BB cream for face – cosmetic or therapeutic?

BB cream is an excellent replacement for thick foundation. Even tone and moisturized skin in just a few minutes. How to choose your ideal product? The answer is already in the material.

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BB cream (beauty balm/blemish balm) is a product for evening out skin tone, which belongs to the “alphabetical” beauty products (AA, EE, CC, DD). The first BB was created in Germany by the German doctor Christine Schrammeck, and the presentation of the cream itself took place in 1985 in Korea.

Once you have determined your skin type, familiarize yourself with the basic properties and functions of the product. This will help when choosing the “ideal jar”.

What is BB Cream

BB cream: Blemish Balm cream is a therapeutic camouflage cream that is used to camouflage problematic facial skin.

BB cream as a cosmetic product appeared on the market not so long ago. An ointment invented by German dermatologist Christina Schrammeck in 1968 was endowed with similar properties. The purpose of its creation is to correct and accelerate the healing of scars left in patients after injuries and surgical interventions. The healing cream not only visually concealed the scars, but moisturized the scar tissue and accelerated the regeneration processes.

The invention of a German doctor was improved 30 years later by Korean cosmetic brands. Now BB cream is produced by many companies around the world, but cosmetics from Korea still occupy a leading position.

The defining feature of the cream is the combination of a moisturizing effect with a foundation, which gives the cosmetic product a number of beneficial properties for the skin.

BB Cream:

• Moisturizes and nourishes the epidermis;
• Evens out skin texture;
• Makes imperfections less noticeable - redness, age spots;
• Protects skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation;
• Mattifies and eliminates shine caused by increased oiliness of the dermis.

By choosing the right shade for yourself, you can make your skin lighter or, on the contrary, give it a tan effect. One tube of BB cream can replace a dozen skincare products that most girls and women can use daily.

WHAT IS CC CREAM?

CC cream was created on the basis of BB cream, it is called an improved version of Blemish Balm. The name of the cream also has two interpretations: Color Correcting - color correction and Color Control - color control. The main task of CC cream is to create an even tone and disguise color defects in the skin (redness, age spots).

CC cream, like BB, is a multifunctional product; It not only tones and masks, but also cares for the skin: moisturizes, nourishes, and protects throughout the day. Color Correcting cream is not able to mask pimples and uneven skin; the main functions of the cream are aimed at eliminating skin discoloration.

Another feature of CC cream is its narrow color range, which consists of two or three shades. The concealer can not only be a color close to the skin color, but also have an unusual shade: pink, greenish, white. To choose a CC cream, you need to apply a little product to the skin of the face (on the border with the neck) and wait 10 minutes.

During this time, the cream will adapt to the natural skin tone and become invisible.

Compound

CC cream is very gentle, almost weightless, and spreads easily on the skin. It is based on tinting pigments and reflective particles, thanks to which the color correction effect is achieved. The caring base contains the same components as the BB cream: vegetable oils and extracts, collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, SPF filters.

Application

CC and BB-cream are used in the same way: Color Correcting cream is applied in the same way to cleansed skin and distributed in an even layer. CC cream can be used simultaneously with another foundation if you need to hide pimples and unevenness.

Composition of BB creams

BB series creams contain various components, which allows you to choose the most effective cream for yourself that solves the main skin problems.

Basically, the natural base consists of:

• Anti-aging components, antioxidants, vitamins, vitamin E and A are especially useful for the skin;
• Hyaluronic acid, elastin, stem cells;
• Panthenol, phytoextracts of ginseng, green tea, shea butter, allantoin;
• Arbutin and licorice. Evens out skin tone;
• Mineral pigments that give a glow effect;
• Silicone components used to increase the smoothing properties of products.

How do BB creams differ from other products?

In addition to the cream with the abbreviation BB, the rating of Korean cosmetics also includes products belonging to the CC, DD and EE series. All these creams have both similar and different characteristics, which determines their choice in each specific case.

