My Winter Base: Skin79 Super + VIP Gold BB Cream

Ah the wintertime foundation debacle. Every year I try to find a base that a) is moisturizing b) has just enough (light to medium) coverage and c) actually matches my skin at its lightest. Fortunately last year, I found something that ticked all 3 needs.

I would categorize 2012 as the year of the BB cream in the US; they exploded over American markets. The only "American" BB cream I have tried is the Garnier one...and I hated it. It was greasy and made my skin look orange. I realized that if I wanted to try this BB cream craze, I'd have to get the real deal.

After some extensive research, I decided to try out the Skin 79 line. They are hugely popular in Asia, as well as in the States with some bloggers/vloggers. This VIP Gold variety is supposed to for drier, 

mature (hate that term) skin types. I have dry, combination acne-prone sensitive skin for reference.

 

As you can tell, this BB cream does a good job at covering redness and evening skin tone. I still need concealer to cover blemishes. Currently I am about a NW/NC 20 in MAC terms, and this matches me quite well. Like most Asian BB creams, it comes out grey tinted, but don't be afraid - it oxidizes on your skin after about 5 minutes to match. Unfortunately I don't think anyone NW/NC 30 or darker could make this BB cream work. It leaves a satin/dewy finish, which I love however it could not work for oily skin types (in this case, I know Skin 79 does another version in a pink container better suited for that). I love this base for low key days, which are most of mine as I am a student. It contains SPF 25 and has flashback, so I would not recommend it for photography. I usually wear a higher coverage foundation for those occasions anyway so this doesn't bother me. SPF in makeup is great, but not a vital component to me as SPF wears off after a few hours and must be reapplied (which I never do with makeup). In regards to longevity, I find it pretty long lasting at ~8 hours. After that point, it begins to look patchy. As my skin is drier in winter, I do not set it with powder however I have tried and it looks fine but has little effect on its longevity.

Pros

+ build able coverage (light to medium)

+ satin/dewy finish

+ is moisturizing

+ good match for paler skin tones

+ blends in easily

+ SPF 25

+ lasts ~8 hours

Cons

+ only one shade/won't work for medium to dark skin tones

+ may not work for oiler skin types

Final Verdict

Overall, I really love this BB cream. It works really well for my skin in the winter, and is perfect for lower coverage days. I bought mine for $15 USD from a reputable Amazon seller, Pink Gelee. Fast & free shipping plus free samples...I read a lot of reviews before buying and am happy to say I echo the great service. However you can find Asian BB creams like Skin79's offerings at Pretty & Cute as well.

Do you own any BB creams? I want to try the Dr. Jart ones next I think.I feel myself transforming from  a foundation junkie turned BB cream addict...

The Liebster Award

I was nominated for a Liebster Award by the lovely Sophie Teresa so that is what I am doing today. I really enjoy tags, so this was right up my street. Be sure to check out Sophie's blog...she recently started doing cooking posts if you're into food like moi.

The Liebster Award Rules:

The nominee must link back to the blogger who nominated them.

The nominee must state 11 facts about themselves, and then answer the 11 question provided for them by the person who nominated them. They will then nominate bloggers with less than 200 followers who they think deserve the recognition and pose 11 questions for them to answer. They must then drop by all the blogs of the bloggers they have nominated and let them know they have been nominated.

11 Facts About Myself:

1. I am currently pursuing 2 degrees and a minor at university (no life basically).

2. Dark chocolate, almonds, and Ryan Gosling are some of my favorite things.

3. I am fluent en francais after living in Toulouse for 10 months in high school.

4. I love Indian and Mexican food; the spicier, the better!

5. I used to be obsessed with cooking shows, especially the Food Network. Now I just enjoy cooking in general!

6. ... < online shopping

7. Addicted to coffee, but trying to break that habit.

8. I can't do hair. Zero patience when it comes to styling my mop.

9. I love to read. Some of my favorite authors are Chuck Palahniuk, Albert Camus, and Malcolm Gladwell...and a million more.

10. I used to play lacrosse, soccer, volleyball and run track back in the day. Nowadays I have to drag myself to the gym. Fail.

11. I unfortunately am a night owl and curse myself every morning for it!

The 11 Questions I Was Given:

Side note to Sophie: Great but TOUGH questions! :)

1. Where would you most like to visit in the world?

Hmm. I have always been intrigued by Indian culture so Mumbai.

2. Favourite lipstick, brand and colour?

Favorite brand is MAC due to  the variety of finishes and colors. One of my all time favorite shades is Viva Glam Cyndi, partly because I went on an all out manhunt to find it haha.

3. Coffee or tea?

Love both coffee and green tea. Oh and chai of course!

4. What did you want to be when you were little and has it changed?

I wanted to be a traveling comedian...yes, thankfully that has changed.

5. What is your favourite meal?

You're killing me! Pad thai I could eat everyday if allowed.

6. Heels or flats?

Flats only because a) I'm already pretty tall b) Heels are not kind to my feet. Wedges are better.

7. What item would you take to a desert island?

8. If you could have dinner with four famous people who would you choose?

Dead or alive? 

9. Handbags or shoes?

Bags all the way.

10. What is your must-have perfume?

Stella by Stella McCartney.

11. Who inspires you the most?

Honestly? The hundreds of random people I meet every year. Bloggers, colleagues, acquaintances...everyone has a story to tell. I love learning about others' lives. x

Ok, my turn to nominate!

MACKENZIE

ANNA

SOPHIE

EMILY JANE

RACHEL

Quite a few British gals nominated...you Brits are taking over the Internet, I kid you not.

My 11 Questions:

1. What was your favorite music group/band when you were growing up?

2. If you could have any super power, what would you choose? (an oldie but a goodie question)

3. Favorite makeup to wear when you're feeling nostalgic?

4. Are you a pants or dress/skirt person?

5. What is your dream job?

6. Favorite film of all time?

7. If you had a random $100 (or your currency equivalent) to blow, what would you purchase?

8. Are you the party type or prefer to stay in at night?

9. Do/did you carry a backpack or handbag to school?

10. Any style crushes?

11. What do you like best about blogging?

Thanks again to Sophie for nominating/tagging me. It's a cool way to interact with bloggers you may not have met otherwise. I look forward to reading everyone's responses! x

-Lindsay