January 27, 2012

What are BB creams?!?


BB creams are a pretty recent edition to the U.S. market so it totally makes sense that all of a sudden everyone is asking, "What the heck are they?!". First I'll let you peruse Wikipedia's definition, and then I will expand on it and share my personal experiences with it.

"BB cream, also known as Blemish Balm, Blemish Base or Beblesh Balm, is a cosmetic item sold mainly in East and Southeast Asia.

Originally formulated in Germany it was initially used by dermatologists to help laser surgery patients protect, soothe and refine highly sensitive skin while providing light coverage for post-laser scars, acne and other blemishes.

BB creams come in a variety of different formulations and qualities. Some are said to have skin whitening or brightening properties. Others are said to be anti-acne or anti-wrinkle, some are intended to even out skin tone, and yet others to lighten blemish scars. BB creams are sometimes used like a primer under foundation, and if tinted may supposedly replace foundation and some newer ones are advertised as having functions of primer, foundation, moisturizer, sun block, pore minimization and skin refining together, making them an economic skin care solution.

Brands on the market include BRTC - Bio Remedies Therapeutic Cosmetic, Dr. Jart, Lioele, Skin Food, Etude, The Face Shop, Missha and SKIN79.

In recent years BB cream has gained a noticeable following for its skin-regenerating functions and is now also widely used in Asia to supposedly provide natural-looking skin coverage. It has been named "the secret of Korean actresses", which gained it large exposure in Asian markets."

In my experience with Dr. Jart Water Fuse BB cream, it's like a hybrid tinted moisturizer. BB cream is sleeker, packed with more skin friendly ingredients, and creates a different kind of coverage. If I have a red irritated face and I use my BB cream it instantly looks fresher, glowier, and even. Tinted moisturizers have always felt too goopy and cakey to me- BB creams are the perfect answer to those problems. There are many different kinds but the premise is the same; an all in one product to treat, conceal, and even out skin tone while still looking fresh and natural. They are great for someone who doesn't want to wear a whole lot of base makeup, but wants a fresh day to day look. I would also recommend BB creams to acne prone skin types who want at least minimum coverage with makeup that will help their skin.

While the benefits of this product are numerous, there is still the struggle to find the right formulation and color for your skin. They are typically more blend-able than the average foundation but you still have to start off with something in your skin tone that will look natural even in direct sunlight. As for skin types, I got the Water Fuse from Dr. Jart because I need something moisturizing as well as correcting and it works perfectly. I still wear primer under it to get that even application and all day coverage. Be sure to look at the different options of creams and choose the one that will be best suited to your skin and makeup needs. Happy hunting!

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