So I've been using this on and off since April(it's nearly empty!) and here's my review:
So what is it?
It's a BB Cream! If you're one of the few human beings alive on earth who doesn't know what a BB Cream is, read here:If you're too lazy to click, then let me just tell you that it's like tinted moisturizer or foundation with lots of skin care benefits.
Officially, the product's description is:PONDS Flawless White BB Cream Whitening Expert SPF 30 PA ++ With GenActiv Cover formula
What PONDS BB Cream does:Helps provide effortless natural bare-faced lookInstant natural coverageLightens from within*
the * means in the epidermia layer, which is the outermost layer of the skin. So if you think about it, the term "lightens from within(aka as the epidermia layer?)" is kinda like, what do you call it? an oxymoron? PONDS please enlighten us!(Or dear reader who is reading this, if you have any idea what this means, please help the rest of us and explain at the comment section below)
The opening of this little tube I have is similar to the full sized one. The opening is narrow enough so you can control how much of the product you want to squeeze out. Actually, you can dot it all over your face with this kind of opening, although that isn't my preferred means of application.
Texture and Smell:It won't drip from your arm if you swatch it like this. It isn't too viscous too. On my face, it doesn't feel heavy or sticky unlike some BB Creams I tried in the past. It smells like soap. I like that it smells clean, but it sometimes makes my nose itch too. And because it doesn't smell feminine, there's a high chance that guys will use this too!
SPF30:I think this number is exactly how much SPF I need for every day sun protection. I like that even though it has relatively high SPF compared to other local BB Creams, it doesn't feel heavy and the white cast isn't much.
Color:As I mentioned earlier, this was given to me by sister, for the reason that she thinks it's too light for her. My sister is probably two shades darker than me so I can imagine how PONDS BB Cream is just too fair for her.PONDS BB Cream is more of beige and lacks yellow pigments. I can imagine it fits fairer and cooler skin tones better.
note: pictures were taken on a cloudy day, while I'm inside the house facing the window
You can see that it's a bit too light for me upon initial application. After a few minutes though, I find that it is able to adjust to my skin color.
Coverage and Longevity:Sheer to medium. You can't really build it up much.It starts to fade after 5 hours or so. In my case, I don't really reapply at it still maintains some of its coverage for even longer hours. Also I noticed that it has a formulation that really sticks to the skin. It's not really water-proof but I think it is slightly sweat-proof.
Finish and Oil-control:It has a slightly dewy finish, which isn't too much. It doesn't make your face look oily but for girls with oily or combination skin(like me!), you might have to set it with powder still. I usually powder just my nose and my forehead a bit when using this BBcream.It only slightly helps control oil. I'm not sure if that's one of those advertised features of this product, but I noticed that my T-zone doesn't get as oily as it normally does when I'm not using any products.
More swatches:
Thanks to my now HD camera, you can now see all the skin imperfections I have that isn't covered by this BBcream. I think it was able to even out my skin tone and minimize the appearance of my many freckles. There are some few pimple marks visible though (I had a major breakout a week before taking this pic)
You may also notice the slightly dewy finish that I was talking about.
Color-wise, it is a bit too light for me. But the thing is, I normally make do with a sheer application. I only applied it this thick for picture purposes for this blog. And like I said, it does adjust to my skin after a few while. However I can't say that it is able to blend as effectively to darker skin tones than mine. I think I can still wear it during summer though, even when I'm tanner.
Likes:SPF 30 - sufficient sun protection if you're the type who doesn't go out without an umbrellaFeels light on the faceAffordableEasily available Smells cleanBrightens faceEvens out skin toneCan partly cover blemishes
Dislikes:Only one shade
Were the claims true?Bare-faced look and instant natural coverage?Actually, yeah! The slight dewy finish makes the coverage look natural.Lightens?I don't think I've used this long enough to attest to any whitening result.
Repurchase?Theoretically, yes
Recommend?Yes, for ladies with light to medium-fair skin tones.No for morenas.
I saw a shade named natural cover in a blog written by an Indian blogger here, and I can tell by the swatches that it's yellow-based and a bit darker than light too. I wish they release that shade here in the Philippines. I think it suits more Pinay skintones better.
Here's how a full tube that costs P349 looks like:
Do you use BB Creams too?Have you tried this one?Share your experiences at the comment section below!
Thanks for reading!
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