What is BB face cream? Varieties, how to choose and use the product correctly

Just over the last couple of years, Korean cosmetics have become very common among Russian girls. What do you think is the most popular product? It’s hard to go wrong with the answer, even if you are new to the assortment of the Korean beauty industry. Korean BB cream is so popular that it is gradually replacing traditional foundations from cosmetic bags. How did BB win the hearts of girls around the world, and how to choose the right product for your skin type? From this article you will learn everything about Korean BB creams.

First, a little history. In fact, the first BB cream appeared in Germany in 1968. Dermatologist Christina Schrammek was looking for an effective means for masking skin after plastic surgery and was the first to try the progenitor of modern BB cream on her patients. At the same time, the innovative foundation also solved another important problem - it soothed the skin, healed wounds and prevented the appearance of scars. The patients immediately fell in love with the new product. After 30 years, Korean researchers improved the product formula, and tubes of magic BB cream flooded large beauty markets around the world, instantly capturing the attention of customers and market share of foundations. And until now, it is the Korean ones that are considered the best BBs, and there are a number of good reasons for this.

What it is?

Blemish Balm (BB) Cream is a unique cosmetic product designed to mask imperfections of the face and body. The peculiarity of this product is the combination of foundation and gentle, moisturizing cream. This duet allows you to transform your skin, making it perfectly smooth, fresh, seductive in color and without any flaws.

BB cream has a whole range of important functions for any girl:

1. Nourishes, moisturizes.
2. Protects from harmful solar radiation.
3. Has a slight rejuvenating effect, smoothes out fine wrinkles.
4. Mattifies, eliminates excess oily shine.
5. Hides skin unevenness and redness.
6. Depending on the chosen shade of the cream, it whitens or, on the contrary, gives a light tanning effect.

By purchasing just one tube of BB cream, the consumer receives a whole arsenal of products necessary for female beauty.

However, BB cream is still not a panacea for all skin problems. Several nuances need to be taken into account:

1. Tone. It is very important to choose the right tone so that the corrective cream does not look like a wax mask on the face. There is an opinion that BB cream is able to adapt to the natural skin tone, regardless of what tone you acquire. But this myth is not a fully reliable fact! It is necessary to choose a shade that is as close to natural as possible. Most cosmetic companies produce no more than 4-5 color palettes in a series, so you need to approach the choice of tone with all responsibility.

2. Application. Incorrect application of a cream with a delicate texture can greatly ruin a girl’s image. You must strive to create flawless skin, but not an artificial doll-like image.
3. A unique remedy, but not a panacea. A well-chosen tone and correct application can certainly work a miracle and transform the skin. However, you should not place too much hope on this innovative tool. The cream has a very light texture, so it is unlikely that it will be able to hide scars and dark circles under the eyes. For these purposes, it is recommended to combine BB cream and concealer.
4. Questionable hydration. One of the main properties of BB cream is skin hydration. However, cosmetologists strongly do not recommend applying it to very dry skin; you should first lightly moisturize it with any nourishing/moisturizing day cream.

Despite some shortcomings, BB cream is recognized as one of the most popular cosmetics among girls.

What is BB cream

Peculiarities

There are two options for deciphering the abbreviation BB: Blemish Balm and Beauty Balm. Translated into Russian, this means “balm for masking defects” and “beauty balm.” BB cream was invented in Germany, its original purpose was to mask redness and treat microdamage to the skin caused by peeling and other similar procedures. South Korean cosmetologists have finalized the formulation of BB cream and brought it to the cosmetics market.

If once upon a time makeup artists mixed foundation and moisturizer to get a double effect, now thanks to BB cream there is no need to do this. The uniqueness of the product lies in the fact that Beauty Balm combines different functions, so it is enough to have just one BB tube to hide imperfections on the skin and protect it from external factors.

BB cream simultaneously acts in several directions:

• moisturizes the skin, maintains its hydrolipid balance;
• masks redness and unevenness;
• protects from ultraviolet radiation, dry and hot air, and other adverse effects;
• fights irritation and inflammation;
• saturates cells with nutrients;
• mattifies, reduces the secretory activity of the sebaceous glands.

The peculiarity of BB-cream is a small number of shades; within one brand it is almost impossible to find more than 5 tones.

Compound

The versatility of the BB cream is ensured by its composition. Manufacturers include substances in the formulation whose action is aimed at eliminating a particular problem. The basis of the cream is made up of masking and mattifying components, since the main purpose of Blemish Balm is to hide skin imperfections and serve as a foundation. Having a light but fairly dense texture, BB cream is able to perfectly mask small pimples and inflammations, enlarged pores and acne marks.

