Product Review: The Face Shop Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream

The Face Shop Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream

Several years ago, long before Korean dramas became a hit in my country, I was already immersed into watching them. I just loved to see the chemistry between two gorgeous leads, listen to the beautiful OST, and watch the romantic story unfold. But somehow, I've outgrown watching these dramas already. Nevertheless, the fangirl inside me got convinced to buy myself a Korean skincare product - just because the endorsers happen to be one of the most irresistible Korean actors.

The frustration that came across me though is that most of these products lack English labels. How am I supposed to choose a product good for oily skin if I can't even understand Korean? So off I went to different Korean shops to try on the products, then came back home and did my research. I've found some reviews and ingredients information. Finally, I came with my decision.

The Face Shop Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream is, just as the name indicates, a water-based formula that is suitable for oily skin. I came to choose this not only because it has SPF, but also because it doesn't contain highly comedogenic ingredients. The price is also relatively cheaper compared to other Korean BB creams. In addition, it was also being recommended by my favorite beauty guru Bubzbeauty as one of her top BB creams. I went to two malls just to find this product, and luckily, upon arriving the second branch of The Face Shop, I found the item of interest. I bought the light beige color, because I have fair complexion.

Product: Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream
Color: Light Beige
Price: Php 995.00 / 40ml
Store: The Face Shop
Ingredients: Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Hexyl Laurate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, SD Alcohol 40-B, Biosaccharide GUM-1, Portulaca Olerace Extract, Sea Water, Squalene, C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosparate, Polysorbate 60, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenomethanol, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Talc, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrace, Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 44941, CI 77490) 

Analyze ingredients here. (Copy the list above and place it inside the site's text box.)

Aqua Tinted BB Cream says:

With a 70% Moisture Content, Including DEEP SEA WATER, a light application provides a sense of coolness and freshness the moment it touches the skin.

It has SPF 20 PA++. The rest I cannot understand. @_@

And here's how the packaging looks like:

Don't you just love the packaging?

Aqua-Tinted BB Cream has a soft and slightly slippery consistency. It can be easily spread over the skin. Though applying a serum/moisturizer on the face beforehand would provide an even smoother base. After applying it on the face, it's as if I'm only applying a colorless moisturizer because I couldn't see any difference. But after waiting for the product to set in, I did see the effect. It made my skin appear dewy and radiant. The color suited my skin tone just fine, though applying a bit too much would make me look pale. Nevertheless, I love the BB cream. It made my skin smooth, and my pimples less reddish.


But when midday arrived, or shall I say even before midday, my face had lost its ethereal appearance. My skin looked so greasy already. I didn't know whether it's because of the supposedly dewy effect or just because of my natural sebum that my face appeared so shiny. I needed to blot my skin by midday, and retouch with a powder to control the shine. But the good thing is, the BB cream didn't give me any breakouts. Though the product didn't seem to have oil control function (as far as my skin is concerned), but it didn't clog my skin pores anyway.

Here's a swatch of the BB cream:

And here's how it looks after being blended on the skin:

And after 20 minutes...

With flash. Notice the strong white cast.

I am sharing this product with my twin sister, and I just loved how the product looked on her. The BB cream made her skin appear fairer and healthier. But she also have the same concerns with me, that is, during the middle of the day, her face becomes super oily. Well, thanks to the existence of blotting papers!

Will I buy this product again? Probably. It has SPF and whitening properties for the skin. It gives a dewy appearance, and it doesn't cause breakouts on my face. The only gripe I have is that I needed to deal with the oiliness after a few hours. 

Overall, this is an impressive product with a reasonable price. Those with less oily skin would probably appreciate it more than I do. But I do not recommend it to people who needed a lot of coverage, as the product only provides sheer coverage.

Also available on Amazon (1-Light Beige, 2-Natural Beige):

Online Resources on Cosmetic Ingredients

Source: Philippe Sainte-Marie | Fotopedia.com

Different governments have their own way of regulating cosmetic products within their jurisdiction. By following these strict guidelines, manufacturers can formulate their products with consumer safety as the main priority. Despite these, a non profit organization, by the name of Environmental Working Group, continually alerts the public for unsafe products in the market. According to this group, many hazardous chemicals are being used by manufacturers of these products. The group even warned the public against buying specific products on their website. Though many ingredients' safety are still debatable, many manufacturers continue to use these ingredients. 

