BB cream – what is it, recommendations for selection and application

More and more new products are appearing on the modern market of cosmetic preparations, so the usual foundation is no longer in trend, it is gradually being replaced by other means. The BB-tonal cream is one of such alternative preparations. The journalists decided to figure out what kind of cosmetics it is, how it differs from others, what properties it has, how to choose and use it correctly.

What is this cosmetic product

Professional make-up artists call this cosmetic product – tonal BB-cream, girls and women who use it call it 'bibik'. In fact, BB cream is a kind of cross between foundation and skin care product. This drug acts on the skin in a complex manner. On the one hand, it performs a decorative function, that is, it hides the aesthetic imperfections of the dermis, corrects the relief and shade. On the other hand, the cream has moisturizing, nourishing, regenerating properties.

Why does this tool have a BB prefix in its name? Experts differ on this score. Some experts decipher the abbreviation as 'Blemish Balm', that is, literally 'balm that fights against skin imperfections'. Others are inclined to believe that BB is a 'Beauty Balm', that is, a 'beauty balm'. But the essence is about the same – the BB tonal cream is a fairly new means of decorative cosmetics for the face, a hybrid between the tonal cream and five or six other cosmetic preparations, including a primer, a concealer, and a sunscreen with a UV filter.

The prototype of the BB cream was invented in the mid-1900s by the German dermatologist K. Schrammeck. The fact that the product and its hybrid universal formula were invented by a doctor, and not by an employee of a cosmetics company, speaks for itself. At that time, bibik was recommended for women who underwent a minimally invasive or aggressive facial procedure, for example, peeling. Dr. Schrammeck's cream helped not only mask imperfections in the skin, but at the same time soothed and healed irritated dermis.

After a while, the Koreans remembered the miraculous formula. And 30 years after the invention, the BB-tonal cream began to be produced on an industrial scale to the delight of all women in the world who suffer from the imperfection of their own skin.

What is the difference between BB and CC, DD, EE drugs

Surely you have met on the shelves of cosmetics stores not only tonal BB cream, but also CC cream. And you don't quite understand what is the difference between these cosmetic products. In fact, the difference is small. The abbreviation CC in the name of the foundation stands for 'Color Corrector', that is, 'color correction'. This means that CC-cream has extended properties in relation to bibik. It also improves the appearance and 'well-being' of the skin. But it can additionally correct dermis discoloration. This product will become indispensable for women who regularly face the following problems:

1. Bruises under the eyes. Moreover, the cream helps to hide defects that have arisen due to lack of sleep or due to the influence of other negative external factors, as well as defects that are constantly present – due to a too thin dermis under the lower eyelids.

2. Oily shine inherent in problem or combination skin. CC-cream, in contrast to tonal BB-cream, has a less dense, more delicate texture, perfectly masking traces of sebaceous secretions of the skin.

Most CC creams are white cosmetics that, when applied to the dermis, begin to activate their own color pigments and adapt to the type of skin of a particular person. Summing up, we can say that CC-cream is the same BB-cream, only with special properties to correct deviations in the pigmentation of the skin on the face.

The difference between the BB-tonal cream and the preparation marked DD is that the latter is intended mainly for aging (aging, fading) skin. The abbreviation DD stands for 'Dynamic Do-All', that is, 'do everything at the same time' – it is a complex drug. In this case, the properties of DD-cream appear gradually. At first, only the masking effect is noticeable, which is the main task of the foundation. And after several weeks of regular use, DD-cream saturates the skin with nutrients and the aging process is inhibited. Unlike BB cream, DD is not suitable for oily dermis prone to inflammation.

A drug labeled EE is not an ordinary foundation, it is a so-called 'extra peeling' for deep and thorough cleansing of the skin and obtaining a detox effect. As a rule, such preparations contain granules of mineral substances, algae, and other plant components, for example, particles of oatmeal and bamboo. Cream marked EE should not be used every day and it is not suitable for owners of dark skin, as it brightens the dermis.

Why is BB cream useful?

