Several seasons ago, the fashionable concept of “BB cream” became a new word in the beauty industry. The notorious beauty balm literally means 2 in 1 - these products perform the functions of complete care and provide a decorative effect. In addition to a more “healthy” composition, products with the BB prefix are also distinguished from conventional foundations by a lighter, more natural and natural tonal effect. Thanks to them, we learned to achieve the effect of “makeup without makeup” - the nude trend is still not losing ground. In summer, BB creams, thanks to all of the above, fall into the must category. We offer you the best samples that are guaranteed to provide you with a beautiful complexion while caring for your skin.
The BB cream of the Korean brand Erborian received canonical status as soon as it appeared on the European market - in France, the bestseller with ginseng was awarded numerous awards, including “Best BB Cream” and “Best Day Cream”. The product brilliantly evens out the tone of the face, creating the effect of “baby skin”, hides imperfections, while simultaneously moisturizing and nourishing the skin. The cream protects against the harmful effects of UV rays, and its light melting texture lays on the skin like a soft veil, allowing the skin to breathe.
The Clarins brand introduced the Skin Perfecting Cream BB cream in the format of a light foundation that does not create a mask effect and cares for the skin. The absolutely weightless texture allows the product to lie on the face almost imperceptibly, while hiding all visible imperfections. Skin Perfecting Cream contains organic kiwi extract, which has antioxidant and protective properties, catafray bark extract, which moisturizes the skin, a special Clarins anti-pollution Anti-Pollution complex, as well as sun filters. Three natural shades (00 fair, 01 light and 02 medium) allow you to choose a shade that perfectly matches your skin.
BB creams from Dr. Jart+, which gives radiance to the skin, is one of the best examples of this category of products - they protect from solar radiation, deeply moisturize, allowing even the dullest and tired skin to take on a fresh look. The decorative effect of using the products is impressive - the skin looks young, fresh, healthy and literally glows from the inside.
Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Nude Look BB Cream is a multi-functional moisturizer for creating perfect, radiant skin. The Sparkling Water Complex deeply moisturizes the skin and saturates it with energy, resulting in a natural glow and a feeling of smooth, well-groomed skin. The cream is also a makeup product, and therefore, in addition to moisturizing, it corrects imperfections and mattifies. In addition, the BB cream evens out and smoothes the texture, and its universal chameleon shade adapts to any skin tone.
BB cream Prep+Prime BB Beauty Balm masks imperfections and protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, and also restores lost moisture to it. Three new shades will allow every girl to find her ideal tone, which will give the skin radiance and provide a fresh look.
Moisturizing, tone correction and skin protection are provided by the multifunctional BB cream from Bobbi Brown. Sun protection filter SPF 35 blocks the action of harmful rays, moisturizing components fill the skin with moisture, and a light foundation provides a natural decorative effect. The product can be used as a foundation for makeup or as a foundation on its own. In the second case, the effect will be more delicate and barely noticeable.
Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30 contains a sunscreen filter, antioxidants that prevent aging, and, in fact, the coating itself, which masks imperfections. The light, gentle product can be used before applying foundation as a base for makeup, or used on its own - in this case, you will get the same “makeup without makeup” effect with an even tone and no mask. Lightweight formula suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
La Roche-Posay
The first BB cream for sensitive skin, Hydreane, from the pharmacy brand La Roche-Posay, which is recommended by all dermatologists in the world, is based on the thermal water of the same name, the main ingredient of all the brand’s products. Moisturizing cream-care evens out complexion, moisturizes, soothes and protects sensitive skin. Mineral pigments melt into the skin, creating a natural, even complexion. The non-greasy texture allows the cream to apply smoothly and makes the skin soft and elastic.
BB and CC creams are very popular in the beauty world - they are inherently highly efficient and multifunctional. However, The 12 products below are coming out beyond the standard functions of anti-aging, skin brightening, correction, and also include a serious level of SPF. As a general rule, applying heavy coats every two hours is not recommended.
BB or CC creams on their own are not enough to completely protect you from the sun during the day, but even a small amount of sunscreen helps.
Below are the 12 best BB and CC creams with serious SPF levels:
1. Maybelline New York
This BB cream is not only super moisturizing - it's a "Best Beauty Winner" in Allure magazine. The product is oil-free and fairly sheer, but can be layered for medium coverage coverage. Although there are only five shades, they cover a surprisingly wide range of skin tones, so most people can find their perfect shade among them.
Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Sunscreen SPF 30
2.Dr. Brandt
Don't be put off by the fact that this cream comes in one shade. Magic self-adjusting pigments adapt to a wide range of skin tones, while pearl powder will add radiance to the skin. We also love this cream because its hydrating formula leaves skin feeling dewy without the slightest hint of shine. Before applying the cream, you need to shake it well.
3. Bobbi Brown
Ideal for oily or combination skin, this mattifying BB cream contains silica to keep shine at bay, plus brightening ingredients, an anti-redness formula and anti-wrinkle properties. This cream also gives light coverage, because as everyone knows, Bobbi Brown is the woman who came up with the “no makeup” look.
4. 3Lab
This BB cream has opaque, medium to full coverage and gives a matte finish. The cream also contains SPF 40 and good moisturizing properties (including squalene and shea butter).
5.Dr. Jart+
Made by one of the Korean companies that were the first to delight with their BB creams, its formula gets a high level of SPF from minerals. It also contains powerful anti-aging properties like adenosine and arbutin (a brightener that helps fade dark spots) and it also instantly neutralizes redness, but for serious spots it's best to apply concealer.
6.AmorePacific
Another top beauty winner, this CC cream is fun to use (press the bottom of the sponge to release the liquid formula). But that's not the only reason, we're obsessed with it because it protects skin with a combination of SPF and antioxidants, hydrates, brightens, and gives workable, lightweight coverage. Has a dewy but non-shiny finish.
7. Clinique
Do you have oily and acne-prone skin? This liquid BB cream is oil-free and coats skin with an ultra-light veil of medium coverage to help conceal blemishes while keeping skin matte all day long.
8. It Cosmetics
This full coverage CC cream seems to do it all - it brightens, hydrates, protects, evens out skin tone, fights wrinkles, and instantly dispels the appearance of fine lines while being lightweight.
9. Revlon
It contains moisturizer, primer, foundation, and concealer, and it does all of those things in one, but it's still inexpensive, which is what makes this drugstore choice so impressive. But we'd be even more impressed if there were more shades, as the three shades available make it a little limiting when choosing the right shade.
10. Aveeno
With brightening soy extract and hydrating glycerin, this oil-free BB cream not only conceals problem areas, it helps restore them over time. Because it has a relatively thick, almost mousse-like and matte texture, it reminds us more of a medium coverage foundation than a typical BB cream (so it's perfect if you have oily skin or are looking for something with medium coverage).
11. Kiehl's
The vitamin C in this scented and silicone formula helps fade existing dark spots, while mega SPF works to prevent new spots from forming. And the five shades are surprisingly versatile; they cover a wide range of skin tones.
12.Giorgio Armani
This CC cream blurs imperfections and evens out skin tone so easily - people will think your complexion is naturally flawless.
Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Color Control Bright Moisturizer SPF 35
Translation from allure.com
BB cream (Blemish Balm, Beauty Balm) came to us from Asia, where sun protection and the fight against pigmentation are considered perhaps the main beauty tasks. It is not surprising that the formula of this product includes sunscreen filters. What else can this multifunctional product do?
Evens out microrelief and skin tone.
Conceals imperfections (pigment spots, dark circles).
Moisturizes and mattifies (depending on the specific product).
Protects against negative environmental factors (not only UV rays).
Gives shine.
The coverage density of BB creams is less than that of classic foundations, and the texture is lighter. The color palette is small, so choosing a shade is quite simple. BB cream literally merges with the skin, eliminating the effect of a mask.
One of the functions of BB cream is daily skin protection from the sun. © Getty Images
Types of BB creams with SPF
A classic BB cream from Asia should contain a high or very high SPF of 50–50+. In European analogues, its value may decrease to 15–20. And this is understandable: in Europe, the level of solar activity in general is much lower than in South Korea or Japan, so products with medium SPF are considered optimal for daily protection. As for BB creams of American origin, manufacturers adhere to high SPF values.
Rules of application
We won't teach you how to apply BB cream correctly. There are no tricks here. Another thing is important: this product is designed to protect the skin in urban environments. And no matter how great the temptation is to use BB cream on the beach, you should not do this.
