So my first post will be about BB Cream. Right now there are probably some of you wondering what BB Cream is, some who are vaguely familiar, and some that are going "Another one?!"
Yes, it's another web post about BB Cream.
What is BB Cream?
BB Cream - also known as Beblesh Balm, Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm (hence the BB) - originated in Germany and was used by dermatologists to help patients who had received laser surgery. BB Cream was used to protect and replenish skin while providing light coverage for scars, acne, and other blemishes. It then spread to Asia where it has become a huge beauty sensation.
BB Cream can be used under foundation or even as a foundation itself. Many BB Creams boast about the many effects it provides such as anti-wrinkle, whitening effects, SPF coverage, and skin moisturizing and nourishment.
Who sells it?
One of the biggest and well-known BB Cream suppliers is Korea's Skin79. I love Skin79. I use the
Hot Pink Super Plus BB Cream. It's light, not oily, and blends in wonderfully. Best of all, it doesn't take a lot of product to cover my face. If you're not sure which BB Cream would be best for you, the Skin79 site has a page where you can find the
right cream for your skin type. And if you're a trial and error gal (or maybe want to gift some BB Cream), then they also have a
mini set with four different types of BB Cream.
Of course, being one of the most recognizable brand names, there are also knock-offs. So it's important to get your product from a reputable dealer. The official North American site is:
http://www.skin79northamerica.comThey also have a (rather small) list of stores where the real products are sold.
Yes, I realize that I just went on and on about Skin79, but there are other makers of BB Creams: Clinique, Missha, Estee Lauder, and Etude House all make lines of BB Creams.
And one of my favorite Japanese brands Shu Uemura once carried it. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any on their
US site Why I use BB Creams
As a Japanese-Italian-American I find many foundations and concealers in the States to be lacking. Liquids feel too much like a mask and powders look flaky on my skin, and for something that's supposed to hide blemishes, they tend to make them stand out. If you couldn't see the redness or the freckles, you could definitely see the "mask" of beige on my face. It didn't matter what brand I chose, what technique I used to apply it, or even if someone else did it. I left with my face feeling "cake-y" and just all around disappointed.
Maybelline and Covergirl felt heavy, and after wearing them I had a bit of a break out. Yikes! No girl wants that.
Discovering BB Cream was like magic. This tiny amount of brownish liquid blended into my skin giving it a naturally covered look, meaning it covered my freckles and tiny blemishes while still appearing as if I wasn't wearing anything at all. It wasn't oily or harsh on my skin and it hasn't caused any break outs at all. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and even now as I'm typing this (I'm wearing it today) I can run my hand over my cheek and it doesn't really feel like I'm wearing make up at all.
BB Cream Pointers
♥ If you're new to BB Cream, apply a little at first. As it oxidizes and settles it may get a bit darker depending on which brand you use.
♥ With BB Cream on the back of your hand, use your fingers or a brush to apply it to your face as you would a foundation.
♥I wouldn't recommend using a sponge. What do sponges do? They absorb. You don't want all of your product going to waste on a sponge and not being used on your face (especially when you spend 20+ dollars on it) Save the sponges for the kitchen.
♥ Although it isn't always necessary, I like using a powder pact to help set the BB Cream. (For this, I use Skin79's Sun Protect BB Pact)
♥Remember to clean your face at the end of the day. Don't be fooled because it has the word 'cream' in it. It is still make up and needs to be removed before bed.
If you have any questions or comments about BB Cream, don't hesitate to make them heard!
I'll answer any questions the best I can. And if you simply want to talk BB Creams, I'm up for that as well! ^_^