My TikTok BB Cream Review.
In Charlotte’s video, she mixed a few drops of each of the above products together - including the *sunscreen - to make her DIY BB cream.
PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS. Just don't, OK?
No matter what, never mix other products like foundation or illuminator into your sunscreen, because it may alter the effectiveness of your SPF and compromise your sun protection.
Instead, apply a generous amount of sunscreen as the last step of your skincare routine. While you let it sink in, you can start mixing your four-ingredient BB cream.
I mean, aside from the whole sun safety/protecting yourself from skin cancer and premature ageing, it'd be rude not to allow your sunscreen to give you this GLOW.
Next, I guestimated how much of the remaining products to add to my mixing dish for maximum radiance and minimal coverage:
A dollop of Embroylisse Lait Crème Concentrate, a multi-use, glow-giving moisturiser.
A little bit of MAC Strobe Cream in the shade Pinklite as my illuminating primer.
To add coverage, I strategically chose Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless because it's a full coverage, long-wearing matte foundation.
Finally, I added a few drops of the highly-concentrated Napoleon Perdis Liquid Light Thief liquid highlighter in the shade gold for a BLINDING glow.
After mixing for a few seconds, I was left with a concoction of beige liquid that radiated the light from every angle.
Then, it was time to put this TikTok makeup hack to the test.
At first, I was pleasantly surprised by the texture. It felt light and airy, but still managed to conceal some redness and blemishes. I applied it using a damp beauty sponge, and it looked pretty good in front of a ring light.
But when I went to admire my handiwork in sunlight, that’s when I realised this hack was not for me.
Yes, the BB cream provided a decent level of coverage and didn’t pill, but it also accentuated my skin texture and imperfections I wouldn't have usually noticed.
At one point, I caught myself staring at my chin bumps and then realised, it was just the addition of the highlight that had magnified my pores ten-fold.
So... it kind of defeated the main purpose of being a skin-perfecting BB cream?
I still wore it all day to observe how it lasted with a full face of makeup. Here's how it looked.
If I was looking for a positive, it photographed fairly well (with my flattering selfie camera, mind you).
But then again... an event foundation designed to photograph beautifully and last all day would be a lot less effort.
Final Verdict...
I promised I'd be brutally honest, so while TikTok beauty hacks and trends provide me with endless entertainment, the at-home DIY BB cream is a solid no from me.
If you're after a BB cream/sheer coverage foundation recommendation, M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation would be my suggestion.
But if you want to fill in some time with a beauty experiment, go for it! Just maybe don't use your expensive products...
Want more of our honest thoughts on TikTok beauty trends?
*SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label. Relating to testimonial-like content around SPF products, these opinions are solely those of the individuals involved, and not of Adore Beauty as a business. Testimonial-style content around SPF, supplements and selected devices from Adore Beauty staff are in full compliance with TGA guidelines.