Under the PHL sun: Going on a skin cream testing spree

Recently, I found that my skin was in need of extra cover. Sun spots, age spots, and other blemishes incurred via the harsh sun and the inevitable aging process required more than my trusty combo of concealer and powder. And so it began, my quest to find the right cream that will adhere to my needs—easy to use, provides good coverage, value for money and Philippine weather friendly.

I also sought the help of my good friend, actress Ana Roces, who has been applying make-up since aged twelve for her commercials, television and movie roles. Ana also completed a course at the Center for Aesthetic Studies on Make-up Artistry, and so, knows what we're about to get into.

We started by identifying our skin types and their corresponding shades. Ana has dry skin and is easily on the fair side, while I have normal skin and my skin tone is another confusion altogether. I am neither morena nor fair—in fact, make-up artists come up with personalized concoctions to best suit my color.

Armed with this information, off we went to test the myriad of BB, SS and BBBB creams.

First up was Shiseido Perfect Hydration BB Cream. BB, which stands for blemish balm, aims to conceal uneven skin color while providing moisture, sun protection, and a natural look.

The Shiseido BB cream was easy to apply; Ana used the light ocher shade while I used the medium version. The cream acted as a primer, smoothening our faces and readying them for the Shiseido GSC concealer and powder foundation. I noticed that the product needed a few minutes to settle and blend with our complexions. When it did, the Shiseido GSC powder foundation was used to
achieve our right shades.

Both of us observed the convincing 'dewy' effect. We ran our errands that afternoon in the summer heat. The make-up stayed on. The BB cream is non-sticky; however, the sharp dewy effect may not
be for everybody.

An alternative, if you're not a fan of the dew, was using just the Shiseido GSC concealer and powder foundation, which both have UV protection as well.
 

The Shiseido BB Cream comes in light and medium. It has SPF 30 and is a product made in Japan. It is priced at P1,750 and is available in all Shiseido stores and outlets worldwide.

Local make-up brand Happy Skin has its own cream to boast. The Happy Skin SS Crème is their own version of the double letter cream. SS, which stands for 'second skin,' is a silicone-free foundation which, like the BB cream, has skin improving qualities. Like a CC cream, it also has color correcting properties.

The Happy Skin SS Crème has a very light consistency and was easy to apply. I was advised to use the shade 02 Natural Beige for medium skin tone. It took more or less 20 minutes for the cream to subside and assimilate with my skin, after which a concealer and powder were also used to better achieve my shade. The cream was light on the skin and it lasted a good 6 hours. It had a powdery, not dewy finish, and can be easily removed with soap and water.

The Happy Skin SS Crème also carries two shades: 01 for fair to medium and 02 for medium to morena skin tones. It is equipped with SPF 20 and banks on its cherry blossom extract component to act as natural hydrator. This crème retails for P1,199 and is available at select Rustan's department stores, Beauty Bar branches, and Plains and Prints boutiques.

And finally, I moved on to the BBBB cream by Philippine global brand VMV Hypoallergenics. BBBB means 'BB but better'. The VMV BBBB cream is clinically validated hypoallergenic, 100% fragrance-free, paraben, and preservative free, and guaranteed non-comedogenic. VMV Hypoallergenics' strength is that it makes clinically-tested and scientifically legitimate products.

Unlike previous creams Ana and I tried, where our differences in skin tone were clearly defined by contrasts in make-up shades, the BBBB cream surprisingly comes in just one shade. This single shade supposedly works for all skin tones and skin types because it is quite sheer, claiming to integrate with one's skin instantly. True enough it did, and the cream worked for us both.
 

Aside from being very light, the 'dewy' effect was also faint. The BBBB cream kept us company while Ana worked out and I practiced my archery. The cream stayed put under the heat and sweat without feeling sticky.

The VMV Hypoallergenics BBBB Cream has SPF 30 and is infused with coconut-derived ingredients. It is packed with anti-aging, anti-acne, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It comes in two sizes—priced at P600 and P1,050—and is available in VMV stores worldwide and online.

However, no two skins are alike; therefore, preference in make-up may vary per person. And while all these new creams offer strengths of their own, none of them can do without concealer to mask epidermal concerns—achieving a perfectly smooth, natural-looking complexion. — VC, GMA News