Review: Olay Fresh Effects (BB Cream) Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

          As promised, this will be my review on the Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream. This item was sent to me by Influenster for their Sunkissed VoxBox. The product retails for $12.99, however I have seen it as Rite Aid for $13.99. You can also purchase this online at Olay Fresh Effects Website or Amazon This is not a first impressions, because I have owned this product myself for the past 2-3 months or so, but because of this I can do a very thorough review of this product. Also keep in mind I have combination skin. I have no idea how it works on just dry or oily skin.

          First off, this is how Olay describes this product, as stated on the box:

          "Fresh & free: No oil or PABA. Just the good stuff. BB Cream, also known as beauty balm, is one of Asia's hottest beauty sensations. Its multi-tasking formula works to moisturize, brighten and help protect skin from harmful UV rays. This silky, tinted lotion blends effortlessly with your natural skin tone, helping hide imperfections and minimizing the need for concealer and foundation. With just one use, skin will be left glowing and naturally even." 

          Do I think this product:
               Moisturizes? Yes
                   Contains Glycerin
               Brighten? Only at the time of application, yes. Over a period of time, no.
               Help protect skin from harmful UV rays? Yes
                    Contains Avobenzone 3% (absorbs UVA rays), Homosalate 4%, Octisalate 4.5%
                    (absorbs UVB rays), and Octocrylene 2.6%: all are used as sunscreen
               Is a silky, tinted lotion? No, it does not feel silky. Yes, it feels like lotion and is tinted.
               Blends effortlessly with your natural skin tone? Yes
               Helping hide imperfections? Yes
               Minimize the need for concealer and foundation? Somewhat
       
          Secondly, these are the claims in which Olay makes about this product, stated on the box:

          "Fresh & Flawlessly Beautiful: Models get airbrushed. We get Olay BB Cream, with 24-hour hydration and a splash of sheer color for a flawlessly radiant look. Say bye bye to blotches and imperfections, and hello to instant skin-perfecting coverage.  

                    6 Skin Perfecting Benefits:
                         Refreshes
                         Brightens
                         Evens tone
                         Hydrates
                         Smoothes
                         Protects

          All-in-one solution for instantly brighter-looking, smoother-feeling, more even skin tone."

          Does this product:
               Refreshes? Yes
               Brightens? As before: Only at the time of application, yes. Over a period of time, no.
               Evens tone? Yes
               Hydrates? Yes
               Smoothes? Yes
               Protects? Yes

          Thirdly, while reading the box I stumbled upon some interesting facts. (Well, maybe not interesting, but more good to know facts).
          1) There is an expiration date: The one I bought 2-3 months ago says it expires on 03/2014 as well as the one that I just received from Influenster. I assume this is because of the ingredients used for sunscreen.
          2) There are parabens and fragrance in this product. In the list of ingredients you will find:  methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and fragrance.
          3) In the directions, it does say reapply at least every 2 hrs. I assume this is for sun protection and the sunscreen property of this product.
          4) Olay does test on animals. No where on this box does it say cruelty free. I also checked the Peta website and Olay is on the list of companies that does test on animals.

          Finally, what you have been waiting for, my honest review. I think this product does exactly what it is suppose to do: it is a lotion that hydrates your skin, protects you from the sun, evens out your skin tone, and gives you sheer coverage. When you put it on your skin, it feels just like a lotion. It also doesn't give off the "suncreen smell," but rather a fresh scent. It doesn't feel heavy and doesn't get cakey. However, it won't last you all day. Since it is only SPF 15, it won't protect for hours in the sun. The sheer coverage also starts to fade within an hour or 2 (this fading process accelerates if it is a hot day and you are sweating, or in my case, melting). As for brightening properties, it makes my skin healthy looking when I first apply it, but as for brightening over time, I do not think this product does that. (I also can't tell because I have been gradually getting dark due to the sun. Remember sunscreen protects you from harmful UV rays and sadly not cover you from tanning). If you skin is naturally flawless, this product could very well replace your foundation and concealer. But for everyone else out there that have imperfections like me, this won't be a good way to cover  up those imperfections. However, everyone can use this product as sunscreen (unless you are allergic or your skin gets irritated because of it).

My Overall Rating 90/100.

If you read through all that or have tried this also, leave me a comment telling me how my review went or how you like the product!

Also, before I forget.....

 Before the Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream

After the Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream

You be the judge... Does my hand look better or worse after the BB Cream? 

Until next time...

-Cindy

*All research materials were either found on the packaging, Google, Wikipedia, or Peta.org. You can also find more information at Olay Fresh Effects Website.