BB cream is a universal cosmetic product. This is a cream that simultaneously cares for the skin and hides its imperfections. It appeared relatively recently, but has already made, without exaggeration, a real revolution in the world of creams. How to choose a BB cream: which is better, how to choose, what to apply and how to wash off correctly?
There are many questions, we will try to cover all the nuances of the choice so that you can independently choose a good BB cream that is suitable for you, for your skin type.
What does the prefix BB stand for?
Decorative properties and high-quality care in one tube. BB cream simultaneously corrects facial tone and hides minor imperfections. But that’s not all, it also moisturizes and nourishes the skin, heals minor inflammations. One product actually combines the properties of foundation and day creams.
BB cream makes the skin matte and smooth, while literally adapting to its needs
The main properties of BB cream, thanks to which it has become so popular:
- contains SPF filters;
- disguises spots on the skin;
- evens out facial tone;
- soothes the skin;
- slows down the aging process.
Amazing: one product can replace up to five or six products applied at the same time - from primer and concealer to sunscreen. It is not at all surprising that many girls have lightened their cosmetic bags, displacing the usual foundation.
What does the prefix BB stand for? These letters stand for Blemish Balm - a balm against imperfections. But there is another option, more elegant: Beauty Balm - beauty balm.
A little history. The prototype of a modern BB cream appeared back in the 60s of the last century in Germany, where dermatologist Christina Schrammek offered her clients an unusual cream. With its help, it was possible to successfully mask redness after peeling, and the cream also had a soothing and healing effect. After 3 decades, a cream with similar properties began to be produced in Korea, and it quickly captured the Asian market, and then the world market.
Which is better foundation or bb cream: review and nuances of choice
Good afternoon to all my subscribers and readers who have discovered this blog for the first time!
Today I propose to talk in detail about what is better - foundation or bb cream. I will tell you about my experience, illustrate it with photographs and results, and be sure to leave your thoughts and observations in the comments, which I read carefully.
First, let’s figure out what foundation is and what the concept of bb cream itself means.
Foundation is a well-known makeup product that improves skin color and hides minor imperfections (freckles, blemishes, pimples). BB cream was invented by Korean skin rehabilitation specialists to combine the properties of tone and cream for basic care in one tube.
A good BB cream is always no less than 5in1 - protection, tone, care, moisturizing, nutrition, SPF protection. But, in fact, you can choose 8in1, and even 10in1 - depending on what you need the BB cream for.
Today, foundation remains in my makeup bag only for special occasions when I need an absolutely perfect picture of my face - like on a magazine cover. For example, parties, large celebrations or photo shoots. As a toning agent for every day, I use BB cream - it merges with the natural complexion, evens it out and gives the skin a rested, radiant look, and the nourishing “base” of such a cream works on the face from morning to evening, feeding it with vitamins and minerals .
Previously, I constantly used foundation creams, tried many companies, and came to the conclusion that their use was too problematic and tiring for the skin. The fact is that even the most expensive, moisturizing and light foundations do not care for the skin in any way. At best, they don't do her much harm. Plus, it’s always a big problem to find a foundation with SPF30 (and it’s known that with protection below SPF20, the skin ages faster, even in winter). That is, in order to protect, moisturize and nourish the skin, it was necessary to apply many layers to the face - moisturizer, base, foundation, and then a protective one on top. This “matryoshka” greatly overloaded my skin and slowed down its natural regeneration functions. And, frankly speaking, if you do all this every day, it will take too much time to get ready in the morning.
To somehow solve this problem, I consulted with several highly qualified cosmetologists, and they all recommended that I take a closer look at BB creams (as they are called from the English phrase Beauty Balm Cream, beauty balm cream). I took a closer look and realized that this was really what I needed.
How to choose BB cream
BB creams are ideal for active everyday life; they nourish and moisturize the skin, protect it from the sun and aggressive environment. Among them there are both anti-aging and for teenage skin. Those with problematic, oily or dry skin will also find a suitable option for themselves without much difficulty.