Difference from CC cream

Blemish Balm cream, as has already been found out, simultaneously moisturizes and acts as a foundation. Products marked CC only even out and improve skin tone. Their composition is based on finely dispersed pigmented particles and reflective components.

The difference between the two skin care products is almost invisible to a non-professional - both coatings create the most natural shade. However, cream BB is denser in structure; you need to choose the shade of such products very carefully. CC cream has an airy texture and looks more like powder. In addition, this series also includes components that have a whitening effect.

Difference from DD cream

DD cream is a modern analogue of the first two types of concealing cosmetics. The difference is that Do-all-Duties are more suitable for aging skin. They have a rejuvenating effect and, when used regularly, also exhibit a lifting effect, that is, they tighten the weakened dermis.

Difference from EE cream

There is another category of creams - Extra Exfoliating (EE), but their effect does not belong to foundation cosmetics and is not intended for daily use. They contain mineral granules, algae, and plant extracts that can cleanse the skin of dead cells, impurities and improve circulation. Constant use of this series of products according to the instructions increases the smoothness of the epidermis, making the face younger and fresher.

The difference between BB cream and foundation

The difference in effect between SS and BB products is not obvious, which cannot be said about foundation. Unlike the described creams, Blemish Balm foundations:

• Almost completely hide pronounced defects, hyperemic and pigmented spots;
• They interfere with microcirculation, ultimately drying out the face and making it heavier. The use of foundations involves the preliminary application of primers or other moisturizing and nourishing base. BB cream is applied mainly without preparation, does not interfere with air exchange, and does not clog pores;
• They can “leak” at high temperatures, for example in the heat of summer, but BB Beauty does not have this drawback.

Thus, BB products are more suitable for daily use, while cosmetologists recommend applying foundation when you need to create an impeccable image before a date, corporate event, or party.

Manufacturers and review of popular companies

BB cream is one of the most popular products on the cosmetic market, so most companies have taken care of producing their own line of unique products. Brief overview of the Top 3 best of them:

1. Intense Classic Balm from Skin79. The largest Korean brand presents a product for oily skin. It has an impeccable mattifying effect, completely eliminates oily shine, and takes good care of the skin. It has the only drawback - it is available in only one tone. Cost – about 1500 rubles.

   Intense Classic Balm by Skin79

2. Professionals BB Cream from Pupa. Dry skin transformation from the famous cosmetics company Pupa. Moisturizes, makes the skin velvety, does not clog pores, does not cause irritation or peeling. Among the disadvantages is a weak matting effect. Price – within 520 rubles.

   Professionals BB Cream from Pupa

3. Maybelline Clean Smooth Minerals. An excellent product for normal skin from one of the world's favorite brands, Maybelline. It has a light, delicate texture and fits perfectly, creating the most natural look. Perfectly hides imperfections and lasts for a long time even under aggressive external influences. It has a very pleasant aroma and an affordable price - about 310 rubles.

Clean Smooth Minerals by Maybelline
Products from famous cosmetics magnates are a guarantee of high quality and luxurious results.

Types of BB creams

Blemish Balm products are divided into products for the face and body. When choosing them, you need to take into account not only the condition of the epidermis, but also the effects that you want to achieve.

According to the specific effects of BB cream for the face, they are divided into:

• Matting. Absorb excess fat secreted by the glands. Suitable for oily or combination skin. The matte effect lasts up to 3 hours; to prolong it, you should then use powder or matte wipes;
• Moisturizing. They contain a larger amount of oils and vitamins E and A, due to which cell nutrition is normalized;
• With reflective particles. They give a natural glow, but are not suitable for those with problematic or oily skin.

According to consistency they are distinguished:

• Liquid (paste-like). Applied with fingers, they are in high demand;
• Cushions. South Korean new. They are a sponge with liquid contents inside. Pressing the sponge causes the cream to release, after which it needs to be distributed over the face, as if driving it inside.

