I'd heard a lot of raves about Australian line BECCA (those shouty all-caps do grate, don't they?), so when the company's PR offered me some free products to try, I jumped at the chance. My conclusion: Great packaging, shame about the overpriced contents.
Here's a rundown:
I was disappointed by the mascara. I have naturally long, dark lashes, but even so, I would have expected a $19 product to do something for me. You couldn't even tell I had any mascara on - there was no discernible difference between my lashes before and after I applied a whole lot of product.
The tinted moisturizer is suitably sheer and provides SPF 25 protection, but is nothing to blog home about - especially not when it's priced in the $40 range.
I found the stick foundation quite drying and chalky. I like that it has SPF 30, but again, the price point is way too high for such a flawed product.
While it wouldn't be accurate to say that the compact concealer won me over, it was the best of the lot. I cannot get it to blend well, at least not easily. I would not pay $35 for this, even if it were twice the size.
Bottom line: If you're going to splash the cash on a department store line, go for one with more solid products or at least more fun packaging. Otherwise, you're better off opting for a more reasonably priced range.
I've had similar problems with the concealer. Of the two sides in the compact, one side is too sheer and slides off. The other side is too dry and tacky, and proves difficult to apply and blend. I think the trick is to use a good primer underneath; I use Clarin's Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. Still, I would not purchase again; at .1oz, there is far too little concealer provided for the price. I'm surprised you didn't choose the creme blush or the loose powder, which (in my opinion) are the real stars of the Becca line.
Posted by: MandyPandy | October 29, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Mandy, I did ask for the PR to send me the powder to try (I've heard great things about it), but they were out. I guess I can see why!
Posted by: Jackie Danicki | October 29, 2007 at 03:01 PM
I agree with you. I have no idea what we are paying for when it comes to BECCA.
Posted by: Laura | October 30, 2007 at 08:24 AM
I don't know about the rest of the line, but I love love the loose powder. Finishes up the face beautifully without looking cakey. Sometimes it's just mascara, neat eyebrows, and Becca loose powder.
Posted by: hellslina | November 16, 2007 at 01:08 PM
My Becca concealer is one of my favorite products in my make up kit...but I'm prob bias, as I'm Aussie myself. I use the thicker side for covering up zits and the not so thick side for under eye bags. I also like it because with my skin tone (My background is Chinese), it's hard to find the right color that suits, and Becca matches my skin really well.
Love the blog, great reviews.
Posted by: Linda | December 11, 2007 at 05:23 PM
I haven't tried any of the products you mention, but I do like their Turkish creme blush. It's very natural looking... I use it on eyes (just under brows) and cheeks for a "natural" healthy glow.
Posted by: thefoodinista | February 08, 2009 at 02:57 PM