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skin care
03 Jan 2013
BB Cream 101 : All You Need to Know about BB Cream
BB Cream is apparently here to stay. Although it’s been years since the hype, I can see many brands are still coming out with their newest BB Cream in the market. From drugstore to high-end, you can spot BB Cream easily. It’s literally everywhere and yes, BB Cream is still popular. Many types of BB Cream are available out there. Even you can find one brand has more than 4 types of BB Cream. Western brands seem to be catching on with the hype as well. But I still find people asking me, “what is the difference between BB Cream and Foundation?” Well, if you have the same question in mind, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about it.
What Is BB Cream?
It stands for Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm. If I can sum it up in one short sentence, BB Cream is an all in one product. Basically, from one pump/squeeze of the product, you’ll get coverage, skin care, and UV protection. Nowadays, people tend to love the more practical and quick product. And to be honest, I think BB Cream is a real time saver if you don’t have time in the morning (read : you’re in hurry and everything needs to be done quickly).
Where Did It First Start?
If you think BB Cream originally came from Korea, I’m afraid you’re wrong. It’s true that Korea was the first one that made BB Cream famous around the world. Korean artists are widely known for their healthy, glowing, flawless skin. BB Cream is reported to have actually originated in Germany, where a dermatologist named Dr. Christine Schrammek created an ointment for her patients who have just undergone a plastic surgery.
Why Choose BB Cream?
Applying moisturizer, skin care products, primer, sunscreen and foundation might take longer than just applying only one product. If I can get the benefits and protections that I want from one bottle (or tube), why not? It’ll save me more time, and more money, obviously. We can also find many types of BB Cream, either matte or dewy finish, high or low SPF, anti aging or hydrating formulas, BB Cream provides all of them. You take your pick. We have our own preferences when it comes to face products such as this, and BB Cream offers many variations. Please do take note that BB Cream doesn’t provide full coverage like foundation, but on the other hand it’s good for everyday use. I don’t like a heavy coverage like kondangan type of look for everyday, to be honest. đ
But as someone who’s working in an establishment who truly believes in the importance of skincare, I actually don’t suggest that you skip your skincare routine and go straight to the BB Cream. The skincare within the BB Cream is solely an added benefit.
How To Apply?
I know BB Cream contains skin care ingredients and claims to moisturize the skin. But I just can’t use it without applying my moisturizer first and like I said above, all of the skincare ingredients within BB Cream are just an added benefit. I want to make sure my skin is well-moisturized beforehand. So my way to apply BB Cream include: moisturizer – BB Cream – loose powder. We can use our hands or use a sponge and brush to blend it in. By the way, I only powder my face when I have event/appointment outside of the office all day long, otherwise I don’t use powder. This comes back to our preferences once again. I love the dewy finish so I don’t use powder, as simple as that.
How About The Texture?
It depends on what BB Cream you got. I have a few and all of them have different textures. I think most BB Creams have medium to thick texture. I can also easily find foundations that have less-thicker formula than BB Creams. So, if you don’t like the thick texture, maybe BB Cream is not your cup of tea. But again, BB Cream offers an all in one treatment.
How To Choose The One?
First things first, know what you’re looking for. For example, I’m looking for dewy finish, so I stay away from BB Cream that claims to give a matte finish. Also think about your skin type before buying one. It would be great if you can get or buy the sample first. Try it on your face to know how well it blends on your skin before buying the full size product. I know many online shops nowadays sell BB Creams, so make sure it has a good reputation as an online store. And don’t be lazy, do your ‘research’ to find the differences between the original and the fake one.
I’m in the middle of trying a new BB Cream this week, maybe at the end of the month I’ll post a review. What is your favourite BB Cream at this moment, ladies? đ