The Real Talk About BB Creams

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In the winter of 2011 you may have just begun to hear about BB creams and its magical goodness. BB cream is a Blemish Balm or Blemish Base cosmetic. By 2012 it was the hottest new beauty trend to try and true beauty mavens just could not live without the wonder cream. Fast forward to today and there still seems to be some confusion about the multi function cream, its actual results, and the availability of the cream for brown ladies. Today we are having the real talk about whether BB cream is really as magical as it seems, where it originated from, and the best BB cream for brown beauties.

BB Cream Origin Facts

Founded in Germany in 1950
Becomes popular in Korea 30 yrs later
Becomes popular in the 1980’s because of South Korean actresses who wore the blemish balm as their top beauty secret to flawless skin
Becomes popular in Europe and the US in Spring 2012

Source: www.beautylish.com/

BB Cream Ingredients

An all-in-one product cream that contains moisturizer, primer, sunscreen, foundation, and an anti-aging cream
Some creams have anti-aging components such as: Vitamin A,E, and C which are antioxidants
Other creams have moisturizing agents such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid
Licorice and arbutin can be found in different brands to help even out the skin tone
Dimethicone is a silicone based ingredient that smooth and preps the skin acting as a primer can also be found in various brand
For luminosity the ingredient mica can be found in some brands as well

The Pros and Cons

The Pros

It is perfect for the woman on the go to apply as a one step process
Provides coverage and skincare properties
Most suitable for barely there makeup look because of its natural finish
Can be used as a primer to execute full coverage makeup looks
They is a broad spectrum of SPF
A more sophisticated tinted moisturizer
Prices range form $18-$90 per tube

The Cons

Because of the variety of ingredients in BB creams some brands leave an ashy/lavender or pink/white cast on the skin
Depending on the thickness of texture of the BB cream it will not always cover dark spot blemishes, therefore you may need to spot cover with a concealer
Although there are shades for dark skin specific brands offer a very limited shades in light, medium, & dark which still are to fair for women of color
Some BB cream undertones are not suitable for dark skin such as being too pink or olive
There are already tinted moisturizers that have SPF, anti-oxidants with anti-aging benefits and makeup coverage to even out skin
Depending on the time of day or the season the BB cream may not be all that you need such as: drier skin in the winter requiring more moisture or tanning in the summer which requires a different shade that a brand may not offer
Some brands do use unsafe ingredients such as titanium or zinc dioxides found in SPF which can harm the skin

If you are interested in trying a BB cream consider your skin type, the season, the chemicals, and give your skin a week to adjust to the product before you make a final decision. While the idea of an all-in-on product is enticing the combination of so many chemicals cautions my use of the product. As a makeup artist I would rather my client use specific products for a specific issue rather that a multi function product. You may feel different based on the reaction of you skin. We would love to hear your results as an avid BB cream user. Remember its only makeup and trying new things helps you get to know your skin better, so find out what product works best for you.

Top BB Creams for Brown Beauties