The difference between BB-cream and classic foundation is in the saturation of pigments and in the component composition. The foundation contains from 70 to 90% pigment substances. The main purpose of this tool is to camouflage imperfections and aesthetic defects of the skin. There are few useful components in it. And in BB-cream, the percentage of pigments is quite low – at the level of 10-30%. Everything else is the base and active ingredients – substances useful for the skin. Thanks to this composition, the bibik does not clog into the pores and does not create a continuous mask on the face, which resembles a layer of plaster.

The main properties of a modern BB foundation, thanks to which this product is gradually replacing the classic foundation from the market:

1. Fully performs the function of a foundation, that is, evens out the shade of the dermis, as well as its relief. Masks small and large-scale defects – redness, acne, enlarged pores, vascular mesh, comedones, blackheads, small scars and scars, age spots.

2. Serves as a base for other decorative cosmetics, for example, for powder and blush.

3. Contains SPF filters, which means it protects the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays in summer and winter.

4. It soothes the skin, relieves irritation, and prevents the development of inflammatory processes.

5. Stimulates the processes of tissue healing and self-healing of the dermis.

6. Some products in this category contain ingredients that help to slow down the aging process of the skin on the face.

7. Most modern BB foundations have a light and airy texture, which is an advantage when compared to conventional foundations by this criterion. They contain mineral components, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and B, collagen, extracts from plant plants and natural plant oils. Experts say that BB cream cannot become a full-fledged substitute for a moisturizing or anti-aging drug, but it is definitely a progressive, improved analogue of a traditional foundation, an improved version of this decorative cosmetics, so to speak.

Types of tonal BB-creams

Despite the fact that all modern BB creams have almost the same composition and similar properties, they can still be conditionally divided into several types. For example, there is a BB foundation with a regular and mattifying effect, as well as a light shine effect. Mattifying creams, as a rule, are produced by Korean firms, since in this country a humid climate and shiny, as if wet skin is not in fashion there. But in the lines of European brands, you can find cosmetics that give the dermis a gentle glow.

Also on store shelves you can find BB-tonal creams with a large number of moisturizing ingredients in the composition. Such preparations are ideal for girls and women who regularly experience problems with dry dermis. The main components of such products are natural extracts and extracts from medicinal plants, vegetable oils and vitamin and mineral complexes.

Another criterion by which you can divide tonal BB-creams into types is the country of origin. Before buying such a decorative cosmetics product, it should be borne in mind that the Korean and European counterparts have cardinal differences. As mentioned above, the Koreans are dominated by preparations with a matting effect, suitable for oily and combination skin. And European brands also produce preparations that give the dermis a slight glow. Also, in their lines, as a rule, there are quite a lot of shades of preparations for the skin of different colors, and Korean firms have several options in their assortment mainly for light dermis. There are also a number of differences:

There are often whitening ingredients in Korean BB tonal creams. And in Europe, the emphasis is on ingredients that moisturize and tone the skin.

Korean preparations have a rich and denser texture; it is more advisable to remove them with oil-based products, for example, a two-phase liquid. And the products of European brands can be easily removed from the skin using micellar water.

With regard to the quality and safety of products, then, if we are talking about brands with a worldwide reputation, the quality of tonal BB-creams does not depend on the country where they are produced. Both Korean and European drugs perform their function equally well and have a positive effect on the skin.

Also, different tonal BB creams differ in texture. The most popular are liquid products, as this is the traditional consistency for foundation. Recently, a novelty has appeared – BB-creams in the form of cushons – sponges with liquid contents inside. When pressing on the sponge, a certain amount of the drug is released from it, which is applied to the epidermis with light patting, as if 'driving' movements.

There are also specialized BB-creams in the assortment of modern cosmetic brands. For example, BB cream for men. The characteristics of men's BB creams are not very different from those of women. They are also designed to care for the skin of the face and hide imperfections, aesthetic defects that arise with age, due to stress, hard work, lack of sleep and poor nutrition. The main properties of decorative cosmetics for men:

1. Effectively lighten age spots.

2. Regulates sebum production.

3. Thoroughly mask enlarged pores and comedones.

4. Mattifies the surface of the face.

5. They have a high sun protection factor (usually SPF50 +), which provides powerful protection against the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.

