While hiding out in Boots to avoid a Monsoon rain shower this morning I was drawn to the BB offering from their 17 collection. I’ve been a long-time fan of last year’s beauty phenomenon that is the BB formula (for those who don’t know, BB stands for Beauty Balm, or Beauty Base. It’s a multi-tasking formula that can give all, or some of the following: natural looking light/medium coverage, SPF protection, blemish control, hydration and even anti-ageing and skin-brightening properties). It looks like 17 have reformulated their offering, adding a higher SPF (15 to 25) and improved skincare properties, so I thought I’d give it a whirl.
Not only is it on offer at the mo, £5.99 instead of £6.99, but it came with a generous gifting set that I am already in love with.
Coverage-wise, the BB cream is on the heavier side of the ones I’ve tried, with an instantly mattifying and blemish concealing effect. It has a light, moussey texture though and sinks straight in, so not too cloying or pore-clogging.
Here are the swatches from the ‘Get Bronzed’ kit:
Metallics across all textures and make-up components – from eyeshadows to nail polishes – are going to be HUGE this AW12. I wrote about my love of Tom Ford’s molten nail lacquers a couple of months ago, and these little gems are continuing to build up my autumn palette.
The bronze cream blush is on the far left, and while it’s low pigment doesn’t do much for me as a straight blush, I will be re-working it as an all-purpose highlighter and a subtle wash right across my whole eye socket as an easy daytime take on metallics.
The middle is my new favourite eye colour. It’s a great hazelnutty, mink with a fine shimmer to it. I’ve been sweeping it over my eyelid, working it just below the inner eye to make eyes wide and bright. (Tip: Estee Lauder’s double wear eyeshadow base is a WONDER product if your eye colour creases/slides. I discovered this for my wedding and any shadow you put on top Does. Not. Budge).
Far right it a great complimentary lip glaze. I usually avoid lip colour with a hint of shimmer but this warming, subtle metallic nude has converted me, for this season at least.