Asian explosives are receiving particular attention on the market. As I mentioned at the beginning, such a cream was invented in Korea, and the region of development has historically been more trusted. But there are a number of subtleties in this matter. In fact, it is much more difficult to make a mistake with a BB shade than with a regular foundation shade, but it is with Korean BBs that you should be careful. When ordering online, keep in mind that Korean women have lighter skin, and there is a risk that with such an “original” Korean cream, your face will look like the face of a porcelain doll. Also, in my personal experience, they often have pearlescent particles (this seems to be fashionable in the east), which is not always indicated in the description. Therefore, I recommend buying BB creams in Western stores. The formulas of the products sold there are, in general, the same, and adaptation to the European complexion type will save you from unpleasant surprises.
BB cream, like any cream in general, must be of high quality, that is, without unnecessary chemicals, and, if possible, as natural as possible - so I never tire of repeating, pay attention to the description. Unfortunately, highly advertised, but “chemical” products may not give the desired effect, and on the contrary, they will only make things worse.
My experience using BB cream
For quite some time now I have been using only the cream that I apply. I ordered both from iherb.com. If you have never used this online store before, there is great news - since I have already ordered a lot of different products there, the store allowed me to share a discount with friends who are making their first purchase. When you make your first order there, enter the promo code MQG930 and get a discount of $5 to $10 - at current prices, that's a good saving.
But let's get back to the cream. I have tried a great many different options before, and I can assure you with complete responsibility - girls, it’s not called Super BB for nothing, it’s the best, and in my personal rating of BB creams it has no equal.
The advantages of this cream, which I noted over a long period of use:
- perfectly moisturizes - the skin seems to be saturated with moisture;
- SPF level 30 (like real sunscreen)
- very economical consumption (a 35 ml bottle lasts a really long time)
- does not clog pores at all, unlike many expensive products, such as Clarns, Dior, Dr. Jart - when I remember how much money I spent on these BBs, I feel uneasy;
- perfectly evens out the overall skin tone, although, of course, it will not cover strong redness;
- not tested on animals and contains no fragrance;
- I use the same Light/Medium shade in both winter and summer - this was surprising for me, because I usually had to change the tone depending on the season;
- absorbs quickly and well, does not get dirty, and does not leave marks on clothes;
- the skin looks matte, does not shine and does not become oily, even with my mixed skin type (usually the forehead, nose and the area next to the nose are very shiny, and the cheeks are often dry and there is a tendency to rashes - but with this cream the skin looks completely healthy and well-groomed)
- ideally applied with a brush, or in the absence of a brush - simply with fingertips;
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Society;
- does not require special means for removal, incl. hydrophilic oil, I just wash my face with mine from Caudalie, which I already talked about in more detail in the article about organic cosmetics;
I’ll especially dwell on the last point - both foundation and BB must be carefully removed from the skin, otherwise the pores will expand and become dirty from constant use.
Now a few words about the EcoTools brush, which I use to apply my favorite cream. It is made of environmentally friendly materials (bamboo handle and incredibly soft bristles made of a special material). The main advantage is that with it you will get a very natural and natural coverage, even if you have never used a brush before. Personally, I don’t like complexity, and, to be honest, I don’t have a special gift for “bringing beauty” - but with this brush everything turns out as if by itself. However, there is one minor drawback - the consumption of the product (cream) increases slightly. But the end result completely justifies it.
In general, I will say that it took me a very long time to choose both the brush and the BB cream. I read a bunch of reviews, but they were all more like advertising, so I had to make mistakes until my yoga instructor advised me of this ideal tandem. For which a special greeting and feminine thanks to her! I hope you are reading me)) In one of the following articles I will talk about CC cream, which continues BB, and is a new generation of “caring” foundations. I’m just now getting to know these creams better.
Therefore, do not forget to subscribe to the blog so as not to miss updates, and if you liked this article or want to try the products mentioned here, share it with your friends on social networks, because useful tips, like a good mood, are never superfluous!
