I've managed to keep the hype at arm's length until Bobbi Brown joined the party. I grew up with Clinique thinking that was the only option for me - forever reigned in by the silver and medical white finishes. Soft, inviting and good for you. Well, I lost the Clinique shackles last year and purchased Bobbi Brown's Skin Foundation for those days when I felt I needed a bit more coverage. It blends and builds up in an instant and leaves me with a soft and natural finish. If Bobbi's foundation can do that, then obviously I had to get well-acquainted with her BB Cream. Call it what you will - beauty balm, blemish balm, etc., etc. BB Cream was originally used on patients post-surgery and then made its way to the Far East where it captivated the Asian beauty market for decades. Finally, it was re-imagined for the Western world. The accessibility of beauty balm is immense - from Maybelline to Smashbox, your options are endless. It's just a matter of finding the right formula for you.

Breakdown of Bobbi's formula:

Balances (moisturises), brightens (clearer complexion), renews (smooths) and protects (35 SPF).
Creamy consistency.
Blends well with your fingers or when using a foundation brush. However, I found I needed more product when I used a brush.
My skin felt soft and touchable.
The plastic tube is great for travel.
I still feel compelled to use my facial moisturiser, because my skin's been flaky thanks to the dry winter.
Kept the afternoon shine in my t-zone to a minimum.
Available in five shades: extra light, light, fair, medium & medium to dark

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Bobbi Brown's BB Cream:

$60.00 AUS / $42.00 USD. When I bought this last Thursday, the makeup artist told me it was going to retail for $75.00. Boy, am I glad they came to their senses!

Value for money spent (performance and quality):