Growing up at school I was never one of those girls to spend ages putting make-up on. I always said I never considered myself ugly enough to use it. That always worked! I also preferred that extra fifteen minutes in bed.
I tried a few tinted moisturisers but all were too dark. I was very pale and I could never find one for pale skin. I have made do with concealer for most of my life.
Last year I started putting a little loose powder over the concealer when I went anywhere special. Other than that it was a naked face 99% of the time.
The best thing about going with minimal (and I mean minimal; foundation, mascara, blusher and powder = NOT minimal) is that everyone compliments you when you make a little more effort. If people are used to seeing you every day with make-up on then when you cannot be bothered they think you look ill.


The product -

The idea of B.B. (blemish balm) originated in South Korea where they have huge shops dedicated for just make-up. Like hairdressers. You sit in a chair and have your make-up done by highly trained professionals. These creams account for around 13% of cosmetics sales.

It comes in very luxurious-looking packaging and the same goes for the product itself. The packaging actually says at the bottom the ideal use age is around forty years old! The product was advertised on TV by a woman between 17-25. Nevertheless, I think it is a product for most ages. It is a fantastic product for teens, especially if their parents aren't too keen on the WAG look.
READ THE BOX CAREFULLY! I got all the way home and got to the bathroom counter before discovering I had bought medium. I never pick the box at the front of the shelf (don't ask) so I reached back. I picked up a box thinking it was light, but some plank had put a box of medium shade behind the light shades when the opposite side of the shelf had mediums on it.

I was convinced I would be using this product every day and the tube wouldn't last long. I decided to give it a go and I discovered a little goes a long way.

It is advertised as offering SPF 15, moisturising properties, anti-ageing properties and it claims to even skin tone. I cannot speak for the SPF 15 as I started using this after summer. I do know, however, that it doesn't take much to block the skin from harmful rays. Most simple moisturisers offer it.

Usage -

You only need a small amount. This product should last you a long time (it depends if you're frugal or liberal). I need a pea-sized amount for my entire face. After smoothing it all over my face and making sure I haven't piled up any streaks from favouring a certain area of my face, I am left with a lovely glow.
I must stress that this product does not eliminate imperfections. Its job is only to blur them and it is advertised as such. It blurs them incredibly well. Only you will stand at the mirror picking fault with your face after using. Really scrutinise your face under good lighting, apply this, stand a metre away (where most people stand when speaking to you) and you'll see a difference. You will see a healthy face that glows (no orange residue). It also smells incredible.
It is slightly floral with a touch of musk.
Some of you with naturally moisturised skin may only need this product alone in a morning. I wash my face, or use a face wipe, and apply moisturiser. I have very dry skin so this alone is not enough. For make-up use it is enough, however. It is available only in light or medium.

It doesn't not clog pores but other reviews show that it doesn't sort acne, nor does it aggravate it. This product feels light on the face.

Price -

Currently it sells for between £7.00-£8.99 (online and in most drug shops) which stings. It really did sting. I told myself that if it was going to be my one-stop-shop for make-up, I needn't buy anything else. Thus making it worth it. It is indeed everything I need.

As I write this (Oct 2011), samples are available from the Garnier website. Search 'Garnier B.b'.