The choice of additional components in the BB cream depends on the type of skin for which the product is intended. For example, Blemish Balm for oily skin contains plant extracts, for problematic skin - tea tree oil or extract, salicylic acid. Products for dry skin include vitamins, hyaluronic acid; the Anti-age cream category contains mineral and vegetable oils, collagen. All creams include SPF filters, the task of which is to protect the skin from the dangerous effects of sunlight.

Application

BB cream is used as a foundation; a denser tone can be obtained by applying several layers of the product. The interesting thing about Beauty Balm is that it literally adapts to your skin's needs. The mineral pigments in the cream begin to “work” immediately after application: thanks to them, the skin tone becomes uniform and all imperfections are masked.

The rules for using BB-cream are the same as for any foundation. The product is applied to cleansed, dry skin and distributed in a thin layer. To blend the cream, you can use brushes and sponges; some girls prefer to apply the product with their fingertips. At the end of the day, the BB cream is easily removed from the skin using regular cleansers.

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.

Concealer

Main functions

Until 1936, there were no products that could qualitatively and, most importantly, safely even out skin tone, so flour, bird droppings and, horror of horrors, white lead were used. But the creation of the so-called “pancake” (Pan-Cake) became a real revolution in the world of cosmetics, and all thanks to the eponymous founder of the now famous Max Factor company.

Initially, “pancake” was used as an actor’s makeup, but it instantly gained popularity among ordinary women, who previously had only loose powder in their everyday life, which poorly hid skin imperfections and quickly fell off. And pan-cake was a combination of talcum powder and liquid pigment.

And today, foundation is essentially the same thing, but with a few improvements. The product consists of a liquid pigment supplemented with silicones that fill small pores and wrinkles on the face. In addition, the foundation can:

1. Even out the tone and texture of the face;
2. Moisturize the skin;
3. Protect from negative environmental influences.

The cosmetic products market is represented by a huge variety of foundations of various shades, density and structure, capable of creating an ideal coating on both healthy skin and those not free from imperfections. Depending on the density of the composition, there are several types of foundation creams:

1. Fluid is an almost invisible coating for skin devoid of any problems;
2. Cream powder – light coverage – if there are small defects on the face;
3. Light foundation - medium-density coverage for a face not devoid of fine wrinkles and redness;
4. Thick foundation - for problem skin;
5. Camouflage is for a face covered with spots and serious scars (this is almost theatrical makeup).

Criterias of choice

Choosing a foundation may not be such a problem at first glance, but this is far from the case. When purchasing a product, it is important to consider not only its density and shade, but also its composition, since the “wearability” of the foundation on the face largely depends on it. In addition, the wrong choice can worsen your skin condition.

How to choose foundation for dry skin? First of all, pay attention to the composition: it must contain oils or hyaluronic acid. They will soften, nourish epithelial cells with moisture, and eliminate the feeling of dryness and tightness. The second factor is liquid or mousse-like consistency. The third factor is the hypoallergenicity of the product (the ideal option is to buy a sample of a cosmetic product you like).

How to choose foundation for oily skin? It tends to produce not only an unpleasant oily sheen and enlarged pores, but also various types of imperfections. This is all due to the excessively intense work of the sebaceous glands. Accordingly, the best option in this case would be a drying foundation with a mattifying effect. What to pay attention to: the absence of oils and pearlescent particles, the presence of absorbents (like powder), acids.

Advice.

If the foundation contains o, there is no better option for oily skin. You can buy with confidence!

How to choose a foundation for combination skin? The main difficulty in this case lies in the combination of skin properties - it is dry in some areas and oily at the same time in others (usually in the nasolabial triangle and in the forehead area). Unfortunately, there are no specific selection criteria in this case.

You need to decide for yourself what is more important: eliminating dryness or hiding oily shine. But it’s worth paying attention to the composition of the foundation: the components must include minerals, reflective particles and moisturizing agents.

Composition of the product

The composition depends on what skin the cream is intended for:

1. For the mature one. The composition includes ProXylan, a complex that helps to activate collagen production, eliminate sagging epidermis and uneven microrelief. The composition also contains nourishing oils and mineral particles that moisturize, nourish, even out the complexion without clogging pores.
2. For the problematic one. It contains a unique therapeutic formula based on mineral pigments that even out the complexion and salicylic acid, which has an antibacterial effect. As a result, the skin is not only transformed externally, but also healed from the inside.

   Example of product composition

3. For combination/oily skin. The cream contains a natural adsorbent that can absorb excess subcutaneous sebum, creating a matte surface on the skin. This product does not contain oil components or fats, but does contain minerals that transform the skin and even out the tone.
4. For normal/dry. The basis of the cream is hyaluronic acid, which saturates the deep layers of the epidermis with moisture and prevents its rapid evaporation. Additional components are vitamin C and mineral pigments. Vitamin C has a powerful antioxidant effect, protecting delicate women's skin from the negative effects of the environment. Mineral pigments help even out skin tone without causing flaking or clogging of pores.
5. Roller around the eyes. It is based on the substance haloxyl, which helps hide bags under the eyes and dark circles, and also has a cooling effect, which helps eliminate signs of fatigue. The composition also contains special mineral particles that even out the complexion and make you look healthy and fresh.

