BB cream - a cosmetic miracle or just another pampering?

Not long ago, a BB cream appeared on the Russian market, designed to replace several care products at once: moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation and concealer. Despite promising advertising and rave reviews from customers, there are still many women who are skeptical about the product and are still not familiar with it. In this review, I will answer the most popular questions regarding Bibishka: is it as functional as the advertisement promises, what are the specifics of its use, and what is a BB cream needed for - after all, there are already plenty of foundations without it.

What is BB cream

BB cream first appeared in Germany in the 1950s, although Asia is considered its birthplace. It was invented by Christina Schrammeck, whose brand is now called Dr. Schrammek. BB cream is short for Blemish Base, Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm Cream. Translated, it means “balm against imperfections.” It has been used in hospitals on patients' wounds after laser surgery to make the scars less noticeable.

BB cream combines the properties of foundation and day cream, performing both decorative and caring functions: it corrects facial tone, hides minor imperfections, and also moisturizes and nourishes the skin, heals minor inflammations. Main properties of BB cream:

• Contains SPF filters,
• Conceals dark spots and evens out tone,
• Soothes the dermis
• Some versions include components that slow down the aging process.

A few facts about BB creams:

1. This type of product has gained wild popularity in Asia, where perfectly smooth “porcelain” skin is a cult favorite.
2. The classic BB cream includes herbal ingredients that care, nourish and moisturize the skin, while mattifying imperfections and evening out the complexion.

Interesting: How to choose the best women's epilator and not make a mistake

What is the difference between BB cream and CC cream?

CC cream is a product that was developed after BB cream, and is not so popular yet. Why? It's about the texture of the product and its masking ability. CC cream has an even lighter, oil-free formula and contains almost no coloring pigment. But it contains a huge amount of caring substances, even more than BB creams. But the texture of the product does not allow you to hide serious and even semi-serious skin imperfections. It perfectly evens out skin tone, fights uneven tone and redness, perfectly moisturizes the skin and fills it with moisture. But, you understand that such a light product is suitable for skin without any special drawbacks. Therefore, if you are that mythical owner of normal skin without pimples, blackheads, freckles and pronounced wrinkles, then feel free to choose CC cream. Although, by the way, CC cream is also good for the summer - when the skin does not need a thick layer of BB cream.

Who is BB cream suitable for?

High-quality cosmetics can solve several issues at once. It copes with the elimination of cosmetic problems and perfectly masks skin imperfections. It is necessary to take into account that BB products produced in European and Asian countries differ in their composition: European products are more focused on hiding skin imperfections. They usually have a moisturizing property and a toning effect and are available in 5 shades.

Asian creams contain many natural substances among their components. They allow you not only to disguise a deficiency, but also to solve this issue.

They whiten the skin perfectly and have no more than three shades. Due to the nature of the composition, to remove Asian bib, you need to use a special oil product.

The principle of operation of the product

Creams contain various components, based on which you can choose a product based on your skin type:

• Anti-aging components, vitamins E and A, antioxidants give a refreshed appearance and slow down aging.
• Hyaluronic acid moisturizes well and relieves dryness.
• Green tea, panthenol, shea butter have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce redness.
• Arbutina and licorice even out the tone.
• Mineral pigments make the face more radiant.
• Silicone components have a smoothing effect.

How to choose BB cream

When choosing an explosive device, you need to know the rules:

1. It is important to find a shade that matches your own skin tone. Therefore, we recommend purchasing several samples of different shades.
2. For young ladies with normal to dry skin, a universal BB cream or concealer with active moisturizing is suitable.
3. For problematic and oily dermis, it is better to buy a cream with a mattifying effect and natural ingredients in the composition.
4. For owners of combination skin, as well as for oily skin, mattifying, pore-tightening BB is suitable.
5. For aging skin, special anti-aging lines with collagen are produced. They perfectly mask wrinkles and slow down the aging process.
6. Avoid products containing silicones, perfumes and mineral oils. It is better if the composition contains plant components, adenosine, hyaluronic acid, arbutin.

FAQ

Do enlarged pores become clogged with frequent use?

Not if you cleanse your face properly after makeup.

Can I use water to rinse?

It is possible, but simple washing will not give a high-quality cleansing effect. As a result, clogged pores appear and the color becomes dull.

What should you prefer - bb cream or regular foundation?

BB products are better suited for everyday use. It cares for the dermis, has a therapeutic effect, and does not interfere with the supply of oxygen. It is best to use foundation periodically, in situations where the face should look perfect.

Is a base required for application?

In most cases no. But if your skin is too dry, it won’t hurt to use a moisturizer first.

Can it be used under the eyes?

Yes. Cream from the BB line perfectly disguises dark circles and increases the elasticity of weakened dermis.

Is BB cream applied only to clean skin?

