Everything You Need to Know About BB Cream

So you might be familiar with all the different types of foundation — from powder to cream, and even a revolutionary serum-like water foundation — but what is BB cream, exactly? What’s more, how do you properly apply it for a flawless finish? And does it fall into the foundation category, or is it a primer — or both?!

Don’t fret questioning this rather floundering foundation creation. Besides, the cryptic name “BB cream” doesn’t tell us much at all, so that’s why we’ve created this helpful BB guide. Stop searching, because we (the self-proclaimed foundation experts) are here to bring you the full scoop on all things BB cream, and to shed light on this multi-tasking foundation.

What Is BB Cream?

BB stands for ‘blemish balm’ or ‘beauty balm’, but it does more than just your standard tinted face cream. BB creams are specially formulated to act as a 3-in-1 foundation. Working together, the three elements of any flawless complexion should consist of foundation, primer, and moisturizer.

BB Creams exploded onto the K-Beauty scene when Korean women wanted alternatives to traditional foundations, which were too heavy and thick for their evolving beauty preferences. While a BB cream is more lightweight than the usual cream foundation, it still offers medium to full coverage as a normal foundation!

Why Use BB Cream?

We’re not suggesting that you can use a BB cream to replace skincare, but we are touting its multi-tasking abilities to shorten your beauty routine. We recommend you follow a daily morning and night skincare routine. If you don’t know where to start, and you want a multi-faceted skin regimen, try a Korean skincare routine to keep your complexion healthy and glowing. For a more simplified yet effective skin regimen, try a daytime skincare routine and nighttime routine to cover all your essential skin bases.

What you need to know is that your skin is constantly absorbing everything it touches. That includes sunlight, pollution, and yes — even the skincare ingredients and cosmetics you put on your skin. The biggest perk of a natural BB cream is that you’re enjoying smooth coverage without the chemicals found in conventional cosmetics. Makeup should be as healthy as skincare, and skincare should come without any harmful toxins that can irritate the skin. We think that’s a pretty easy argument to make!

We’re all about working smarter, not harder. A natural BB cream is meant to moisturize while providing flawless coverage on top of your daily skin routine. Our BB cream contains antiseptic lavender and rosemary to refresh and soothe skin. Skin-nourishing aloe vera, vitamin E, and shea butter make this formula a great choice for normal to dry skin types. Bilberry and raspberry seed oil lock in moisture to help promote smoother, more youthful skin.

How does BB cream look on the skin?

Our natural BB cream's lightweight texture and adjustable coverage make it perfect for a no-makeup look or the base for long-lasting makeup. If you’re short on time, blending a layer onto your face to even out your skin tone and texture will have you out the door fast with minimal time spent but still looking fresh, ready, and radiant.

How To Apply BB Cream Like A Professional Makeup Artist

Practice makes perfect when it comes to applying this beauty balm, and believe us, once you master the art form, you’ll feel like a true pro. Follow along below while we give you a handy step-by-step on BB cream application!

STEP 1:

Apply a small amount of formula to the back of your hand; we recommend starting with a dime to nickel-size dollop. BB cream shouldn’t go on your face as a thick paste. It’s there to act as a thin veil of foundation, not feel like a thick layer of frosting.

STEP 2:

Start by dipping your kabuki brush into the formula and lightly dotting it around your face. Make sure to hit all the main points, like the forehead, chin, cheeks, and nose. This will help to distribute your dots of BB cream evenly.

STEP 3:

Using your kabuki brush, gently stipple and pat your BB cream around your skin in circular motions. You’re going to tap and pat, not pull and smear. Start at the center of your face and work your way outward. When you get to your chin and neck area, make sure to gently buff, blend, and buff some more so as to not leave a hard foundation line.

STEP 4:

After applying and buffing in your first layer of BB cream, take a few seconds to assess. Are there any small areas that need a little more love to cover a scar, dark circles, or discoloration? If the answer is yes, tap on a few more small dots and gently blend. It’s much easier to add layers than to take them away.

By understanding where to apply these techniques, you can enhance your natural features and achieve a flawless complexion. Remember, the key is to blend seamlessly for a natural look. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle, everyday glow or a more dramatic effect, BB cream can be your go-to product. Experiment with different shades and application techniques to find what works best for you. With a little practice, you’ll be able to achieve a professional makeup artist’s results right at home.