These days, it feels like every brand on the beauty block is going and getting themselves a B.B cream. These past couple of months, there has been an explosion on the market of the ever-elusive B.B Cream. But what is it, why do we need it, and which ones are the ones to have? Why, I thought you’d never ask!
B.B Cream, or Blemish Balm, is a beauty product that originated in Europe as a dermatological solution for blemishes and scarring. Ideal for sensitive skin, and for evening out skintones, it wasn’t long before the b.b cream became all the rage in Asia, and now here. Enter the new kids on the b.b market:
Smashbox-Camera-Ready-5-in-1-Beauty-Balm
I’ve already discussed Smashbox’s Camera Ready 5 in 1 Beauty Balm, but it deserves mentioning again. This beauty balm serves the purpose of moisturizer, primer, color corrector, tint, and SPF 35 protector, all in one neat little tube. The finish is luminously flawless, and lasts all day without sweating or fading. The coverage is light to medium, which is absolutely perfect for everyday wear
New from MAC Cosmetics, Prep + Prime Beauty Balm UVA/UVB SPF35 PA++ is also a beauty workhorse, hydrating and illuminating while protecting skin from the harmful effects of the sun. As with the Smashbox version, Prep + Prime Beauty Balm is lightly tinted beige to suit a number of complexions. The texture of it can be likened to that of a semi-thick sunscreen, which actually wears rather comfortably throughout the day. As it is part of the Prep + Prime range, this beauty balm was made to be a great primer, too.
Boscia has always been one step ahead of the skincare pack, and now they are one of the first skincare brands (that I am aware of) to go ahead and create their very own version of a B.B cream. Unlike some of the other bb creams being launched now, Boscia’s B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++ has a HUGE skincare factor to it, in addition to the smoothing skin and evening-out skintone and texture factor. The oil-free cream contains Abyssine, a naturally-derived soothing and protecting survival molecule that thrives under the extreme conditions in hydrothermal ocean vents, and Hydroxyprolisilane, to promote elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines. As if all of that weren’t enough, Beta-Glucan provides essential moisture and protects against environmental damage. Not bad for a product that covers my skin oh so softly with radiance.
A fairly new name on the beauty balm scene, Dr Jart+ is causing a mild frenzy in the beauty world with his amazing, multipurpose perfection-makers. Dr Jart+ Beauty Balm is available in two flavors:
Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++, which serves as moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum in one, is made with 50 percent water for maximum hydration. The beauty of Water Fuse is in both its dewy finish, and in the instant hydrating and cooling effect felt upon application. I’d like to think of it as a tall glass of water on a scorching hot day.
The second variety, Dr Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++ is as wonderful as Water Fuse, with additional skincare benefits. Premium Beauty Balm is a moisturizer, sunscreen, and brightening treatment serum in one. Packed with peptides to enforce skin elasticity, and antioxidants to protect against harsh environmental elements, this is a beauty balm you definitely want to cozy up to, especially if you are in it for the anti-aging game. The triple pluses mean it’s triple awesome, by the way. Both Dr Jart+ Beauty Balms are available exclusively at Sephora.
Last but not least, Illamasqua Skin Base foundation is the only beauty balm product that actually comes in a full range of foundation shades, making the search for the perfect shade ridonculously easy. The formula is a blend of something that Illamasqua calls ‘water in silicone’ base, which effectively acts as both primer and foundation. The skincare component comes from the addition of a Vitamin C derivative, which attacks skin-damaging free radicals. Like the Smashbox version, Skin Base Foundation is HD ready to photograph beautifully.
Whatever your skincare and coverage preference, there is now a bb cream to match. How do you feel about B.B creams? Beauty essential, or passing fad? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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2 Comments
Clinique has one too available at sephora
Laura, thanks! I will have a look.