Since the product has landed onto your boutique's shelf, the product must be safe, right? Well, that's a hard question to answer. While I don't think manufacturers would intend to create cosmetics harmful for their consumers' health, but unfortunately, cosmetic products don't pass through screening by independent agencies. It's hard to determine whether the product is indeed free of any dangers.

Safety issues aside, we can't be so sure if labels of the products are true to what they claim. Labels such as noncomedogenic, non-hypoallergenic, natural, or dermatologist-tested are dubious because there is no definite standards for manufacturers to describe their products as such. How natural is the product? Does it mean that one natural ingredient, even with the tiniest percentage, would rightfully describe a product as natural? Or how about noncomedogenic? Does it mean that the product is absolutely free of comedogenic ingredients? The questions can go on.

I think the best way to answer these questions is to gain proper knowledge. There are many online resources that help educate the public about these issues. My top pick is the website of Cosmeticsinfo.org. It contains a huge database on personal care products ingredients, their description, their functions, and their safety issues. Links to resources such as FDA and CIR are provided within each of the ingredient's profile for more information. I am learning a lot of things by looking up at their database.

For a quick analysis of a product's ingredients, I refer to Cosdna.com. It has a search box where you can choose to type the product name, ingredient name, or the whole ingredient list for your query. I usually would look up to my favorite product's ingredient's list I've searched online, copy the list, and paste it in the query box. Results will display a table of these ingredients, along with the function of these ingredients (e.g. surfactants, solvents, or emollients), the comedogenicity rating, the irritancy rating, and the safety rating. 

Here I have listed down online resources I've mentioned, plus some additional useful sites:

http://www.cosdna.com

http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org

http://beautifulwithbrains.com/

http://www.cir-safety.org/

BB Creams for Oily Skin

When you choose a skincare product, you have to look for products that suit your skin type. Say, if you have oily skin, you should choose products that are water-based and noncomedogenic. If you have dry skin. products that are oil-based and heavily moisturizing for your daily regimen are preferable. If you have sensitive type skin, choosing the right products require a closer look at the ingredients. Aside from avoiding the specific ingredient that causes allergy, choosing products that are colorless and odorless tend to lessen the likelihood of irritation.

Same with BB cream. Since BB creams are cosmetics with skincare benefits, you have to look for those functions that will help improve your skin condition. There are many functions of BB creams such as anti-aging, whitening, hydrating, and acne-fighting. It's up to your skin which of these BB creams you should choose.

As for me, since my skin type is oily, I need a BB cream that gives a matte finish. The formulation should be noncomedogenic as well, meaning the ingredients shouldn't clog my pores. I also want a BB cream with SPF because I will be using it during the day, so a product with sun protection is a must!

Lately during my BB cream hunting, I got drawn to the Korean BB Creams because of the cute packaging (not to mention the gorgeous endorsers of these brands) and the comparably affordable prices. However, to my dismay, most of the Korean BB Creams labels were written in Korean. Even the official websites of the stores that offer these BB creams don't include enough information about these BB creams. Having a very oily and acne-prone skin, I know that I can't just choose a product according to how it looks and smells.

I tried asking the salesladies which of the BB creams are good for oily skin. They showed me the ones that give off a matte finish. I tried out some swatches of these creams to find out which matches my skin tone. But of course, knowing which BB creams can mattify my skin doesn't mean that these products are noncomedogenic.

That prompted me to dig deeper on my research. I finally found the ingredients list (in English) of my wishlist items. And if you're also like me who is looking out for a new BB cream, the following is a list of popular products in the market, along with a description and links to their product reviews by other bloggers (since I haven't tried those products myself yet). I hope you'll find this information useful and if you do have your own review about a particular BB cream, please do inform me so I can also include your link within my list.

Note: Prices of the listed products will be mainly based in the Philippines (in Php currency), unless otherwise specified. Ingredients listed in RED are comedogenic (with a rating of 3 and above out of 5 scale) based on cosdna.com database. Ingredients marked with an asterisk (*) refer to ingredients that pose safety risks according to CIR, RTECS, and FDA. For more detailed information on comedogenicity, irritancy, and safety ratings, visit the cosdna database, or check the list of comedogenic ingredients here.

