Skin Clearing Perfector", so I, having blemish-prone skin, was eager to test it out! The product is around $8 at CVS (but I got mine for around $5 because I had coupons) and contains 1 fluid ounce.

I have the Light Sheer shade.

  To truly test this product for what it claims - to clear skin (it has salicylic acid content) - I wore it for one week for at least 12 hours each day and took a picture of my bare skin before the testing period and after. Here is the result:

Before

After

  Despite the fact that the results were not extreme nor immediate, I would have to say that the way I feel toward this product's viability as a "Skin Clearer" is simply "meh". The after picture shows that the breakouts that were evident before usage are still there, just diminished. Only very few of the breakouts I had before disappeared completely.

HOWEVER...

  The fact that my skin improved even slightly after using this product so frequently displays that it will not WORSEN the condition of your skin, which I consider a win! I imagine that if I continued this test, I would experience further diminishing of my breakouts. 

APPLICATION

  Here is what my skin looks like before and after application (using a flat foundation brush):

Before

After - without powder

  This product is fairly easy to blend and manipulate due to its creamy texture and buildable coverage.

THE EXPERIENCE

  This foundation is great for busy people... haha! It sets very well with powder and does not require much care besides a touch-up with powder for oily skin every now and then. It generally brightens the complexion (including the under-eye area - impressively). It is fairly moisturizing, however I do suggest a light moisturizer before application because this product will cling to dry patches. This product makes your skin look plump and soft (people have used these words when complementing my complexion when I wear this).

PROS and CONS

  Pros:

-Mildly helps improve breakouts

-Will not irritate skin

-No detectable scent

-Does not emphasize forehead or mouth creases

-Makes skin look smooth

-Is mildly matte - Maybelline made a good move by not advertising this anywhere but their website because it is only matte if you take the time to set with a matte powder and continue to touch it up throughout the day

  Cons:

-No sunscreen content (would it have been that difficult to throw in some SPF!?)

-No immediate results

-Lightest shade is not light enough for most "fairest" complexions

IS IT TRUTHFUL?

  To fully assess if this product does what it says it will, I will compare my results to what the bottle advertises it will do by rating each advertised benefit with a "yes", "no" or "meh":

1. Clears acne (meh)

2. Conceals imperfections (meh - I would say it more blurs them than anything else)

3. Minimizes look of pores (yes)

4. Reduces appearance of redness (yes)

5. Adjusts to skin tone (lol NO - just because the product is sheer doesn't mean it "adjusts")

6. Hydrates and smoothes (yes)

7. Enhances and clarifies (I don't quite know what this is supposed to mean... meh)

8. 0% oils and lightweight feel (yes)

  I have enjoyed testing this product and will continue to utilize it for everyday use. I suggest this for young people who often are broken-out by tinted moisturizers and foundations who want their skin to appear more evenly toned and soft.

On a closing note, I would like to share with you the powder I use to set this BB Cream: MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation. It is a very nice matte powder that has surprising coverage if used alone and sets liquids very well!