6. The most popular foundations for the stronger sex are Missha Homme BB Cream, Skin79 Homme BB Cream for Men, SKINFOOD BB Cream for Men.

Another type of BB-foundation is a roller bib for skin care around the eyes. It acts as a corrector and highlighter, effectively hiding bags and bruises under the eyes, and also relieves puffiness of the eyelids. And at the same time it nourishes the delicate epidermis, saturates it with useful substances, increases the ability to resist the negative effects of environmental factors. If you want to try the BB Foundation for the eye area, our experts recommend testing Klorane products with cornflower extract.

How to choose a cream depending on the color and type of skin

In order for the use of a BB tonal cream to bring the desired result, the cosmetic preparation must correspond to the type of the woman's skin. And although there are a large number of universal products designed to meet the needs of all skin types, when choosing, you still need to pay attention to some nuances:

1. If you have oily or combination skin, be sure to test the texture of your BB foundation. To do this, you need to take a few samples from a stationary store and apply the cream to the skin on the back of your hands. The consistency of the preparation should not be too thick, the texture should be light, not perceptible on the skin. In no case should the cream make the dermis heavier, clog pores, or provoke an oily sheen. Do not forget about the finish – it must be matte. Avoid buying products labeled 'for radiant skin'. It is good if the packaging is marked 'oil-free', and the list of components contains natural absorbents, herbal extracts and extracts.

2. If you have not only oily, but also problem skin, you need to choose a tonal BB cream, which contains components that will help fight the problem. An additional argument in favor of choosing a product will be the presence in its formula of antiseptic and regenerative ingredients, thermal water, hydrolipids, vitamins (especially group B) and minerals.

3. If you have dry skin, a BB foundation with a dense, but at the same time quite watery consistency is suitable for you. Too thick preparation can provoke even greater dryness of the skin. For your skin type, bibiki are ideal, which contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vegetable oils and other useful components that improve the moisture level of the epidermis.

It is not difficult to choose a tonal BB cream in accordance with the shade of the skin. Firstly, as a rule, they do not produce a large assortment of shades within one line. Each company makes 2-3, maximum 6 options, among which you have to choose. Secondly, the BB-tonal cream adapts well to the complexion and looks quite natural on almost any skin. The only advice our experts give regarding the choice of a bibik to match the skin color – try to choose the closest shade from those presented in the line, you should not specially lighten or darken the skin with the help of a tonal BB cream.

What else to consider when choosing a BB-cream foundation

There are a few more factors to consider when choosing a BB foundation. For example, the composition is very important. The beneficial substances that can be in the composition of a cosmetic product are numerous. Each company is trying to implement its own developments and include in its products a variety of substances that improve the condition of the skin. You can easily find tonal BB creams that contain:

1. Peptides and antioxidants, vitamins B, C, A, E.

2. Anti-aging ingredients, for example, snail extract is very popular with bibik manufacturers. It is the snail mucin that has a strong therapeutic effect on the skin, accelerates the regeneration process, restores water balance, nourishes the epidermis, and prevents the occurrence of various flaws and defects.

3. Stem cells from plants, such as grapes, are responsible for softening the skin.

4. Collagen, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, elastin, allantoin, panthenol, pearl extract – increase the moisture and firmness, elasticity of the facial skin.

5. Extracts of ginseng, green tea, shea butter and jojoba are components that nourish the epidermis.

6. Licorice, arbutin – these substances help to normalize the shade of the skin.

7. Minerals – not only revitalize the skin, but also give it a glowing effect.

8. Dimethicone, a crosspolymer – not particularly useful components, but they can increase the elasticity of the skin, smooth it, and even out the relief.

