I was asking around at the studio I am working at this week if anyone knew what BB creams were. I was surprised to find that very few women in my industry know about them. I thought if that’s the case, this is an opportunity to share a little-known product that is perfect for busy girls on lazy summer days (or for lazy girls on buzzy summer days, as the case may be).
As the urban legend has it, Beauty Balms or Blemish Balms were developed by dermatologists in Germany for their patients to use after treatments to lightly mask imperfections while delivering benefits to help with recovery. They were then popularized when a Korean actress raved about how BB cream was the secret to her flawless skin and the rest is history—at least in Asian countries!
Stateside, these hardworking skin perfectors are still a little under the radar. These creams are different from a tinted moisturizer in that they tend to have high SPF as well as a variety of additional skin care ingredients; from Vitamin C (to brighten), hyaluronic acid (to hydrate), vitamin E (to protect) or even caffeine (to soothe). Kind of like the multi-tasking Little Black Dress of makeup. What’s great about them, is that in one product you get high SPF, a light coverage which minimizes flaws, and a variety of skin care benefits (depending on the particular product). BB creams are the perfect summer skin compliment and multitasking product.
The first thing you need to know before you buy one is there are quite a few on the market with a range of coverage, colors, and benefits. So first figure out what you need from the product (like coverage, moisturization, anti-aging, or blemish control). Then you’ll have a better idea of which one is right for you.
Here are three of my favorites:
Smashbox
My favorite.
What I love about this one:
- Best color selection of the bunch, with five shades that melt into the skin.
- Protects the skin with SPF 35 (another reason I think this is a perfect summer product)
- Retexturizes with what Smashbox calls it optical pigments (that means it creates a flawless finish)
- Great moisturizing properties, while keeping shine under control (which we all need on those hot, humid summer nights)
- Can also be used under foundation as a moisturizer, primer, SPF in one.
- Price is about $39
Did I already say this is my favorite?
DR. BRANDT Flexitone BB Cream
What I love about this one:
- One shade that works on most, which they call Flexitone. The trick is to press it into the skin when you’re blending, rather than rubbing it in
- SPF 30
- Great moisturizing ingredients that help prevent moisture loss and encourage moisture production
- Ingredients that camouflage the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Plant-Based Oxidative Shield that brightens the complexion while protecting the skin from free radicals
- Price about $39
- This one is great for those who want a little less coverage, more glow, and a nice blend of anti-aging ingredients
Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream
What I love about this one:
- The price: $13!
- Protects from the sun, but only with SPF 15
- Comes in two shades that work for most light to medium skin tones
- Perfects skin tone with moderate coverage while brightening the skin in the long term
- Hydrates with hyaluronic acid and brightens with Vitamin C
- Light to medium coverage
Did I say the price here is the amazing thing?
So if you’re feeling a little lazy this summer and want a multitasking product that makes you look better, during and after application, wander over to your local Sephora or even Target and give these little hardworking multitasking products a chance. You’ll be glad you did.
