In addition to getting asked about the Clarisonic all the time, another product people are always asking me about is BB creams: “What the heck are they? Are they the miracle products they claim to be and the answer to all my skin prayers?”
The short answer is no–sorry! But, BB creams can be terrific for your skin if you choose the right one. A great BB cream features many properties: a primer, tinted moisturizer, and high SPF. Depending on which brand you chose, some brighten skin, others help with breakouts, and many are used for anti-aging.
However, not all BB creams are created equal. The term “BB cream” is now slapped on everything from hair products to moisturizers, making it hard to tell what is a true BB cream and what isn’t.
A history lesson: BB Cream stands for “Blemish Balm” and was invented by a plastic surgeon in Germany in the 1960’s to use on his patients-post procedure to protect their fragile skin. In the 1980’s, BB Creams made their way over to Asia (specifically Korea and Japan) and became a huge craze there over the past 30 years. Only recently have they arrived in the States.
American and European brands have jumped onto the BB bandwagon and produced their own “BB creams,” but what I have found is that they are essentially making a basic tinted moisturizer and calling it BB cream. I feel a “real” BB cream is one from Asia that is thick in texture and a “l” in color (since they are created for the Asian market to match an Asian skin tone). I use mine mainly as a makeup primer and as SPF protection underneath my regular foundation (which matches my skin tone). I like the way it primes my skin, helps my makeup last all day long, and protects my skin from the sun.
I have tried a variety of Asian brands but my favorite is Dr. Jart (a Korean brand) because it has a very high SPF and can be easily purchased at Sephora. But Dr. Jart is even different even from the “real” Asian brands BB creams which can be purchased at Asian Beauty stores or online. Some of my favorite places to shop for Asian beauty products are oo35 on Mott Street, Skinfood around 34th Street, and the new Tony Moly around Canal Street. Some Asian beauty products can even be purchased at Urban Outfitters and of course online. Asian beauty products are really hot right now, they have been on the cutting edge of skincare for years and the states is finally catching on. I really enjoy checking out new products that contain snail extract, and their sheet masks, BB creams, and lip tints—so fun!
You may have noticed there are also CC creams available now, which have a lot of the same properties as BB Creams. However, CC stands for “Color Correction” and so the creams have more precise color matches for a wider array of skin tones and better coverage than BB creams. Laniege is a Korean brand (whose mother company is Amore Pacific) now being carried at Target. I have tried a few of their products and really like them, especially their CC Cushion compact which is CC cream held in a spongy compact.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect BB cream, or any other skincare product,
I think it is important to try what’s new to find the right fit for you. I am a huge fan of trying samples of products that I am interested in purchasing and most skincare companies are happy to let you try before you buy. I also watch a ton of Youtube vidoes and gain inspiration that way. Lisa Eldridge a famous makeup artist and the new head of Lancome cosmetics recently made a video about Asian makeup trends. And of course, you can always ask a professional for their recommendations: an esthetician or makeup artist will happily shed some light on the newest products. Happy shopping!
Amity Spiegel is an esthetician, writer and Brooklyn mom of one active son. She is fascinated with all aspects of beauty and there is no treatment she will not try once in the name of research. Find her on Twitter @amityps and Pinterest @amityps.