PS in the photo that I used at the beginning of this article I am only wearing mascara and this bb cream.
With love,
blog author Maria Zelenkova
PPS special thanks to my wonderful Nadezhda Kirpicheva for the wonderful photos!
appetite.ru
Main advantages of Blemish Balm
The first “Western” example of BB cream appeared on store shelves in 2011; today BB creams are in the lines of almost all major cosmetic brands in the world. You can find dozens of types of BB cream on sale, for different skin types and tones, with different formulas and “superpowers.” For example, the Garnier brand produces a roll-on BB cream for the eye area, and some Korean brands offer special versions of BB cream for men.
The set of basic properties of all BB creams is the same: the product evens out tone, hides imperfections, moisturizes, protects against ultraviolet exposure and treats minor inflammations.
BB cream was originally created as a multitasking cream, although Korean women used it mainly as a foundation, considering Western analogs to be too “heavy” for their thin and sensitive skin. Hence the peculiarity of most BB creams: they have a light texture, which, however, is able to successfully hide minor redness, pimples, enlarged pores, and age spots. Moreover, the more layers you apply, the denser the tone turns out.
BB cream simultaneously corrects facial tone and hides minor imperfections
BB creams contain minerals that care for the skin and do not cause irritation, soothe and soften rough, dry skin. Some BB creams contain hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, collagen, as well as beneficial natural ingredients - plant extracts, natural oils.
BB cream makes the skin matte and smooth, while literally adapting to its needs. Of course, BB cream cannot completely replace a moisturizer or anti-aging cream, but it can slightly improve its condition and hide imperfections.
What is the difference between BB cream and CC cream?
Following BB creams, CC creams appeared on sale, the abbreviation of the latter stands for Color Corrector - color corrector. CC creams have the same properties as BB creams (they improve both the appearance and the “well-being” of the skin), but also additionally correct skin discoloration.
Differences between BB cream and CC cream
CC cream, like BB cream, contains SPF filters, cares for the skin and helps cope with minor imperfections. But it also has a number of differences:
- CC cream is aimed primarily at color correction: the product fights dark circles under the eyes, helps hide redness and paleness of the skin.
- CC cream has less coverage compared to BB cream, as well as a more delicate texture and a powdery finish, which makes it recommended for those with oily skin.
- CC creams are often produced in the form of a white caring balm, which, when applied to the skin, activates the color pigments in the composition. This property helps the product better adapt to the skin tone of a particular person.
Difference between CC and BB foundations
Cosmetics are improved year by year, becoming more convenient to apply and at the same time completely safe for health.
Girls and women in most cases give preference to those cosmetics that can solve several problems at once.
BB and CC creams have both similarities and differences in composition and features of use, so before purchasing you need to know what result you want to achieve from their use.
What are BB and CC creams
Source: //KoreyaRyadom.ru/blog/otlichie-cc-krema-ot-bb.html
The most common types of BB creams
Despite the fact that BB creams have similar properties, these products can be divided into three additional groups according to different criteria.
Mattifying BB cream
Initially, BB creams produced in Korea had a mattifying effect: this country has a humid climate, so the effect of wet skin in makeup is not very common here. But in the lines of BB creams from European manufacturers, there are those that give a “shining” effect and matte ones.
The latter are the most suitable option for oily skin. One of the options that will definitely provide the desired effect is the “Secret of Perfection” BB cream for oily and combination skin from Garnier.
Moisturizing BB cream
All BB creams have moisturizing and caring properties, but if you have dry skin, you will most likely need a product with a “shock” dose of moisturizers in the composition. For example, Maybelline's Dream Satin BB cream contains aloe vera extract, and La Roche-Posay's Hydreane BB contains four types of oils.
Korean BB cream
Korean products differ from their European counterparts in several ways:
- Firstly, in the range of shades, as a rule, there are no more than two - and exclusively for fair skin.
- Secondly, Korean BB creams often contain whitening ingredients.
- Thirdly, they have a richer texture, which is most convenient to remove not with micellar water, but with oil-based products (for example, hydrophilic oil).
