Battle of the BBs: Dream Pure BB vs. Dream Fresh BB

You've probably seen these on drugstore shelves or in magazine ads- Maybelline's Dream Pure and Dream Fresh BB Creams. They both sport similar packaging, come in 1 oz. containers, and have 5 different shades. But what's the difference between these two BB creams? Today we'll take an in-depth look at the similarities and differences of these products, and learn how I like to use each.

Contestant #1: Dream Pure BB

Described as an 8-IN-1 Beauty Balm Skin Clearing Perfector with 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, Dream Pure BB Cream claims to have these eight benefits (along with whether or not I think these claims are true):

1. Clears acne (no)
2. Conceals imperfections (50/50)
3. Minimizes look of pores (yes)
4. Reduces appearance of redness (yes)
5. Adjusts to skin tone (yes)
6. Hydrates and smoothes (yes)
7. Enhances and clarifies (yes)
8. 0% oils and lightweight feel (yes)

Though this product may cover up any redness and minimally reduces pore size, I would not recommend it as an acne treatment. Throughout months and months of using this product, I have seen no difference in my acne. However, I love how this cream adjusts to my skin tone, which is definitely a plus because it is difficult to find products that match my extremely fair skin. In addition, this is definitely the right product for anyone wanting to achieve that dewy skin look (if you're looking for more of a matte foundation or BB cream, this isn't for you). Because I have relatively good skin and don't need much coverage, I use this BB cream in the Light Sheer Tint with a powder foundation as a concealer/foundation layer. I enjoy the lightweight feel of this cream, and it is very useful for covering up uneven skin tone, redness, undereye circles, and those little veins above the eyelids. I highly recommend this product, however I would avoid using it as a foundation of you need a greater amount of coverage. Additionally, it isn't very useful for covering up any large blemishes such as pimples or scabs.

Contestant #2: Dream Fresh BB

Described as an 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector with Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen (Broad Spectrum SPF 30), Dream Fresh BB claims to have these eight benefits (along with whether or not I think these claims are true):

1. Blurs imperfections (yes)
2. Enhances (yes)
3. Brightens (yes)
4. Adjusts to skin-tone (yes)
5. Smoothes (yes)
6. Hydrates (yes)
7. SPF 30 protects (unsure)
8. 0% oils and other heavy ingredients (yes)

Although this product doesn't conceal imperfections quite like it's sibling, it is even more lightweight and provides some protection from the sun. I wouldn't recommend using this as a substitute for foundation, but it's great as a sort of tinted moisturizer for days playing outdoor sports where you don't want to put on much makeup (playing tennis, golf, etc.) I use this BB cream for situations exactly like that (again in the Light Sheer Tint), and because I am unsure of its protective qualities I usually pair it with another SPF product. I have to add that my skin feels and looks very hydrated after using this cream, but when I apply it to blemishes the coverage fades within minutes.

CONCLUSION: Both products have their uses, but I use up my Dream Pure BB twice as fast as the other BB Cream.

xoxo, Lexi