BB Cream, miracle in a tube?

The beauty industry is going crazy and obsessed with BB cream. Why and what the hell is BB cream? With a Revlon coupon (got to stay in budget), I bought one and did some research on the miracle product. BB can stand for numerous things like blemish balm, blemish base, and beauty balm; beauty balm is the most common name in western countries. The cream has been described as an all-in-one facial tinted cosmetic product to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, concealer, foundation, and sunblock. WOW, that's a lot of jobs for just one product. It's been said that the magical cream can help to improve the complexion after 2-3 weeks of use. Your skin will become noticeably smoother and clearer.

The cream was first created in late 1960s in Germany and became wildy popular in Asia countries, like Korea, when Korean celebrities began endorsing it. Since early 2012, BB cream hit the American beauty market and it looks like it's found a comfy place for itself.

There are different BB creams for specific skin shades and types. 

OILY SKIN - to tame the shine, look for an oil-free cream that also hydrates with hyaluronic acid (because even acne-prone skin needs moisture). Avoid matte look, which can age your skin and try a sheer formula for a light subtle glow. Estée Lauder Daywear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme SPF 35 is wonderful! 

DRY SKIN - you need moisture and the right amount of ingredients will hydrate your skin and give your face a younger look. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin C are essential for dry flaky. Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream SPF 15 contains a generous amount of the powerhouse moisturizers.

SENSITIVE SKIN - treat your skin to a gentle fragrance free BB cream with less harsh chemicals like Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Beauty Balm with SPF 25. It contains aloe to calm redness and generous amount of water for a cooling sensation (unfortunately, it won't replace your foundation or concealer due to higher water content).

UNEVEN SKIN - mineral pigments cover fine lines and minor blemishes (still might need a concealer for major blemishes). Soy, licorice, vitamin C, and arbutin have been shown to fade discoloration on the skin's surface. The botanical extract, arbutin, helps stop melanin production. Try Dr. Jart Premium Blemish Base with SPF 45 or Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30. 

AGING SKIN - The formula with mineral pigments and adenoside, a sugar molecule, smoothes skin, speeds up cell renewal, and covers fine lines. Be on the look out for creams with a healthy dosage of vitamin A which helps even skin tone and reduce wrinkles over time. Give Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 a try or Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm.  

DARK SKIN - if you're lucky and blessed with tan or darker skin, there's finally a cream for you! Iman Cosmetics Skin Tone Evener BB Creme is made up of natural pigment, hydrating ingredients like sweet almond oil and aloe and brightening licorice root extract.

So far, I really like the Revlon BB cream, it's light but feels strong enough to even out my skin while moisturizing. I have dark circle under my eyes so I still feel the need to use my daily concealer.

 

Have you tried BB creams?

What was your experience?