ALL ABOUT BB CREAMS

What is a BB Cream?

BB Creams have been enjoying a continuing success and popularity since the day they were introduced to the Asian beauty market, then later on to the rest of the world. By now almost every makeup brand have launched their own BB Creams from high-street brands like Garnier, L'oréal, Maybelline to high-end ones such as Estée Lauder, Clinique, Bobbi Brown and Dior.

BB can stand for blemish balm/beauty balm/beblesh balm, originating from Germany, where dermatologists originally used them to heal scars on patients who went under laser surgery. 
BB Creams were first popular in Asia that's one reason why most creams come in only light shades; Asian women have rather fair complexions. 

Why are they so special?

BB Creams are multifunctional creams which work as moisturizers, offer coverage, conceal spots, brighten the skin, have UV protection, and some include skincare and anti-aging properties. Basically, what the labels claim is that a BB Cream is a moisturizer, a foundation and a concealer all in one. 

Obviously, no BB cream is able to live up to such expectations because we all know these are different formulas and textures, and a moisturizer cannot replace a foundation or a concealer. 

How can we define a BB Cream then? Foundation, tinted moisturizer, concealer??

I'd define BB Creams as tinted moisturizers that even out the skintone and contain SPF. 
No BB Cream will give you as high coverage as a foundation does, instead provides a light coverage to cover uneven skin tone and redness. Do not expect a BB Cream to cover spots and blemishes because creme concealers work best for that, while most BB Creams are liquid formulas. Due to their beneficial skincare ingredients they work great as moisturizers. 

What are the pros and cons?

They are definitely outweigh regular moisturizers because they cover, protect and moisturize at the same time. Those people who don't want to wear foundation every day but would still like some coverage, a BB Cream is a great base.

Depending on the brand they tend to be less expensive than regular foundations.

However, due to their initial target being the Asian market, they usually come in either one, two or three shades: light/fair, medium/normal, dark. The universal shades won't fit everyone individually; therefore, it's not easy to find the perfect shade. 

Also, most companies don't offer BB creams for different skin types, so always make sure you choose the one that suits your skin type.

It is still a formula under development and definitely needs improvement. Companies are constantly trying to come up with improved formulas, more shades and skin-specific qualities (for dry, oily, mature skin).

How to use them and which ones are worth the hype?

You apply them the same way as you apply foundation: with fingers or brushes.

The most popular ones are the Asian ones (especially Korean ones) which are both makeup and skincare products: they are enriched with fabulous skincare ingredients and tend to have a higher coverage level.

In my personal opinion the best one for fair/light skintone is Hot PinkSuper Plus Beblesh Balm by Skin79. Interestingly, it has a grey undertone but when applied it oxidizes and adopts your skin color. It has beneficial skincare ingredients and really make my skin feel soft and hydrated. It has a medium coverage level that evens out my skin really well, while being very long-lasting. 

I'm honestly not a big fan of the European drugstore ones, but Maybelline's Dream Fresh, Sleek Be Beautiful Blemish balm, No7 Beautiful Skin are among the popular ones. Missha, another Korean brand is also very popular.

Links:

skin79 north america

the bb cream shop (international)

Hungarian link