maybelline dream fresh bb cream

Beauty fads come and go but that doesn't stop me from trying them. Not one bit. The latest "fad" to hit stateside are beauty balms or blemish balms, affectionately called "BB Creams." I've known about this miracle product for some time primarily because of my love of Asian culture - especially when it comes to Koreans and beauty - where BB Creams have been a staple for years.

Invented by German dermatologists in the '50s (some say 60s) as a soothing post-treatment cream, it BLEW up in Korea, where it became a must have for movie stars who wanted fresh, flawless complexions without looking made up. Now it's infiltrated its way to the Western world where bloggers have been buzzing nonstop. I never paid any attention primarily because most BB creams were created for fairer skin (I couldn't get upset because if you think about it, not too many sistas in Korea, y'know?). Luckily my friends (because I'm friends with everyone) at Maybelline have created their own line of BB creams and have thought about us darker gals. Hoorah!

Is it a foundation? Tinted moisturizer? Acne treatment? Depends on the brand really. Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream, is described by the brand as "the 8-in-1 skin perfector" and works to blur imperfections, brightens, even skin-tone, smooth, hydrates, enhance, AND protect skin.

But does it work?

For starters it's oil free so I was intrigued as I'm looking for something for warmer weather where I want a flawless look without the heavy feel of foundation. I typically use tinted moisturizer during the summer but event then there are times they glide right off my face. What's a girl to do?! Dream Fresh has gelled-water formula (it's made of 70% water) which means this goes on smoothly without skipping and any blending issues. It's slightly sheer upon first application and when I first tested it out my immediate reaction wasn't pleasant. I freaked a bit because I have oily skin and shy away from anything remotely dewy. BUT then the product dried down and all was right with the world and my face. I fell in love. The result was smooth and even tone skin without feeling like I had makeup on.

As I'm used to setting my makeup I lightly powder my face (again I love a matte look) and call it a day. I don't have to check on my makeup because guess what? My skin looks amazing all day. The only other product to have this result in recent months would be NARS Pure Radiance Tinted Moisturizer.

The shades...

Dream Fresh BB Cream comes in five skin-tones:

• Light
• Light/Medium
• Medium
• Medium/Deep 
• Deep 

I wear the Deep shade and haven't had any issues in terms of color matching (I wear MAC NW45 for reference). Though I wonder how this will work out in the middle of summer when I tend to get a bit more tan from the sun. We'll see!

Dream Fresh BB Cream ($8.99) is available at mass retailers nationwide beginning this month.

Pin It Disclosure: sample provided for editorial consideration. lease don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.