BB cream is an excellent alternative to foundation for those looking for a blurred but lightweight finish. How to choose the one that suits us best? Follow the guide. 

BB cream, also known as "Blemish Balm Cream" or "Beauty Balm", was initially developed in Germany in the 60s by dermatologist Dr Christine Schrammek, to help protect and heal the skin of patients who had just undergone dermatological treatments such as peels or laser procedures. BB cream was designed to conceal redness and post-operative scars, while providing hydration and soothing the skin. However, it is in Asia that it has gained popularity, particularly in South Korea and Japan, where it is now one of the most sought-after beauty products.

In South Korea, BB cream became a fashion phenomenon as early as the 80s, when Korean actresses began using it to achieve perfect, flawless skin on screen. This popularity then exploded throughout Asia and eventually spread to the rest of the world... Today, BB cream is widely used as a multifunctional makeup product. It often combines the properties of a makeup primer, moisturizer, sunscreen, and complexion corrector, all in one product. 

How to choose your BB Cream? 

Ultra popular, BB Cream has continued to evolve over time and is now available for all skin types and all skin tones (from fair to dark skin). To choose the one that suits us best, there are different factors to consider, notably  one's skin characteristics (oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin...) or even defining one's skin color exactly by including its undertone... Here are a few tips to help you choose a BB cream:

Define your skin type 

You will first need to identify your skin type. BB creams are generally available in different formulas, adapted to dry skin care, mature skin, oily skin, combination skin, or sensitive skin. Choosing a BB cream that suits your skin type allows you to get the best results.

Choose the best coverage

Although it maintains a lightweight texture, the coverage varies from one BB cream to another. Some offer light coverage for a natural look, while others offer higher coverage to hide small imperfections. Choose a BB cream with the desired coverage based on your personal needs.

Find the right shade 

BB creams are available in different shades. It is about choosing a shade that best matches your skin color. If you cannot find exactly the right shade, don't panic, you can opt for a BB cream that adapts to the skin color once applied... Magic! 

Choose one with built-in sunscreen 

Asian women (especially South Korean and Japanese) worship pale skin. The beauty industry understood this very well and it is common to find all kinds of complexion products, including an SPF. This is the case for many BB creams that offer built-in sunscreen. It is ideal when you are looking for daily sunscreen without having to apply an additional sunscreen to your skincare routine. Of course, you choose a BB cream with a sunscreen factor (SPF) appropriate to your needs. An SPF of 30 or more is generally recommended.

Understand the ingredients and their benefits

Check the ingredient list to see if the BB cream contains ingredients beneficial to your skin type, such as antioxidants, moisturizers (like hyaluronic acid), or soothing active ingredients. To gain efficiency, select a BB cream that offers benefits adapted to different skin concerns and that will ideally complement the actions of your day cream..

Always test and adjust your choice 

If possible, ask for BB cream samples before deciding to make a purchase. Test them on the skin to evaluate the color, texture, wear, and comfort. If necessary, do not hesitate to adjust your choice until you find the BB cream that will suit you best.

Keep in mind that a BB cream is a versatile product and that everyone's personal preferences can influence their choice. Also note that it is not a foundation, that it will never have the same coverage capacity and that it may not meet high makeup expectations. Let's say that BB cream is a good friend when you are looking to reveal your natural glow without concealing the skin like different foundations would.

How to apply a BB Cream? 

BB Cream is closer to a skincare product in terms of texture than a foundation. It can therefore very easily be applied with the finger, even if a beauty blender, a spatula (Korean style), or a brush will work just as well.

1. Prepare your skin: Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and apply a face serum, an eye contour serum and a moisturizer adapted to your skin type. Let the moisturizer absorb completely before moving on to the next step.

2. Choose the appropriate amount: Determine the amount of BB cream you will need based on the desired coverage. Start with a small amount and add more if necessary. It is preferable to start with a small amount to avoid an application that is too thick.

3. Apply the BB cream: Use clean fingers, a brush, a spatula, or a makeup sponge to apply the BB cream. Start in the center of the face and spread outwards. Make sure to cover the entire face evenly, including the chin, nose, and forehead. Blend the edges to avoid visible lines.

4. Blend carefully: Use gentle movements and tap lightly to blend the BB cream into the skin. Make sure it blends well and adapts to your natural complexion. Ensure you cover all desired areas, including imperfections or redness.

5. Adjust if necessary: If you find that the coverage is insufficient, add a small additional amount of BB cream to the areas requiring extra coverage. You can also use a complexion corrector or concealer to further hide imperfections if needed.

6. Finish the makeup: you can apply other makeup products such as powder, blush, mascara, etc. according to your preferences. Make sure to set the makeup well with a light powder if you have oily skin or if you want to prolong the wear of your BB cream.