BB cream is a multifunctional toner, and sun protection is just one of its routine tasks. As for beach holidays in hot countries, there are special cosmetics for this case, and BB cream is not one of them. So use this product as intended and choose based on your skin type.
Rating of BB creams with SPF
Visually corrects everything that prevents you from looking flawless: enlarged pores, age spots, wrinkles. It also works to make the skin tone more even and the complexion more uniform. The composition contains mineral pigments, vitamin C and several types of sun filters.
With mineral pigments, apricot, maize, passion fruit and shea butters, evens out tone, soothes and protects vulnerable skin.
BB cream 5-in-1 comprehensive moisturizing care “The Secret of Perfection” for oily and combination skin, SPF 20, (light beige), Garnier Oil-free, it tightens pores and mattifies throughout the day with perlite, a mineral that absorbs excess sebum.
It has a delicate texture and evens out color. It works in two directions: intensively moisturizes and masks aesthetic imperfections. Convenient to apply in the morning, like a regular cream, to cleansed facial skin.
It is positioned as a “translucent coating with nourishing components,” but according to its characteristics, this is a real BB cream. Visually evens out the skin texture with the help of reflective particles, cares for it and protects it from the sun thanks to broad-spectrum filters.
Modern cosmetics can solve many skin problems and also carefully prepare the face for applying makeup. One of the most popular products for the care and concealment of imperfections is BB cream, the effectiveness of which has been tested by many women around the world.
What is BB cream?
The development of BB cream belongs to German scientists. The purpose of creating this multifunctional balm is to restore the skin and give it a healthy appearance after aggressive cosmetic procedures. This product has gained popularity due to its main properties: easy application, masking imperfections, giving the face the desired shade, as well as enhanced hydration.
The cosmetic novelty has become incredibly popular in Asian countries. Now Korean creams are considered one of the best in the world.
The original name of the balm is an abbreviation. It has several decryption options. The first is a beauty balm (“beauty balm”), the second is a balm for imperfections (“blemish balm”).
The universal formula of the cream allows you to replace 4 products: foundation, sunscreen, concealer, primer.
BB cream soothes the skin, evens out tone, protects against aggressive ultraviolet rays and masks imperfections. You can purchase a product that can additionally slow down the natural aging process and smooth out wrinkles.
Types and tones of BB creams
All BB creams are similar in their properties, however, among them there are several categories that differ in some parameters.
Moisturizing
Products in this group are especially suitable for those with dry skin. These balms contain many components that saturate the layers of the epidermis with a large amount of moisture. Prominent representatives of this category are BB from “Knicks” with linden bark, ginseng, and also from “L’Oreal” with shea butter.
Matting
These formulations are designed to remove oily shine from the skin in a matter of seconds. Mattifying balms with herbal ingredients will help make your face well-groomed, while hiding all acne and pigmentation. Korean formulations cope well with these tasks.
Anti-aging
Anti-aging components should be looked for in BB cream for those who want to give their skin an even tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Many manufacturers offer anti-aging products with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants. Similar compositions are offered by Libriderm and Helena Rubinstein.
Multifunctional
The products are so called because of their expanded range of actions. The cream can be mattifying with anti-aging components, with protection from UV rays, etc. If it is difficult to choose a specific composition, then it is best to give preference to this option.
Palette
Shades are selected depending on skin color. Pale-skinned girls should stick to the lightest shades in the palette, dark-skinned girls should do the opposite. Many manufacturers offer universal or natural tones that will suit everyone. It is worth paying attention: if arbutin is indicated in the composition, then the BB cream will greatly lighten the face.
How to apply bb cream correctly
Before applying the cream, the skin must be thoroughly cleansed. If the pores are too wide open, it is recommended to use a serum or special cream.
- You can apply BB with your fingertips, a brush or a sponge, squeezing out a few drops.
- The product is applied to the face pointwise and distributed from the central part to the lateral directions.
- A cream with a thick texture is applied with a firmer tapping motion.
- Particular attention should be paid to shading the borders.
- A few minutes after the procedure, the shade will begin to even out.
If imperfections remain noticeable on the face, the procedure must be repeated.
Video of the procedure for applying BB cream
10 best BB creams – brand rating
A modern girl can get confused among the variety of cosmetics presented in stores. Below are the 10 most popular and effective “beauty balms” that are available to everyone.
