In a nutshell, BB creams are an all-in-one skincare and cosmetic product: moisturizer, primer, foundation, and concealer. Most contain SPF, and some offer even more added benefits such as wrinkle improvement, whitening, skin texture improvement, etc. BB creams are prized for offering natural-looking coverage, containing ingredients that improve the skin's health, and speeding up beauty routines by combining many steps in one easy application.
BB creams, or blemish balm/blemish base/beblesh balm creams, originated in Germany as a healing face cream prescribed by dermatologists to improve and protect the complexions of patients who had recently undergone cosmetic procedures. When Korean actresses began to use these creams in popular dramas to achieve flawless skin, cosmetic companies in Korea started to create various BB creams to sell to the public. After years of exposure, BB creams are now extremely popular throughout Asia.
Due to its main popularity in oriental countries where skin tones are generally consistent, there is very limited shade selection. Pale skin is coveted in Asian culture; BB creams often come in only a few fair shades. Moreover, SPF is widely used in BB creams to prevent sun damage; BB creams with higher amounts of SPF may make the face look too pale in flash photography.
So how does BB cream compare to tinted moisturizer and foundation? Generally, in terms of coverage, tinted moisturizer < BB cream < foundation. BB creams offer more skin-nourishing ingredients to go beyond hiding imperfections. And once again, BB creams are standalone products that are meant replace other skincare steps while tinted moisturizers and foundations require the use of other products.
BB creams can be applied in many ways: with a foundation brush, with a stippling brush, with a damp sponge, or simply clean fingers. Many BB creams can be spread for thinner coverage or patted on, like concealer, for thicker coverage of problem areas. BB creams are still cosmetics products; they must be washed off with cleanser at the end of the day.
The most popular BB cream makers (e.g. Missha, Lioele, Skin79, Etude) are based in Asia, so it can be difficult to find a certain BB cream in other countries and shipping may be expensive as well. However, the BB cream fad has been making its way into the United States. Brands such as Mac, Boscia, and Clinique have rolled out BB creams for the American market, and it seems like more brands will follow.
IN CONCLUSION:
The Good
- All-in-one skincare/cosmetic
- Improves skin
- Great, nautral coverage
- SPF to protect against UV rays
- Very limited shade selection
- High SPF can lead to ghostly complexions in photos
- Hard to find and/or expensive if you live outside Asia
- U.S. BB cream market only in infant stages
Love,
Jessica
Jessica
1 comments:
ooh, this was so helpful! thank you :D
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