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BFF....BB Cream

Trips to the cosmetic counters can be a bit of a brain-ache with so many creams, balms, lotions and gels all telling us how wonderful they are and that we need them in our lives....but do we need them all? What do they actually do? Are they suitable for my skin type?

Today I am focusing on BB creams or "beauty balms". These have crept into our stores, online and in lots of editorials as being our BFF (best friend forever) Balm. So I wanted to share with you some facts you may or may not know about this little gem product.


What are beauty balms?

Also known as  BB  or "beauty balm" or "blemish balm." They were invented in Germany by Dr. Christine Schrammek in the 1960s to help her clients protect their skin after getting laser treatments. yes they really have been around that long!

What do they do? 

BB creams ideally are supposed to incorporate primers, moisturizers, serums, SPF, and foundation into one product. However, it's important to know that BB creams don't tackle every skin issue. If you are looking for a specific product to tackle your skin needs such as a spot cream to fight acne. This will not have acne active ingredients in it. In other words if you are looking for a cream to literally do it all for you. You wont find that in a BB cream.

How do I apply it?

You can apply your BB cream in numerous ways, as you would your foundation. Apply after you have moisturised with your regular cream and allow that to dry as you would normally. You can use your fingers, a sponge or brush. I generally apply mine using my fingers and dot over my face, then blend in. You can also re-apply and layer it depending on the amount of coverage you are looking for.

BB creams v tinted moisturisers

There is a common myth that BB creams are just tinted moisturizers, but that's not true. BB creams should provide a heavier coverage than the sheerness of tinted moisturizers. True BB creams should contain priming and moisturizing ingredients, vitamin A, C, or E, SPF, anti-aging ingredients, and much more. I mention true, BB creams because there are a lot out there that sell themselves as a BB cream but the ingredients tell a different story.

Select one suitable for your specific skin type
I have dry to combination skin. I would still use my primer alongside my BB cream to give more staying power to my make up application, depending on the look I was aiming for.BB creams are generally fine for all skin types, but you might need to use other products to make them work to your liking.

How much coverage are you looking for?
Some BB creams provide more coverage than others so it's really a trial and error process to find the one that works for you, plus the brand you are using. If you're looking for heavy coverage though, a BB cream probably isn't the right product for you to use alone. I would opt for this with a combination of your regular foundation and powders. I like medium coverage so I use a BB cream and a light powder on top for a lighter, more Summer look. But in Winter, colder months when i am opting for a heavier coverage I would use this and my regular foundation. Certainly with an evening make up I would opt for BB cream plus my foundation and primers as I would want a more pigmented look, with a more long-lasting effect.

 I hope I have helped shed a little light on the world of the "Beauty Balm". Ultimately it is your choice and I am not here to state it is a must that you wear one. However, I hope after reading this it will give you food for thought on how it could work, and if it is the product for you.
Why not try it? 

Here are some of the common brands...

Until next time......
Love and sparkles
Caroline x
Beauty Geek
www.steppingstonestrainingacademy.co.uk





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