Lioele Triple Solution BB Cream

Price and Availability:

Php1,150.00 (Lioele Philippines) / 50ml; also available on Amazon

Description:

Triple Action: UV Protection, Wrinkle Diminishing, Whitening

Sun Protection: 

SPF 30 PA++

Ingredients:

Water, Titanium Dioxide, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate / Dicaprate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Arbutin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Talc, Yogurt Powder, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Fragaria Vesca, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Adenosine, Disteardimonium Hectorate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Ozokerite, Beeswax, Propylene Carbonate, Zinc Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Hexyl Laurate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone / Methicone Polymer, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance, CI 77491, CI 77499

Reviews:

http://tulips-and-me.blogspot.com/2013/05/lioele-triple-solution-bb-cream-review.html

http://minervadelfino.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/product-review-lioele-triple-the-solution-bb-cream/

http://berrixbeauty.blogspot.com/2013/03/lioele-triple-solution-bb-cream-review.html

Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream

Price and Availability:

Php 748.00 (Tony Moly Philippines) / 45g; also available on Amazon

Description:

Provides moisture and radiance to your skin. 

Moisturizes and covers blemishes.

Sun Protection: 

SPF 37 PA++

Ingredients:

Water, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclopentosiloxane, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate / Dicaprate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-101/1 Dimethicone, Arbutin, Hexyldecyl Myristoyl Methylaminopropionate, Hexyl Laurate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Porlulaca Oleracea Extract, Achillea Millelolium Extract, Pearl Powder, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Silica, Disteardimonium-Hectorite, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnarnate, Tribehenin, Aluminum Hydroxide, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Glyceryl Behenate, Calcium Stearate, Polygylceryl-6 Octastearate, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Coral, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Caffeine, Methylparaben, Chlorphenesin, Propylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77490)

Reviews:

http://theunemployedfish.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-tonymoly-luminous-goddess-aura.html#.UWynw6J8n-Y

TheFaceShop Face It Power Perfection BB Cream

Price and Availability:
Php 1,145.00 (The Face Shop) / 40g; also available on Amazon

Description:

A 3-in-1’ BB cream (anti-wrinkle, whitening, sun protection) with perfect coverage.

Actively addresses all skin problems such as loss of firmness, dry skin, uneven skin texture and dull complexion.

Better makeup results (flawless coverage + good adherence + long lasting): Provides perfect coverage without being thick on the skin. Contains coated powder similar to skin cells which offers great adherence. It leaves skin feeling comfortable, providing delicate and long-lasting makeup results.

Marvelous airy-touch texture: A light-as-air texture that smoothly melts into the skin upon application making skin comfortable and able to breathe.

Sun Protection:

SPF 37 PA++

Ingredients:

Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenyl Trimethcone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Zinc Oxide, Isododecane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Iron Oxides, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ozokerite, Hyexyl Laurate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Beeswax, Stearic Acid, Fragrance, Propylene Carbonate, Disodium EDTA, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis, Raspberry, Adenosine, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Xantham Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Alumina, Retinol, Linoleic Acid, Ceramide 3, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Leaf/Stem Extract, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Beta-Glucan, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Dimethicone, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Hydrogenated Polyolefin, Caprylic Glycerides, Trethoxycaprylylsane, Schinus Terebinthifolus Beed Extract

Reviews:

http://shewalksinbeautyy.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-face-shop-face-it-power.html

http://thekikaychronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/face-shop-power-perfection-bb-cream.html

http://frozenblossomsbysenzy.blogspot.com/2012/06/review-thefaceshop-face-it-power.html

The Face Shop Face It Magic Cover BB Cream

Price and Availability:
Php 1,100+ (The Face Shop) / 45ml; also available on Amazon

Description:

A BB Cream that perfectly covers skins imperfections giving your skin a natural beautiful look

Complete Coverage: Perfect Cover fix Powder gives fine coverage and covers skin pigments, fine lines and freckles like magic.

