I was not a big fan of BB creams. I’ve only tried a few brands, and was not impressed by them, with the exception of the Perfect BB Cream from 3Lab (non-Asian brand). I like the 3Lab BB cream because it provides enough coverage for me to actually use it in place of a foundation. It also has SPF 40/PA +++, which is a major plus. So when one of my favorite brands, Giorgio Armani released the Luminessence Bright Revelator Universal Greige BB Fluid, I knew I should give it a try.
Just like other Armani products, this BB Fluid comes in a clean sleek package. It’s very easy to handle, with a pump that does not give you too much product so it’s easy to control the amount you need.
But what about the product itself?
I just have to say Giorgio Armani has done a brilliant job naming this product.
Bright – Instantly brightens up your face with just one pump of product. Which I find a bit too much, I find the need to tone down the brightness by mattifying with a powder foundation. (also for extra coverage)
Universal – only comes with one shade. Greige.
One pump.
Greige – The color of the product is indeed between beige and gray. Not only did it instantly brightens up the face, it also instantly whitens the face. But personally I don’t think this matches my skin tone (I’m asian and I have fair skin). I imagine it just looks too white on my yellow-toned skin. I tried waiting a good amount of time for the product to oxidize to match my skin tone, but I don’t find it helpful. I simply had to put on my powder foundation to tone down the whiteness.
Fluid – The consistency and texture of the product is definitely more like a fluid than a cream, making it so easy to apply on your face. Just one pump of product is enough for the whole face. And it is very moisturizing.
But because of its texture, the coverage is not high. I tried layering on more product, but I don’t see much difference besides the initial evening of skin tone. If you have redness on you skin, you’d probably find some coverage in this, but if you have blemishes, you will need a good-coverage concealer to help with concealing. (You can also use the concealer to tone down the whiteness.)
The product feels very lightweight though, so if you’re someone who already has close-to-perfect skin and want to go for the no-makeup makeup look, this is definitely a great product for you. This is also great for people with dry and dull skin who wants something moisturizing to brighten up their skin.
I don’t have close-to-perfect skin, skin dryness has never been a problem for me. So my verdict is: I don’t need this as a BB fluid. This could work as a primer for me though, since it has SPF 50/PA+++ and it’s moisturizing. I will have to blot away some of the shine with a tissue paper before applying foundation or concealer.
So I guess this product is just not for me…
The Luminessence line is already available in Asia (HKD 450). It will be available online in US in April.
