Review: Hydroxatone BB Cream (and Giveaway!)

A few months ago, I blogged about a few of my favorite things.

One of those was a Christian Dior BB cream I’d gotten a sample of a few months back.

Dori works for Hydroxatone, a skincare line, and offered to send me some samples for review, including to try their BB cream.

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Since turning 29 and realizing that 30 came next, I’ve been looking for any anti-aging skincare stuff I can get my hands on.

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Uh, except snake venom.

Anyway, I’d always used moisturizer + concealer + foundation + powder…and that’s a lot of stuff, and no foundation truly felt light enough. (Clinique was the closest I found.) So I really loved BB creams when I tried them, since they’re so light.

You can supposedly use BB creams as a moisturizer, too, but I usually use a light moisturizer like Clinique Moisture Surge, so I still use moisturizer under mine.

The Hydroxatone BB Cream has Vitamin C, peptides and SPF 40 to firm and lift the skin, brighten, moisturize and protect. And keep me looking 29 for life?

In the spirit of full disclosure (and because I’ve put other no-makeup pictures on the Internets before, though usually with a post-run glow), here’s a before-and-after.

Before:

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I have relatively clear skin, but my face is all red from being sick.

After:

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As you can see, I’m really and truly obsessed with chevron, I have grey and white towels, I still can’t take a good selfie, and the lighting in my apartment is terrible. (And I probably should have taken both photos in the same spot, but I wasn’t going to take off my makeup again…)

Oh, and the BB cream? It has really good, even coverage and is really light. I’m not wearing any other makeup in this picture, FYI, so you can get an idea for the BB cream’s effectiveness. I’ve been wearing it every day since before Christmas, and I really like it for both everyday wear as well as going-out-at-night wear.

And I have a tube for one lucky reader!

But wait…other giveaway winners first!

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Jen T, please email me at theodora @ losingweightinthecity.com with your mailing address; Kashi, please email me at theodora @ losingweightinthecity.com, and I will pass your email along to Erica!

OKAY! BB cream people!

Please leave me a comment telling me what your favorite makeup product is.

Bonus entries (separate comments for each entry):

Tell me if you’ve tried a BB cream.

Tell me what your favorite anti-aging product is.

Leave me a comment telling me you’ve liked the Hydroxatone Facebook page. (Bonus for you: they typically run specials on the page.)

[This giveaway will close 9am ET on 1/17/2013.]

286 comments on “Review: Hydroxatone BB Cream (and Giveaway!)”

  1. Libby

    My favorite product is any kind of high coverage foundation. I’m an almost 30 battling acne still and hopefully preventing wrinkles.

    Reply ↓
  4. Linda Chan

    I just bought a BB cream last week and have been using it for about a week. What the heck does “BB” stand for???

    Reply ↓
    1. Theodora Post author

      @Linda Chan: According to Wikipedia, BB cream stands for blemish balm, blemish base, or beblesh balm (apparently because of a trademark in Korea on the word “blemish”), and in Western markets, beauty balm.

      Reply ↓
  6. Linda Chan

    My favorite anti-aging product is Cetaphil. It’s not marketed as an anti-aging product, but it’s a great skin cleanser. I use it to clean my face in the morning and when I get home from work. I think it’s key to clean your face after getting home from work, play, etc.

    Reply ↓
  22. Jenny

    I have never tried bb cream. And I am a lot older so I would be curious if this would work for me too. I love the idea of using one with SPF. I love products with more than one use. I love all dr Dennis gross products. They work miracles on my skin.

    Reply ↓
  25. Alise

    I just started using the Loreal BB cream a couple of weeks ago. However, now I hear there’s a CC cream that’s supposed to be better? I can’t keep up with the trends! haha

    Reply ↓
  29. Rebeccah

    My favorite makeup is definitely my eyebrow pencil and borrow mascara. Without it I look like a grumpy 90 year old man!

