Weekly Wishlists – Christmas Edition

Well, hi! It's been a while but we thought with it being SO close to Christmas now, we should do a lat minute Christmas wish list! It might give you some ideas for last minute gifts as well so we figure it's mutually beneficial!

YES to Tomatoes Clear Skin Gentle Roller Ball Spot Stick – for those 'once in a blue moon' spots that always appear just at the wrong time! $9.99

Signature Glamour Hair & Brow Tint – for perfect looking brows. Colour – Blond $35

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate – because I want to have younger looking skin in the morning! $59

Mecca Cosmetica Barefoot Beauty Polishing Foot Scrub –  because it's summer and barefeet should look beautiful!  $40
Kit Cosmetics Soothing Moisturising Socks – see above.  $24.95

 

 

Benefit High Flyin' Glosses Gift Set US$26 – I don't really think this needs any explanation! Who wouldn't want a little taste of all the Benefit lip glosses in a cute little box set?!

Hello Darling Nail Polish in Mrs Reynolds $20.95 – I went to the Hello Darling site because I was going to include the Glitter Bug in this list, but I couldn't go past this gorgeous rose gold polish, named for the new Mrs Reynolds (Blake Lively) but making me think of the Firefly episode called 'Our Mrs Reynolds' where Christina Hendricks marries Nathan Fillion's character, Mal Reynolds (long story but it makes me happy…)

Tigi Catwalk Limited Edition Fabulous Curls Set AU$24.65 – Anything to help my curls over Christmas while I'm in humid Brisbane. AND it's a gift set.

Dot EDP by Marc Jacobs AU$120 – I'm still loving this and Christmas to me equals new perfume!

Essence 2-in-1 Mascara AU$6.50 – Essence I Love Extreme Volume is easily one of my favourite mascaras ever and I'm a bit of a mascara junkie (I usually apply two different mascaras at a time). This 2-in-1 is an interesting idea and great for my travelling time of year where I either want something quick and easy or something done up and glam for party season!

Have the most relaxing, wonderful festive season! We are excited because we'll be together enjoying all our beauty purchases and the joys of the holidays.

Lots of love

Weekly Wishlists

Well Summer and the holiday season is well and truly on its way and it is pretty obvious from our wishlists this week! 

Sue's Wishlist:

1 - Glasshouse Christmas Party Candle – AU$42.95 – Because it smells of orange and spicy nutmeg and what could be more Christmassy?

2 - MAC Fix + – AU$15 – I haven't tried the fixing make up by spritzing before, but with green tea, chamomile, cucumber, and a fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi (?), this should be the one to start with. On www.maccosmetics.com.au it's only $15, but I'll get mine at Myer, and let you know the price there (as the reviews all say it's a little expensive and $15 doesn't seem bad to me).

3 - The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist - AU$23.95 – As I was researching the MAC Fix + I came across a lot of reviews that said that this did the job just as well, but for a lower price.  At  $23.95 you do the math.  Anyway, I thought I should get both and compare.  Stay tuned.

4 - Dr Lewinn's Skin Perfect Foundation – AU$39.95 – as well as being long lasting, it has SPF15 and claims to help visibly smooth wrinkles and fine lines, leaving skin looking firmer and more youthful. Amoung other chemically sounding names that the company claims to have put in it, it also contains nice things like rose stem cells and hyaluronic acid, which assists in hydrating the skin giving it a beautiful, radiant glow.  Sounds good to me.  

5 - Dr Lewinn's Skin Perfect Primer – This is logically the perfect base for the foundation above, with Evermat™ technology to visibly reduce the appearance of pores and absorb excess oils, without over-drying.  $29.95

As you can probably tell, with the sudden onslaught of summer I'm looking to change my make up to cope with the heat wave.


Katherine's Wishlist:

1 - Mac Holiday Eye Kits in Smoky Eyes - AU$89 – I'm not going to lie, this is mostly all about the packaging. Can you blame me?! Plus, who doesn't love a holiday gift pack!?

2 - Bumble and Bumble Defrizz - AU$49 – As soon as the humid stormy summer begins, my hair goes up in a top knot and doesn't come out until around April. I hate it but could Bumble and Bumble be my solution to summer frizz!?

3 - Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 30+ – AU$45 – I am very particular about wearing sunscreen every day and also about what kind of sun cream I use on my face because there is nothing worse than heavy, greasy cream on your face! To Save Face sounds like a must-have product for summer!

