Deciding on what product your face and neck need for that flawless look can be so hard! With all those fancy foundations, concealers, pore-clogging primers – the options seem to be endless! But, what if everything you need is a light, slightly tinted moisturizer filled with beneficial ingredients for your skin? I believe that BB cream might become your skin's best friend. This all-in-one wonder offers a natural, healthy glow with built-in skincare perks. Dive into this guide and discover everything you need and want to know about BB creams: from the invention to best application techniques. Get ready to simplify your routine and unveil your most beautiful you! What Is BB Cream? BB cream, also known as blemish or beauty balm, is a multi-tasking makeup product that combines skincare properties together with makeup coverage. Unlike traditional foundations, which can feel heavy and usually focus solely on concealing imperfections, BB cream offers a lighter, more natural finish to the skin. Think pigment mixed with moisturizing skincare, all in one packaging! A classic BB cream typically provides hydration, sun protection, and a tint that evens out skin tone while minimizing redness or minor blemishes. This all-in-one product is perfect for those wanting a quick and easy way to achieve a radiant, healthy complexion. When and How Was BB Cream Invented? The origins of BB cream can be traced back to Germany in the 1950s. Dermatologist Dr. Christine Schrammek developed a cream to aid her patients recovering from facial procedures like peels and surgeries. This early version soothed irritated skin while offering light camouflage, a gentler alternative to heavy foundation. While Dr. Schrammek's creation laid the groundwork, BB cream gained widespread popularity decades later when it was embraced by the South Korean beauty industry in the 1980s. Korean actresses helped propel BB cream to fame, and it quickly became a staple in Asian beauty routines before taking the global stage in the early 2010s. Classic BB Cream Formula: Ingredients and Their Properties Now it is hard to find a person, who uses makeup and has never heard of a BB cream, and, in my opinion, this popularity is well-deserved! Let's take a closer look at some core ingredients in a classic beauty balm that work together to provide a lightweight, breathable formula that evens skin tone. Moisturizers: Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are very popular moisturizing ingredients that keep our skin plump and supple throughout the day. Color Pigments: Mineral pigments like titanium dioxide and iron oxides even out skin tone and offer light to medium coverage for minor imperfections. Silicones: Dimethicone is a popular silicone that creates a smooth, velvety texture and helps the BB cream blend seamlessly. It can also offer a slight blurring effect to minimize the appearance of pores. Sunscreen: Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or octinoxate, which shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Soothing Ingredients: Aloe vera, centella asiatica or chamomile extract can help calm and soothe the skin, making BB cream a good option for those with sensitive skin. How to Apply BB Cream? Of course, there are so many ways you can apply BB cream to your skin. However, in my experience, some methods work better than others. Here is how I like to apply Bb cream to get that smooth, even coverage. Step #1: First of all, I like to prepare the skin. I begin with a clean, nourished face and neck. If your BB cream doesn't contain any SPF, this is the best moment to layer it all over your face and neck. This step will prevent the BB cream from looking patchy. Step #2: Once prepped start by applying a small amount of BB cream onto the skin. A warmed texture will blend more easily on the skin. I like to work my way from the center of the face – forehead, nose, cheekbones, and chin – to the sides and neck. Circular motion works well for absorption, but it can leave a streaky finish. Therefore make sure that your last motion smoothes them out. If you like to have more coverage, simply repeat this step once again! This time focus on more specific areas that need a better camouflage. This would also be a moment when you apply concealer on those nasty pimples and blemishes. Step #3: For a more airbrushed finish, I like using a damp beauty blender to remove an excessive amount of cream's texture and press the pigment into the skin. Bounce it gently all over your face to blend seamlessly, but make sure to use a clean beauty blender – we don't want any extra bacteria! Step #4: If you like a dewy finish and your skin doesn't feel oily, you can stop on the third step. But, you can take it further with a touch of translucent powder to lock in your BB cream and control shine. Focus on areas prone to oiliness like your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). BB Cream Is Better Than Foundation and Here Is Why Of course, to each their own, especially when it comes to makeup and skincare, but I truly think that BB creams are always one step ahead of any makeup foundation. If your skin is sensitive, dry, and prone to irritations and blemishes, then BB cream is what you need daily! Dermatologist Jushya Bhatia Sarin states: "BB cream is like a tinted moisturizer, so for people with dry skin and light discolorations, this is a great option!" In addition to a smoother complexion, you'll also get a cocktail of nourishing ingredients for your face and neck. Dr. Sarin continues: "BB creams also offer some sun protection and agents to improve skin tone." Another major advantage – is the natural, "your skin but better" finish. While most foundations try to mask your natural texture and complexion, BB cream provides a lightweight, breathable layer that evens skin tone while letting your natural beauty shine through. Top 5 Best BB Creams for Dry Skin #1. Elizavecca Milky Piggy BB Cream Elizavecca BB Cream is an all-in-one BB cream that combines hydrating ingredients with SPF 50+ and a smooth texture. Although, it has a downside – only one shade is available. Well, if you are lucky enough to have a similar complexion then you'll love it! #2. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing BBGel This cult-favorite BB cream combines the brand's hero moisturizer, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, with a touch of color to even out skin tone and provide a natural-looking tint. Hyaluronic acid plumps skin with hydration, while tiger grass extract helps calm any irritation. #3. L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum BB Cream This drugstore gem is packed with ingredients to combat dryness and signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E deliver serious moisture, while SPF 50 protects your skin from harmful UV rays. It also comes in a range of shades to suit most skin tones. #4. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream 8in1 This BB cream lives up to its name, offering a whopping eight benefits in one tube. It hydrates, primes, minimizes pores, evens skin tone, controls shine, provides SPF 35 protection, and leaves a dewy finish. #5. Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Precious Mineral has a very creamy, almost velvety texture that provides medium to high coverage for the skin. Just a few drops of this beauty balm are enough to cover the whole face with a lightweight layer of pigment. But be careful with the application, it might end up looking cakey! Final Thoughts... So there you have it! BB cream is the ultimate makeup BFF for beginners. With its easy application, natural coverage, and built-in skincare benefits, it's a one-stop shop for a healthy, radiant complexion. Now that you're armed with this knowledge, go forth and conquer the world with your newfound BB cream confidence!

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