IMAGE: SHOWBIT
Who knew that the BB trend would continue for so long? The all-in-one product is either a hit or miss for most people. Initially marketed as a healthy option for the pimple-prone, BB creams (or Blemish Balms) are now seen as a one-stop replacement for foundation and sunscreen.
I have to admit that I am generally apprehensive of BB creams since my first horrible encounter with them ended in disaster (pimples galore for two weeks!). Thankfully though, BB creams have come a long way. From different applicators to different textures, the variety is endless. You won’t have time to try them all, so here are my favourite BB creams that I recommend for different skin types.
DULL SKIN
Stress and environmental pollutants can cause our skin to lack suppleness and “glow”. While you slather on creams to battle the problem, Dr Jart+’s Radiance BB cream will give your skin the glow it needs to tide it through. The brand infused this BB cream with brightening vitamin capsules that burst upon application, which according to the brand give your skin a natural radiant glow. The brand even claims that these vitamin capsules can make any dull skin look gorgeously bright.
DEHYDRATED SKIN
Laneige’s BB Cushion ranks high on my list for its hydration properties. The Korean brand touts itself as being the first to release a BB Cushion on the market. If you are new to BB cushions, think of them like your regular compact powder but with a sponge dispenser instead.
There are two reasons why I love the Laneige BB Cushion. Although it is still technically a liquid BB cream, the Laneige BB Cushion has an extremely fine and fluid texture. Coupled with the unique cushion dispenser and sponge applicator, the BB cream absorbs into your skin with ease. Giving you sheer dewy coverage that makes your skin look supple and very moisturised. For oily skin types, or if you simply prefer a matte finish, dust on some loose powder after application and you’ll be all set.
SENSITIVE AND IRRITATED SKIN
Sensitive and irritated skin mainly results from two factors: You were either born with it, or you were overzealous in your skincare regime and your skin decided to rebel. Either way, if your skin is beginning to feel overworked and finicky, try Ettusais’s new BB Mineral Gel. The lightweight gel contains a mixture of moisturising and soothing ingredients, such as double-hyaluronic acid and glycerin. According to Ettusais, these moisturising agents work to calm and soothe irritated skin. Giving you a BB that masks your imperfections while helping you correct them.
OILY SKIN
Despite having dry skin now, I was an oily skin sufferer in my early teenage years ‒ so trust me when I say I know the pains of having to blot your face or wipe it with tissue all day. If you suffer from oily skin, belif’s Tinted Moisturizer Powdery B.B. may work well for you. The Korean skincare brand has a range of BB creams for most skin types, but its powdery BB for oily skin is the one I’m after.
I have a soft spot for makeup products with skincare benefits, and belif’s BB cream fits the description perfectly. The cream contains a natural plant extract that is said to control the skin’s production of sebum. Together with the brand’s signature blend of herbs in its formula, belif’s Tinted Moisturizer Powdery B.B. packs antioxidant and anti-blemish properties. A naturally-derived cream that acts to prevent blemishes, seriously, what’s there not to love?
COMBINATION SKIN
Oily on your T-zone but dry everywhere else? Kose’s Sekkisei White BB Cream is a great option. In my interview with Taiwanese Celebrity Ariel Lin in April 2014, the petite beauty revealed that she had combination skin, and that this BB cream works well for her (yes, I know she is the spokesperson of the brand, but with so many products, she still chose this one to highlight!).
What is often raved about this BB cream is how blendable and lightweight it is. According to Kose, the texture is extremely soft and fluid, making it easy to mask large pores and uneven surfaces on your skin. The BB cream uses the same philosophy and ingredients as its Sekkisei skin care range, containing ingredients that are said to brighten and hydrate your skin. So expect a beauty balm that covers imperfections while working to moisturise and brighten your skin.
MATURE SKIN
Ageing is a scary thing, but thankfully there are products that have been designed to work with mature skin and the skin care issues that come with it. Lancome UV Expert XL-Shield BB Complete is made with technology that is said to prevent pigmentation and premature ageing. The BB cream comes complete with ingredients that refine pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines, giving you a makeup product that doubles-up as a an anti-ageing fighter.
Belif Tinted Moisturizer Powdery B.B., $33, is available from all belif stores. For more information, visit www.belif.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.
Ettusais BB Mineral Gel, $38, is available from June at all ettusais counters. For more information, visit www.ettusais.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.
Dr Jart+’s Radiance Beauty Balm, $47, is available at selected Guardian and Sa Sa stores. For more information, visit and follow the brand on Facebook.
KOSÉ Sekkisei White BB Cream, $39, is available from all KOSÉ counters. For more information, visit www.kose.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.
Laneige BB cushion, $59, is available at all Laneige stores. For more information, visit www.laneige.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.
Lancôme UV Expert XL-Shield BB Complete, $75, is available from all Lancôme counters. For more information, visit www.lancome.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.
