I have been taken up with the big fuss over BB creams. I've tried a few and though I haven't been completely blown away by any of them, I keep getting reeled in by the long list of things which they promise to do. And so I bought my latest BB cream... the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB cream.

What does the product do?
The product promises to hydrate the skin which is extremely important when trying to prevent the appearance of wrinkles. The formula is oil free and non greasy which is essential for those with an oily complexion like mine. It claims that it will blur out imperfections and fine lines leaving the complexion looking visibly smoother and younger. It promises to leave you feeling fresh all day while providing your skin with an SPF of 30 which although isn't entirely useful in this country, it's great when you're on holidays. It also claims that it will give your skin a natural glow and that it will compliment your skin tone.

Available Shades
There aren't many shades available as I'm finding is a common theme with BB creams. This brand only has four on offer and these are light, medium, dark and universal. I chose light because I do have a pale complexion.

How do you use the product?
This product should be applied to cleansed and dry skin. It can be applied on top of your usual moisturiser or it can be used in place of your usual moisturiser, providing that your skin isn't too dry. It can be applied alone without using any make up or you can use it as a base in order to achieve a more flawless complexion.

Price and Packaging
The product comes contained within a plastic bottle with a screw top lid. The top half of the bottle is coloured like a foundation and the bottom half is a white colour. It has BB written on the front in pink letters. The product will cost you around £7 and it can be bought from stores such as Boots and Superdrug, large supermarkets and also from a variety of online websites.

Application and Performance
The product is largely aroma free which is what I like in a facial skin product. The cream is easily dispensed from the bottle and on first appearance the product does look dark like a foundation. When applied to the skin however, the coverage is sheer and light, which is great if you have great skin, but if you are like the majority of us you're going to need something more. It is quite moisturising but I still feel the need to apply a moisturiser underneath. I can't tell if this is out of habit or necessity but I don't want to risk looking older before my time.

The product does glide smoothly without pulling or dragging the skin and you have plenty of time to work with it and blend it in before it dries. It does improve my complexion and give it a dewy and healthy glow but it doesn't hide blemishes or dark circles to well so I do feel the need to wear my other make up on top of it. It hasn't caused my to develop any new blemishes or irritated my skin and it feels comfortable on my face. It doesn't make me feel greasy and although the formula is oil free, I am still very shiny by the end of the day. The product is quite long lasting on the skin and it does make my complexion look healthier and more glowing. It is easily removed at the end of the day using my usual make up remover.

Conclusion
Is this product a necessity? I don't think so. Unless your skin is already flawless and youthful, you won't be able to use this alone. I still use a moisturiser and make up in conjunction with it and although the results are ok, I'm not sure how much I benefit from using it. I think it would be brilliant on holidays because it's light, natural looking and it has sun protection but in general it won't blow your socks off. I'll continue to use it from time to time but I think I'll keep it for the next time I go away.