When buying a BB cream, you need to focus on the individual characteristics of your skin, and not on the advice of your friends! Only with the right cosmetic product will you be able to get not only an external transformation, but also impeccable care.

BB or CC which cream to choose?

When choosing a cosmetic product, you need to take into account the condition of your skin. If it is dry and closer to normal, then BB cream is perfect. For those with oily skin, it is better to purchase products that are lighter in texture and labeled CC. However, it must be remembered that Bibiki well hide even pronounced cosmetic defects of the epidermis, while their later analogues only improve the shade of the skin and make it more even.

If the structure of the skin does not cause any complaints, but dullness and visible yellowness are bothering you, then it is better to use the SS line of cosmetics.

You also need to know that:

• BB products give a pronounced shine and it will not look oily and greasy only if the cosmetics are of high quality;
• The higher the SPF factor, the higher the care properties of the product;
• CC remedy can be used to disguise dark circles and puffiness under the eyes;
• It is not always possible to apply SS products evenly right away, but with the help of a sponge or brush this mistake can be easily corrected. The dense structure of the bibs interferes with correction;
• If you choose the wrong shade of a BB product, it can give a gray undertone. This has not been noticed with CC creams, that is, their application gives a natural color to the face;
• CC cosmetics also contain whitening components, which the BB series products cannot boast of.

The assortment of lipsticks in cosmetics stores is much wider, so it’s easier to choose them. But in online stores you can easily find cosmetics that suit the effect and purchase them at a favorable price.

Cosmetics catalog

Face cream

Face cream allows you to make your skin beautiful and healthy, and can serve as a base for makeup. Using this product allows you to minimize the need to use foundation, and this is a big plus. The foundation has a very dense texture; when used regularly and worn for a long time (all day long), it clogs pores and also tends to pill, which looks very unesthetic.

Before and after using BB cream

Unlike foundation, BB cream is light and delicate, allows the epidermis to breathe, and does not undergo deformation during the day, even under the influence of external factors (for example, rain). It is often called the second skin because it looks natural and natural on the face.

It is important to choose a tone as close to your natural shade as possible, since strong contrast (dark tone on light skin) will look inappropriate. It is also worth paying attention to the combination of shade of the face and neck.

Comparison of BB and CC

The main difference between BB cream and CC cream is that BB is an advanced foundation, and CC is a color corrector with a toning effect.

The difference between BB and CC creams becomes clearer if you combine the characteristics of the two products into a common table.

Body cream

BB cream for the whole body is a true salvation for girls who have skin problems not only on the face. Thanks to this remedy, it will be possible to hide extremely unattractive spider veins, swollen veins (mainly appearing on the legs), and bruises. Another feature of the product is that it gives a light tan, so in addition to eliminating defects, the skin can be given a beautiful and even color. It is this feature of BB cream that has made it a favorite among girls in Russian cities, whose image is spoiled by excessively pale skin in the off-season.

Body cream acts in a similar way to face cream; it not only masks imperfections, but also takes care of the skin. BB cream has become a serious competitor to foundations and self-tanners, since it has a very light texture, looks as natural as possible on the body, goes on smoothly, without streaks, and is washed off well and quickly with warm water (using a washcloth).

Before and after. Example of using BB body cream

The effect is noticeable instantly, the skin immediately after applying the product becomes tanned and well-groomed (for example, in contrast to self-tanning, which appears after a few hours and can leave streaks).

BB body cream is an indispensable attribute of a cosmetic bag, which will allow you to make your body perfect in a short time. Thanks to it, you can make yourself perfect in a matter of minutes, which will help you prepare for an important meeting, date, or wedding.

Unlike face products produced in miniature tubes, BB body cream is produced in larger tubes (most products in this series can be purchased in 150 ml volumes).

bb cream - everything ingenious is simple

Trying to simplify the lives of women who spend a lot of time on makeup and facial care products, cosmetologists have come up with a simple solution - combining day cream and foundation in one bottle. And it turned out, correctly, bb cream. It moisturizes and nourishes the skin, while hiding its imperfections, pigmentation and fine wrinkles.

The difference from regular foundation lies in the ability to adapt to any tone. Therefore, it is produced in light, dark or universal colors.

Benefits of bb cream:

• moisturizes and nourishes the skin at the same time;
• evens out tone;
• has a photoshop effect;
• versatility of tone;
• masks imperfections: pigmentation and fine wrinkles;
• protects against ultraviolet rays .

How to choose?

BB cream is a universal product, but it is necessary to take into account the nuances of the skin and select the most suitable product.

