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There has been a complete BB Cream craze for quite a while now and it has finally crept into the Western Market about year ago. If you're unaware, BB Creams (or blemish balm/beblesh balm/beauty balm) are touted as an all-in-one beauty multi-tasker. They are purported to treat and cover up an array of blemishes.
In fact, the BB cream was developed by a German dermatologist in order to protect her patients' skin after surgeries (eventually moving to the Korean market where it went viral, especially due to celebrities use of the product). Many are also whitening (usually meaning that it will help give your skin an even tone over time), anti-wrinkle and contain SPF. I also find that I don't need to wear a primer when I have BB Cream on (yet another step in the skin regimen/makeup routine removed!).
If a tinted moisturizer and a foundation had a baby, I think you'd get something along the lines of a BB Cream. I bought the above four at the end of 2011 and thought I'd give my insights into how well these creams performed.
I chose Korean ones as the Western market was pretty sparse at the time and more costly. Also, I figured the Korean ones would match my half-asian skin tones more effectively. In addition, I've also heard that the Korean ones outperform the Western ones (this may just be due to the length of time the BB Creams have been on the Korean market, therefore allowing them to perfect their solutions more), so I don't really think I'll be trying any Western ones soon (I did try the L'oreal... or was it Garnier. I can't remember, but whichever one it was, it did not work with my oily skin. So shiny and slid right off mid-day. It might work for dry skin tones though).
Note: Many Korean BB Creams don't tend to have "shades." The formula is meant to oxidize and match the wearer's skin tone.
I wore these interchangeably. All of these provide a medium amount of coverage. When I first started wearing these my skin was extremely acneic. None of these irritated my blemishes at all or clogged my pores. My skin cleared up and perhaps my use of BB Creams sped up the process of healing for my hyperpigmentation (as some people call them, "scars," though they are not).
I really did not notice any of the "anti-wrinkle" benefits, but I don't really have any wrinkles as of yet (slight laugh lines and very slight crow's feet when I smile). Once my skin cleared up, I usually used this with concealer, set them with a mineral powder and then a translucent powder in my t-zone when I ran errands. If I met up with friends/went out, I would use this as a primer for more coverage and add a liquid foundation and set it with powder. While I'm at home, however, I wear this and only this. Alone, they usually feel akin to wearing a creamy moisturizer, at most. With all that said, let's get started into their individual ratings and descriptions.
1. Liole's Beyond the Solution BB Cream Rating +++++ Price: $26 (thebbcreamshop.com)
This, by far, was the absolute best match for my skin! It's creamy, but melts right into my skin. I have severely oily skin in the warm months and this kept it at bay. I did have to blot (I always do, regardless of what I'm wearing), but not as often as I do with any type of foundation. This kept my skin fresh and brightens up my complexion. It also works in the winter months and isn't too drying (though I do prefer Skin79's Gold Plus in the winter).
PrettyandCute.com's Description: "Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream’s main functions are Whitening, UV Protection, and Wrinkle Care. Arbutin ingredients naturally brighten skin and create a more even looking complexion, while plant extracts help boost cell regeneration to smooth out fine lines. The SPF contained in this product doesn’t only protect skin from harmful UV rays but also improves the results in the other two main functions. UV light causes dark spots that makes skin tone uneven and breaks down connective tissue such as collagen, which leads to wrinkles; SPF prevents both of these. This BB cream also moisturizes and nourishes the skin to improve over health with yogurt and hyaluronic acid ingredients."
TheBBCreamShop.com's Description: "Lioele Beyond Solution BB Cream is a long lasting product using Bisaborol, Licorice Root, Allantoin and Jojoba Oil to moisturize, soothe and rejuvenate skin. The highly functional formula achieves clean and natural skin tone by regulating sebum secretion thus creating a fresh make up base providing for long lasting cosmetics. Allows for quick application as no additional make up base foundation is needed. Vegetable collagen along with Hyaluronic Acid speeds up the hydration process and keep skin moist and smooth. Apply a sufficient amount after the final stage of basic skin care, spreading evenly across face. "
2. Skin79's The Oriental BB Cream Plus Rating +++++ Price: $27 (thebbcreamshop.com)
I like the Liole better for summer, but this is my preferred BB Cream in the winter. In the winter, I have combination skin and will get dry patches under my nose and on my chin. I feel this is more moisturizing than Liole's, but kept my t-zone oiliness under control. Again, I'd have to blot, just not as often as I would with foundation (and a little bit more so than the Liole version). The color match was spot on and it felt very light (the lightest, I believe, in comparison to all of the others).
