Lifestyled by Paula Joye

BB Cream is the latest buzz word in the beauty world. But what is it and why do you need one in your life?

What It Is.

BB cream is a skincare and make-up product in one. While not all BB creams will do exactly the same thing, most are a moisturiser, foundation and sunscreen rolled into one. BB creams first gained popularity in Korea when they were used post-laser treatments to help with the healing process while providing coverage in place of make-up.

Then celebrities who underwent laser surgery discovered it and started using this wonder cream. Korean cosmetic companies realised the business potential, adapted the technology and started making a formula for the general public.

Very similar to your trusty tinted moisturiser, BB creams are thicker in consistency and contain more beneficial skincare properties, like evening skin tone, diminishing fine lines and reducing inflammation.

Wiki Says.

BB cream stands for blemish balm, blemish base, or beblesh balm (apparently because of a copyright in Korea on the word “blemish”), and in Western markets, beauty balm. It is a cosmetic item sold mainly in East and Southeast Asia, although larger beauty brands are increasingly introducing BB creams to Western markets.

BB cream is promoted as an all-in-one facial cosmetic product to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock.[2] It can be worn alone as a tinted moisturizer, over serum and moisturizer as a regular foundation, and under powder, depending on the desired amount of coverage.

Need to Know.

* Provides perfect coverage like a foundation but it’s not as thick, it doesn’t clog the pores.

* Close cousin of a tinted moisturiser with more anti-ageing goodness.

* Works to improve all types of pigmentation, discolouration, acne and other blemishes.

* Produces a “no makeup” effect like a tint.

* Jam-packed with healing properties that soften and refine skin.

* Contains UV Protection (check the SPF levels brand to brand).

* Some have additional anti-wrinkle and skin-brightening benefits.

Me Wearing BB (and Sunglasses).

I’ve just started wearing BB and this is a Selfie taken on my phone, in the car on the school run. I was not going to do it shade-free.

You can see how much coverage there is on my skin (sheer – how I like it) and you can also see the areas I need to even-out (pregnancy pigment that may never go away). Will keep you posted on how my skin fares. I’m trialling all five in our best buys list which were the formulations we liked the most after an initial road-test of ten products.

Hot Buys.

Not all BB Creams are created equal so if you have specific needs or wants you need to find the right one for your skin and needs. These are our current favourites.

CLICK TO BUY: 1. Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector, $13.95; 2. Garnier BB Cream Oil Free, $13.99; 3. Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35, $60; 4. Nude by Nature BB 5-in-1 Miracle Cream, $19.95; 5. Too Faced Beauty Balm, $47.95.

Favourite Korean Buys.

The cream originated in Korean pharmacy – it’s now available on Amazon. These are the two most popular:

CLICK TO BUY: 1. MISSHA M Perfect Cover B.B. Cream SPF 42 PA+++ 21 Light Beige; 2. MISSHA M upgraded BB B.B. Cream (Blemish Balm) 50ml.

New To Try.

These have hit our desks this week. Next on the list to try – if you get there first let us know what you think.

CLICK TO BUY: (L-R) Dr. Brandt Flexitone BB Cream, $69; Rimmel London BB Cream 9-in-1 Skin Perfecting Super Makeup, $12.95; L’Oreal Revitalift Total Repair 10 BB Cream, $35.95.