- Fourth, European versions focus on moisturizing and toning the skin rather than whitening it.
How to choose the right BB cream depending on your skin type
Despite the fact that BB cream is a universal product, and most of them are developed taking into account the needs of all skin types, when choosing, it is worth considering some nuances: then the result will be truly ideal.
How to apply BB cream correctly
For oily and combination skin
When choosing a BB cream for oily skin, follow the same rule that you follow when buying a regular face cream. First of all, it should have a light texture that will not weigh down makeup, clog pores and cause the appearance of oily shine.
In addition, such a BB cream should have mattifying properties (it’s better not to buy the version “for glowing skin”) and, ideally, be marked oil-free on the tube and contain plant extracts. Often, oily skin is also very sensitive, and herbal ingredients ensure that the risk of irritation is minimized.
One suitable option is Garnier “Secret of Perfection” BB cream in a version designed specifically for oily and combination skin. The composition contains a natural absorbent, perlite, which “absorbs” excess sebum and provides a matte skin effect.
For problem skin
Light texture is also important for those with problem skin, but you should read the ingredients especially carefully: the list of ingredients should contain products that will fight imperfections, and not just hide them. For example, La Roche-Posay's Hydreane BB cream contains proprietary thermal water that soothes and softens the skin, as well as hydrolipids that reduce sensitivity.
For dry skin
Those with dry skin can opt for a BB cream with a slightly thicker, but still watery texture: a thick cream can cause even more dryness. It would be nice if the composition contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, oils or other components known for their moisturizing and nourishing properties. It may also contain silicone-based ingredients (such as dimethicone), which will soften the skin and act as a primer.
For normal skin
Even if your skin is “normal”, you may still have slightly uneven skin tone, fine lines and minor redness. If you suffer from the first, choose a BB cream with a thinner texture, and in the second case, give preference to a denser texture and a shiny rather than matte finish.
It’s also a good idea if it contains antioxidants, vitamins C and E - they definitely won’t hurt. A cream with strong moisturizing ingredients will also be useful to you, as it will help make the surface of the skin more even.
For aging skin
If you already have fairly deep wrinkles, look for antiage ingredients in the product: peptides, antioxidants (vitamins A, E, C), hyaluronic acid. And, of course, the texture of such a BB cream should be very light and soft so that it does not get stuck in wrinkles.
What is so good about modern foundations?
All foundations have common positive features:
- They have medium SPF and are suitable for protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
- Modern foundations do not clog pores and do not cause acne.
- All of them are easily applied using cosmetic sponges or special brushes, leaving no unshaded borders or contrasting transitions.
- Modern foundations do not create a feeling of heaviness and congestion.
But their most important common feature is versatility. Manufacturers of modern corrective foundations claim that you can completely abandon makeup base, moisturizer and even powder. BB, CC, DD and EE are complex products that create a complete base for makeup in just 1 layer. But at the same time, each of them has its own characteristics.
How to choose the tone of a BB cream
Since the first BB creams were made in Korea, they were primarily intended for pale Asian skin and only offered light shades. American and European brands have expanded the palette when releasing their products, but still the range of shades of BB creams is much smaller than that of conventional foundations. Typically, one brand produces one to three shades of BB cream, and this is the reason.
If you don’t know what tone of BB cream to choose, choose natural
One of the main features of BB creams, which distinguishes this category of products from other foundations, is that they have the ability to literally adapt to the skin tone. The BB cream will sort out the “nuances” itself, already on the skin.
Therefore, the color you see in the tube will look completely different on your skin: it may appear darker, pinkish or yellowish. As a result, choosing a shade of BB cream is much easier than choosing a foundation: if you have fair skin, the palest shade in the palette will suit you, if you have dark or tanned skin, the darkest.
Please note that often in the lines of BB creams there is such a shade as “natural” - if you are in doubt which color from the ones presented to choose, it is better to choose this one.
