Putting the new Patrick Starrr BBB foundation from One/Size to the test! Does it live up to the hype or is it a mess?
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Well, 2022 is certainly off to a lively start with several new base options springing up on the makeup front! The latest to hit Sephora is the Patrick Starrr BBB foundation from One/Size.
Any new foundation is one to raise my interest but I was especially excited to see one arrive from Patrick Starrr. I have a lot of respect for the way his brand One/Size focuses heavily on inclusion and making everyone feel like they are equals in the beauty community. Also – while I haven’t have the pleasure of speaking with him one-on-one, I have been in the presence of Patrick Starrr at several events over the years and he radiates such a joyful and positive energy. Who doesn’t love that?
So I was obviously very intrigued when I spotted the Patrick Starrr BBB Foundation hanging out on the Sephora New Arrivals page and snatched a tube up to review. The One/Size Visionary eyeshadow palette (reviewed here) is one I continue to use on a regular basis and I was hopeful this foundation would be every bit as long-lasting and user-friendly.
And now after a MONTH of testing it out in a number of ways, I’m offering a full report below on how well the Patrick Starrr BBB foundation performs and if its worth adding to YOUR makeup collection!
Patrick Starrr BBB Foundation from One/Size
THE SHADE RANGE
There are currently 18 shades available from the Patrick Starrr Beauty Blur Balm foundation — with a decent selection of varying skin and undertones.
The Target? Blurring Your Complexion
While there’s a lot you can say about any foundation, the BBB foundation from One/Size is on a mission to blur imperfections. Dimethicone is a key ingredient for creating smoothness but also one you do need to be a little bit careful with. Be sure to thoroughly double cleanse your skin at the end of the day to keep your skin healthy and breathing!
How to Apply
Like always, I gave myself some time and played around applying the Patrick Starrr BBB foundation with a variety of brushes, sponges and also my fingers. In the end, my favorite method was to first apply my beloved silky Ole Henriksen moisturizer then buff the foundation on with a blending brush. Then, I let everything set for about 2-3 minutes before going back with any additional concealer, powder, etc.
The foundation does settle into the beautiful matte finish as you can see in before/after, below:
Let’s Talk Coverage
If you’re scratching your head wondering if this “beauty balm” product is a BB cream or a foundation — its designed to be a little bit of both. When applied with your fingers you can get lighter coverage. When using a brush or beauty sponge — quite a bit more.
If lighter coverage is what you’re after, I’ll caution that a little bit really does go a LONG way!
Hydrating?
The Beauty Blur Balm foundation comes with a claim that it’s hydrating and I have to completely disagree.
Its water-based formula is rich with dimethicon and glycerine. Avocado and mango oils are included in the formula but they’re so far down the list of ingredients and don’t have any measurable benefit for hydrating the skin.
Personally, I don’t expect foundations to be hydrating but you’ll definitely need to stick with your morning moisturizer or a hydrating primer before use — especially when in cold, dry weather conditions.
How Long Does It Last?
While beautiful, I have to say the Patrick Starrr BBB foundation is definitely not weightless. Upon application in the morning you will feel the foundation on your skin so if that bothers you, you might want to look elsewhere (like the NARS Soft Matte).
As the day goes on, you will get around 4-6 hours of solid wear before it starts to feel more and more heavy on the skin. If you have combo skin like me, you’ll also likely want to do a mid-afternoon touchup with powder to set any shine that peaks through.
Note: Those with dry skin may have issues with the foundation if not wearing moisturizer and hydrating primer underneath.
MESSY PACKAGING:
Oy. I appreciate when brands try something different with packaging to stand apart but this one is a struggle.
The tube packaging has a gaping large hole – located on the side rather than the center – that creates a lot of leakage. It’s super messy to apply and even messier days after that. Product pours out at such a heavy amount you really have to be careful to avoid a messy catastrophe. The placement of the hole feels awkward during use and is something I couldn’t get used to even after days of use.
I get the effort to be unique but wish they scrapped this design altogether.
Where to Shop:
You can currently pick the Patrick Starrr BBB foundation up from:
Patrick Starrr BBB Foundation by One/Size
The Pros
- Buildable matte coverage that significantly improves the appearance of blemishes, dark spots, etc.
- Blurs nicely over the skin
- Nice shade range with varying skin and undertones
- Oil-free and suitable for those with acne
- Best for oily and combo skin types
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan
- Great price at $33
The Cons
- Messy packaging
- Not at all hydrating as described
- Wears heavily on the skin after a few hours
- Not recommended for dry skin
Grade: B-
What we’re dealing with here is a pretty nice foundation that’s completely butchered by poor product design. I love the coverage and feel it dramatically improves my skin’s appearance and blurring imperfections. That said, I really cannot get used to using it! Even after weeks the way the BBB foundation just dumps out with very little control and then leaks all over the place is messy and very unappealing.
Word of caution though — this is a heavier foundation. Don’t be fooled when you see the term “balm” thrown around because it is very much a heavier product that basically is a mask for your skin during the day. There’s nothing “tinted moisturizer” or “BB cream” about it. (Especially when you consider the lack of hydrating ingredients).
I’m not totally turned off by the heavier aspect to the product. But then again I consider MAC’s Studio Fix foundations one of my favorites. But I’m hopeful Patrick Starrr and the One/Size team rethink the packaging design because it really is awful.
Thank you for reading! I hope this review of the Patrick Starrr BBB foundation helps give you a better idea if its worth adding to your collection or not.
MORE BEAUTY READS
NARS’s Newest Foundation is More Skincare than Makeup
Reviewing Patrick Starrr’s Visionary Eyeshadow Palette
The Perfect Daily Morning Moisturizer
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Kelly
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