    Reply ↓
  35. Taylor

    I’ve tried garnier bb cream. I didn’t mind it for the cost, but I’d probably get a better quality one for next time!

    Reply ↓
  41. Jackie

    I use neutrogena ageless intensives wrinkle/moisturizer cream, I just started using it though, so I’m not sure if it works or not!

    Reply ↓
  42. Laura

    My favorite makeup product is a tossup between concealer (I tried a bunch of expensive ones but now I use Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse and think it’s awesome) and mascara (always Maybelline Great Lash). Those make me look the most put-together in the shortest amount of time.

    Reply ↓
  45. Laura

    Eeek I need to start getting into anti-aging products 🙁 Guess for now I’d have to pick moisturizer with sunscreen – I like Neutrogena Healthy Defense with 50 SPF.

    Reply ↓
  55. Lizzie

    My favorite beauty product is the aveeno daily moisturizer I use! It is super soft and nice, and thick in a good way!

    Reply ↓
  56. Lizzie

    I tried a BB cream from my birchbox once, but it was super thick in a bad way- it didn’t blend or sink into my skin at all! I’d love to try a better one.

    Reply ↓
  57. Stephanie

    My favorite makeup is Maybelline’s Great Lash mascara in their traditional pink bottle with the lime green cap. It always works great, it’s cheap, and I can feel confident going out with just a few swipes of good mascara if I’m in a rush!

    Reply ↓
  58. Stephanie

    I use Garnier’s BB Cream almost every day. I like it because it’s so easy to apply and makes my skin feel soft, but I find it kind of thick and hard to blend into my skin.

    Reply ↓
  59. Stephanie

    I love Olay’s Night Rejuvinating Serum. I put it on every night after washing my face. It takes away that tight feeling I get after scrubbing my skin and I feel like I am glowing in the morning.

    Reply ↓
  63. Emily @ FitMamaInTheCity

    Also my favorite makeup product is mascara. More often than not it’s the only thing I’ll wear and it just adds a nice little pop. Plus it is quick to put on! Helps when you have to watch a 10mo every single second of the day.

    Reply ↓
  68. Lindsay

    I’ve also been using a Garnier BB cream but I got it in the summer and it’s slightly too tan for my pale, pale winter skin 🙁

    Reply ↓
  69. Lindsay

    and i use an under-eye anti-aging cream i won in some giveaway from allure.com. it’s in a purple tube with a pump top … i cant remember the company!

    Reply ↓
  72. Liz

    I use a BB cream daily, and I LOVE IT. I use SKIN79 Super+ Beblesh Balm BB Cream. It makes my skin so even and smooth without being heavy like foundation.

    Reply ↓
  74. Jen

    My favorite makeup product is the urban decay naked palette. I have like zero makeup skills, so I love that there are like a million YouTube videos that show me how to use it!

    Reply ↓
  77. Allison W.

    My favorite product is L’Oreal telescopic mascara. The brush has small, thin bristles, so I don’t get clumps. Its really the only beauty product I stick with consistently. Other than that, I love to try new things!

    Reply ↓
  78. Jenn Doody

    I’ve never tried BB cream but have heard awesome things about it. I’m almost 29 years old and I have never worn any make-up stuff like foundation because I don’t know how to put it on. I could really use the BB cream!

    Reply ↓
  79. Allison W.

    I’ve tried the Boscia BB cream, but didn’t love it. The color was a little too dark for my skin, even for the summer. I’ve heard the best BB creams are from Korea? But you have to order them online and not sure if thats totally legit. Could be sending me snake serum or something….Anyway, I’d love to try the Hydroxatone BB cream.

    Reply ↓
  80. megan

    I discovered maybeline’s BB cream a few months back and love it. I used to swear by bareminerals, but I’m loving the BB cream. I’m wondering if I’ll still like it in the summer though.

    Reply ↓
  81. Allison W.