4 – Dove Summer Glow – AU$11.20 – I'm not really into fake tan because it scares me a little bit so I kind of rock it pale all year round. I probably need to make a bit of effort in summer so a gradual tanning moisturiser might be the way to go. 

5 – Tarte Maracuja Blush & Glow – US$32 – Another Sephora product that will probably be impossible to get in Australia! I am after a peach blush all of a sudden and this one just seems like fun!

Have a great weekend, ladies! Try not to melt away in the Australian heat (if that is where you are currently residing!)

Mother/Daughter Monday – Palmer’s Eventone BB Cream

The Product: Palmer's Eventone BB Cream

The Purpose: They say: "Palmer's Eventone BB Cream (Beauty Balm Cream) is a multi-functional formula that targets discolouration and spots whilst providing natural pigment-perfecting coverage and SPF 15 protection.  This all-in-one beauty balm replaces the need for multiple products by targeting discolouratation and preventing hyperpigmentation from recurring, protecting against and preventing sun damage, providing lightweight coverage to conceal imperfections, instantly improvng radiance and reducing redness. Skin is beautifully luminous, naturally more even tone and younger looking. Formualted with our Tone Enhancing Complex & Mineral Pigment, to even skin tone, renew radiance and leave skin with a flawless finish."

The Price: RRP $9.99 exclusive to Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist.


Sue says:

Regular readers would know that I am a big BB fan and use both the Garnier and L'Oreal brands interchangeably.  My daytime makeup rarely involves foundation these days as I prefer the lighter and more dewy, natural look of the BB base, and I am strengthened in my resolve to use them as I am convinced by my research that they are doing my skin good.

So I was really excited to receive a parcel from Katherine this week containing the newly released Palmer's product in Medium/Dark.  We received both the Light/Medium and the Medium/Dark to try and the darker one was definitely too dark for her translucent skin.  I was a bit concerned when I first squeezed it out of the tube and as I bravely put it onto my face I started to have visions of looking like the crazy woman from the US who is addicted to solariums and rose to fame from taking her small daugher into one (you know the woman – she has a face that looks like Crocodile Dundee's boots).  But, as I say, I've done a bit of BB cream research, and everything I've read about other brands told me that it will blend with your complexion if you just have faith.  And I do. And it did.

And I wore it for two days (not the same application of course, I cleansed and applied it again the next day) and was really happy with the look and the way it wore throughout the day.  And it did look a little darker than my complexion usually is, but it's spring in Queensland and we're all starting to look a little browner and healthier up here.

Then I got my second parcel for the week – Katherine in person!  Surprise visit, and she came bearing gifts – the Light/Medium that she was using, for me to also try.  Now I have to say, well I don't really but it is the truth, this one was a little more scary.  It goes on very white and I felt that it was harder to blend, as I could see the very pale cream pooling in my pores.  But I worked it in with my fingers (using a 10X mirror) until I was happy with the coverage.  A bit more blusher was the order of the day, and voila – a paler look, reminicsent of Cate Blanchett (LOL), but still wearable.

The texture of the Palmer's product is lovely, and it leaves a beautiful sheen on the skin, which for a glowing, daytime look is great.  Today, with a little more time and feeling experimental, I used it as a base, popped a thin coverage of foundation over it and a light dusting of powder.  The BB cream made a great primer and 12 hours later with no touch ups my face still looks well made up.

Well done Palmer's!  I love your Cocoa Butter products and the texture and formulation of your BB cream is a great addition to the range.  If I may make a suggestion?  The only way you could improve here would be to have a three colour range – Light, Medium and Dark.  I'd be a Medium for sure. 


Katherine Says:

If you've been here before you may have noticed that we really love BB Cream. Like Mum, I have almost (almost!) completely substituted my foundation for BB Cream – I just add a small amount for extra coverage when required, but mostly stick with the more natural look.

My first time using the new Palmer's Eventone BB in Fair/Light (the perfect way to describe my complexion) and it was just like applying sun cream. I wouldn't say I found the finish white (as Mum described) but then I'm not brave enough to view any part of my in a 10x mirror! My skin took on that immediate sheen of freshly applied SPF 30 and was just slightly too shiny for my liking.

