I’ve been working on a few different posts at the same time, but in the midst of typing out a review of a BB cushion, I realized that I’ve never reviewed the Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream, despite it being a daily staple, and as close as I’ve come to finding an HG status BB cream. So I had to pause and write this review because I feel that any future BB cream reviews I write will refer to this one as the gold standard.

I’ve been using the Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF25 PA++ (whew, that’s a mouthful) for almost a year. I’m still on the same 45ml bottle, because you only need a tiny amount at a time, and I don’t wear makeup every day (only when I want to look human and not like a mom-zombie).

Shade Range

My skin is currently in its summer-tan mode. And while I love my bronzed summer glow, unfortunately most Korean BB creams are too light for me right now. Fortunately, Missha’s US online store has a darker shade, #27 Honey Beige. I wish Korean retailers would be a little better about providing a wide range of shades, as even with the added #27, the shade range is still very narrow.

The #27 is a medium golden shade. My inner arm is similar in tone to my face, which is currently about an NC25 in MAC shades.

Here’s the #27 (top) contrasted with the #23 (bottom) on my arm. As you can see, the #27 is significantly more yellow-orange. I can look a bit Oompa-Loopa-ish if I just use the #27, so I mix the two shades to get a slightly more neutral tone.

Shade #27 can be bought on Missha US’s official site, though it’s generally not available from Korean retailers and resellers (like Jolse.com or Roseroseshop.com).

Product Performance

I unreservedly love the Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream. From the first day I started using it, I started getting compliments on how my skin was “glowing” and “so smooth”, even though I still had (and have) some post-acne hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and the occasional pimple. It looks like my skin, just better. When I wear it, my skin looks smoother, firmer, plumper, more finely textured, and just all round healthier.

It’s honestly a strange feeling to have people compliment my skin, because I’ve struggled with my skin for so many years (since college, and I’m now 33!). Since I started following the Korean skincare routine and using Asian skincare products, my skin has gotten so much better, and the Missha Signature BB Cream just gives it that extra luminosity and glow.

On the left is with bare skin, and on the right is with Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream (and a bit of eyeliner).

I had tried the Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream, which is super popular, but it irritated my skin and led to breakouts. I have had no such problems with the Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream. When I went to a Missha store in Toronto, the sales assistant told me that the Signature BB Cream is better than the Perfect Cover for people with sensitive skin.

The finish is quite dewy, but very natural, and you can always take the shine down with a mattifying powder. Coverage is medium, and I’d say it’s not terribly buildable, so if you want to fully cover any blemishes you’ll have to use concealer. It does a fine job of evening out skin tone and minimizing small imperfections. However, even if I had NO blemishes and no pigmentation to cover up, I would still put on this BB cream because it makes my skin look so much more alive. It’s ALIVE!!!

Longevity is pretty good for a BB cream, and although it does fade by the end of the day, it does so very naturally without looking patchy. It doesn’t cling to dry patches, or settle in fine lines, as far as I can tell.

Ingredient Notes:

The full ingredient list is on the official Missha US site. Now I have to admit to being a bit confused by this ingredient list. The BB cream claims to have SPF25 PA++, but I cannot find any sunscreen filters in the ingredient list. However, I have come across other ingredient lists from unofficial sources that include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as sunscreen filters. I’m not sure if those unofficial ingredient lists are from an older version. It’s best to use a separate sunscreen anyway, to ensure you’re getting adequate protection, and doubly so in this case.

UPDATE: I emailed Missha to request information about the sunscreen filters, and I received this (oddly precise) email:

Dear Valued Customer, Thank you for your inquiry. This product includes the following UV protecting ingredient Titanium Dioxide 7.71800000 UV Blocking

Zinc Oxide 3.84000000 UV Blocking Thank you. Regards,

Missha US

Looks like only physical sunscreen filters are used in this BB cream, which may account for how much more gentle it is to my skin than other BB creams have been.

Bottom Line:

I love the Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream. I don’t ever want to be without it. I enjoy using BB cushions as well (I’m loving the Laneige BB Cushion from Target, review to come), but I’ll always come back to the Signature BB Cream.

And although it’s slightly more pricey than BB creams that you would find from lower-end brands, I think the price is quite reasonable at $29.00 considering one tube has lasted me an entire year. And considering the quality of the product.

Buy it at:

Take advantage of the awesome semi-annual sale that Missha US is having right now — 40% off everything until 7/6! And while you’re at it, pick up their Green Tea Lip and Eye Remover because it is awe.some.

Missha US Official Store: $29.00 but on sale for $17.40 right now!

I purchased this product with my own money and I have not received any compensation for this post. There are no affiliate links in this post.