    My favorite anti-aging product is Retin A. Its by prescription, but its pretty inexpensive and I’ve heard its the best for preventing fine lines.

    Reply ↓
  82. megan

    My favorite anti-aging product is Murad moisturizer, so light, but supposedly fending off those wrinkles. I’m almost 30 too!

    Reply ↓
  84. Erin

    My favorite makeup item is bronzer! I’m super pale, so bronzer is necessary to keep me from looking like a ghost. IT makes a huge differnece!

    Reply ↓
  88. Erin

    I’ve tried a few BB cream samples (thank you birtchbox) but haven’t found one I LOVE yet. I’d really like to try Hydroxatone!

    Reply ↓
  91. Pauline Herr

    I have never tryed hydroxatone’s BB cream
    I have liked them on facebook
    I love Juice Beauties Stem Cell Facial Moisturizer which delivers anti- aging results after 2 months of using it.
    I also use clinIque wrinkle serum

    Reply ↓
  93. tiffany gallehugh

    I love a good foundation..I have tried a few BB creams and they were nice to wear to the gym.I am wanting badly to try Hydroxatone because I love their skincare.I use the moisturizer,toner and eye cream.The BB cream I have not tried yet.

    Reply ↓
  95. Evelyn

    My favorite make up product is they’re real mascara by benefit. It really lengthens/thickens my lashes and stays put all day without leaving my lashes feeling dry. I feel like it provides a nice finishing touch with just a little foundation, blush, and lip gloss.

    Reply ↓
  97. Samantha B.

    My favorite cosmetics are an eyelash curler (I absolutely HAVE TO use one) and Covergirl Lashblast mascara. I’ve tried so many others, including expensive name-brand products, and Covergirl lashblast is always so much better.

    Reply ↓
  98. Samantha B.

    I have tried Garnier BB Cream from drugstores. I like it, but I don’t looove it. I love the IDEA of a BB cream though, so maybe I would love this one! :))

    Reply ↓
  99. Evelyn

    My favorite anti-aging product is GM Collin eye contour corrector. It is a really light, refreshing eye cream. I am 28 and notice that I have some dark circles and laugh lines developing around my eyes. This product really brightens the eye area, so I look more awake and refreshed.

    Reply ↓
  106. ruby reis wade

    I love using a primer. makes my foundation go on smooth and look flawless. I tried a Garnier bb cream. It went on nice but the color wasn’t right on me. I gave it to my cousin who LOVES it. I will buy another one just don’t know which brand.

    Reply ↓
  107. Erin

    My favorite anti aging product is Organics anti-aging serum. One drop around my eyes and frown lines and I’m good to go!

    Reply ↓
  109. Lili

    Also, I’ve tried Garnier’s BB cream before – good coverage, but left me shiny and caused a few stray zits on my normally clear 26-year-old skin. Disappointing. 🙁

    Reply ↓
  111. Lili

    Favorite anti-aging product is ROC under eye cream – I wear it day and night and I have zero puffiness, zero lines, and far diminished dark circles!

    Reply ↓
  113. Melissa

    I am turning 30 next year. I live up at high altitude and use creams but am now thinking I need some anti-aging products. I would love to try the BB cream.

    Reply ↓
  114. Erin1619

    I have tied BB cream and i love it! i went with the maybelline version first to try it out before spending a lot of money on one and i am now researching more expensive versions, would love to try Hydroxatone!!

    Reply ↓
  116. Erin1619

    My favorite anti-aging product is regular old moisturizer, i use sephoras store brand, its nice and moisturizing but light enough to not make me oily when i sweat

    Reply ↓
  121. Christine

    My favorite makeup product is probably a Clinique tinted moisturizer- low maintenance, light, and just enough for me.

    Reply ↓
  124. Melissa

    I havent tried any anti aging products yet. For now Im just relying on cleansing and moisturing. Its never too early to start anti aging efforts though!