After a couple of minutes, though, I looked in the mirror again and the BB Cream had completely adjusted to my face. That might seem strange if you are new to the BB world, but it's kind of the primary objective of Beauty Balm. I was shocked at the results, my skin is pale but it took on a porcelain finish that I usually can only dream about (wish I could say the same about the bags under my eyes – that's how you know I haven't edited it!).

I did a swatch of the lightest Garnier shade with the Fair/Light Palmer's Eventone to give some comparison. The Eventone is much lighter both in colour and in weight (if that makes any sense) and has less of an orange undertone that I appreciate as a fair skinned female. I just love the finish on my skin (especially with a touch of powder to take some of the shine away – just a little) and the more natural tones of the Eventone works with my complexion flawlessly – and I guess that is probably what they were going for!

Left – Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in Light  // Right – Palmer's Eventone BB Cream in Fair/Light (unblended)

Left – Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in Light  // Right – Palmer's Eventone BB Cream in Fair/Light (blended)

For me, the light colour is perfect, but I agree with Mum that most people would fall into a middle category that doesn't exist in the Eventone range at this point in time.

Palmer's have some great, affordable products that are beloved Australia-wide and I think the Eventone BB Cream could just join that list.

Weekly Wishlists

I don't know what your weekend has been like, but the weather in Sydney has been all over the place! Hot and humid, overcast and threatening storms, sunny but cold, what is going on!? All the same, being prepared with lots of different beauty products to save any weather situation is something we all dream about.

Here's what we're dreaming about at the moment:

 

Sue's Wishlist:

Estee Lauder Double Wear Lip Pencil in Coral (because all my pencils are a shade of nude, red or plum – and this one comes with a lip brush on the other end – great for gloss)  $38

Nivea Invisible for Black and White Clear Roll-on (because I'm sick of having white marks all over my black clothes, and deodorant yellowing my white clothes)  RRP $3.79

Dermalogica AGE Smart Skin Kit  -  Contains Skin Resurfacing Cleanser, Antioxidant Hydramist, Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, Dynamic skin Recovery SPF30, Multivitamin Power Firm, MAP-15 Regenerator and a Renewal Lip Complex Sample  RRP $90

Lanolips 101 Ointment (because I love the products, and this one has at least 25 uses) RRP $17.95

Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lotion SPF15 (because The Plastic Diaries reviewed it this week, and I need sun protection every day) RRP $7.68

 

Katherine's Wishlist

1 – Nars Flowers Eyeshadow Palette in Flowers 3 US$55 – Unfortunately this palette in the new Nars Limited Edition Andy Warhol collection is exclusive to Sephora and Sephora don't ship to Australia so this is a wish list item that I think will just have to stay as that…

2 – Nars Andy Warhol Collection Edie Gift Set US$75/AU$120 – Yes, I'm a bit in love with the Andy Warhol collection from Nars. Too much fun. What I'm not in love with is the price difference from USD to AUD. What the heck? We've been at parity with the US for YEARS now. It's time for fair prices already. Ridiculous prices aside, how cute is that pink blush duo?! Those colours are perfect. 

3- Dr LeWinns Toneup Body Moisturiser AU$39.95 - With summer just around the corner, a tone up body moisturiser is definitely something I need to add to my skin care regime. Anyone else?

4 – The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Body Polish AU$20.95 – Christmas is my favourite time of the year and I can only imagine that this Ginger Sparkle Body Polish will just smell delicious. Is it wrong to want to eat a body product?

5 – O&M Seven Day Miracle Moisture Masque AU$31.95 (on AdoreBeauty) – As a curly haired girl, I naturally look up to curl goddess, Christina from Hair Romance and when she mentioned the Original Mineral Seven Day Miracle Moisture Masque as one of her beauty must haves, I decided that I must have it too. Even if it's a bit of a tongue twister…

 

 

Disclaimer: Usually we go out and buy all the items on our wishlists immediately after posting, so stay tuned for reviews!

Weekly Wishlists

Hey, how was your week?! We hope you had a great one. We thought it was about time for a weekly wishlist, what's on your list this week of must have (or lust have) items? Do share!!

1 – Nyx Retractable Eyeliner in White US$3.99 from cherryculture.com – At only $8.95 for shipping, I'll be shopping up a storm

 
 
 
 
 
 
1 – Palmer's Cocoa Body Scrub AU$10.99 – The much loved Cocoa Butter series now has a body scrub, what's not to love?
 
