IMAN Cosmetics BB & CC Cremes – The Afrobella Review & How-To!

This post is sponsored by IMAN Cosmetics, but the opinions are all mine!

Here are my top concerns in terms of skin and makeup for spring and summer.

#1 – Breakouts and hyperpigmentation (I thought this would have stopped by my 30’s, honestly).

#2 – appropriate coverage for the above

#3 – achieving appropriate coverage and somehow making it last despite the elements.

So often I think I’ve addressed my summer skin issues and emerge into the heat, only to wind up looking like a melting chocolate ice cream cone in the sun. It isn’t cute and I am so over it. This summer, I need to lighten up in terms of my products. I think I  finally found the solution I’ve been looking for. Bellas, let me put you up on game and introduce you to IMAN Cosmetics BB and CC cremes. Here’s what I like about them, how I use them, and what my advice is to you beautiful ladies who are seeking a solution for flawless skin all summer long.

Longtime Afrobella readers may be familiar with my primer on alphabet creams – but if you’re new, click here to read a breakdown of BB, CC and DD creams. What was a hot trend and a bit of a bandwagon in 2013 has settled down in 2014 to reveal the best sellers and best performers amongst the bunch. IMAN Cosmetics has been a champion for makeup made for all women of color since inception. The intent behind the brand was always to be the gold standard in terms of matching our skin tone needs, and there’s a reason so many makeup artists adore the foundations and concealers. The IMAN BB and CC Creams are complimentary products for women who have different coverage needs.

IMAN BB Crème is traditional in that it’s a lightweight cream product with SPF 15 protection. I use it all over my face, to cover and blend my hyperpigmentation issues away as well as to protect my skin from sun damage. I’m more or less Clay Medium Deep.

IMAN CC Crème is a whole nother ball game. First of all, it is a powder to crème concealer. Yes indeed – you tap the product out onto the back of your hand or onto a tissue, and it is a powder. Don’t do like I first did and just tap it on your hands and apply – if you want to blend easily and see how it works, tap out the product onto a tissue or the back of your hand, and apply with a foundation brush, beauty sponge or your fingers. Don’t rub it in, just apply gently and blend. Then watch in amazement as it transforms into a crème and blends into your skin. Set with your favorite mattifying setting powder. It’s like nothing I’ve ever used before, I tell you.

Iman herself broke it down in an interview with WWD: “It’s not a traditional concealer. It fades completely. You don’t need that much powder and its a perfect match-you don’t see where it starts or where it stops.”

So, waitaminute. Do you use one product, or both? Do you reach for just the BB Crème, or do you also use CC crème? I had questions before I began playing with and testing out the product. Basically BB Crème offers a light coverage for women with different levels of coverage needs. The CC Crème is intended for full coverage, for areas that need attention like under-eye circles and covering up imperfections. It can also be used as a main foundation for anyone wanting a more complete coverage. Oh, and you can use it alone, or you can use it above or underneath your foundation, on those areas that need additional coverage. Currently it comes in 5 shades – I’m clay medium deep, again. If you have questions about your skin tone in IMAN products, click here to find your shade, or check out their app!

What do I love about IMAN Cosmetics’ CC Crème? I love the versatility of the product. I love that I can apply as much as needed to my problem areas because it’s truly buildable. I love that I can mix the powders together to suit my needs – I know I’m not the only one who’s overall skin tone will change with the season and sun exposure. I love that it doesn’t settle into my pores and lines. I love that it LASTS despite the heat. Yes, I might sweat but my coverage didn’t melt off, like chocolate ice cream in the sun.

This photo was taken after an all-afternoon photo shoot, outside. I used a tissue to blot the sweat off my face, and I was good to go. It gives me a long lasting coverage that I need to beat this summer heat.

I’m going to be rocking CC Crème for my areas of concern for the season and beyond, to try to stay fabulous all summer long. And you know I had to ask Iman herself for her best tips on summer beauty. “When using bronzer, apply around the hairline, temples and cheek bone for a more natural looking tanned or healthy look. It also takes away that “mask” look foundation sometimes creates,”she said. Thank you, Iman – for the advice and the awesome products!

Click here to shop:

IMAN CC Correct & Cover Powder to Crème Concealer

IMAN Skin Tone Evener BB Crème SPF 15.

What do you think, bellas? Will you be giving IMAN’s BB or CC Crème a try?

This post was sponsored by IMAN Cosmetics,but the opinions, photos and experience has been all mine!