Naturally. Before using it, you need to remove any remnants of other cosmetics from your face. But for oily skin, it is advisable to first use a serum that will remove excess shine.

Is BB used as a makeup base?

Yes. Moreover, the remaining visible defects can be additionally masked with correctors.

Disadvantages of BB cream

Based on the same application results, several disadvantages of bibishka can be identified:

1. Contains silicone, which makes it difficult for the skin to “breathe”.
2. It doesn’t wash off well with regular washing - you need to use oil-based products that dissolve silicone.
3. Small selection of shades.

Among the disadvantages of foundation are:

1. It clogs pores and prevents the free flow of sweat and sebum.
2. Makes it difficult for the skin to “breathe”.
3. May dehydrate the skin and cause it to peel.

Conclusion - using BB is less harmful to the overall health of the skin.

The most popular brands and manufacturers

BB cream was first invented in the 50s of the last century in the German Democratic Republic. However, its delicate texture was not to the liking of fashionistas of that time, who preferred heavier cosmetic “artillery.” Toning products received their rebirth in South Korea; it was in this country that they became a real trend and smoothly migrated back to Europe.

Which companies are the most popular manufacturers of BB creams?

• Missha, Holika-Holika, The Saem, Secret Key. These popular Korean brands delight girls and women around the world with reasonable prices, excellent quality, and a wide palette of shades and colors. It was the “Koreans” who returned BB cream to the cosmetic market, so the products of these companies can be trusted.
• La Roche-Posay, Clarins, Clinique, Guerlain, Erborian. Manufacturers of expensive cosmetics also keep up with the Koreans and offer their clients very high-quality products. The only thing that confuses such BB creams is the high, and sometimes simply indecent, cost. But, as you know, beauty is worth the sacrifice.
• PUPA, Maybelline, Borjois, “Clean Line”, Bielita. Cosmetics manufacturers for the mass market also have excellent products. It’s worth taking a closer look not only at foreign brands, but also at domestic and Belarusian companies that monitor quality and offer reasonable prices.

How to apply BB cream

BB cream is a 3 in 1 product: day care, treatment, foundation. Apply BB after cleansing and toning. No additional cream is needed for the bib. But it is appropriate to apply a light serum.

Hands

• Squeeze a small ball of product onto the back of your hand. The cream will melt easily from the warmth of the skin and will be easier to apply.
• Apply melted bibik in equal quantities to several areas on the face: nose, forehead, cheeks, chin. This way, you can better see how much you applied and not go overboard with the amount.
• Do not apply in streaks or large strokes.
• Using your middle and index fingers, carefully spread the cream over your entire face with light movements along the massage lines, like any moisturizing product.
• Apply to the area around the eyes using gentle patting movements.
• Let it soak in and dry for a few minutes. If defects are still noticeable in some areas, add a little product to achieve an even tone.

Sponge

• Wet the sponge with thermal water: a damp sponge will help you apply the product more evenly and use exactly as much as you need. In addition, a dry sponge steals moisture from the surface of the skin.
• Apply the melted cream with your fingertips in equal amounts to your nose, forehead, cheeks and chin.
• Apply the sponge evenly over the face using gentle strokes, moving along massage lines from the middle of the face to the hairline.
• Treat the area around the eyes with light patting movements: this way the tone will lie evenly.

Brush

If you have dry, redness-prone skin, this brush will suit you. Compared to fingers and a sponge, the brush has lighter pressure and the softest coverage. Therefore, this method is best suited for delicate, sensitive and dry skin.

• Apply a portion of the product to the back of your hand so that it warms up from the warmth of your hand. It will be easier to apply.
• Distribute the product with a brush over your face using clear, neat strokes, moving along the same massage lines.
• Treat the area around the eyes with lighter stroking movements of the brush.
• The skin around the eyes is more delicate, and the brush will perfectly cope with this task without causing harm.

Types of BB creams

Blemish Balm products are divided into products for the face and body. When choosing them, you need to take into account not only the condition of the epidermis, but also the effects that you want to achieve.

According to the specific effects of BB cream for the face, they are divided into:

• Matting. Absorb excess fat secreted by the glands. Suitable for oily or combination skin. The matte effect lasts up to 3 hours; to prolong it, you should then use powder or matte wipes;
• Moisturizing. They contain a larger amount of oils and vitamins E and A, due to which cell nutrition is normalized;
• With reflective particles. They give a natural glow, but are not suitable for those with problematic or oily skin.

According to consistency they are distinguished:

• Liquid (paste-like). Applied with fingers, they are in high demand;
• Cushions. South Korean new. They are a sponge with liquid contents inside. Pressing the sponge causes the cream to release, after which it needs to be distributed over the face, as if driving it inside.

