What Is BB Cream & How to use it

If you’re someone who loves skincare and makeup products, then you must have heard about BB creams. BB cream stands for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm.” It is a versatile beauty product that has taken the beauty world by storm. 

In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about BB cream. Scrolling down.

What Is BB Cream?

BB cream is a multi-functional cosmetic product that combines the benefits of skincare and makeup. It is an all-in-one product that moisturizes, conceals, primes, and protects the skin from UV rays. The original concept of BB cream originated in Germany in the 1960s, but it gained popularity in South Korea in the 2000s. Since then, BB creams have become an essential part of skincare and makeup routines worldwide.

BB creams come in different shades and formulas to match various skin types and concerns. They are lightweight, easy to apply, and blend smoothly onto the skin. Unlike traditional foundation, BB cream provides light to medium coverage without clogging pores or feeling heavy on the skin.

Benefits of bb cream

BB creams provide a light and natural coverage, perfect for those looking to even out their skin tone and conceal minor imperfections without the heaviness. Additionally, they often contain moisturizing ingredients, antioxidants, and sun protection, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a daily skincare and makeup solution. The lightweight and breathable formula of BB creams ensures that your skin remains comfortable and well-hydrated throughout the day, making them suitable for various skin types.

Beyond their cosmetic benefits, BB creams also offer protection against harmful UV rays, which is crucial for preventing sun damage, premature aging, and maintaining healthy skin. 

According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City: “BB creams can be a good way to get a quick and easy makeup routine that still provides some skin benefits.” Actually, the convenience of having a primer, foundation, sunscreen, and skincare all in one product makes BB cream an essential addition to many makeup routines, whether you’re going for a natural, “no-makeup” look or building up a more elaborate makeup style. 

How To Apply BB Cream Like A Professional Makeup Artist

Applying BB cream like a professional makeup artist requires a few key steps and techniques to achieve a flawless and natural-looking finish. BB cream, which stands for “blemish balm” or “beauty balm,” is a versatile product that combines skincare benefits with light coverage. Here’s how to apply it like a pro:

Step1: Start with a Clean Canvas

Begin by cleansing your face to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup residues. Follow with your regular skincare routine, including moisturizer and sunscreen.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

  • You’ll need your BB cream, a makeup sponge or brush (depending on your preference), and possibly a primer if you prefer to use one. 
  • Select a BB cream shade that matches your skin tone or is just slightly lighter. It’s essential to find the right shade for a natural look.

Step 3: Apply a Primer (Optional)

If you have large pores or want to extend the wear of your BB cream, apply a primer before the BB cream. This can help create a smoother surface for makeup application.

Step 4: Dispense a Small Amount

Squeeze a small amount of BB cream onto the back of your hand or onto a makeup palette. You can always add more if needed.

Step 5: Dot and Blend

Use your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a brush to dot the BB cream evenly across your face, focusing on areas where you need coverage the most (typically the center of the face). Avoid using too much product; it’s easier to add more if necessary.

Step 6: Blend Gently

Blend the BB cream into your skin using gentle, outward motions. You can use a damp makeup sponge for a sheer, natural finish or a foundation brush for slightly more coverage. Blend well into the hairline, jawline, and neck to avoid harsh lines.

Step 7: Layer if Needed

If you desire more coverage in specific areas, you can layer the BB cream by adding a small amount to those areas and blending it in.

Step 8: Conceal Blemishes

Use a concealer to cover any remaining blemishes or imperfections if needed. Dab the concealer on and blend it into the skin.

Step 9: Finish with Other Makeup (Optional)

  • If you have oily skin or want to enhance the longevity of your BB cream, you can set it with a light, translucent setting powder. Apply sparingly to avoid a heavy, cakey look.
  • You can finish your makeup routine with other products like blush, bronzer, mascara, and lipstick, depending on your preference and the level of coverage you desire.

BB cream can be used as a standalone product or as a base for other makeup products like concealer, powder, or blush. It is perfect for those who want a natural, no-makeup look or for busy individuals who don’t have time for an extensive beauty routine.

BB Cream Vs. Foundation

Coverage

Foundation provides higher coverage than BB cream. It is suitable for those who want to cover severe blemishes, scars, or pigmentation. BB cream, on the other hand, provides light to medium coverage and is best for those who want a natural, everyday look.

Finish

Foundation has a more matte or dewy finish, depending on the formula. It is ideal for those who want a flawless, airbrushed look. BB cream has a more natural finish that enhances the skin’s texture and glow.

Formula

Foundation formulas are thicker and heavier than BB cream. They require more effort to blend and may clog pores or cause breakouts. BB cream formulas are lightweight, comfortable to wear, and suitable for all skin types.