I know that Skin79's Hot Pink Label is supposed to be better for oily skin types, but it was too dewy/ashy for me and the Gold+ is suitable to my skin (even though it's not usually advertised as one of the best for oily/combo skin types). On forums, I've heard from other oily-skin types that the Gold+ has worked for them.
PrettyandCute.com's Description: "Skin79 Oriental Gold BB Cream Plus is the ultimate blemish balm, it protects and cares for skin in three separate ways for a flawless complexion that glows with health. Adenosine and Arbutin promote a fairer complexion while reducing existing lines and wrinkles. Gold and caviar extracts nourish skin for a dewy and smooth finish. Natural UV protection deflects UVA and UVB rays to protect skin from premature aging. Apply on skin prior to powder or makeup."
TheBBCreamShop.com's Description: "Skin Oriental Gold Plus BB Cream Tube is a luxurious emulsion, caring for dull looking and ageing skin through high technology and concentrated ingredients. Benefits include clearing of irregular skin tone, anti wrinkle care and whitening plus the added advantage of UV protection. Patented Oriental Tea Newplex and Peptatox Complex works to refine dull and unclear skin texture as skin is softened and feels hydrated. Gold and Caviar extracts help create a firming effect as Oriental Sue formula rebalances skin and helps it maintain its optimal condition. It’s a perfect touch up tool as the built in lip gloss compartment is a convenient bonus. "
3. Skin79's Super+ BB Cream (Pink Label) Rating +++ Price: $21 (thebbcreamshop.com)
I was expecting a lot out of this one, since I'd heard how hyped up it was. However, for me, it didn't work out. It was so incredibly pale at first (I'm a Light/Medium shade). It eventually oxidized and was alright with powder over it, but it felt heavier than the aforementioned ones and I had to blot as much as I do with a foundation. There was nothing particularly wrong with this, I just didn't feel like it lived up to the hype or my expectations. It might be different for another skin type/tone, but I felt it was a tad bit ashy even after having oxidized. I tried giving this to my mom, but she's darker than me, and this wouldn't oxidize to her shade (she's usually a medium to a dark medium).
According to TheBBCreamShop.com, there is a new formula, so I don't know how similar the new formula is to the old and if it functions better. If anyone's tried the new versus the old, I'd love to hear if there have been any visible differences. Below is an advertisement displaying the new upgrades to the formula (click to see it larger).
PrettyandCute.com's Description: "The Skin79 Hot Pink Super Plus BB Cream is one of the hottest selling BB Creams on the market! With its whitening and wrinkle-free formula along with its UV protection SPF 25, this product stands out from others and has been one of the most-loved BB Creams available. Its whitening ingredients which is made of Adenoisine and Arbutin, is effective in whitening and brightening the skin for an even and lively skin tone. With its SPF 25 function, it intercepts ultraviolet rays UV A and UVB to protect your skin while it is exposed to sun. What's special about this BB Cream is that it contains the new concept Osmopur ingredient made of mined sunflower, rice bran and ivy extracts to protect the skin from various harmful conditions. Additionally, this BB Cream contains Phyto-Complex which is great for skin moisturizing and is soothing to your skin."
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For the Skin79 products, I'd recommend the tube. I bought the Hot Pink Jar (40 ml) and the Gold Plus Tube (40 ml) to compare. The jar (cannister? I have no idea, haha) is nicer/more expensive looking, but the problem I've found with it is that you don't know when you're running out of product. Also, if you're traveling, the tube is less bulky. And there's a lid on the tube.