How to wash off BB cream

The best option is two-stage cleansing using hydrophilic oil and cleansing foam. This method is popular in Asia, the homeland of BB, as it ideally removes all impurities from the skin.

If you don’t have such a set on hand, but have regular micellar water, it will also help you easily wash off the bib. But you still have to wash your face after this.

The history of creation is interesting

The presentation of BB cream was made in 1985 by Christiane Schrammeck, who invented it back in 1968. Presentations took place in Korea and Japan, where the miracle cream gained great popularity. There has been a boom in interest in this product in Asia. It was used by everyone, from ordinary girls to famous celebrities.

In Europe, the product appeared much later, after cosmetologists were able to create a light shade. The formula has been copied by various popular cosmetics companies, but is now different from the original in many ways.

When not to use BB cream

It turns out that such products are not always useful. In some cases, cosmetologists advise not to use them:

1. It is not recommended to purchase BB cream if you have not already acquired special deep-spectrum makeup removers. Whatever brand the product belongs to, it will certainly clog the pores tightly due to the silicones it contains. The best product for removing it is considered to be hydrophilic oil.
2. Don't rush to buy Asian BB products if you are quite dark. As a rule, their palette is not diverse, because they adapt to the tone. However, not many people succeed in “outdoing” their natural dark complexion.
3. You should not use such a product, no matter how popular it may be, if you do not experience any special skin problems. After all, it is intended to mask shortcomings and prevent their occurrence.

Did you know that: The problem of acne can make itself felt at any age. You can often find acne at 25 and even at 45 years old. Therefore, it is important not just to mask this deficiency, but to understand the reasons for its occurrence. More details about this in the source.

Tips for choosing

BB cream is a product that can eliminate imperfections and at the same time care for and refresh the skin. It can replace primer, concealer and even sunscreen. Many people use it as a base for makeup.

Before purchasing, you should find out what type of skin the cream is selected for:

• For oily and combination skin, the cream should have a light gel texture, not weigh it down or clog pores.
• If you have problem skin, be sure to read the ingredients. It should contain soothing agents that soften the skin.
• For dry dermis, you need a cream with one base, because the thicker the cream, the more it dries out the skin. A plus will be hyaluronic acid in the composition.
• For normal skin, you need to buy products with a liquid structure. A big advantage will be vitamins C and E, which definitely will not harm the skin.
• For aging skin, you need a cream that contains peptides and antioxidants. Its structure should be softer and lighter than other products so as not to clog wrinkles.

It is no coincidence that BB cream has gained enormous popularity in the market. This is a truly universal product that will not harm your facial skin. There's a lot to be said, but it's really worth buying. All information about the best products in this niche is collected in this rating.

Top 10 best BB creams

Let's look at the rating of the most popular and best BB creams from different manufacturers.

Clean line: Perfect skin

BB cream “Ideal Skin” from the clean line is a care and foundation product. The drug adapts to the epidermis and effectively hides imperfections. From the first second, a mattifying effect is noticeable, pores become less pronounced. Active components moisturize and nourish the skin. SPF 10 creates a barrier and prevents the penetration of UV rays. The product is more suitable for users with dry and combination epidermis prone to flaking. The company tested the effect on 100 girls, proving effectiveness within 12 hours.

The manufacturer recommends using the product for at least 8 weeks to see changes. This helps people with oily skin avoid shine, but others may lack hydration. The drug comes in a small tube and is used up quickly. There are also chemicals in the composition, but natural components predominate. There is no choice of shades.

Missha Perfect Cover

BB brand Missha is sold in tubes with a capacity of 50 ml. This volume will last for a long time. Consumes slowly. A small amount is required for one use.

The contents of the tube have a runny texture. It is easy to distribute on the surface of the skin. Moreover, it will lie evenly. Even a thin layer will hide minor defects. In addition, no one will guess that such a product is present on the face.

Thanks to Missha Perfect cover BB cream, you can forget about thick layers of foundation, which, although it hides imperfections, at the same time creates a mask effect.

Buy on iHerb.com

Hydra Sparkling Nude Look BB cream, Givenchy

Can replace several cosmetic products at once. This multi-tasking cream is enriched with Sparkling Water Complex to instantly leave skin with a natural glow after application. The mineral pigments included in the composition are able to hide even age spots, imperfections and severe redness, contrary to popular belief that lipsticks cannot cope with such a difficult task.

You will forget about oily shine in the T-zone for at least 5-6 hours; special ingredients are responsible for the matte finish. At the same time, SPF 30 mineral filters protect against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB rays). From the very first application, as Givenchy experts promise, the BB cream will even out and smooth out the skin texture.

Deoproce White Flower BB Cream

The next place in the ranking belongs to Korean natural-based cosmetics. The formula contains white flower extracts, titanium dioxide. These substances guarantee a whitening effect and give a nude shade. The product helps fight inflammation, soothes, and deeply nourishes. This speaker has protection against the negative effects of UV rays (SPF 35).