Sun Protection

Most BB creams contain SPF protection that shields the skin from harmful UV rays. Foundations may or may not have SPF, and you need to apply sunscreen separately.

Overall, BB cream is a more versatile and convenient option than foundation, especially for those who prefer a minimalistic approach to beauty.

BB cream vs. cc cream

BB cream provides a balanced blend of light coverage, hydration, and sun protection, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a natural, everyday look with added skincare benefits. CC cream, on the other hand, focuses on color correction and complexion improvement, offering more coverage and targeted solutions for issues like redness or uneven skin tone. 

Choosing between them depends on your desired level of coverage and specific skincare concerns, with BB cream perfect for a fresh and effortless appearance and CC cream tailored to those seeking to address color-related imperfections while enjoying the advantages of skincare ingredients.

FAQ

  1. Can I use BB cream as a moisturizer? BB cream contains moisturizing ingredients that hydrate the skin, but it cannot replace a dedicated moisturizer. If you have dry skin, apply a moisturizer before using BB cream for optimal hydration.
  2. Is BB cream suitable for oily skin? Yes, BB cream is suitable for oily skin as it has a lightweight formula that doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts. Look for oil-free or mattifying formulas that control shine and provide a natural finish.
  3. Can I wear BB cream to the gym? It’s not recommended to wear BB cream to the gym as it can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Instead, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen that provides sun protection without interfering with your workout.
  4. How often should I reapply BB cream? If you spend considerable time outdoors, it’s recommended to reapply BB cream every two hours to maintain its SPF protection. However, if you’re indoors, you can wear BB cream for up to eight hours without touching up.
  5. Can BB cream replace my foundation? It depends on your desired coverage level and skin type. If you want high coverage or have severe blemishes, foundation might be a better option. In case you prefer a natural, everyday look, BB cream can replace your foundation.

Final Takeaway

BB cream is a versatile beauty product that combines the benefits of skincare and makeup. It provides light to medium coverage, hydrates the skin, and protects from UV rays. Whether you’re a busy individual who wants a quick beauty routine or someone who loves minimalistic looks, BB cream is an excellent addition to your makeup bag. With this guide, we hope you now know everything about BB cream and can make an informed decision when choosing one for yourself.

Best Bronzer for Acne-Prone Skin: Achieve a Sun-Kissed Glow Without Aggravating Your Acne

If you’re looking to add a natural-looking tan to your skin, bronzer is the perfect cosmetic product for you! It’s specifically designed to give you a sun-kissed glow that looks amazing all year round. It is applied to create the appearance of a natural-looking tan, enhance facial features, add warmth to the complexion, and create the illusion of a slimmer face or body. It is often applied to areas where the sun would naturally hit the skin, such as the forehead, cheekbones, nose, and jawline.

When it comes to makeup, bronzer is always a must-have even when you want to go for a soft natural or a full glam look. However, like other cosmetic products, bronzer might aggravate people with sensitive, acne-prone skin. If you’re worried about your skin getting worse after applying makeup, let us help you find the best bronzer for acne-prone skin.

Top 10 Best Bronzers for Acne Prone Skin

e.l.f. Putty Bronzer: bronzer is one of the most affordable items on the market. It is infused with hydrating ingredients like Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil, making it a great option for those with acne-prone skin. There are many e.l.f. putty bronzer review on social media and shopping websites, many consumers love its highly pigmented formula, which they say provides a natural-looking tan without appearing orange or muddy. Another major selling point of the L.F. Bronzer appears to be its long-lasting effect. Numerous customers have noted that the bronzer lasts for several hours without fading or smudging, making it an ideal option for those who want a long-wearing cosmetic product. However, a minority of people experienced oily products and patchy finish, which we think the transportation might affect the bronzer’s quality.

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Bronze Stick: This is one of the high-end products on our list that will definitely satisfy you. It’s also oil-free and non-comedogenic so consumers with acne or acne-prone skin won’t have to worry about getting their acne aggravated. According to customer reviews, the product lives up to its claims, with many users praising its smooth and easy application. Many customers have used the bronzer stick not only for contouring and adding definition to the face but also as an eyeshadow and lipstick and surprisingly it works perfectly. The price of this product might upset many potential customers as this is a high-end product and a lot of consumers are not willing to spend that much money on a bronze. You can find Rare Beauty bronzer stick swatches on its official website for the most accurate swatches of each product,

Charlotte Tilbury Cream Bronzer: Another bronzing product on our list is from Charlotte Tilbury. This is a bronzer that has a silky, lightweight formula that blends easily and gives skin a luminous, sculpted look with parabens and sulfates. Like other high-end products, this bronzer gives users a flawless, natural, subtle yet radiant look. However, many people complained that this product is not pigmented enough and is way too expensive and overpriced.

Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer: This long-wear bronzer has a soft-matte finish that helps to absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores. Like most products in this list, it’s also non-comedogenic and free of oils and fragrances which works well on customers with acne. People compliment this product for its inclusiveness as well as the lightweight, smooth finish on their skin. And of course, this high-end product is not for those who are on a budget.

Huda Beauty Tantour Contour & Bronzer Cream: This product has everything an acne-prone skin wants, vitamin E and argan oil. Huda bronzer is available in 5 shades with cream formula which is perfect for people with dry skin. Many people love how this is a vegan product and its long-lasting effect on their makeup. However, it is claimed that the amount of product in each item is not enough and not worth the consumers’ money.

Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer: Here is another vegan, cruelty-free bronzer that is lightweight, blendable and gives skin a natural-looking matte finish with 0 parabens and sulfates in the ingredients. Milk bronzer is liked by many customers thanks to its blendable and smooth texture that doesn’t smudge everywhere or is transferable. There is a problem with the packaging as there are people who have experienced damaged twisting mechanisms.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Bronzer: This talc-free bronzer has a silky texture that helps to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines. It’s also non-comedogenic with no oils and fragrances which is perfect for skin with acne problems. A lot of people love how this product does not have heavy pigment which makes it a perfect product to be able to put on your face and just get that sun-kissed look. But there are also customers who found IT bronzer too orange and didn’t look natural on them.

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder: Last but not least, it’s an item from Laura Mercier. Laura Mercier declared on their website that this product is non-dusting and non-drying with no fragrance and it has been approved by dermatologists. If you’re into a subtle, natural look you might like this as this product does not have any glitter in it. However, Laura Mercier bronzer is claimed to be dry and chalky on some consumers’ skins, which is understandable since this bronzer is in powder form.

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer – This bronzer is highly recommended by many beauty enthusiasts and is known for its lightweight, non-greasy formula that is gentle on the skin. Many customers claim that this product smells really good, easy to apply and long-lasting. But many consumers experienced damaged products which we can blame on the transportation, and others said that this bronzer was too orange.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer – Clay bronzer by Tarte contains Amazonian clay, which helps to absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores, making it a great option for those with acne-prone skin. Customers love how this product’s finish looks so natural on their skin as well as its pigmentation. But there are people who have used this product and said that this bronzer was not water-proof and easily transferred to their clothing.

How to Use Bronzer

If you are into makeup, you must have at least a bronzer in your makeup kit. But do you know how to use bronzer correctly so you can achieve that tanned, sun-kissed look, we don’t think so. If you’re struggling with it, here’s a tutorial for you.

Choose the right shade: You should always go for a bronzer that complements your skin as well as gives your face a warmer shade. For a natural-looking glow, choose one that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin.

Prep your skin: Remember to clean and moisturize your skin before applying makeup. You can use micellar water as a gentle cleanser and then put on moisturizer and primer for a smoother makeup look.

Apply foundation: After using primer, you can put on your foundation now. You can add a little bit of toner into your foundation for a lighter, more natural base.

Apply bronzer: Using a bronzer brush, apply the bronzer to the areas of your face where the sun would naturally hit, such as your forehead, cheeks, and nose. Start with a light application and build up the color as desired.

Blend: Blending is super important so you should be patient with this step as there are many bronzers that are hard to blend. 

Finish with powder: Set your makeup with a translucent powder to ensure it stays in place all day. We highly recommend you try out the baking technique if you want your base to stay still all day on oily skin.

Where to Put Bronzer and Highlight

If you have already added definition to your face, there should be highlights as well. Highlight is probably one of the most underrated steps ever so people usually skip it when they do makeup. But if you want a cohesive, natural, bright look, bronzer and highlight are the combo that you must have.

Bronzer: Apply bronzer to the areas of your face like your forehead, temples, cheekbones, and jawline since those are places where the sun hits. You can also apply it lightly to the bridge of your nose and chin for a more defined, natural face. Don’t forget to blend it into your skin.

Highlight: Apply highlight to the high points of your face where light would naturally hit or areas that you want to draw attention to, such as the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, cupid’s bow, and the inner corners of your eyes. You can also apply it lightly to the bridge of your nose and chin to add extra glow. 

Bronzers have always been a must in every girl’s bag for years as they can pull off any style or makeup look that you want. From a subtle, natural, radiant style to a full glamor, bronzers always successfully bring warmth and definition to your face. If you haven’t got yourself any or you’re planning on buying some more bronzers, check out our list, we’re pretty sure that you can find one that you like.