Skin Treatment Effects: An anti-aging function product that cares for skin when wearing makeup. Natural ingredients keeps skin youthful and healthy

Soft dewy texture

Sun Protection: SPF 20 PA++

Ingredients:

Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, cyclopentasioloxane, phenyl trimethicone, mannan, butylene glycol dicaprylate / dicaprate, cetyl PEG / PPG-10/1 dimethicone, dimethicone, dimethicone crosspolymer, sodium chloride, dimethicone / vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, octyldodecyl neopentanoate, disteardimonium hectorite, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, cetyl dimethicone glyceryl dibehenate, tribehenin, gylceryl behenate, oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil, cholesteryl / behenyl / octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, adenosine, acetyl hexapeptide-3, silica, methicone, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, triethoxylcaprylylsilane, iron oxides (ci 77492), iron oxides (cc 77491), iron oxides (cc 77499), fragrance, benzyl benzoate, butylphenyl methylpropional, citronellol, hexyl cinnamall, *hydroxycitronellal, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehide, linalool

Reviews:

http://emsunnie.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/thefaceshop-face-it-magic-cover-bb-cream-in-2%ED%98%B8-natural-beige-review/

http://www.asianblush.org/face-it-magic-cover-bb-cream

http://mayslittlethings.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/review-the-face-shop-face-it-magic-cover-bb-cream-2-natural-beige/

The Face Shop Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream

Price and Availability:

Php 995.00 / 40ml; also available on Amazon

Description:

A moisturizing BB cream that contains 70% water that keeps skin fresh, clear, and well-moisturized

70% of this BB cream is water which includes deep ocean water

This BB cream glides over skin, leaving the skin feeling cool, refreshed, light and comfortable

Contains purslane extract which calms skin and is effective against skin problems

Sun Protection:

SPF 20 PA++

Ingredients:

Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Hexyl Laurate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, SD Alcohol 40-B, Biosaccharide GUM-1, Portulaca Olerace Extract, Sea Water, Squalene, C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosparate, Polysorbate 60, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenomethanol, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Talc, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrace, Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 44941, CI 77490)
My Own Review:
http://seriousskincareblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/product-revew-face-shop-face-it-aqua.html

Reviews:

http://mypurplepoints.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-face-shop-aqua-tinted-bb-cream.html

http://kikaysimaria.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-faceshop-aqua-tinted-bb-cream.html

http://kikay.exchange.ph/2012/06/15/the-face-shop-aqua-tinted-bb-cream

http://ada-nikki.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-face-shop-aqua-tinted-bb-cream.html

Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream

Price and Availability:
currently unavailable Php 1,550.00 (Beauty Bar) / 35g; available on Amazon

Description:

Micro-Gold Pearls hide acne, scars and freckles.

Creates a thin barrier to protect skin from getting dry and rough.

Soft Focus Powder uses light diffusion to hide wrinkles and give you smooth-looking skin.

Waterproof formula prevents oily, shiny skin.

Infused with 5 nourishing treatment essences. (Hydrolyzed Collagen, Royal Jelly Extract, Squalane, Jojoba Oil; Macademia Seed Oil)

Sun Protection: 

No SPF

Ingredients:

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Macadamina Ternifolia Seed Oil, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Stearoyl Inulin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Petrolatum, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Royal Jelly Extract, Tocopherol, Sorbitan, Sequiisostearate, Sodium Chloride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Mica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tin Oxide

Reviews:

http://www.askmewhats.com/2012/11/amw-reviews-fairydrops-candy-bar-bb.html

http://thebeautyjunkee.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-fairy-drops-candy-bar-bb-cream.html

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

Price and Availability: 
Php 1,900.00 (Beauty Bar) / 30ml; also available on Amazon

Description:

Oil-controlling formulation with emollients and optical pearl pigments to provide hydration and visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles after only four weeks

This multitasking tinted cream formula with SPF 35 moisturizes, primes, perfects, controls oil, and protects for flawless skin on set and beyond. Formulated with emollients and optical pearl pigments, this BB Cream gives skin a glowing, ethereal look and provides a hydrating veil for the complexion to maintain moisture on the surface of the skin.

Sun Protection: 

SPF 35

Ingredients: 
Active Ingredients:
Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 4.00%, Oxybenzone 2.50%, Titanium Dioxide 1.10%
Inactive Ingredients:

Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, *Peg-40 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract (Extrait D'Orge), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Trehalose, Oryzanol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Urea, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sucrose, Glycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Lacylate, Caffeine, Linoleic Acid, Cholesterol, Lecithin, Squalane, Sodium PCA, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silica, Disodium EDTA, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)].

