The Buzz About Beauty Balm
By GalTime's Makeup Expert Andrea Ducharme
Here at GalTime, we've got BB cream on the brain!
Also known as "beauty balm" or "blemish balm," chances are you've spotted this "must have" everywhere from magazines to beauty aisles. Maybe you've even seen one in your best friend's makeup bag!
A beauty balm is a moisturizer, primer, anti-aging cream, SPF, and sheer foundation all in one. (Almost sounds too good to be true, right?) Some of the latest formulas have ingredients that promise to improve skin texture and tone, too.
BB creams first exploded in Asia and Europe, and stateside you can now find a mind-boggling array of choices! Here are some of my favorites:
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1. Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream ($12) is available in 2 shades. It's great for normal to dry skin, provides subtle coverage, and offers a nice glow.
2. Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30 ($37) is available in 3 shades. It's perfect for sensitive skin and has a primer effect that helps even out skin tone.
3. Estee Lauder Daywear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme SPF 35 ($37) is available in two shades. It's a great choice for normal to oily skin, and has a nice texture and light, fresh scent.
4. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ ($42) is the most expensive of the group. While not technically labeled a beauty balm, this oil-free cream comes in a whopping 9 shades. It offers up sheer color and sun protection, all while promising to fade those pesky dark spots.
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The right BB cream can replace moisturizer, primer AND foundation. And don't worry your pretty little face about the finding the right shade! Unlike traditional foundation or tinted moisturizer, BB cream is meant to adapt to your skin tone. Most are offered in two to three different shades, and some brands even sell universal hues.
Once you find the formula that works best for you, simply smear a sheer layer all over your face. When you look in the mirror, you may find yourself in love at first sight!
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