Benefit Big Easy BB Cream SPF 35; Review & Swatches of Shades

Benefit Big Easy BB Cream; (Multi-Balancing Complexion Perfecting Beauty Balm Foundation)

New for Spring 2014

Price: $38 for 1.2ml

(Approx $1.10/ml)

Benefit Big Easy BB Multi-Balancing Complexion Perfecting Beauty Balm has quite a name to live up to, but does it succeed?

Benefit's approach to BB Creams is the perfect example of how, despite theories and patterns of what exactly constitutes an American BB Cream, there really is no rhyme or reason and each product needs to be judged on its own merit, not some categorical myth.

Unlike most Lauder company BB Creams which are (comparatively speaking) extremely hydrating, (some examples include MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm, Bobbi Brown BB Cream, Clinique BB Cream, or Estee Lauder Daywear Anti Oxidant BB Cream,) Benefit Big Easy Multi-Tasking BB Cream is more on par with Clinique's Moisture Surge CC Cream in regards to the matte finish.

I think that Benefit really did some erroneous marketing and they have some confusion about what American women expect in a BB Cream vs a liquid foundation, although, in their defense, they seem to be down playing the BB aspect of the Big Easy more than they were when the formula was released.

Their Big Easy BB Cream has a matte finish and (almost) a traditional long-wearing foundation formula, but with a touch of a powdery matte finish. You will need to be sure to blend quickly because once the Big Easy BB Cream sets, it doesn't budge. I personally find the quick blending requirement to be a little cumbersome with this particular formula, (although I don't have oily skin.)

If you have normal-dry skin, you may find that this works for you if you prep well, or for summer months, but chances are for more of a year round foundation, you will prefer Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Foundation which, ironically, has more of a traditional BB Cream formula and satin finish.

As for the claims of transforming to match your skin; no foundation, BB Cream, or concealer magically "transforms" to match your skintone. At best, some formulas create an illusion of this by releasing pigments into a gray base as you blend, but Benefit Big Easy does not and the shade's apply exactly as they appear with minimal oxidation I might add, so that's a plus!

Texture wise, Benefit's BB Cream is more of a cream texture than a lotion, the shade range is great (with quite a few fair options) and coverage is moderate but on the fuller side for a BB Cream. Benefit claims that Big Easy has a lightweight finish and I suppose that's true, but it still feels "dense" if that makes sense?

I find Clinique's Moisture Surge CC Cream to be a more balanced formula and less drying than Benefit's BB without many sacrifices. Both provide decent coverage, but personally, I still prefer MAC's Studio Tint Moisturizer or Bobbi Brown's Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer to either of the former options as I find they are easier to blend. (Keep in mind, I usually use a BB/CC/Tinted Moisturizer UNDER foundation.)

Bottom line is that Benefit Big Easy Multi-Balancing Complexion Perfector is a decent option for oily skin, but it will definitely be either a strong love or hate for most people.

I think that a good cruelty free option is Tarte's Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15, which blends and meshes with skin quite well. Another option (although without sun protection) is Marc Jacobs Transformative Mousse Foundation. I find this to be a beautiful cream-powder formula which suits oily skin quite well while providing full coverage and still looking natural.

Some other oily skin options are NYX Stay Matte Not Flat Foundation or Too Faced Air Buffed BB Cream which has an SPF of 20.

Benefit Big Easy BB Cream SPF 35 Swatches of Shades

01 Fair, 02 Light, 03 Light/Medium, 04 Medium, 05 Beige, 06 Deep Beige

Benefit Big Easy BB Cream SPF 35 Swatches of Shades
01 Fair, 02 Light, 03 Light/Medium, 04 Medium, 05 Beige, 06 Deep Beige

Benefit Big Easy BB Cream SPF 35 Swatches of Shades
01 Fair, 02 Light, 03 Light/Medium, 04 Medium, 05 Beige, 06 Deep Beige

Benefit Big Easy BB Cream SPF 35 Swatches of Shades
01 Fair, 02 Light, 03 Light/Medium, 04 Medium, 05 Beige, 06 Deep Beige

Benefit Big Easy BB Cream SPF 35 Swatches of Shades
01 Fair, 02 Light, 03 Light/Medium, 04 Medium, 05 Beige, 06 Deep Beige

Benefit Big Easy BB Cream SPF 35 Swatches of Shades
01 Fair, 02 Light, 03 Light/Medium, 04 Medium, 05 Beige, 06 Deep Beige

Benefit Big Easy BB Cream SPF 35 Swatches of Shades
01 Fair, 02 Light, 03 Light/Medium, 04 Medium, 05 Beige, 06 Deep Beige