4. Missha's Perfect Cover BB Cream Rating ++++ Price: $22 (thebbcreamshop.com)
This was the one I liked least for my skin. I think it's probably because it goes on sort of grey and takes quite a while to oxidize and is as heavy, if not heavier, than the Skin79 Super+ Hot Pink BB Cream. This one does offer shades, however, and a bit more coverage than the others. I find it very creamy and too moisturizing for my skin.
However, for my mother's more mature/normal skin, which is also much darker than mine, it's her absolute favorite and holy grail makeup item. It just goes to show how everyone's skin reacts differently. She loved how it didn't look like she was wearing any makeup. It wouldn't transfer when she would blow her nose (haha, she was so excited about this, especially when she was sick). People would be asking her about her new skincare regimen, asking if her daughters spoiled her with a new cream : ) . It brightened up her skin and covered her sunspots.
So, for me it was (+++), but for her it was (+++++)... so, it evened out to a solid (++++). This would be ideal for those looking for a BB cream with more coverage, but feels lighter than a foundation and for those with darker skin shades (I'm not sure I would recommend any of the above for darker skin tones... At least not the Skin79 Hot Pink Label).
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PrettyandCute.com's Description: "Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream gives an even and natural-looking coverage with the soothing, moisturizing properties of a cream. It is suitable for all skin types including acne-prone skin and can be used as a makeup base or foundation. Blemish Balm, also called BB Cream, is known to have been formulated as an after-treatment cream to help patients who have gone through laser skin surgery to soothe and regenerate the skin."
TheBBCreamShop.com's Description: "Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream offers ultimate coverage for acne prone, ageing and discoloured skin. Long lasting, even coverage is achieved as it conceals any imperfections, discolouration and hyper-pigmentation. At the same time it protects from strong UV rays with the high SPF 42/ PA +++, it also moisturises and gives skin the nourishment it needs to stay fresh all day. Comfortable to wear and letting skin breathe whilst it provides premium wrinkle fighting benefits making ageing skin appear less noticeable. Whitening ingredients lighten and illuminate skin, ensuring an all day luxurious glow. "
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Application: I find it best to "pat" it in and cover with a translucent powder to set in oily areas. I've always heard that it's best to "pat" it in for a more natural application (I don't do this with foundation, but for BB Cream it really works). Using a brush/sponge soaks up more of the product than it normally would with foundation (I suppose since it's thinner).
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In conclusion, for my acne-prone, oily/combination skin, I will most likely repurchase the Liole Beyond the Solution BB Cream and Skin79 Gold Plus BB Cream for myself and the Missha for my mother.
I don't personally believe in a one-in-all/miracle product, but I do like using the BB creams on a day-to-day basis. I look at it as a heavier tinted moisturizer/primer that's not going to cause my skin to be an oil-slick mid-day and it performs well. For me, it replaces 3 steps: moisturizer, SPF and primer (I've heard for some that BB Cream can be an added step, but it depends on your prior routine. For me, it eliminated 2 steps, since I previously wore a moisturizer with SPF).
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| Most of the BB Creams are scented with a soft, floral scent. I neither like it or dislike it. However, if you are sensitive to fragrances, beware. |
Also, I just purchased the Rachel K CC Cream (moving up from BB Cream to CC Cream... and I've heard rumors of a DD Cream, though that's strictly for feet/body, so I'm not sure if that counts... or if it's just expecting to buoy off of the success of BB Creams).
There are a few brands coming out with their own versions. I heard amazing things about it and am looking forward to using it (reasons such as: it's non-comedogenic, water-proof/smudge-proof, more mattifying/better oil control, less irritable for existing blemishes, etc. - see chart below).
Once I've used it for a while (over a month), I'll write a review on how it's worked out for me. They both retail at about $39. The Rachel K one has received so many rave reviews, I'm hoping it works out. I realize that companies "up-sell" their products to make them seem flawless and miracle-workers, but I do hope this is a step-up from the already amazing BB Cream.
Let me know if you've ever tried any of the above products and how it's worked for you (or if you've tried any Western brands and what you like/dislike about them).
Love always,
Marie
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