Reviews:

http://www.vampyvarnish.com/2012/04/smashbox-camera-ready-bb-cream-spf-35-review

http://www.beautyjunkiesunite.com/WP/2011/08/29/smashbox-camera-ready-5-in-1-beauty-balm-bb-cream-reviews-swatches/

Do you have any other skin concerns? Here are some other BB creams that you might like.

Last updated: July 28, 2015

Skincare Tips for Oily Skin

Source: Photorack.net

If your skin appears to be always shiny, even after a few hours of washing the face, then you probably have an oily skin type. Though the sebum (or oil) may act as a natural lubricant for the skin, which makes oily-skinned people less prone to wrinkles, but too much of it isn't a good thing. The sebum produced by the oil glands passes through the skin pores to wash away dirt. When there is too much sebum, the pores will tend to be clogged, trapping the dirt and bacteria within, a condition that is known as acne. 

Cause of oily skin is usually due to heredity. Our genes determine how much oil our glands should produce. Aside from heredity, oil production is also determined by our bodies' hormonal changes. Fluctuation of hormones responsible for sebum production usually occurs during puberty, before a woman's menstrual periods, menopause, pregnancy, or too much stress. So you may notice more acne breakouts around those periods.

Since oily skin tends to be more prone to acne than other types, a major concern of people with this skin type is of course, to control the oil. If you belong to this group of people, it is important that you take a look at your skincare routine.

Cleansers

Skincare routine starts with facial cleansing. When cleansing the face, look for products that are gentle on the skin. Harsh ingredients will tend to over dry the skin, making the skin produce more oil in response to the dryness. Limit to washing the face twice daily to avoid over-dryness, unless after workout to wash away the sweat. If your skin is very oily and you want to cut through the grease more thoroughly, then look for cleansers with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or beta-hydroxy acids. However, observe carefully how your skin responds to these products as the ingredients may be irritating.

Toners

A toner or astringent with witch hazel extract, lime, lemon, or salicylic acid works well for oily skin. According to ShareCare.com, applying toner need not to be on the entire face. Just focus on the oily part of the face so as not to over dry the rest of the skin. Many toners designed for acne usually contain alcohol which may be effective for removing oil. However, too much of it may lead to over-dryness, so I personally prefer toners without this ingredient, unless it is in small amounts within the product.

Moisturizers

Many people think that moisturizers aren't necessary for oily skin types. However, according to American Academy of Dermatology, moisturizers function to help retain water, not the oil, and every skin needs to be hydrated to stay healthy. An oil-free noncomedogenic moisturizer is what you'll need. Choose products with ingredients that trap the water such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or lactic acid. Stay away from products that add more oil to the face, such as those that contain cocoa butter or avocado oil. If you want a moisturizer that is lightweight, aim for serums or gel creams rather than heavy creams. You may also choose moisturizers with added SPF to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays.

Sunscreens

If your moisturizer doesn't include sun protection, it is mandatory that you apply a sunscreen onto your face. Most products that are formulated for oily skin types usually have acne-fighting ingredients. Some of these ingredients tend to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, such as benzoyl peroxide. So before you leave for the outdoors, apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Check if the sunscreen has broad spectrum protection, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB, and look for the noncomedogenic label. 

Cosmetics

Though makeups tend to not last long on an oily face, but there are already a wide availability of cosmetics geared to this skin type. When buying for your cosmetics, choose ones that are oil-free and noncomedogenic. Applying a primer is a must for an oily face, though some BB creams can already function as such. According to Dr. Audrey Kunin, never use products that are silicon-based. They may give your skin a matte finish, but silicon only acts as a mere cover-up, which won't do your oily skin any good. Instead, look for products with polymers, such as acrylates copolymer, which acts as a sponge that absorbs the extra grease. Use an oil control blotting paper during the midday to make your makeup last longer. Some blotting papers even have powder to absorb more grease. Remember to just press the paper for about 15-20 seconds on your skin instead of rubbing it against the face.

Facial Scubs and Exfoliators

Many skincare advice for oily skin suggests avoiding these products altogether, as rubbing and scrubbing of oily skin will only make the oiliness worse. But the American Academy of Dermatology suggest otherwise. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that may clog the pores. Once or twice a week, depending on your skin's sensitivity, is already sufficient. Go for products that have mild composition. As with the rest of your skincare products, observe carefully how your skin responds, and act accordingly to your skin's needs.