Cream from Garnier
"Clean Line"
L'Oréal Paris
New from Vichy
"Black Pearl"
Au Ginseng by Erborian
Faberlic multifunctional balm
Avon product
Hyaluronic BB cream Librederm
Maybelline cream
A multi-functional decorative cosmetic product is an indispensable element of a woman's cosmetic bag. BB cream can be selected depending on skin tone and the presence of problems with it. Its regular use gives excellent results - the skin looks fresh and radiant, and there is no trace of fatigue.
“Getting rid of blemishes” is how the name of the beauty balms “Blemish Balm” is translated from English; they are called BB creams for short. This cosmetics appeared in Korea some time ago. According to the manufacturers' plans, it was positioned as an alternative to epidermal care products: foundations, moisturizers, primers, serums.
Some companies began to call their products “6 in 1”, “8 in 1”. But this is a marketing ploy. Products cannot replace serums and masks. And cosmetics manage to make your face tone almost perfect. Thanks to its light texture, it has become popular, allows you to create natural makeup, does not dry out the skin and has an SPF (sun protection) effect.
First acquaintance
In 1967, in Germany, cosmetologist Christine Schrammek created the ideal remedy for ridding the dermis of scars and redness after surgical interventions and laser procedures.
The balm instantly became popular among women. Initially, it became widespread in Asia, and its first users were female artists. Their desire to idealize the skin was achieved. Korean BB cream actually has effects that make your face look porcelain.
The European market mastered such cosmetics no more than 5 years ago.
Compound
European BB cream is a product with natural ingredients. Makes the skin matte, velvety, literally adapting to it. The consistency is reminiscent of a thick balm with a grayish tint. Acts as a colorless corrector.
The composition includes the following ingredients:
- natural extracts and oils;
- parabens, talc;
- antioxidants;
- glycerol;
- Diamond powder provides natural radiance to the skin;
- substances with spf factors;
- silicone
Texture
Asian cosmetics had a thick texture. It was a healing ointment. When it entered the wider market, companies from Korea wanted to make its texture lighter. Modern trends are for the balm not to create a feeling of heaviness, but to melt on the epidermis.
Shades
What is BB face cream, and what was it like in the beginning? It had only 4 shades. Now the palette has expanded significantly. The Western brand “Dr. Brandt” states that for all types of dermis it has created one product that adapts to all its types: whether you are Asian, European or African American.
Features of cosmetics
A high-quality BB balm copes with many tasks: it has decorative properties and fights cosmetic problems. The products are produced in Europe and Asia, their composition is different.
- European
Blemish Balm from European manufacturers are developed with an emphasis on masking defects. Most often they represent moisturizing toning products. They have 5 shades.
- Asian
The products contain more useful components that not only mask defects, but also fight their causes. Korean “bibishki” (as their fans affectionately call the balms) whiten well. They have a few shades (2 – 3). A characteristic feature is that they need to be removed with special oil products.
All BB balms are multifunctional and are used as:
- Moisturizing the skin. Plant components prevent skin dehydration.
- Masking defects. High plasticity provides high-quality masking ability. Irritations, scars, wrinkles, age spots are perfectly hidden by BB cream for problem skin.
- Rejuvenating agent. They provide the epidermis with the necessary substances, slow down the aging process (read about other equally effective anti-aging cosmetics in).
- Treatment, additional nutrition. The components have an anti-inflammatory effect and accelerate metabolic processes in the dermis.
- Makeup basics. Thanks to its multifunctionality, the skin does not need pre-treatment before applying makeup.
The choice is yours
When choosing, you need to take into account skin color, although unlike foundations, BB products independently adapt to the skin. For fair skin, products from Asian brands are better suited. Arbutin gives a brightening tint there.
Although manufacturers talk about the versatility of their products, in order to decide which BB cream to choose, you need to know your skin type (read how to determine).
For oily skin you need a mattifying BB cream, for normal skin you need whitening and standard products, for dry skin you need moisturizing ingredients. The best BB cream for combination skin should have a liquid structure.
Manufacturers indicate additional properties of cosmetics. When studying the packaging, make sure that the functions of this product will not harm you, but will benefit you. Before use, check and test the product on the submandibular area.
- Maybellne New York Fresh;
- Estee Lauder – antioxidant day cream;
- "The Secret of Perfection" from Garnier.
How to use "bibishka"?
