It looks like Kiehl’s has finally joined in to last year’s beauty crazy, BB Cream ($36 CDN).  Launched earlier this year, the product boasts a high SPF at 50, higher than most brands, which are typically 25 to 30, has Vitamin C and is available in four shades, according to the US website: fair, fair/light, light and medium.  The Canadian website currently shows only light and medium, while three colours (fair, light and medium) are available at Holt Renfrew.  I was a little surprised at the lack of darker shades, since BB Creams I’ve seen fall either in the one-shade-fits-all category (e.g. Dr. Jart) or carry deeper colours (most make-up brands).  Perhaps these products are direct imports from East Asia, where skin tones are a little more homogenous.

Container of the Kiehl’s BB Cream

I purchased a tube a few weeks ago and it has been on my BB/CC rotation since.  The product itself (medium) works well for me as it blends into my skin tone, but despite its claims as being fragrance-free, smells a little a cross between hand sanitizer and cheap wine.  It is also a bit shinier than other BBs that I have tried, but that can be tamed by a little dusting of powder.

I would have to say that Kiehl’s BB Cream is not one of my favourites in this category – my top pick is tied between Dr. Brandt Skincare Flexitone and Smashbox.  The price point isn’t bad at $36 Canadian – on par with its competitors, but I don’t feel that Kiehl’s does a that great a job with colour cosmetics outside of its tinted lip balms.  I feel like Kiehl’s was too late into the BB Cream game – most brands have not only launched BBs, but CC Creams – so this product is a bit “me too.”   Kiehl’s should have gone straight to the CCs if they were to have launched anything at all in Canada.  But really, Kiehl’s should stick with what they do best – non-colour products like moisturizers, face cleansers and their amazing No. 1 lip balm.