It is suitable for all girls regardless of skin type. Very young ladies should not use it. Judging by the reviews, the composition does not leave any unpleasant sensations and easily masks imperfections.

Holika Holika Petit Aqua SPF25

This cream was created especially for oily skin prone to rashes. It contains tea tree extract, which dries out existing inflammation and also acts as a disinfectant. You can choose one with pink or beige undertones to make the product look as natural as possible.

Bibik is easily distributed thanks to the film-forming substances included in the composition. Does not clog pores, forms a weightless, breathable coating. Absorbent components absorb sebum, the skin will remain matte longer, and makeup will remain unchanged.

buy on iHerb.com

La Roche Posay Hydreane BB Cream

Those with sensitive skin will like it. To calm it down and thoroughly moisturize it, the brand’s thermal water was added to the composition. Well, mineral micropigments will take care of an even complexion.

It comes in a tube with a hinged cap, volume 40 ml. It is dense but non-greasy. It has a slight cosmetic smell. At the same time moisturizes, soothes and protects sensitive skin. Available in two shades: light, natural beige.

buy on iHerb.com

Mattifying BB cream Holi Pop, Holika Holika

Light BB cream for every day Holika Holika Holi Pop BB Cream SPF30 PA++ is available in three versions:

• Matte - matting. Suitable for combination and oily skin;
• Moist - moisturizing. Suitable for normal skin prone to dryness;
• Glow - brightening with a radiance effect. Suitable for all types.

The product soothes, softens, has an anti-inflammatory, healing effect, therefore it is ideal for oily, combination skin. Extracts of centella asiatica, purslane and other natural ingredients help normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands and control the appearance of oily sheen.

L'Oreal Nude Magique

One of the main competitors of the Korean manufacturer. The product is a unique development; it contains tiny capsules with a foundation. The contents of the tube are liquid and colorless. Immediately after application, it adjusts to the tone. It does not have a strong odor, so it is suitable for a woman who prefers to apply cosmetics without specific fragrances to the skin of her face. Sun protection factor 12, which is quite suitable for cool seasons.

The product is great for anti-aging care because it not only hides wrinkles, but also smoothes the skin.

BB cream Zeytun

Multifunctional makeup base Zeitun No. 1 is suitable for very fair skin, has high covering power, perfectly adapts and evens out the complexion, hides redness and age spots.

It is not felt at all on the face, non-comedogenic, and does not contain talc. Its composition includes natural olive oil, shea butter, grape seed oil, turmeric extract, geranium essential oil, mint hydrosol. Acts on par with a moisturizer, regenerates and heals the epidermis.

Skin 79 Intense Classic Balm

Top seller worldwide. The product sells out as soon as it appears on store shelves. It whitens and slightly dries out acne. The product has a disinfectant effect.

Characteristics

• country of origin - Korea;
• degree of ultraviolet protection - 35;
• volume - 50 ml;
• dispenser - no.

pros

• mattifies well;
• hides pimples, red spots;
• moisturizes;
• prevents aging;
• controls fat production;
• retains moisture;
• whitens;
• strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• refreshes, calms.

Minuses

• expensive;
• no dispenser;
• Available in one tone.

Interesting: What should be included in a face cream, and what should be avoided at all costs?

How does BB cream differ from other foundations?

First of all, BB cream is distinguished by its effective formula. The percentage of coloring pigment in it is low - from 10% to 30%, whereas for conventional foundations it varies from 70% to 90%. But such an amount of coloring pigment guarantees that the pores will become clogged, and the makeup itself will look unnatural and will remind you of plaster. From 90% to 70% (minimum) percent in BB cream are caring components that will take care of your skin, improving its condition. Korean manufacturers are confident that it is better to treat skin imperfections, not hide them!

The most common types of BB creams

Bibiki can be distinguished not only by the type of their finish, but also by the most popular components and their functionality:

Snail BB cream

Bibiki based on snail mucin can safely be considered one of the most popular. Snail mucin has a healing effect, helps speed up the process of skin regeneration, fills it with moisture and at the same time nourishes it, eliminating various imperfections and preventing the appearance of pimples. BB creams from Mizon based on snail mucus have become especially famous. For example, Mizon Snail Repair Blemish Balm - its dense coverage perfectly hides imperfections while healing the skin. But other Korean manufacturers are not lagging behind: Scinic Snail Matrix BB cream is also good, and Farm Stay Visible Difference Snail BB Cream is literally “stepping on its heels”. What’s especially nice is that BB cream with snail mucin can be used on both young and older skin - in both cases, it adapts to its problems. It will smooth out age spots, and cure young ones from acne and acne.