Sources:

Howstuffworks

ShareCare

WebMD: How to Make Makeup Last

WebMD: Oily Skin

American Academy of Dermatology

Product Review: Za Total Hydration BB Cream UV

Za Total Hydration BB Cream UV

BB cream might be the latest fad now when it comes to beauty products. In fact, as soon as I've learned about BB cream, I was immediately amazed by the concept behind this product. Who wouldn't love a product that offers coverage for skin flaws, and at the same time, moisturizes and protects the skin - a makeup but with the added benefits? 

I've already heard and seen a lot of brands of BB cream - from Maybelline to Neutrogena, from BodyShop to Ponds, and from Skin79 to Missha. Yet, I ended up buying my first ever tube of BB cream from Za. I got the Za Total Hydration BB cream UV (natural color) during my shopping spree in a Hong Kong beauty store (Sasa).
Because BB creams are a bit pricey compared to my other beauty products in my regimen, I had to be extra careful in choosing the right product. I took Za Total Hydration BB cream UV (Price: HKD 78 for 20g) because it had a tester available and when I tried it on my backhand, it blended perfectly.

Product Name: Za Total Hydration BB cream UV 
Price and Availability:  Amazon
Ingredients: Water, dimethicone, titanium dioxide, ethyhexyl methoxycinnamate, glycerin, butylene glycol, pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, PEG-9 polydemethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, disteardimonium hectorite, hydrogenated polydecene, aluminium hydroxide, sorbitol, silica, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, PEG-6, PEG-32, trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG/PPG-14/7 dimethyl ether, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, sodium glutamate, betaine, panthenyl ethyl ether, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, glycine, stearic acid, isostearic acid, aminomethyl propanol, disodium EDTA, aluminium distearate, alumina, PEG-150, triethoxycaprylylsilane, polysilicone-2, BHT, limonene, linalool, citronellol, hydrogen dimethicone, tocopherol, tin oxide, phenoxyethanol, fragrance, iron oxides, mica
Remarks: According to cosdna.com database, none of the ingredients above went above a score of 2 out of 5 scale in terms of comedogenicity and irritancy.


Review:

Here's what the tube looks like without the cap:

Though the tube looks very simple, I didn't have any complaints about it. The cream inside came out easily. And a few squirts of the product can cover up a large portion of the skin.

I could say Za was able to prove the wonders of a BB cream. It has an SPF 43 PA+++ which is a plus as I wanted to have protection for UVA and UVB. Though the coverage it offers wasn't that thorough, but it did made the skin flaws less visible and hideous. I didn't have any severe acne scars nor breakouts, so this product is just what I needed. 

What I really loved about Za BB cream is it lessens my skin's oiliness. It wasn't a real heavy-duty oil control BB cream so in the midday, I still had to blot oil from my skin. I did notice though that my acne dries out quickly whenever I use the product. With the impressive oil control function of Za, I got less breakouts and my acne became more controllable.

Here's a swatch of Za Total Hydration BB Cream UV:

Here how it looks like after spreading out the cream. It looks matte doesn't it?

Now with a camera flash:

Although it appeared to match my hand's skin tone the first time I tried it, I later noticed that the BB cream actually was a bit darker than my face's natural color. Despite that, I did received some comments that my skin appeared smoother and healthier, with these nice people having no idea I was in fact wearing makeup. 

Here's how the BB cream looks like on my face (Notice how the BB cream gave my skin a softer, smoother, and mattified appearance).

One minor gripe I have about the product is that it dries too quickly on the skin, thereby making it difficult to spread across the skin. So before I apply the BB cream, I apply a moisturizer first underneath to make the product spread more easily. If you have dry skin, this product might even appear powdery or cakey on your face.


Verdict:

Overall, the product is great. I recommend it to people with oily and acne-prone skin, as the product can effectively dry out the pimples and give off a matte finish. It makes the blemishes less visible while allowing the skin to heal. If you want a product with only light coverage and sun protection while giving your face a natural look, then Za Total Hydration BB Cream UV is definitely for you.


Rating:  4.5/5


If you're interested in more Za's cosmetics products, here's Za's Official Website.

So what's your favorite BB cream? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.