Varieties

There are 5 types of BB cream:

1. For normal/dry skin. This product qualitatively cares for delicate skin, softens, moisturizes, evens out tone, creates a toning effect, makes it fresh and radiant, and protects it from the dangerous effects of sunlight.
2. For oily/combination skin. The cream normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, eliminates excess shine on the face, creates a beautiful matte effect, nourishes, makes the tone even, and protects from ultraviolet radiation. The advantage of this product is that it is absorbed very quickly, and the result is noticeable instantly.
3. For problematic skin. Allows you not only to hide, but also to treat acne, blackheads, and clear blackheads. Creates a matting effect and flawlessly hides skin imperfections.
4. For mature skin. Allows you to rejuvenate, smooth the skin, eliminate fine wrinkles, make it firmer and more elastic. Helps even out tone and protect against negative external influences.
5. Roller around the eyes. A special product designed to care for sensitive skin around the eyes, which requires the most careful handling. Moisturizes, helps fight dark circles and bags under the eyes, and adds a slight glow. A special roller applicator perfectly tones the skin cells, creating a rejuvenating effect and eliminating fine wrinkles (both age-related and facial wrinkles).

It is important to note that the roller around the eyes is a rarity; not all well-known cosmetic companies produce such a product.

BB cream is a help for girls with any skin type. Regardless of whether you have dry, oily or combination skin, with the help of an innovative cosmetic product you can transform your appearance in a matter of minutes.

Contraindications for use

Despite all the obvious advantages of BB products, such cosmetics do not always bring only benefits:

• You need to buy creams at the same time as a special remover, with which you can completely remove the remnants of cosmetics from your face. The best way to remove beauty products is hydrophilic oil. If you do not follow this recommendation, the silicones included in the composition can tightly clog enlarged pores, which leads to irritation and acne;
• Asian creams do not have a wide variety of tones. As a rule, it is most difficult for brunettes to choose from the range of products presented, since most of the products are too light, which can look unnatural on the skin;
• There is no point in using a product with similar properties if there are no defects on the skin that need to be masked.

How to choose the right bb cream tone?

Cosmetologists advise choosing BB Cream based on your skin type, the severity of age-related changes and taking into account existing defects.

• For the mature one. A product that contains the ProXylan complex is more suitable. Activates the production of collagen fibers, increases the elasticity of the epidermis, and removes uneven microrelief. For older women, the natural oils, microparticles of minerals, and plant extracts included in the product are also useful, promoting hydration, enhancing cell nutrition and evening out the shade.
• For the problematic one. It is based on salicylic acid, endowed with antibacterial and drying properties, and pigments that mask defects. This cream not only hides imperfections, but also has a healing effect.
• For oily and combination skin. Excess sebum is absorbed using adsorbents. Creams for oily epidermis do not contain oil components, but contain minerals that help smooth out the relief.
• For dry or normal. The base is represented by hyaluronic acid. It helps saturate all layers of the epidermis with moisture, retains it and creates a protective film that prevents the rapid evaporation of water. Additional components include natural pigments that gently mask imperfections without clogging pores or causing peeling of the skin. Antioxidant vitamin C prevents exposure of the face to aggressive irritants from the external environment.

In the BB series of creams, the palette of shades does not differ in variety. Most manufacturers have from 3 to 5. However, these corrective products have a unique property - they are able to adapt to the natural shade of the skin. The same tone can suit both blondes and girls with an olive complexion. But when choosing products you need to know that:

• If your skin is too light, you need to choose the palest tone in the palette;
• For dark-skinned women, the darkest one is more suitable;
• In winter, preference should be given to light-colored products;
• After tanning, imperfections are better masked by dark palettes of shades.

If you are in doubt about your choice, it is better to purchase Natural bb cream. And you need to remember that a perfectly even tone in the mirror can be seen no earlier than 5 minutes after application.

