BB Cream

Have you guys heard of BB cream?! I know its been around for a little while (and although curious, I was slightly hesitant), but I finally decided to do some research and try it out for myself.  I have to admit, I am very stubborn when it comes to my make-up regimen. I have been wearing make-up for about ten years and have only worn product from a total of four different lines. Before I commit to a product, I try it out; I know what I like, and if I like it, I wear it long and proud until one day another product peaks my interest enough to try it, and the cycle continues. The most recent intrigue? BB cream. There has been a certain amount of mystique around this product – is it a make-up? Is it a moisturizer? What does it do? Who makes it? Well mystique be gone! Today, we are talking about everything BB.

First of all, what is BB? BB stands for beauty balm, blemish balm or blemish base. What does a BB cream do? It is a one-stop-shop make-up product that does several things for you skin including:

Phew! I know, that’s a lot for one little cream to provide, but low and behold – it does! Let me put this into perspective for you. Some make-up routines start with a primer, then an illuminating element, tint or foundation, concealer, cover-up… 30 minutes later you’ve put the cosmetics section of a department store to shame and you have a mask of products on your face. With BB cream, you are getting all the above (and most have a sunscreen!!!) in one swoop, set with powder and you’re done.

Some other things about BB creams: a. it is a type of product, not a brand. Several brands make them now including Dior, Tarte, Clinique, Stila, Bobbi Brown, and more; b. there are levels of coverage within BB creams from lightweight minimal coverage for everyday to full coverage for nights out; c. BB creams are fairly concentrated, so a small amount goes a long way; d. a BB is not a CC (ugh, I know, really?) – a CC is a color correcting skin treatment.

Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm SPF 20

I have been sampling this Too Faced BB, and so far, I LOVE it! I opted for a lightweight one similar to my beloved Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, and although very similar, I do feel like the BB does a bit more for my skin. If by nature, you are not a super make-up-ey kind of gal, I think you might fall in love with this product. It takes a lot of the fuss out of skin make-up while still offering all the results. If by nature, you are a super make-up-ey kind of gal (ahem, guilty), you will love the efficiency this product promises.

I would love to know – who has already discovered and fell in love with a BB?! Is there a particular brand you would recommend?

-Meg

P.S. Confession: even though most of the time no one notices, I feel like a brand new person when I use a new make-up product!