    Reply ↓
  125. Christine

    Never tried BB cream, but would really like to – I’m only 27 but I see the wrinkles coming– have a bad feeling that I am not going to age super gracefully. Ah well. Such is life.

    Reply ↓
  130. Megan

    I adore Kiehl’s avocado eye cream. I use that at night but don’t wear much makeup except for mascara and Burt’s Bees lip shimmer in nutmeg! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

    Reply ↓
  131. Samantha F.

    I’ve tried a BB cream but it was the wrong shade for my skin! Too dark for my fair skintone. Would love to find a good one that matches better :o)

    Reply ↓
  135. Kiersten

    I just stared using BB creams a few months ago and LOVE them! I am pretty lazy when it comes to wearing make-up so I love how much bang for my buck I get with BB creams.

    Reply ↓
  141. Kiersten

    My favorite anti-ager is Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Eye Cream with Natural Shitake. Unlike a lot of eye creams, it is really light and doesn’t make me break-out.

    Reply ↓
  142. Elizabeth

    I’m almost embarassed to admit my favorite anti-aging cream is Olay. Like the exact same kind my grandma used. It’s rediculous, but it works for me. I’m 36 and no wrinkles yet… I’ve often thought of trying other kinds, but if it’s not broke, don’t fix it, right? LOL

    Reply ↓
  144. Greta

    My favorite anti-aging beauty product is actually extra virgin coconut oil. I’ve been putting it on before bed. It’s been said to heal damage, and prevent further damage (wrinkles). Bonus: It also has natural anti-microbial agents which prevent infection (acne).

    Reply ↓
  147. Katie

    my favorite makeup product is a tie! i love my clinique moisturizer (i think it’s ultra hydration therapy or something- for people with really dry skin!) and my bare minerals powder foundation, light enough that i don’t look cakey- but it still evens out my skin tone

    Reply ↓
  149. Katie

    my favorite anti-aging product is Olay Regenerist night cream. truthfully, i’ve never tried any other anti-aging product so this is kind of by default haha

    Reply ↓
  152. KK

    Definitely my san tropez bronzing lotion – I look like I’m dying in the winter, and a weekly application keeps me from getting too pasty.

    Reply ↓
  153. Lauren

    L’oreal volumnious mascara is amazing! But, I’m never able to find something i love for my skin, would love to try this!

    Reply ↓
  154. Camara

    I’ve never tried BB cream but I’ve heard wonderful things about it! My favorite anti-aging product is Philosophy’s “Hope in a Tube”. That stuff works really well around my eyes and lips.

    Reply ↓
  159. Jamie

    I have never tried BB cream but I am curious. I don’t really wear much foundation because my skin is pretty even and I don’t get breakouts. I usually use a shine free primer + powder just cause my T zone gets shiny.

    I guess my favorite makeup item would be mascara.

    Reply ↓
  164. Debra

    I currently use the Garnier BB Cream, but the color is a little off. It is either too light or too dark. I am almost out and was thinking about trying a different brand.

    Reply ↓
  170. Megan

    I have tried BB Cream — a couple samples from Sephora. Currently using Maybelline but have it on my list to look for something better once I run out!

    Reply ↓
  173. Megan

    I tried a few Roc anti-aging products and they turned me bright red and made my skin burn for a week. Guess I’m a little sensitive… currently using a moisturizing night gel from Garnier. Smells really good, but again, probably need something better!

    Reply ↓
  174. Andrea McDonough

    My favorite anti-aging product is Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex
    It works great even if it is a little bit pricey.

    Reply ↓
  176. Cathryn

    I’d love to win this! My favourite beauty product is mascara – I literally don’t leave the house without it. My current favourite is a l’oreal one.

    Reply ↓
  178. Christy

    I just started using a MAC liquid eyeliner that comes in a little tub and you use a brush to apply it. I love it, it stays on all day, and I’ve gotten so many compliments since I’ve started using it.

