Beauty Balm creams or BB creams as they are widely called, originated in Germany but became popular in Asia. They are like a cocktail of ingredients that when put together, forms the perfect combination for your skin in one jar, saving you tonnes of time in your beauty regimen. Not surprising with all the promises of a beauty balm, where in Asian women are known to layer numerous skin care creams in one setting. Some beauty balms can have up to ten promises in one product! Read on get some tips on choosing the right BB cream for you.
The first thing to look for in a beauty balm is sun protection. Most BB creams do have some level of sun protection, some more than others. Look for one that has at least 25 SPF and even so, layer over another SPF cream of at least 30 in the summer but can be used alone in the winter months. Great options are Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30, Maybelline Dream Fresh BB which also has SPF 30 and Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35.
The second most important thing to look out for when choosing a beauty balm is the color options of the brand. Since maybe 99% of beauty balms are tinted, one shade does not fit all. Not that you should look for one that matches your complexion perfectly. Since the coverage is light, shade matching does not have to be as precise as choosing a foundation or concealer. Look for a line that has at least 4 shades that may have a shade that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Great options are Maybelline Dream Fresh BB which has 5 shades and Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 and Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm SPF 20.
Another important thing to look for when choosing a BB is the promises that each product has. In order to do so, first assess what your skin concerns are and the ingredients that are most important to address those concerns. If your concern is hyperpigmentation ie, dark spots, acne scars and age spots, look for ones that evens skin tone, brightens and banish imperfections. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty contains Arbutin to erase unwanted dark spots. If you are experiencing dehydration and want a cream to hydrate throughout the day, Dior Hydra Life BB Créme SPF 30 is a great option. If you have more mature skin and is looking for firming and lifting properties, Hydroxotone Anti-Aging BB Cream is great and so is Boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 which promises to diminish the appearance of pores and fine lines.
Another important thing to look for when choosing a BB is the promises that each product has. In order to do so, first assess what your skin concerns are and the ingredients that are most important to address those concerns. If your concern is hyperpigmentation ie, dark spots, acne scars and age spots, look for ones that evens skin tone, brightens and banish imperfections. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty contains Arbutin to erase unwanted dark spots. If you are experiencing dehydration and want a cream to hydrate throughout the day, Dior Hydra Life BB Créme SPF 30 is a great option. If you have more mature skin and is looking for firming and lifting properties, Hydroxotone Anti-Aging BB Cream is great and so is Boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 which promises to diminish the appearance of pores and fine lines.
