Review: Clinique Age Defense BB Cream

Clinique are the latest brand to jump on the BB bandwagon with their latest release, Age Defense BB Cream.  Described as a perfecting cream, it contains anti-oxidants and SPF30 PA+++ (which is a pretty high level of protection - the more +, the more protection against UVA rays).  According to the tube, it can be worn alone or under foundation - so we're looking at a cream with a light level of coverage, more akin to a tint than a full on base.

The first thing that surprised me when I squeezed out a bit of this light cream is that the shade is actually reasonably pale.  I was sent shade 1, which is the lighter of the two available, and unlike many other BB creams and tinted moisturisers I've tried in the past, it is definitely pale enough for my skin.  This is a massive win as far as I'm concerned - it's hard to find pale foundations, let alone pale BB creams or tints which are supposed to support a wide range of skin tones in fewer shades.

Anyway, on to the texture - this cream is fairly dry, unlike most other BB creams I've used in the past.  It reminds me of Liz Earle's Skin Tint in that respect - this isn't something that applies well over skin that's not been well moisturised beforehand, as it's just not quite silky and emollient enough to blend out easily.  Over moisturiser, though, it's easy enough to smooth across the skin, and reasonably pigmented despite the blurb on the back of the tube.

Immediately after application, the skin looks a little overly matte and flat, but after fifteen minutes, the cream sinks in and interacts with the skin's natural oils enough to leave a natural semi-matte finish with a lovely glow. This definitely isn't a product for those of you with very dry skin.

And now, some before and after photos.

My skintone looks more even, my complexion looks generally brighter, and whilst the finish is definitely matte and not dewy, my skin looks healthy.  I rather like the effects of this cream - and I also like the fact that it stays put all day, and doesn't let any oil through on my forehead or nose, which usually look a little bit shiny by lunchtime.

I'd recommend you try this product if you have normal to oily skin, or an oily t-zone, and if you're pale and struggle to find tints or BB creams to suit your skintone.  I don't think this product would work particularly well for drier skins unless you chose to apply it atop a very rich moisturiser... and I really can't think of a good reason why you'd want to apply foundation on top of it, but hey.

Clinque Age Defense BB Cream costs £25 and is available from Clinique concessions, counters, and from their website, where you'll find it in two shades (neither of which look like they'd suit anyone with darker skin, which is a damn shame).  What do you think?  Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: PR sample