    Reply ↓
  182. Andrea Dean

    Hi! The absolute best thing you can do for your skin is to run/exercise. It’ll keep you looking great. Trust me… I’m 42 and I like to think I still look 29 :). My favorite foundation was the Revlon ColorStay Active Light Makeup SPF 25 but it’s been discontinued so I’m definitely going to try the BB cream.

    Reply ↓
  188. Mary Frances

    I have never tried a BB cream – would love to though. I am not good about all of the anti aging stuff as I should be!

    Reply ↓
  190. Jennifer Y

    I’ve never tried BB cream, but that is actually on my to-do list so I really hope I win since it sounds a bit overwhelming to find the best one/price point.

    Reply ↓
  194. Jennifer Y

    My favorite anti-aging product is clinique under-eye cream although as I’m coming up on my 30th in 3 months, I think I should investigate some more products.

    Reply ↓
  200. Maureen

    My favorite beauty product is 10 from Benefit. Pretty much the only bronzer that works with my pasty white skin. Also, I’ve been using Maybeline’s BB Cream since the summer and it is awesome.

    Reply ↓
  201. Blakely

    My favorite makeup product is Benefit They’re Real Mascara. I’ve always bought drug store mascara, but this one totally changed my view on nice mascara. It’s a MUST buy!

    Reply ↓
  202. Amy

    My favorite makeup product is probably the CoverGirl Nature Luxe mascara. I don’t wear a ton of makeup, but I always use mascara. This gives long, thick lashes without getting clumpy and doesn’t run!

    Reply ↓
  204. Amy

    My favorite anti-aging product is a tie between Aveeno Positively Ageless moisturizer (I use it at night) and La Mer eye cream (I’ve only used the samples, but my eyes look so much better after just a month of using it…if only I could afford a full-sized container haha).

    Reply ↓
  209. Rachel

    Mascara all the way – I can put nothing else on my face, be as beet red as I get after a good workout, and it wakes my face right up.

    Reply ↓
  210. Rachel

    My favorite anti-aging product is from MyChelle Dermaceuticals, specifically the Supreme Polypeptide Cream. It smooths anything and everything – great for around and under the eyes, the neck, you name it. Now I’m curious how it would compare to the Hydroxatone BB cream – I keep hearing about it and it looks amazing from your photos!

    Reply ↓
  211. Brittany M

    My absolute favorite product right now is Benefits BeneTint. I have the dark rose colored one- GREAT for a bright pop on the lips/cheeks without being drying or too thick & matte like some lipsticks. Bonus, adding a glittery gloss over it is a great look.

    Reply ↓
  212. Brittany M

    I’ve never tried a BB cream, but I keep telling myself that will be my next purchase once my current foundation runs out….

    Reply ↓
  214. Casey

    There is this Skin Fitness line that I get from my esthetician. I have pretty decent skin to begin with (after a bout with horrendous teenage acne I think it is well-deserved), but this has made my skin look so nice and smooth and the retinol serum has helped with any fine lines that I’ve seen in the past.

    Good luck with your anti-aging potion search! Keep us posted!

    Reply ↓
  216. jamie jewell

    I haven’t tried any bb cream yet, but have heard so many great things! I love the before and after pictures!

    Reply ↓
  221. Jill

    Thanks so much for this post, I have been buying my Clinique and Lancome makeup mostly online and had not heard about BB cream except for on tv. I was thinking body cream, baby cream – what does this BB cream stand for. Always wanting to save a few steps in the morning – I could not figure out why someone could not put foundation and moisturizer in one.

    A time saving tip for you – I got a Conair Infinit Pro Spinning styler on Amazon. Great for long wavy haired gals looking for a sleeker style!!!

    Reply ↓
  223. Katie

    I’ve tried the cheap drugstore “BB creams” that are just glorified tinted moisturizers. They aren’t really anything special.

