BB cream is a great alternative to foundation for those looking for a soft-focus yet lightweight finish. How do you choose the one that suits you best? Here’s a guide.

BB cream, also known as "Blemish Balm Cream" or "Beauty Balm", was originally developed in Germany in the 1960s by dermatologist Dr. Christine Schrammek, to help protect and heal the skin of patients who had recently undergone dermatological treatments such as peels or laser procedures. The goal of BB cream was to camouflage redness and post-surgery scars, while providing hydration and soothing to the skin. However, it is in Asia where it is gaining popularity, particularly in South Korea and Japan, where it is now a popular beauty product.

In South Korea, BB cream became a fashion phenomenon in the 80s, when Korean actresses started using it to achieve perfect and 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 concealer, 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 light to dark skin). To choose the one that suits us best, there are different factors to take into account, including its epidermal particularity (oily skin type, dry skin, sensitive skin, etc.) or to define exactly its skin color by including that of its undertone... Here are some tips to help you choose a BB cream:

Define your skin type

First, you will need to identify your skin type. BB creams are generally available in different formulas, suitable for the care of dry skin , mature skin, oily skin, combination skin or sensitive skin. Choosing a BB cream that suits your skin type allows you to obtain the best results.

Choosing 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.

Finding the right shade

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

Choose one with built-in sun protection

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

Understanding Ingredients and Their Benefits

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

Always test and adjust your choice

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

Let's keep in mind that a BB cream is a versatile product and that each person's personal preferences can influence their choice. Let's also take note that it is not a foundation, that it will never have the same coverage capacity and that it may not be suitable for high makeup expectations. Let's say that BB cream is a good friend when you want to reveal your natural glow without camouflaging the skin like different foundations would.

How to apply a BB Cream?

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

1. Prep your skin: Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and apply a face serum, eye serum , and moisturizer suited to your skin type. Allow the moisturizer to absorb completely before moving on to the next step.

2. Choosing the right amount: Determine the amount of BB cream you will need based on the coverage you want. Start with a small amount and add more if necessary. It is best to start with a small amount to avoid applying too thickly.

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

4. Blend Carefully: Use gentle, lightly patting motions to blend the BB cream into your skin. Make sure it blends well and matches your natural skin tone. Make sure to cover all desired areas, including blemishes or redness.

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

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 hold of your BB cream.