Battle of the BB Creams

Over the past year or so, there has been a massive outbreak of a strange phenomenon known as - the BB cream. Also known as 'Blemish Balm' or 'Beauty Balm', the concept was originally made popular in Asia. Then Western companies began producing their own version of the humble, BB cream. Now we've even begun seeing CC ("Colour Correcting) and even DD ("Dynamic Do-all") creams.

Ignoring the fact that they are beginning to sound like bra sizes, a lot of products are being labelled as "BB cream", yet the many cries of consumers can be heard when they find out that a majority of Western BB creams are just glorified, tinted moisturizers.

I'll be honest. I have pretty much given up on finding a Western BB cream that I am completely satisfied with and can confidently declare that it is a "BB cream". Asian brands just do it the best in my opinion. In this post, I will be comparing the BB creams that I currently own and a few more that I have previously tried.

The Face Shop Oil-Free BB Cream ~USD$14

This was the first Asian BB cream that I ever owned. For a few months, I was pretty happy with it and that's when I started being more open to trying BB creams. It gives pretty good coverage, definitely more than a tinted moisturizer, and is moisturizing and dewy. Unfortunately, it did break me out (holla at my sensitive skin). One downside of asian BB creams is the limited shades and most tend to be a weird ashy, grey tone, like this one. But this is easily fixed with a coloured powder on top.

L'oreal Nude Magique BB Cream AUD$26.95

This is an interesting one, as it comes in the form of white liquidy beads that supposedly correct to your skin tone. I'm always skeptical of products that claim to "change colour" to match you. Unless you have an orange skin tone, I don't see how this product will match anyone. Then again, I do own the "medium" shade but I doubt the light one would be any better. It gives a light coverage with a dewy finish but I don't ever reach for this product because it just looks like fake tan gone wrong. I do applaud L'oreal's efforts in including some kind of SPF in it though (SPF 12).

L'oreal Nude Magique BB Cream in Medium blended out. Can you spot it?

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream for Oily/Combination Skin AUD$13.99

This is probably one of the better Western BB creams I have tried. Unlike a tinted moisturizer, it gives medium coverage and actually has reasonable shades. I have the shade Light which has yellow undertones. It has a semi-matte finish and has that typical Garnier scent. The only faults with this particular BB cream is that the product itself has a very runny consistency and it is inevitable that product will just leak and run out every time you open it.

I've also tried the original Garnier BB Cream (targeted for more Dry skin) and that was quite a disaster. It felt greasy, oily and provided little coverage. It also heavily broke me out and I still have scars from that to this day, 2 years later.

Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream AUD~$20 (ebay)

Source: http://prettyandcute.com/

I've already reviewed it here where I raved on about it. Lioele is a Korean brand and it is a fine example of what I expect in a BB cream and to this day, it still remains as my favorite BB cream. It gives impeccable coverage and isn't too ashy like The Face Shop BB cream. It does have a strong floral scent, so it is something to keep in mind if you are sensitive to scents.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream AUD$15.95

Source: http://ulta.com/

I've also previously reviewed this here. I wasn't a big fan as it really was another example of how a "BB cream" seems to equal tinted moisturizer in the Western market. If it was marketed as a tinted moisturizer, then yes, I would say it is a nice everyday product for those who want light coverage to even out their skintone. But as a BB cream? I would say no.

Asian or Western BB Creams?

What is your favorite BB Cream?