Estee Lauder Crescent White Full Cycle Brightening BB Creme & Powder Makeup

Dear Friends,

I found myself very introspective this week, influenced in large part by the events that had suddenly turned the tiny island country I live in into a hot travel destination for world dignatories (read here if you’re not aware), and the downtown area around my office into the world’s longest queue (full report here). As I look at the lives around me, in contrast to the one that just passed, I can’t help but wonder at the vast contrast. Perhaps we can’t all be history makers, but I believe we can all be significant in our own lives. Instead of playing self-serving games and pushing office politics, trying to disguise inaptitude with bureaucracy, this world would be a much better place with a bit more humility and grace. But you did not come here to hear me rant, instead, let’s look at some pretty things that are able to make our lives just a little bit better, shall we?

I started out writing a review on the new Estee Lauder Crescent White Full Cycle Brightening skincare collection a few days ago, but life seemed to have taken over and I just can’t seem to get back into the groove. So instead, I thought I’d start introducing the very extensive collection by discussing the 2 makeup products – Estee Lauder Crescent White Full Cycle Brightening BB Crème, and Estee Lauder Crescent White Brightening Powder Makeup.

Estee Lauder Crescent White Full Cycle Brightening BB Crème is a complexion improving product as it combines Estee Lauder’s newly formulated Light Cycle QD Complex that helps to even and brighten skin tone, and diminish dark spots and pigmentation. As with the rest of the Crescent White Full Cycle Brightening system, this BB crème works with the skin’s natural circadian rhythm to defend against UV and pollution that causes inflammation and hyperpigmentation in the day, and inhibit melanin production in the night. I love that it is formulated with SPF50/PA++++ for maximum sun protection, whilst maintaining a light comfortable texture. The BB crème provides light-medium coverage, adequately neutralizing most uneven skin tone and smoothening the skin surface. It leaves a light dewy finish that I prefer to matte down with powder.

What makes this Crescent White BB Crème interesting is the inclusion of a Brightening Balm on the cap. Although I usually prefer powder highlighting products, I was surprised to find this Brightening Balm to be lightweight and does not slide off my face as the day progresses. I swipe a finger very lightly over the Brightening Balm, and down my nose ridge and cheek bones. Thereafter, I use a cheek brush or beauty blender and gently dab over to blend out. A tiny bit is sufficient as the effect may be quite striking.

Estee Lauder Crescent White Brightening Powder Makeup is a lovely powder to pair with the BB Crème above. I found it incredibly smooth and finely-milled, and does not cake up on my face. It is long-wearing, lasting me well throughout the day even when I’m out and about running in the heat, and does not crease. It helps to mattify the dewy finish of the BB Crème, without taking away the glow. The additional SPF25 makes this a nice way to touch-up sun protection throughout the day. I was particularly fond of the modern crisp look of reflective silver on the top lid against pristine white of the tray, although some may find the resultant fingerprints mildly annoying. Personally, I’m always sneaking a touch-up here and there, be it lipstick, eyeliner or powder, and I found the reflective lid to double up as a very handy mirror!

And to demonstrate the effects of the BB Crème, Brightening Balm and Powder Makeup, here are some comparison photos:

Please click to enlarge!

As you can see (click on image to enlarge, go ahead clickety click!), the BB Crème brightened up my dull complexion, and reduced the look of my dark circles and redness around my nose.  The look of pores on my cheeks is also minimized, and there is a luminous finish (a tad too dewy for my liking).  The effect of the Brightening Balm is also very obvious where I applied on my nose ridge, middle of forehead and top of my cheeks.  I then buffed the Powder Makeup with a grey squirrel kabuki brush, and you can see the excess shine is blotted out, leaving the perfect even-toned canvas with just the high points illuminated.  I really love this overall look, and have been wearing this to work for the past 2 weeks!

Both the Estee Lauder Crescent White Full Cycle Brightening BB Creme and Powder Makeup are available for sale at all Estee Lauder counters!  Have a hopeful weekend, my loves!

_{^{This post features products that were sent to me by Estee Lauder Singapore for my consideration.  All opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views, and are not influenced by any monetary gains.}}