According to LRP Effaclar BB Blur contains cutting edge technology including:
1. Perlite - a natural substance primarily composed of silica has clinical absorbent powder, allowing it to "soak up" sweat and oil.
2. Airlicium - a new molecule able to absorb 100x its weight in sebum and triggers sweat evaporation.
3. Elastogels - gel polymers that form a supple and breathable film over the skin while blurring imperfections.
4. Mineral SPF of 24.
BB Blur is a moderate coverage BB/foundation which is intended to cover and conceal blemishes, marks, redness and pores while also blurring fine lines, softening/unifying skin tone and mattifying skin all day long.
BB Blur comes in two "universal" shades of Light and Medium. I found both shades to be yellow toned beiges. Photos and swatches in natural light on NC 35 skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur in Light (heavy/blended) and Medium (heavy/blended)
I tested the BB Blur in Medium for a week on bare skin without any setting powder to test the mattifying properties. I found this product had medium coverage which could be sheered out if needed. Since I don't typically wear foundation and do not feel comfortable with more coverage, I chose to sheer out the BB Blur with a Real Techniques buffing brush after applying with my fingers.
I found the BB Blur wore well throughout the day on my combination skin. It does have a matte finish, but not as matte as a powder finish (ie: MAC Blot Powder.) It feels fairly weightless on the skin, although as a non-regular foundation wearer, I could still detect it slightly on my skin, but it was not an unpleasant feeling. I did find that it kept my oily t-zone at bay for most of the day but I still felt the need to blot - perhaps more out of habit than necessity.
It looked natural on my skin buffed out, though I don't think the finish would be as natural if I had built up the coverage, mainly because I found the Medium shade was not an exact match for my NC 30-35/C3 skin. This product suffers from the same problem most BB creams do which is the idea of "universal" shades. I think any product offering coverage beyond the "sheer" end of the spectrum will be destined to fail on the majority skin tones. As it is the end of the winter season, my skin is as pale as it's going to get, and I found the Medium shade to be just deep enough for my medium, yellow based skin tone. When I eventually get a little sun this spring/summer I suspect I won't be able to wear BB Blur anymore due to the slight white undertone which could be caused by the high SPF factor.
On the positive side, this product does deliver on it's claims of mattifying, blurring and unifying the skin. Like other silicone based BB creams/primers, this product leaves you with a very smooth "airbrushed" type canvas. I think that this product could function both as a BB and as a primer. Another big plus is that BB Blur has a healthy SPF of 24 and a very little amount of this product goes a long way! My one suggestion to improve this product would be that LRP expands the shade range as I suspect anyone with a skin tone deeper than mine, or someone with a very cool (pink) toned skin would be unable to wear this product as a standalone BB or foundation.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur* is available at retailers such as Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs and retails for approximately $30.00 CA.
Grade: B/B+
J
*This product was sent to Beauty Squared for consideration.