1. For oily/combination skin. First of all, you need to pay attention to the texture; it should be as soft and light as possible so as not to weigh down your makeup. The product should have a mattifying effect, so you should not buy a tube that says “For radiant skin.” For this skin type, preference should be given to a cream whose packaging says Oil Free and contains herbal ingredients. The ideal option is “The Secret of Perfection” from Garnier, which contains perlite, which eliminates excess sebum and creates a luxurious matte effect.
2. For the problematic one. Particular attention should be paid to studying the composition; it should contain vitamins and salicylic acid. Such a product will not only externally transform the skin, but also treat it at the same time. An excellent solution for problem skin from Maybelline, which offers girls Dream Pure Fresh cream.

   Selection of BB cream for skin tone

3. For dry. It is necessary to choose products with a denser texture, but it should be slightly watery. Do not forget that an excessively thick cream will dry out the skin even more. It is advisable to choose a product that contains hyaluronic acid, various nourishing oils, and glycerin. The company Belita Vitex offers a high-quality product with its “7 in 1” BB cream.
4. For normal. It is girls with this skin type who can pamper themselves with a cream with a radiance effect. For maximum care, it is recommended to give preference to a product containing antioxidants, vitamins and moisturizing components. It is recommended to choose Perfect Cover from the Missha cosmetics company.
5. For age. Older women and those who are beginning to experience the first wrinkles need to purchase a cream with a very light texture that will not clog into problem areas. The composition must include components such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants. The best option is Premium UV from Helena Rubinstein.

It is also necessary to choose the right shade. For girls with fair skin, you should purchase the palest shade in the BB cream palette. Those with dark skin can safely choose the darkest shades of the cosmetic product.

Before and after using BB cream

Before purchasing a cream, it is recommended to test it. Moreover, the tester should be applied not to the hand, as many girls do, but to the area under the jaw or neck. If it is difficult to decide on the right shade, you should give preference to a tube that says “Natural”.

A correctly selected shade of BB cream is a guarantee of creating an ideal, natural look.

Differences

How is BB cream different from foundation? Their main difference is in functionality , BB cream performs more functions and is able to eliminate more problems than foundation.

It blends better with the natural skin tone and becomes almost invisible. But the main drawback of BB lies in the line of shades - they are produced in only 2-4 tones , implying light and dark skin, so not all girls can choose the right one for themselves.

In addition, when ordering Korean cosmetics, remember that Asians love to whiten their skin and their creams are designed for this effect.

The European line of BB creams can be used as a foundation , but the masking ability is low, so it is advisable to use it for those who do not have any special skin problems.

The texture of foundation creams is lighter and they do not require special removal products. At the same time, these creams are more suitable for hiding major skin imperfections. And the abundance of shades allows you to choose the right one for any girl.

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.

Kinds

The properties of all BB creams are similar, but they can be divided into several categories:

1. Mattifying - the best choice for oily skin. There are interesting products on sale from Korea, more popular brands like Maybelline. If your skin is dry, it would be better to give preference to a product with radiant particles. You can find out more about mattifying bb cream here.
2. Moisturizing – saturates with moisture, cares, but for very dry skin this mini-feed will still not be enough. The richer the composition (for example, linden bark, shea butter), the more pronounced the caring effect.
3. Korean creams differ from European ones in a number of parameters. There are usually few shades - 2 or 3, only for fair skin. Many formulas contain whitening agents, which may be of interest to those with freckles. The texture of Korean “bb” is quite rich and oily; it is advisable to remove products not with micellar water, but with hydrophilic oil.

Korean BB creams whiten to a greater extent, while European ones moisturize and tone.

What does the composition include?

When choosing a BB cream, carefully look at its composition. In addition to useful or at least harmless components, it may contain aggressive substances.

Aggressive substances

In BB cream these are parabens and silicones - their presence is normal, although not beneficial for the skin. An increased content of these substances can harm the epidermis. If there are more than 50% silicones and parabens, look for another product.

Mineral oils - petrochemical products clog pores, irritate the skin and interfere with its normal nutrition. Alcohols are also not beneficial - all of their varieties are drying, which is especially harmful for dry skin. In general, the composition should be hypoallergenic - this is least likely to cause unwanted reactions, especially in sensitive skin.

Natural ingredients

The BB contains:

1. Anti-aging components are safe natural peptides and antioxidants. Snail extract has a positive effect on the skin, pearls, elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid are useful.
2. Nutrients – shea butter, panthenol, allantoin, green tea extract, etc.
3. Tone-evening ingredients include arbutin and licorice among the most popular.
4. SPF filters guarantee reliable protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. There is no point in using an SPF less than 20. Find out the best spf sunscreen for your face in this article.
5. Mineral pigments are also natural and safe.

Mineral pigment is the basis of a BB cream with reflective particles.