What the Heck is BB Cream & Why Do We Need It?

BB creams have been popping up everywhere it seems all of a sudden. You can't go to any cosmetic counter or watch t.v without an BB cream ad placement. All the latest beauty brands have jumped on board. But what is BB cream, where did it come from and how is it so popular out of nowhere?

Invented in the 1950s by a German dermatologist named Christine Schrammek but it was mostly sold in Asia. BB cream is known as beauty balm or blemish balm. The purpose is to combat skin redness. However, the reason this cream has become so popular is because it is an all-in-one product. BB cream combines the functions of a primer, anti-aging serum, moisturizer, and light foundation—plus and many include SPF.

Some people are saying that this new cream is just the newest marketing craze and it is just a glorified tinted moisturizer  This BB cream is marketed to replace your moisturizer, primer, foundation and possibly SPF cream by just using this once cream. Overall, a one-step product that can protect, conceal, and correct texture and tone in a singular application.

I have not personally used the BB cream yet, but I am curious to try it. I had heard a little bit about it but only a dozen beauty brands started making their own cream in 2012 including Dior and Clinique, with more to come by the end of the year. I plan to try some of these brands and let you know what I think of the the results, but I wanted to explain what the heck BB cream is in the first place if you were also not sure.

GARNIER SKIN RENEW BB CREAM MIRACLE SKIN PERFECTOR, $12.99

Garnier Skin Renew BB cream is convenient because you can find it at any drug store and it is significantly less expensive than other brands for about $13.00. It also includes SPF 15, which is lower than I would recommend, but at least it is included. A huge benefit to Garnier's cream is that it has vitamin C, my favorite antioxidant, which is good for fighting free radicals and brown spots as well as a combination of glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

DR. JART+ PREMIUM BEAUTY BALM SPF 45, $39

Dr. Jart BB cream is a good option if you are looking for a lot of hydration and a youthful glow. This cream also has a good number of SPF 45. This is the original BB cream that all of the other brands are trying to replicate.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream $8

Maybelline just came out with their BB cream and you can also find this at any drugstore. At Target you can find it for less than $8. This cream is more lightweight than others and might be a better option if you are looking for a less oily brand. At the same time, it does not have that much hydration. This cream has SPF 30 which is great, however, Titanium dioxide (oxide) is the active ingredient which protects you from UVB and short UVA radiation. Unfortunately, long UVA rays are what causes sun damage and aging.

Christian Dior - Hydra Life BB Creme $85

Dior BB cream is at the top of the price spectrum, but with that comes the good quality. The quality of this cream is thicker than most brands and thus is more in line with the popular BB creams that are sold in Asia. With this brand you will get fuller coverage without the worry of this cream breaking you out. This cream has SPF 30, which is not as high as I like, but higher than other brands.