Otherwise, you need to act in the same way as when buying any other foundation: test it not on your hands, but on the area under the jaw and neck. An ideal BB cream, like any foundation, should blend into the skin. Also pay attention to the arbutin product in the composition: if it is listed in the list of ingredients, then the BB cream will lighten the skin a little.
Difference between BB and CC creams
Blog
10.01.2019
We owe the appearance of BB and CC creams, which caused a real success in the beauty market, to Asian specialists. They embodied the desire to create multifunctional products.
These are not just tonal products, they comprehensively care for, protect, correct, tone, but do not weigh down the skin.
What is the difference between these creams? Which one is better to use? Let's take a closer look at all the important aspects.
BB CREAM
BB is an abbreviation that stands for blemish balm or beauty balm. Translated from English, this means “balm for imperfections” or “balm for beauty.” This is a comprehensive product that creates a good tone and cares for the skin at the same time.
Blemish balm has a dense consistency, similar to a melting nourishing cream. Like the foundation, it is well pigmented. All this gives good coverage - from medium to dense.
BB cream performs the following functions:
• Masks acne, enlarged pores, spider veins, age spots, dark circles under the eyes;
• Moisturizes;
• Mattifies oily skin areas;
• Evens out the tone and microrelief of the face;
• Protects from ultraviolet radiation;
• Gives a natural glow.
Those with oily skin types may be wary of the last point, because they suffer from excess sebum production, which is why their face literally shines. We are talking about something else here. The cream creates a beautiful effect of moisturized, healthy, glowing skin, which in Korea is called “chok-chok”.
BB creams are usually available in different shades. The palette of a particular product depends on the brand and most often includes several shades, from which you can choose one that suits your own skin tone.
Manufacturers also make creams in a single universal shade, which, after application, adapt to the skin tone.
Immediately the color of the product may seem too dark or, on the contrary, light, but after 10-15 minutes the cream completely merges with the skin.
BB cream can create different finish options:
• matte – mattifies the skin, resulting in a velvety effect, suitable for oily problem and combination skin;
• natural – light radiant effect, suitable for normal to dry skin;
• wet – effect of wet skin;
• glass (“chok-chok”) – the effect of a smooth glossy surface, very popular in Korea.
BB is often confused with foundation, but they are different products.
Distinctive features of the foundation:
• The texture is denser, so the foundation hides visible skin imperfections well;
• Feels on the skin, weighs it down, can dry it out;
• In hot weather it may “leak”;
• Requires preliminary application of a primer;
•More suitable for evening makeup, contouring and other occasions rather than daily use.
CC CREAM
CC-Color Correction, translated as “color correction”. The name speaks for itself - the main purpose of the product is to improve skin tone due to finely dispersed pigments and reflective particles in the composition. This is something between a skin care cream and a tinting cream.
CC cream has a lighter consistency, so it is not felt on the skin. The face becomes velvety, as if covered with a thin layer of powder.
The cream works in the following areas:
• Even out skin tone;
• Moisturizing;
• Adding shine;
• Protection against photoaging;
• May lighten skin.
The product can transform even the dullest skin. Special pigments included in the cream provide a reflective and light-scattering effect. In addition, they give the product the ability to adapt to skin tone.
CC cream is not a concealer or corrector; it cannot disguise obvious skin imperfections. It corrects and improves complexion. If this is not enough, then this product can be used as a base for makeup, and then apply foundation.
The cream is weakly pigmented and most often comes in one universal shade that suits everyone, so there will be no problem choosing the right one.
WHAT ARE THE CREAMS SIMILAR?
Both types of creams tint (albeit to varying degrees), moisturize, and normalize skin microcirculation. As a rule, manufacturers include UV filters that provide protection against the negative effects of sunlight, which causes photoaging and pigmentation problems.
They are suitable for any skin, the main thing is to select the product according to your skin type and needs.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES FROM CREAMS?
These are different means, and each has a correspondingly different purpose.
BB time has a dense texture, creates medium or dense coverage, covers imperfections well, but is noticeable on the skin.