9. Substances with sunscreen properties – create a reliable filter against ultraviolet rays, slow down the processes of photoaging of the skin. If the composition contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the effect is enhanced.

But in the formula of many drugs there are also harmful, synthetic ingredients. They are included in the composition of the cream so that it is better applied, has a pleasant smell, and is stored open longer. And yet it is better to buy that BB-cream tonal, in which there are more natural ingredients than synthetic ones. If cosmetics contain alcohols (ethyl alcohol, ethanol or alcohol), silicones (silicone), mineral oil (mineral oil), parabens (paraben), preservatives (butyl, ethyl, methyl paraben) – these are components that harm the skin. The higher in the list of ingredients they are, the more they are in the cream. If they are in the first positions, then the product will dry out the skin, clog the pores, and prevent the epidermis from breathing.

In addition to the composition, when choosing a BB cream, the following factors should also attract your attention:

1. Shelf life – the shorter it is, the more natural ingredients the product contains. Accordingly, you cannot use the foundation after the expiration date, even if there is still a lot of it left, it smells normal and has not changed its consistency. Just as you don't eat expired foods, you don't need to nourish your skin with creams of dubious quality.

2. Manufacturer and price. It is better to give preference to proven Japanese (Missha, Secret Key, Mizon, Holika-Holika, Tony Moly), European and American (Shiseido, Lancome, Hydra Zen, Max Factor, Guerlain, Revlon, Clarins, Bioderma, Collistar, Payot) brands. If financial opportunities do not allow buying expensive foreign cosmetics, pay attention to the products of Belarusian brands. Excellent inexpensive bibiki are produced by the Belarusian company Belita-Viteks.

3. Place of purchase. It is recommended to buy decorative cosmetics for the face in proven stationary or online stores, and not in the market or in similar places. Reputable firms carefully monitor the storage conditions of goods, purchase products directly from the manufacturer, which reduces the likelihood of acquiring a fake or counterfeit.

Cosmetic application rules

If you have ever used foundation, you will not have any difficulties with applying BB cream. If you are new to makeup, follow these short instructions from professional makeup artists:

1. Cleanse the skin of possible dirt and sebum with a special foam or milk. Facial skin requires cleansing even after a night's sleep, so do not neglect this point.

2. Apply a moisturizer or anti-aging cream to your skin, the kind you usually use for skin care.

3. If the skin is problematic and suffers from many aesthetic defects, such as enlarged pores, it is better to use a primer and concealer before applying the BB foundation.

4. Apply the cream along the massage lines of the face from the center to the sides, from top to bottom. There are several ways to do this:

5. Squeeze a small amount of the drug onto the pad of your finger, wait until it reaches body temperature, apply to your face. This is not the best way, as it is not hygienic enough – bacteria from the fingers can spread to the skin of the face and infect it. However, if there is no choice, at least disinfect your hands first by wiping them with an alcohol-containing preparation.

6. Put a small amount of cream on a sponge in the shape of a triangle or an egg. The latter option is very convenient to use, as the rounded tip allows you to apply the cream even under the eyes.

7. Squeeze the cream onto the back of your left hand, take a cosmetic brush (small, wide with a flat tip), dip it into the product and distribute it over the skin.

8. After applying the BB-foundation, evaluate the result – there should not be any traces of makeup on the face. To reduce the difference in skin tones, apply the cream also to the earlobes, to the upper throat area, just under the chin, along the hairline on the head.

9. If necessary, apply other makeup products, such as highlighter and bronzer, to your face. Then you can complete your makeup by lightly powdering your face. In the hot season, it is not necessary to use powder, but it enhances the effectiveness of the BB foundation, maintaining the matte skin.

The BB cream takes a few minutes to apply, so it is perfect for daily makeup, even in the rush of the morning.

How to wash off tonal BB cream

Like any other makeup product, you need to rinse off the BB cream from your face every night before bed. Despite the fact that this drug has some medicinal effect and undoubted useful properties, it is not necessary to leave it on the skin overnight.

