Za Cosmetics is a drugstore brand which I believe belongs within the Shiseido Group. Strangely enough, it has taken them this long to launch a BB Cream, but boy have they made a big song and dance about it!
Za Cosmetics BB Cream UV was just launched when I was in Taiwan a few weeks ago, and the country is totally blanketed by its advertising. TV, magazines, buses, bus stops, MRT stations… I don’t think I went for more than 2 hours without seeing it! So of course, I picked one up on Day 3 (no self-control 
)
I’ll be reviewing all BB Creams on the following criteria:
- Packaging
- Coverage
- Dry to touch finish
- Natural skin feel
- Fragrance
- Longevity
Packaging: 4/5
I’m glad to see the flat tube with flat nozzle pretty much a standard in BB Creams now, as I think it’s the most effective form. I love that the Za BB Cream is a pretty pearlised pink!
But I take 1 point off as it’s a teeny tiny 20ml – so if used on a daily basis, I would imagine it would run out very quickly.
Coverage: 5/5
The texture is a gel-lotion, which makes it glide nicely across the skin and does not sink into lines. As for the coverage, it is absolute perfection – you can see how well it covers up the marks on the back of my hand. It is also easily buildable, just tap onto the areas you need a bit more coverage – I find it great for under the eyes and redness under the nostrils.
Dry-to-touch finish: 5/5
I was first hesitant in picking up this BB Cream as it states “Total Hydration” on the tube – having oily skin I find most hydrating products too heavy and make me break out. However the Za BB Cream also has sebum holding powder, so it claims to hydrate whilst controlling oil.
Sounds impossible heh? But I find it to be true! After applying onto my skin, this BB Cream absorbs into my skin, leaving it soft, smooth with no greasiness/stickiness. I can get away with no powder when I use it, which I love.
Natural skin feel: 5/5
The Za BB Cream is actually slightly apricot in colour, which I’ve never seen in a BB Cream before. I am amazed at how nicely the apricot tinge works on the skin though! It lifts the complexion without making it look too pale, so no chance of the dreaded mask look.
It leaves a gorgeous radiant finish as well. So couple with how nicely it melts into the skin, make this BB Cream so beautifully natural.
Fragrance: 4.5/5
With such high SPF and UVB protection, it’s amazing that this BB Cream has no sunscreen smell whatsoever. It has a sweet floral smell which I think everyone would love. It lingers but I personally don’t find it overpowering.
Longevity: 4.5/5
Even without using powder, this BB cream manages to stay on my face for at least 6 hours. And when I blot it, I don’t find chunks of product on the tissue (yes I use tissue to blot since blotting paper is way too small for me), so I still have good coverage on my face.
TOTAL SCORE: 28/30
I LOVE the Za Cosmetics BB Cream UV! It feels great on, easy to apply, gives great coverage yet looks like there’s no product on the skin. Moreover, it gives a brighter complexion without making the face look too white.
Another great thing is that, due to the gorgeous melt-into-the-skin texture, if I do need to touch up my face, I just blot and layer on a little more product – and my face looks just as fresh as when I first put it on!
Za Cosmetics BB Cream UV retails for NT$290 and is available in most drugstores in Taiwan. Also available in most Asian countries and New Zealand. For non-Asia residents please try reputable Ebay sellers.
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Love this stuff – I’m sad I only asked you to get me 1 tube now… I need 5!
lilpil @ Things I Love recently posted..Win: Soft Silky Hair with Silky Colouration
Lilpil: I know – I can see myself churning through this very quickly!
Sounds awesome – do you know of any reputable eBay sellers? LOL at “12 in 1″ though… That’s a lot in one!
Stacey: I usually do a search in Ebay.com and pick one that’s got a lot of feedback and product range – haven’t had any problem yet! Yer 12 in 1 is a bit of exaggeration… so I didn’t bother elaborating on it
This looks great although the random SPF of 43 made me laugh:) Thanks for the review X
Ingrid recently posted..4 Revlon Colourburst Lip Butters
Ingrid: I guess when it comes to Asians any additional SPF counts
I really like this BB cream. Damn should have asked you to get me more. I wore this alone, and mixed it with the Nympher Aura, and it looks very good too!
Tine recently posted..Preloved Makeup Sale
Tine: I really really like it too – and it’s good for use day and night since the colour is so nice. I also like mixing it with Nymph Aura for day time
your review has really got me hooked! this will be my next bb cream buy.
Annie: I give it two thumbs up! Definitely get it!
What a great review Tina! This whole melt into the skin thing has just sold me over! Well I was already sold when you said it was good and who wants one haha. Soo looking forward to trying it out, I’m a little worried about trying it out for the first time for work. Perhaps I’ll wait till next weekend when I don’t have to work 8.5+ hours hehe. Thank you for lugging mbbe shopping list back to us haha <3<3
しずか ♥ (heartofpearl) recently posted..Instagram Part VIII
Heartofpearl: It’s my pleasure – hope you love it too!
Oh I forgot to mention… the girl on the left: Hasegawa Jun is my FAV model. lol Yeah so another reason to why I’m glad I got this hehe~
しずか ♥ (heartofpearl) recently posted..Instagram Part VIII
HeartofPearl: She’s my FAV too! So pretty and cool at the same time – I’d buy anything that makes me remotely look like her
Thank you~~!!! I have been wondering which BB cream to get (was torn between Etude and Za) and your review really helped a lot! I’ve decided to get myself one! Thank you~~~ ^^
Sabrina recently posted..Tagged questions~~
Sabrina: Za is by far better than Etude House. You’ll love it I promise!
Does this make you break out if you use it for long hours, many days in a row?
Gayle: I used it pretty much everyday for hours – no break out at all!
I bought this ystday when i was browsing @Watson. I hate BB creams especially when its gives a greyish tone and feels sticky. But Za BB cream has the prefect color for me(even tho i’m a bit tan), its stay matte(not dry) and easy application too. I loving it!
Ernisha: Oh I’m so glad you love it! I hate the dead looking greyish tones too, and it’s so brilliant that the Za BB Cream has an apricot tinge! I’m about to re-visit Watsons to get my second tube
your review has really got me hooked!can u suggest the best moisturizer that works together with the za BB cream?Thank you.
Zie: Being a little gel like in texture I would suggest something light – since I have oily skin I put on a hydrating serum then oil-control gel, wait for it to absorb, then apply the BB cream. Love this BB cream, I’ve been wearing it everyday since coming to Taiwan!
I absolutely love this product but I cannot find it in Sydney.
I bought my first one from Singapore and now I have to buy then from ebay. I hope it’s the real McCoy. Such a lovely silky finish. I need them in a larger size though.
Tina: It’s good stuff isn’t it!? If u have any trouble getting it – shoot me an email and I can send some over to you.