2 – DMK seba-e booster Price TBC – Ever since attending The Laser Lounge event a couple of months ago, I've been interested to try a few of the DMK products suggested to me. The seba-e booster is one that definitely interests me!
 
3 – Becca Lip and Cheek Creme in Romantic Ballet Pink AU$46 – I love a lip/cheek duo and the colour of this one would be perfect for my skin tone!
 

4 – Burt's Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturising Cream AU$29.95 – With everything I know about Burt's Bees, this stuff will smell amazing!

5 – Benefit Perk Up And Away Gift Set AU$99 – I love Benefit because of their amazing packaging but have never been able to justify the Australian prices! This set contains some of Benefit's best and most popular products and that kind of excites me (Christmas wish list, I think so!)

So, what's on your list?

Mother/Daughter Monday: Clinique Chubby Stick

The Product: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm

The Purpose: They say "Super-nourishing balm is loaded with mango and shea butters. Just what dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortably soft and smooth. Eight mouth watering lip tints in all, each with a subtle sheen."

The Price: RRP $35 from Clinique counters in 16 shades


Sue Says:

Well it's not normally me that's the last one on the band wagon for a new lip product, but I have to admit that I was a Chubby Stick virgin until only two weeks ago.

Lots of excuses, but my main reason for not forking out the $35 was that it is a colour balm, not a lipstick, and not a gloss.  And at my age I need a product that shouts itself out loud and clear.

However, good old Clinique have jumped on the October Breast Cancer awareness, and I was able to purchase the Pink with a Purpose, Limited Edition Chubby Stick which comes in Plumped Up Pink, with a cute little barrel bag to go with it.  Definately worth waiting for as Clinique donates a whopping $5 for each one purchased.

It's not the colour I would have chosen.  If not buying for the good cause, I probably would have picked Fuller Fig or Graped Up.  But it is a lovely product and 89% of reviewers on the Clinique site said they would recommend it to a friend.  I would recommend it to anyone under 50, but beyond that it's just a fun lip balm that's easy to carry and apply.  Without a lip liner underneath it's too sheer to have much effect.

But it's Clinique – a brand I love – therefore I have to give it 9 out of 10.


Katherine Says:

I have to be honest, I mostly bought a Clinique Chubby Stick because the name was hilarious and the colours and 'chubbiness' of the stick are great. I am so much more a lip balm wearer than a lipstick wearer as the former has been a part of my life for so long and such a comfortable part of my life for so long that I am more likely to buy and wear a moisturising tinted balm than just about anything else.

I find lipsticks mostly drying and have really yet to to feel comfortable rocking the brightest shades every day (don't even get me started on the 'reapply' that I have yet to master).

Yes, I agree with Mum, the Clinique Chubby Stick is a pricey one but she I have to remind her of words she once told me when complaining about paying $100 for a pair of ballet flats. The quality of the product is still the same, even if you are choosing a flat over a heel. Perhaps the same can be said for the tinted lip balm? (Or maybe not because the Maybelline Baby Lips tinted balms are awesome at $3.99 a pop and I'm yet to review a similar Australis product that cost $10!)

I love the shape of the Chubby Stick, it makes the product easy to apply and it does last longer on your lips than, say, the Revlon Lip Butters (plus the shape is much more friendly on smaller lips). The colour I chose was Super Strawberry and I love the tint, not to mention the extra moisture you just don't get with a regular lip stick and the fact that it reminds me of Crayolas that I had when I was a kid. 

I'd probably give it an 8/10 mostly because $35 for a tinted lip balm is pretty pricey given my beauty budget!

What do you think? Where do you stand on the Chubby Stick bandwagon?

Weekly Wishlist

Hello there! How has your week been? It's definitely been feeling like Spring this week, we love the warmer weather. It's definitely time to start getting ready for it! Defuzzing, getting feet sandal-ready, and legs primed for shorts. Here are the supplies we need in our lives this week:

Sue's Wishlist:

 

 

 

1. Nars, The Multiple. Probably in Copacabana  RRP $64 -Multipurpose stick for eyes, cheeks, lips and body.  Cream to powder, giving shimmering accents, contours and highlights!

2. Revlon Colourstay Smoky Shadow Stick.  $16 at Myer until 30 September. I like Revlon products and I'm enjoying using cream eye shadows instead of powder, just for a change.

3. Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector. $50. Just because I need it.

4. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Total Repair 10 BB Cream $35.95. Although I love the Garnier BB Cream (and the price is so competitive) it is for younger skin and this L'Oreal one is anti-aging.  It claims to perfect complexion and fight the 10 steps of aging (I didn't know there was a number. Now I have to research the 10!)

5. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Rebelle $50. Because my Chanel Rouge Coco is not glossy enough for me. 

 


Katherine's Wishlist

1. Marc Jacobs EDP Dot $120 – I haven't even had the chance to smell this but the packaging is absolutely adorable and after much resistance, I have decided that I JUST HAVE TO HAVE IT!

2. KMS California Curl Up Wave Foam $ – I've become so lazy with my hair and in summer I just get worse. Curls are pretty easy with my curly hair, they just need a bit of assistance so it doesn't look like my head has become a fuzzball!

3. Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub $38 – Mostly because the sound of this just screams summer to me. Delicious.

4. Garnier Fructus Pure Volume Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner $5.99ea – My grandmother emailed me this week to tell me that she has been using Garnier Volume Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner and her hair is noticeably thicker. May as well give it a go for that ridiculously affordable price!

5.Illamasqua Empower Palette $53 – I adore the Illamasqua packaging and I really need to get one of these palettes and with the new Australian 'Fair Prices', it's about time I do! I think the Empower colours are my favourite but I could go one of each and be perfectly happy.

Weekly Wishlists

1 - Kiehls Rare Earth Deep Pore Every Day Cleanser - AU$30 – I hear (from Wendy and Co) that this is a good exfoliating product for dry skin so I'm pretty keen to try it out.

2 – Australis Limited Edition Nails in Flip Flops – AU$7.95 – Just love this colour in the limited edition range!

3 – L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Gel Eyeliner - AU$19.96 (on sale at Priceline) – I haven't tried a gel eyeliner and I just feel like I really want to. Seems like as good a reason as any…

4 – Revitanail Nail Strengthener – AU$29.99 – So sick of peeling nails after having really strong nails my whole life. It's time to take some serious action!

5 – Revitanail Nourishing Treatment Oil - AU$14.99 – It all starts at the cuticles. When I said serious, I meant it!


Sue's Wishlist:

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – AU$8.99 – really well priced and the specifications tick all the boxes

2. Revlon Colourstay Whipped Creme Makeup – AU$24 – Katherine's sister, Rachael, and all of the women I've spoken to at Priceline say it's the best foundation they've tried.

3. Ardell Fashion Lashes – AU$3.89 – because they're fun and I'm told that they're the best for an amatuer to work with

4. Skin Doctors Eyetuck Anti Bag Technology - $59.95 – no point in enhancing your eyes with false eyelashes if they have huge bags slung underneath them.

5. And last but not least….and I know it doesn't really fit into a beauty blog…but I lust after these so bad and they are so beautiful…..Sambag ballet flats!!!!!


Enjoy your week, let's hope the weather is as Springtime amazing as it has been lately.

Mother/Daughter Monday – Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour

The Product: Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour SPF

The Purpose: They say "Rediscover the magic of lanolin in this heavy-duty, natural & multi-award winning ointment range like no other. The purest of the pure wonder ointment with over 60% Ultra Pure Medical Grade Lanolin, colour, vitamin E & SPF. Available in five colours – Rhubarb, Rose, Apples, Sunshine, and Dark Honey." 

The Price: AU$13.95 available online or at David Jones, Priceline, and pharmacies around Australia

 

Katherine Says:

I actually won a Lanolips Autumn Kisses From Lady Lamb gift pack a little while ago from Beauty Swatch and, as there were two in the pack, it seemed only right to share it with Mum. The Autumn Kisses pack retails for $19.95 and came with Rhubarb and Dark Honey and the colours suited us perfectly. I'm not going to lie, the stuff is difficult to get out of the tube. Not unlike Dr Lipp's Nipple Balm for Lips, you really have to squeeze hard to get it out!

Having said that, once you get the Lanolips out of the tube and onto you lips, oh wow, the stuff is amazing! The pack describes Lanolips as 'nature's wonder moisturiser' and the smooth, glossy sheen it leaves really shows why Lanolips is so highly regarded in the lip world! This stuff is magical.

The Rhubarb colour is quite pink and glossy, without that thick, stickiness you sometimes get from a lip gloss that is going for the shiny look without the benefits to your lips. Lanolips definitely favours lip conditioning above all else and it looks great too. A win in my book!


