Raving About Age Defense BB Cream by Clinique

Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a relatively new Clinique product which I started using about a month ago, and I am thoroughly impressed with this little miracle in a tube!

I have very sensitive skin, the type where using products other women can use without a second thought cause me red patches, itchiness and flaking that only prescription creams from the dermatologist can clear. Yes, this has happened to me in the past, and it isn't pretty, and it is very uncomfortable. So when I come across something new, I proceed with caution.

I got an email from Clinique about their BB cream. I am at the age where I am concerned about aging skin. In all honesty, I wish I had been skin-savvy when I was in my early 20's, but at that age, I didn't have sensitive skin, and aging wasn't on my radar. Now it is, and I will try new things to help keep the aging clock from ticking any way I can. The name of the product, Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30, called out all of my concerns. I decided to give it a try.

From the Clinique website:
This instant morning routine gives skin just about everything it needs for a quick start. SPF protection, antioxidants for prevention, plus enough coverage to banish imperfections. The perfect primer, too. 

What my skin is like: sensitive, fair, minimal breakouts, red, blotchy. It can be dry, and I have started getting fine lines around my eyes, and yes, a few not-so-fine ones, too. The first thing I do when I get out of the shower is moisturize. By the time I get to my makeup application, usually 10-15 minutes later, I moisturize again. I will blog about my favorite moisturizers in another post. It is then time to get down to business. I do the under-eye area, then I use BB cream over my whole face. I chose the color for fair to moderately fair with gold undertones. Clinique offers very fair complexion with pink undertones, and moderately fair to medium complexion with golden undertones. I squeeze a tiny amount out and apply with a makeup sponge. A friend gasped when I told her that. She said the sponge is absorbing all the product! That may be true, but I find I get a smoother application, far more even than using my fingers, and it doesn't look like I am wearing heavy makeup.

Nothing short of amazing how even Clinique BB Cream makes my skin look! It feels light on my face, especially in the heat and humidity of the New York City summer. I never feel like my makeup is melting, never greasy. The quote from the Clinique site above notes it is the perfect primer; I have used it alone, under foundation, and under powder. It has enough tint for me that I can use it alone, but I prefer to use a light powder on top of it to perfect my complexion. Under makeup was a bit too heavy for my taste. Maybe in the cold, harsh winter I will change my mind, and want the extra protection. I'll have to wait til that time comes.

How good did it make my complexion look? Let me tell you about my recent visit to a Clinique counter at a local Macy's:

I went to Macy's to pick up some perfume at the Clinique counter because I had a Macy's gift card I wanted to use. The Clinique employee remembered me from a previous visit, which amazed me since she must meet hundreds of people every week. We discussed the BB Cream, and she commented how I had "a good complexion anyway." I hear this often, and I always have to tell people, NO! It is Clinique's products. Without makeup, my skin is far from perfect. I wish I didn't need to spend so much time trying to create the illusion of perfection, but it is a daily adventure.

Current price for a 1.4 oz tube: $37.00

How long did the tube last? I have only been using it a month, so I cannot say.

Benefits: Light weight, helps even my complexion, SPF 30, Clinique's return policy if you don't like it.

As always, test it on your skin; this is only my experience with the product.

Final word on it: Phenomenal!