Sorry for the long absence, I've been busy at work and blogging hasn't really been on my mind. Thank you for the comments and views though! School's started and I'm back home, so I've much more time to write.
This time I'm talking about BB cream as opposed to the great BB cream removing face wash I wrote about earlier. The item in question is the (special edition) Shini Star BB cream, of the Shini Star line by Etude House, made in collaboration with SHINee. Thus the name. Thus the name of this blog, sort of. Anyway.
Firstly, the packaging: it's lovely. The colors are wonderful, the combination of pink and turquoise my new favourite because it never really struck me how well they match. The cream itself is in a wonderfully handy container with a pump. The only minus? The cap doesn't really click on, and thus if you carry it in your bag, it might come off by accident. I haven't had cream spill out though as the pump does require some pressing, but just to be safe, don't put it in the same pocket with your phone and wallet.
So, the product. BB cream is skin-treating stuff in the form of a base for make-up, but Shini Star doesn't really need a finishing touch. It comes in a single shade which is fairly light, adjusting to one's own skin tone, packed with "whitening effect" and sun protection. Don't worry, the whitening effect isn't the lasting type. It is not, however, a concealing base, and it doesn't really cover up inflammation or bruising; it only leaves a neat, even finish, not clogging the pores. If you're looking for a concealing BB cream, this isn't the thing for you. The cream feels very light.
Shini Star is easy to put on, doesn't really need a layer of powder on top, and it makes the skin look very fresh. It leaves a very thin layer so it doesn't really look like one was wearing make-up at all, it's that natural!
However. Many reviews claim it doesn't dry the skin, but rather, moisturizes and cares for it. Sadly enough, as awesome it is, having used it daily for a few months combined with deep wash and a moisturizing toner, my skin was peeling and I had to do something I've never ever done before: use extra moisturizer. I wish I had a photo of the white flakes that were my cheeks because it'd prove my point wonderfully... And my cheeks aren't even the dryer bits of my face. Adjusting to this new situation is quite odd.
Also, while it's supposed to cover up sebum, and I use the oil-controlling Skin Malgeum Fresh toner before applying BB cream, every day I come home in the evening my forehead feels greasy under my fringe. It's okay since I cover it up with hair (and obviously covering it up contributes to the oily skin), but to have a constantly even, matte skin I'd either have to add powder throughout the day or opt for adding BB cream halfway through my shift. Even so (see how I'm countering all my negatives?) the cream still doesn't really disappear, and the even effect remains. But it's still a little awkward to wipe my face on the back of my hand and feel as though half my make-up had come off. I haven't tried if it gets any better with powder, because it seems powder isn't the best combination considering how dry my skin had become over my nose and cheeks.
Dispensing the cream is very easy due to the pump, and it seems the pump effectively sucks all the cream out because the container is slightly see-through against light and I haven't noticed leftovers in the top corners. It's wonderful. I've still to find out if it works the same for the pump end of the container, though.
Long story short, if you're looking to conceal don't waste your money on this one, but rather go for the Etude House Precious Mineral BB (I'll be writing about it later). If you're looking for a light base to even out your skin, Shini Star is for you. If your skin is extremely dry to begin with I recommend you prepare to moisturize it properly.
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product: Etude House Shini Star BB Cream
does what: BB cream
price range: $10 - $20
points given: 8,5/10
short story: Evens out well and blends to one's own skin tone, but dries more than expected and doesn't cover. Easy to dispense with the attached pump.
