BB Cream: "Miracle in a Bottle" or Pure Hype?
In the last six months, every person I know has asked me for a BB cream recommendation. I haven't seen a beauty product become this wildly popular since the Topsy Tail circa 1991.
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If you've been living in a parallel universe devoid of magazines, websites, and Sephora, I'll break it down for you: BB stands for "beauty balm" or "blemish balm," and these creams have been huge in Asia for years. They recently arrived in the U.S., and they're being touted as "all-in-one miracle creams" that combine skin-care ingredients with SPF and a tint for coverage.
Unfortunately, it's mostly marketing hype. "There's nothing magical about a BB cream," says Washington D.C.-based dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi. But if you're looking for a new tinted moisturizer -- and you're not opposed to paying $35+ -- there are plenty of options.
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However, if you're more of a foundation girl, BB creams aren't for you -- you'll just end up slathering your foundation on top of it to get the amount of coverage you want. And if you're happy with your tinted moisturizer, these probably won't blow you away. That said, if you're looking for coverage that's somewhere between the two, plus a good dose of SPF, try a BB. Just don't go expecting any miracles.
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My Top Pick: Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector, $12.99
I didn't believe anything could top my tinted moisturizer. (I'm dedicated to Jane Iredale Dream Tint SPF15 Tinted Moisturizer, $36, which gives me the perfect amount of sheer coverage, contains sunscreen, and is pretty much the only makeup that doesn't make me break out.) But of all the BB creams I've tried, this one is my favorite, and it's the only one of the bunch that's available at the drugstore. It hasn't replaced my tinted moisturizer, but it's the perfect option if I want a little more coverage, and doesn't make me break out even if I wear it for 18 hours straight.
Runners Up (from my co-workers):
Too Faced Beauty Balm Multi-Benefit Skin Care Makeup, $32
Star Quality: Dewiness
"This gives me a nice dewy glow and works well both alone and under makeup. On the weekends (or when I'm on vacation) I wear it alone for just a bit of coverage and sun protection, but for everyday I apply makeup on top of it. My mother-in-law recently commented that my skin had a beautiful glow -- after a 5-hour plane ride no less! -- and all I was wearing was this beauty balm." -- Sarah Carillo, Senior Editor
Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++, $39
Star Quality: Hydration
"I apply a pump or two of this shimmery liquid to my face and it evens out my skin tone, gives me a youthful glow, and protects me from the sun. I cannot say enough good things about it -- I love it!" -- Audrey Fine, Special Projects Editor
Estee Lauder Daywear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Crème SPF 35, $38
Star Quality: Antioxidants
"I was excited to try this one because of the high SPF content. I'm fair and burn in mere minutes. The consistency is a little thick, but I found that if I mix it with my regular moisturizer, it glides on perfectly. It keeps me feeling protected and helps perfect my complexion. Total win-win." -- Meghan Rabbitt, Executive Editor
Click here to see 4 more BB creams worth checking out.
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