CC cream has a lighter texture, creates a weightless coating, does not cover up imperfections, and is invisible on the face.
The first product is a highly pigmented full-fledged foundation with good concealing properties, the second is a lightly pigmented, more care-oriented, tone-correcting product with a tonal effect.
WHAT CREAM TO CHOOSE
The choice of a particular cream depends on the skin type, its needs, as well as the desired result:
• For oily and combination skin types, CC creams are suitable, as well as light BB creams that will mattify the skin.
• For problem skin with pronounced imperfections, CC cream will not be enough; BB cream is needed to disguise them. The main thing to pay attention to is that the product does not contain comedogenic ingredients.
• For dry skin, you can use thick creams enriched with powerful moisturizing ingredients - oils, hyaluronic acid, glycerin.
• For a normal type, you need a cream that will moisturize and even out the skin.
USAGE
The first thing that needs to be done is to prepare the skin for the subsequent use of BB or CC cream, namely, cleanse and moisturize the skin. Some girls make the mistake of applying tinting cream directly to “bare” skin, neglecting moisturizer.
BB and CC creams do contain many useful caring ingredients, but they cannot replace the full hydration necessary before makeup. Thus, the skin receives the required care, and toning products apply more evenly, do not get stuck in wrinkles, and do not emphasize peeling. The main thing is to wait until the moisturizer is completely absorbed, and then start applying the tone.
Apply BB and CC cream in the same way as any other foundation. To do this, you can use special brushes, sponges and beauty blenders, or just your hands. Applying with a brush gives a denser coverage. Using a sponge or beauty blender allows you to create a lighter veil on your face, because... they absorb part of the product. You can also simply pat the cream in with your fingers.
The creams are suitable for use as independent tinting products. If you want to achieve maximum effect, you can use two creams at the same time. First, you should apply CC cream, which will act as a base for makeup and even out the tone, then BB cream to create a dense coating and disguise imperfections. Or you can mix two creams together and start applying.
MAKEUP REMOVER
Removing BB and CC creams will not cause any difficulties. The products are easily wiped off the skin using hydrophilic oil or micellar water. Next, you need to wash your face as usual with gel or foam, which completely removes any remaining makeup from the skin. After this, the skin can be wiped with tonic and cream applied.
Source: //cosmasi.ru/blog/uxod-za-kozhej-lica-blog/raznica-bb-i-cc-kremov.html
How to apply BB cream
BB cream should be applied from the center to the periphery with your fingers, sponge or brush. And keep in mind a few rules:
- If you apply BB cream with a brush, the results will last longer. In addition, the brush is convenient for working on the areas under the eyes and around the nose.
- Give preference to a sponge if you have oily skin: applying it with your fingers can add even more oily shine to the skin, but using a brush can be quite difficult to apply the tone evenly on oily skin.
- When applied with your fingers, the cream is preheated, so it is distributed evenly and absorbed faster. By the way, most girls apply BB cream with their fingers.
- If you apply the product with your fingers, take a small amount of BB cream (a pea-sized drop will be enough) and place five points on your face: in the center of the forehead, on the tip of the nose, on the left and right cheeks, on the chin. Blend the product until it completely merges with the skin.
- Start blending the product from your forehead and towards each cheek. After this, move to the nose and chin, and then again go over the cheeks with light patting movements. If necessary, apply the product to small pimples.
- BB cream should be applied to cleansed skin. If you have very dry skin that needs extra hydration, spread your regular moisturizer over your face and wait until it is completely absorbed so that the BB cream will last as long as possible. It is most convenient to remove BB cream with hydrophilic oil, but if you have oily skin, it is better to use micellar water.
Before you decide to buy a BB cream, think about how exactly you will use it. Essentially, a BB cream is a tinted moisturizer that cannot cope with serious skin imperfections and guarantee truly dense coverage.
If your skin needs a more intense tone, give preference to a classic foundation, and you can use BB cream instead of a base, which will provide your skin with light care. This way you bypass the “moisturizer-primer-concealer” stage and can go straight to applying your usual foundation.