BB Cream
This is my favorite fun new product. Depending on who you ask, “BB” stand for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm.” According to squidoo.com in the article “What is BB Cream and why are Asian women so crazy about it?” BB Cream is an all-in-one, on-the-go wonder makeup, which works as a tinted moisturizer, but is so much more. It’s anti-aging, anti-acne, foundation, concealer, sun-protector, resulting in the “no makeup look.” One of the cool things about BB Cream is that it oxidizes on your skin. Meaning, the color actually adjusts to your skin tone after being subjected to the atmosphere (or something like that. I’m a writer, not a bloody scientist!). True, there are many different base tones to chose from, and make sure you sample a lot of these first. Particularly if you’ve got uber-fair skin like me. Remember, this wonder-stuff originated in Asia. Those gals have very different colored skin than me.
There are a gazillion BB Creams on the market now. I’m not one to push a product, and I’ll never get sponsored to host one of those cool “My Favorite Things” parties, but this is the BB Cream I like best so far. Purchased from Han-Mi Gift Center in Japan Town, San Francisco. (Shopping at the store with my sister on my birthday was an adventure in and of itself. The store had soooo many BB Creams to choose from and sample and play with…it was amazing!)
Enpriani
All That B.B.
Whitening
SPF 25 PA++
Base+Foundation
Oil Free
It goes on super smooth and blends almost instantly. For someone who hasn’t worn traditional foundation since the early nineties, I hate the feeling of “stuff” on my face. But, as a girl, I do love playing with makeup. The BB Creams I’ve tried go on thick but then fade to suspiciously light. Within an hour after application, it feels like I have nothing on, although the coverage looks even and perfect. How the devil does that work?
I’m not about to do any kind of demonstration. Heavens! There are a ton of youtube and bloggy tutorials out there. This is my favorite. Watch it and pretend I look like THIS chick.
Here are some other BB Cremes I’ve tried:
Smashbox Camera ready BB Cream SPF 35 (I find this a bit dry for my skin and not as dewy as the others)
Dior Hydra Life BB Cream (This is the thickest of them all and will probably be more suited to someone who needs extra coverage. The color matches my paleness very well but, being Dior, is the most expensive by far. Shocker.)
Boscia BB Cream (I love this too, but only had a sample from the lovely lady at Sephora. I’ll probably go back to this at some point.)
EllishaCoy Premium Gold Mineral BB Cream SPF 45, Whitening, Anti- Wrinkle (This is lovely and creamy but didn’t match my skin tone as well as some of the others.)
Now, go forth. Paint your faces. Have fun!
Ophelia London 