    Reply ↓
  224. Katie

    My favorite anti-aging products are the Olay Regenerist products. Although, I’m almost out, so I’d love to find a good BB cream to replace it.

    Reply ↓
  226. Laura

    My favorite makeup product is Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. A light swipe over my cheekbones and some mascara and I’m good to go for the day!

    Reply ↓
  237. Stacey

    Favorite makeup product: bare minerals matte
    Favorite anti-aging product: Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer Night
    I’m turning 30 this year as well and around November of last year I decided I should step my skincare up a bit (aka prevent wrinkles before they appear!!)

    Reply ↓
  238. Anne W.

    Right now I’m loving Maybelline’s Dream Radiant Lumi Highlighting Concealer in Radiant to brighten up my undereye area 🙂

    Reply ↓
  241. Kelsey Host

    I couldn’t go a day without burt’s bees lipbalm – but my favorite REAL make-up product is Clinique bronzer – I have used Clinque product’s since I was 16 but they dont’ offer a BB cream!

    Reply ↓
  244. TJ

    My favorite product at the moment is this Anastasia brow powder I’d had for a while and hadn’t used until recently. It makes a tiny, tiny difference to darken my brows, but somehow it REALLY makes a difference in looking polished.

    Reply ↓
  245. TJ

    Entry #2: I haven’t tried any BB creams yet! (I was sort of weirded out because in other countries they’re marketed as lightening your skin, so at first I was like “wtf why would I want that,” but I believe they’re different here.)

    Reply ↓
  246. TJ

    And I have no specific anti-aging products, although perhaps I should. lol. I have some Clinique moisture surge cream, which perhaps I shall put by my eyes tonight!

    Reply ↓
  248. Colette

    I’ve never tried a BB cream, but this seems great! I typically keep things low key with some bare essentials and mascara.

    Reply ↓
  253. Molly

    My favorite is an Oil of Olay moisturizer with sunscreen. Sunscreen is my favorite anti-aging product! I’ve also tried Garnier’s BB cream and it is fantastic!

    Reply ↓
  255. Kelly S.

    my favorite product is from Lush and it’s the Celestial moisturizer! It’s so great for dry skin like mine and i highly highly recommend any product from Lush! They’re all natural made from food ingredients, never tested on animals, and most are vegan!

    Reply ↓
  256. Elizabeth

    I have tried BB cream and I really like the light coverage as I have pretty good skin.
    Excited to try a new one especially if it is FREE!!!

    Reply ↓
  257. Elizabeth

    My VERY fav anti aging product are the ROC resurfacing pads.
    They say they are for daily use and that may work for some but I use them a few times a week and my face is BABY soft.

    Reply ↓
  264. Lesley

    I have used Loreal’s BB cream. It was ok- i think it takes a bit of getting used to if you’ve used Bare Minerals for years like I have. This particular brand does not have SPF in it either, which is a shame.

    Reply ↓
  265. Lesley

    My favorite anti-aging product is good old Oil of Olay face cream. Ive used it for years and I think it is doing a pretty good job. I get a lot of shocked looks when I tell ppl my age 🙂

    Reply ↓
  269. Danielle

    I’ve tried Oil of Olay’s anti-aging products, but I’m still partial to the basic Cetaphil facial moisturizer. I think it does a great job without irritating my skin!

    Reply ↓
  273. Lindsay

    I’ve never tried BB cream, but I hear EVERYONE talking about it.. I’m typically the last one around to try out new beauty products (I blame being a tomboy for about 4 years too long)

    Reply ↓
  277. Sasha

    I’m a slave to mascara! I’ve got pretty great lashes but can’t leave the house without a curl and a swipe of mascara (even to the gym, ha!).

    Reply ↓
  279. Suzanne

    I’ve tried the BB Cream by Loreal. I love the idea of the BB creams but that one was not good for me. I would end up orange by noon.

    Reply ↓

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