All Babes are Wolves: BB Creams

Monday, August 13, 2012

BB Creams

I keep noticing BB Creams this year, so asked my friend makeup artist Owen Allison what these are all about - BB stands for "Beauty Balm" or "Blemish Balm" depending on the formula and are tinted moisturizers with skin care ingredients and sun block built in. Apparently BB cream has come from the plastic surgery and dermatologist industry where after having work done, patients wanted one cream that both protected (SPF) and soothed their skin and provided a light coverage, without too many layers going on to aggravate the skin while they healed.

BB creams were originally formulated in Germany by dermatologist Dr. Christine Schrammek in the 1950s. Different formulations may include anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, antioxidants, SPF or colour. The Eastern Asian market was focused on, with the products becoming a huge hit due to their skin whitening and multi-tasking properties, particularly in Korea. However, due to the Asian complexion, shades were limited, but skin whitening and the 'flawless' look was the key. With the natural look and multi-tasking, low maintenance products becoming popular in Western Europe in 2011 and 2012, BB Creams have suddenly exploded onto the scene, spearheaded by Garnier, then Dior and Clinique following suite. These days, modern society wants things NOW - we don't want to have to buy or apply a sunblock, spot cream, moisturiser, anti-aging cream, primer, tint or foundation all separately. Life is busy & we don't want to spend ages on our skincare routines, particularity when rushing before work each day - plus it's easier on the wallet to have multi-tasking, all-in-one products.

Different BB Creams have different properties, so work out your key requirements - i.e. sunblock, blemishes or anti-aging - and go from there. You can use BBs as a foundation or a primer, depending upon your preference.The next step is to find a shade that suits you. Always try on in the shop, stepping into natural light with a mirror being the best plan. I've just picked up Garnier's All-in-One Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream, found at the supermarket for $17.95! It purports to hydrate, correct wrinkles and imperfections, protect, even and brighten skin tone in one! It's great - smooth to apply, with a brightening yet not shiny finish. Being Winter, I've layered a bit of extra moisturizer first on the dry sections of my face, but I'm impressed with this cream. I love a tinted moisturizer and I really don't need to add any more colour to this product for a day time look.The coverage is good for a natural look.

At last glance, almost every major beauty house is now doing a BB Cream. Owen recommends Estee Lauder's DayWear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 35. This lightweight BB Creme delivers promotes an instant, even-toned look, anti-oxidants, SPF 35, oil-free hydration & 2 tints to suit all skin. Here are the ones that are being recommended by beauty editors.