Sue Says:

Katherine gave me the Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour in Dark Honey, and the name alone would have sold me.  It really is a delightful colour. 

I love that it is made from medical grade lanolin (used in wound healing and hospitals) and is touted as nature's wonder moisturiser.  Those are great qualities in a lip product, especially during winter.  Another added benefit is that there is no animal testing (though I think that the sheep looks great with lip colour)!

What I'm most pleased with is that it is a great weekend product, as the SPF15 is giving my lips added protection when I'm most at the mercy of the sun.  I'm wearing it to enhance my lighter, fresher weekend look. 

I'm using my new Models Prefer Retracable Lipliner in Nearly Nude to line then fill in my lips.  Using a lip brush I then apply the Lanolips.  The effect is fantastic and because of the lipliner it is long lasting.  And because of the lanolin, my lips are feeling great. 

The story of this great Australian product is on the website.  It has won a raft of Awards and the site is really informative.  I'm definitely off to buy the Lemonaid Lip Aid tomorrow.

Have you tried Lanolips? What are your thoughts on the lip products?

Mother/Daughter Monday: BB Cream (to B or not to B)

Oops, we're running a bit late today, but better late than never!
 
 
 
The Purpose: Garnier says "Miracle Skin Perfector has a lightweight formula with vitamin C and mineral pigments to deliver long-lasting hydrating care with SPF15 UV filters and a light touch of make-up for instantly visible, radiant results. Quickly & perfectly it unifies, corrects, brightens, moisturises & protects!"
 
The Price: $10.49 from Priceline (on sale at the time of publishing this post!) but usually $13.99

Katherine Says:

I know the BB Cream phenomenon has probably come and gone since we finally got it in Australia but Mum and I have recently become a little bit in love with the Miracle Skin Perfector. 

I got a free trial a while ago and wasn't sure about the shiny sheen it left on my face. After about 15 minutes though, I noticed that the make up kind of sunk in, well not exactly, it kind of smoothed out. It was like magic right in front of my eyes (literally, I'm talking all over my cheeks!)

 

Since I learned a few things about my skin from the lovely Megan from Becca Cosmetics the other week (like that my preference for mineral foundation is actually bad for my dry, sensitive skin as it brings up every bump), i decided to jump on board because Mum was already using it and now it has replaced my mineral primer and most of my foundation.

The lightweight formula leaves my skin looking fresh and glowing instead of dry and bumpy as it has been looking this winter. I love it and on days when I need very little coverage, I know I can wear my BB Cream and feel okay about going out sans foundation, my only beef is that the cream tends to clump around the hole in the tube causing chunky bits in the cream but that is minor!

It has suncream in it so I'm always protected and the Garnier BB Cream is ridiculously afforable, just another win for me even if I use it as a primer it's still excellent value for money.


Sue Says:

In a great haul of products that Katherine passed on to me to try, there was a sachet of Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector, BB cream.
 
I had seen ads for BB cream in magazines, and had googled it to find out what I was missing out on.  My research told me that it stands for 'Blemish Balm, Blemish Base or Beblesh Balm' was originally formulated in Germany in the 1950s to protect skin after surgery.  It has been sold mainly in east and southest Asia, but the bigger cosmetic companies have now started to introduce it into western markets.  It is apparently known as 'the secret of Korean actresses' , where BB creams make up 13% of the cosmetics market.  The cream is known for its multi-tasking properties – moisturiser, primer, foundation and sunblock. 
 
Based on the above, I had decided it was a product I had to try, and the sample was just what I needed. 
 
I used the sample as a foundation, on top of my moisturiser without using a primer.  It was a non-work day, when I have a much lighter make-up routine, and I was really impressed with it as a fresh and natural base.  I finished it off with highlighter under my eyes, a slick of cream blush, mascara, eyebrow pencil and a lip gloss.  Very quick and easy!!
 
Some days for work I'm using the BB cream as a primer under my Clinique Even Better foundation, and I've found it great, but I really do like it on it's own as a fresh week end look.  At a RRP of $13.95 you really can't go wrong.
 
We are big fans of BB Cream, have you tried the Garnier product or any of the other BB creams on the market? We'd love to hear from you.
 
**EDIT – Since we published this post, my grandma (Mum's mum) also went out and bought BB cream and has reported that she also really likes it, so there you have it, three generations of ladies all loving Garnier BB Cream. That's a pretty good effort, we think!