To properly apply BB cream to your face, you need to follow these rules:
- The product is applied only to cleansed skin. Before application, it is recommended to use moisturizing balms for dry skin and toning balms for oily skin.
- The portion for the face is small, the cream is instantly absorbed and spreads well. Unlike foundations, it looks natural.
- It is better to distribute it with your fingertips (pointwise), although you can use a sponge that is pre-moistened with thermal water. The product is heated on the hand, the mass is transferred to a sponge.
- Apply from bottom to top on the sides from the center.
- After 20 minutes, the cosmetics are absorbed and adapt to the characteristics of the skin.
Makeup remover
BB cream contains fat-soluble silicones. Water does not dissolve them, so they are removed with fat-based makeup removers.
In Asia, the best way to wash your face is to cleanse with hydrophilic oil and cleansing foam. Other products with fatty components that dissolve long-lasting cosmetics are also suitable: micellar water, milk, oils from European manufacturers. It is important to remember the second stage of washing with foam.
Now many Asian brands offer 2-in-1 products for simultaneously cleaning the epidermis and removing makeup. They perform the functions of oil and foam: they dissolve makeup and cleanse away impurities. Such cream products are suitable for women who do not like oily textures.
Brands of BB creams
Review of BB creams from different manufacturers:
Differences between BB, CC and foundations
BB balm is also called “Photoshop in a tube.” CC creams (Correcting Cream/Color Control - correcting skin tone) also have such characteristics, but the emphasis in its composition is on products that have caring properties. It contains hyaluronic acid, minerals and vitamins. The role of highlighter in CC cosmetics is played by reflective particles. Both adapt to the tone of the epidermis.
BB and SS – made on the basis of silicone and water. There is much more of the former in BB. Therefore, it has a dense texture and can give shine to oily dermis.
Features and differences between BB and CC cosmetics
To know the difference between BB cream and CC cream and which is better, read a few recommendations:
- Once applied, CC feels like a thin layer of soft and creamy powder. The second one is like a nutritional product.
- SS – disguises (bruises) under the eyes.
- SS - sometimes applied in an uneven layer, which can be corrected with a sponge. BB – they “don’t sin” like that.
- After application, each product takes a few minutes to adjust to the tone of the dermis. If the BB shade is chosen incorrectly, it may give off a gray cast. SS does not have such problems.
- Some manufacturers give CC cosmetics the ability to whiten. There is practically no such thing in BB analogues.
- SS has a “weightier, airier” texture.
- There is also a difference between BB and CC creams: unlike the first, CC is often made in white.
- The range of BB creams is wider than CC.
Features and differences between BB and foundations
To know which is better BB cream or, let’s look at some of their features:
- If we are talking about retouching serious flaws in appearance, then “tonal” wins. The same can be said about the palette of shades.
- One of the main differences between foundation and BB: the first is imperceptible on the skin.
- The composition of foundations is less enriched with vitamins, they hide redness and acne worse; do not fight inflammation, do not protect from sun rays.
- BB, due to silicone, covers the skin with a film, while foundation allows the skin to breathe.
- BB cream also differs from foundation in that it fights the appearance of wrinkles and brightens the skin, while the second one simply masks wrinkles.
- Foundation is applied faster and removed faster; BB can only be removed with oils.
Disadvantages of BB cosmetics
The product does not replace serums and masks. The effect for aged and young skin is different. Even the best BB cream will not cope with acne and other imperfections like special masks.
In women with dry skin, it causes peeling of the dermis and increases discomfort. For them, restoring the water balance is a priority, and then a masking balm is used. Therefore, it is more suitable for oily skin. However, this is not a medicinal drug, but.
Such products need to be used in combination with other products in this series - you need to use tonics and cleansing lotions before applying them.
Side effects are caused by the following components:
- nylon, ensuring uniform distribution - aggressive for sensitive skin;
- silicones;
- silicates have a whitening effect, but block the action of sweat glands;
- water-repellent polymer.
“Bibishka” also contains thickeners, plastics, clays, and talcs, which clog pores. Therefore, women with very sensitive skin should avoid such cosmetic products.
Who is BB cream ideal for? It is suitable for a busy woman who does not have enough time to understand all this variety of products. Essentially, it's a base, primer, sunscreen, anti-aging and moisturizer in one tube.
But remember that even the best BB cream can cause problems if the instructions for use are not followed.