How to wash off BB-cream – selection of drugs depending on the type of skin:

1. If you have oily or combination skin, use products with a light texture that do not leave a greasy film on your skin. It can be micellar water, foam, lotion without oils and fats in the composition. Lotions with a small amount of alcohol may work, as they dry and disinfect the skin and remove the greasy shine. But it is the skin of the face that needs to be wiped with them, and not the eyelids or lips.

2. If you have dry, flaky skin, you can use a biphasic liquid, hydrophilic product. Any drug will do, the main thing is that it does not contain alcohol, which will dry out the skin even more. Fats and oils in the makeup remover will create a light film on the surface of the dermis, which will help to retain moisture in the layers of the epidermis. Make sure the drug has a neutral pH.

Since the BB foundation has a light texture, it does not clog pores, but only creates a protective pigmented coating on the surface of the dermis. Therefore, in order to wash off cosmetics, you do not need to rub your face with a sponge, cosmetic sponge or brush. It is enough to collect a little makeup remover on a cotton pad or a lint-free cloth and wipe your face several times, moving along the massage lines. After that, you can rinse your face with cool water to close the pores.

Rating of the best BB creams

In the assortment of cosmetics stores, you can find tonal BB-creams belonging to different price categories – budget funds of the mass market group; drugs in the middle price and premium segments. Our experts have prepared a list of the best cosmetic products for you – inexpensive first, luxury products at the very end.

1. GARNIER 'The Secret of Perfection'. The average cost is 300-400 rubles. A versatile cream that comes in two colors. Easy to apply, masks imperfections well, smells good of citrus.

2. BB cream Belita-Vitex. The average cost is 150-200 rubles. Bibik made in Belarus is distinguished by its natural composition, good quality (state standards are observed during production) and economy of consumption.

3. Deoproce White Flower BB Cream. The average cost is 300-350 rubles. This is a Korean remedy that is made mainly from natural ingredients. It is universal for all skin types and has good overlapping properties.

4. Holika Holika Petit BB Clearing Cream SPF30. The average cost is 500 rubles. This cream is suitable for those with oily and problem skin. It has an antiseptic effect, heals damage, mattifies the skin, eliminating oily sheen. It is characterized by high durability, so it can be used even in hot weather.

5. Black pearl Self-rejuvenation. The average cost is 300-350 rubles. This is an anti-aging cream that inhibits the aging process of the skin of the face, well masking age-related changes. A large volume of packaging will ensure long-term use.

6. Agamemnon 24K Gold BB Cream. The average cost is 1400-1600 rubles. The composition contains many natural beneficial ingredients, including 24-karat gold. Differs in increased resistance on the skin – up to 12 hours. Suitable for all skin tones.

7. Erborian 5 in 1, ginseng. The average cost is 1300 – 1400 rubles. The cream has a soft, imperceptible texture on the skin, as well as increased durability. Produced on the basis of natural ingredients.

8. Perfect Cover by Missha. The average cost is 1400-1500 rubles. The main advantage of this product is a relatively large selection of shades, which allows you to choose the best option for any skin color. The characteristics of the cream indicate that it has a high sun protection filter – SPF 42.

9. La Roche-Posay Hydreane. The average cost is 1300-1350 rubles. Despite the presence of a certain amount of alcohol and silicone in the composition, the cream has a beneficial effect on the skin, returning it to a fresh and rested look. Differs in durability, which allows you to do without make-up correction throughout the day.

10. DECLARE Hydro Balance. The average cost is 2800-2950 rubles. This is a universal product for all skin types, can be used as a stand-alone foundation or as a primer. It moisturizes the skin well, protects from the sun, hides minor and significant imperfections.

11. Idealia BB Vichy. The average cost is 2000-2100 rubles. The composition contains many natural ingredients, including valuable thermal water and natural pigments. It moisturizes the skin well and fights flaking, tightness.

As you can see, the choice of tonal BB-creams is great. Experts recommend starting your acquaintance with this product with inexpensive options. If you find that bibik suits you better than foundation, you can try using more expensive creams.