The top BB products also include rollers used to improve the condition of the skin under the eyes. The main component of such cosmetic products is haloxin, which masks bluish circles and has an anti-edematous effect. The application of the roller compares the skin tone under the eyes with the main color, refreshes and rejuvenates.

Catalog of BB creams

Operating principle and effectiveness

BB cream evens out the skin and makes it matte. Of course, it will not replace a care product, but it will be a good addition:

1. For oily and combination skin, a product with a light texture is optimal, which will not create a sticky heavy film, will not weigh down makeup, or provoke an oily sheen. Foundation for oily skin should not clog pores either; mattifying properties are important. Look at the composition - the presence of plant extracts is very desirable, it should be marked oil-free. Natural absorbents like perlite effectively absorb excess fat. Since this type is sensitive, the presence of toxic components in the composition is not desirable.
2. Problem skin – a light texture is also important here, but read the ingredients carefully, since the product should combat imperfections, and not just cover them up. The main ingredients are vitamins, salicylic acid.
3. Dry skin needs thick, watery BB creams, as too thick ones can increase dryness. The presence of oils and hyaluronic acid is desirable. Silicone in BB for dry skin acts as a primer. You can find out what foundation should be for dry skin here.
4. Normal – looks beautiful on its own, but there is no limit to perfection. To disguise redness, you need a fairly dense tone; to add freshness, use “bb” with a light texture. The composition should be moisturizing and nourishing.
5. For age -related skin, you need products with antiage ingredients - peptides, antioxidants (vitamins A, E, C), hyaluronic acid. The texture is only light, since a thick product will clog into wrinkles and further emphasize them.

What to do if the explosive gives insufficient decorative effect? Either apply more layers, or buy a regular tone.

Instructions for use

BB Cream should be applied after preliminary cleansing of the skin. You don’t have to use day cream, however, this does not apply to those with too dry dermis. You can also replace the base with a light serum.

It can be applied in different ways, each of which has its own pros and cons.

Hands

• A small amount of the product (in the form of a ball) should be squeezed onto the palm from the back;
• The beebik, melted from the warmth of the palm, should be applied in equal quantities to the center of the forehead, chin, cheeks, nose;
• Using the pads of your index and middle fingers, lightly rub in the cream, moving along the massage lines;
• The beep is distributed to the area around the eyes using patting movements.

After drying, you need to evaluate the result. If not all defects are hidden, then you need to add a little more product to these areas and distribute it to achieve an even tone.

Using a sponge

• Lightly moisten the sponge, as when moistened it distributes the bib more evenly;
• Apply the cream, melted in the palm of your hand, in the middle of the chin, cheeks, forehead, and in the center of the nose;
• Gently rub the applied product with a sponge, moving from the center to the temples;
• Under the eyes, use a sponge using patting movements.

Using a brush

It is advisable to use the brush for dry and redness-prone epidermis with increased sensitivity

• First, the cream is applied to the palm, then it is transferred to the face using a brush and distributed along the massage lines;
• Stroking movements with a brush are used around the eyes.

FAQ

Do enlarged pores become clogged with frequent use?

Not if you cleanse your face properly after makeup.

Can I use water to rinse?

It is possible, but simple washing will not give a high-quality cleansing effect. As a result, clogged pores appear and the color becomes dull.

What should you prefer - bb cream or regular foundation?

BB products are better suited for everyday use. It cares for the dermis, has a therapeutic effect, and does not interfere with the supply of oxygen. It is best to use foundation periodically, in situations where the face should look perfect.

Is a base required for application?

In most cases no. But if your skin is too dry, it won’t hurt to use a moisturizer first.

Can it be used under the eyes?

Yes. Cream from the BB line perfectly disguises dark circles and increases the elasticity of weakened dermis.

Is BB cream applied only to clean skin?

Naturally. Before using it, you need to remove any remnants of other cosmetics from your face. But for oily skin, it is advisable to first use a serum that will remove excess shine.

Is BB used as a makeup base?

Yes. Moreover, the remaining visible defects can be additionally masked with correctors.