BB creams have become extremely popular lately! I honestly thought BB cream was the name of a foundation from Cover Girl. I don’t really stay up on products, clearly. When every cosmetic company under the sun started coming out with BB cream, it became clear this was not just a Cover Girl thing. Come to find out, BB cream is a really cool foundation/SPF/serum/moisturizer! What a concept! But-is it really that effective? Does it work?
BB cream is short for beauty balm or blemish balm. It was developed by a German dermatologist who was looking for a product he could apply to his clients who had just had a laser treatment. He wanted to give them light coverage while protecting their skin from the sun and replenishing their skin after the treatment. Clever guy.
Many BB Creams actually contain several ingredients that are in mineral make up, namely zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These minerals provide sun protection. BB cream also contains light reflecting mica, which is a common ingredient in mineral make up to give the skin a bright look.
BB creams also contain antioxidants and vitamins, like A, E, and C. Some contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin which help to moisturize and nourish the skin.
One problem is that BB creams come in a limited number of shades so it can be tricky finding the shade that is right for you. Another problem is chemicals, You guessed it! I have yet to find a brand that I’m comfortable with the listed ingredients.
Coverage is light on most BB creams, almost like a tinted moisturizer. SPF is usually 30+ and the jury is out on whether substantial moisturizing and anti aging is happening. I personally have never used a BB cream, but I would love to hear what you all think! Share!!
Oh, and of course, there will be a DIY recipe coming mid week because I LOVE this concept-and how easy would it be to add some beneficial oils to our mineral make up to feed our skin?? So easy and effective! Stay tuned!
I love Avon’s BB cream! I have blotchy, acne prone skin, (yes… even at 36). It evens out my skin tone, moisturizes, & brightens w/o feeling heavy & made-up! In warmer months, I wear it alone. In colder months, I wear it under a light foundation for added coverage. Love, love, love my BB cream!
my all time fave too, I’m 38 and find it perfect
Do you have a DIY for BB cream, or do you know a natural one to use? You are amazing, and I always look forward to your post. Thanks for all you do, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Barbara Ann-I have a liquid foundation recipe so it might be what you’re looking for-find it HERE. Hope this helps and thank you!
Who knew?! Great post! Looking forward to your recipe!
Loved the stuff but after using for about 2-3 wks started having same reactions that I have when using sunscreens to my face. I am a natural redhead, but have just enough Indian in my bloodline that I do not have the traditional coloring of a redhead, but most of the same sensitivities as one. That being said, I would love to continue to use, by formulating my own, just need a little direction! I do use sunscreen on my face, but only certain ones, most pure. I also usually only apply once as I also always have hat & sunglasses on when at beach or pool. One app has always been significant for me with all the other & not so fair complexion.
Jennifer, love your blogs and all of the helpful, insightful info. Thanks for sharing!!
Also a redhead! Redhead skin is SO sensitive! I’m 1/8 Sioux and 1/8 Irish, know exactly what you are saying!
Waiting for your DIY recipe! 🙂
I have used Boscia’s BB cream and love it! It is light weight and blends in well. The coverage was great and didn’t cause my oily skin to break out (which is a true test for me). Can’t wait to see your DIY!
I have used the Loreal BB and i like it, but the shades are limited. I can’t use it for more than a few days in a row or else my skin will start to get weird- flaky, dry, bumpy etc. I hate putting alcohol on my face! I usually stick with just a pure tinted moisturizer but I would love a recipe for something that has more skin benefits!
Missha bb cream is the best I’ve found. Their Perfect Cover line has a wonderful range of shades, and their Signature Real Complete line uses mostly natural ingredients.
Rose-thanks for sharing! I’ll check it out!
Hey there, just saw this post and wanted to share with you that I have been using carenMinerals BB cream which has a pretty clean ingredient list of Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Organic Beeswax, Organic Jojoba Oil, Kaolin Clay. I’ve been super pleased with all of their products, although they are not necessarily on the cheap side!
Jamie, thanks for the suggestion!! I’ll check it out!
Loving your DIY’s and blog. I am certain we were seperated at birth
Sherry! Thank you so much!!
Looking forward to this one!!