5 Reasons Why BB Cream Is My New Beauty Staple

Like most things in the world today, the skincare market is rapidly evolving. Like most things in life, we are demanding more for our money. Don’t get me wrong, face care and makeup is something I have always spent top dollar for on high end brands. It was the way my Korean mother taught me and, at 60 years old, has better skin than I do. Everyone is always commenting on how young and beautiful her skin is.

One of the newest trends in beauty are “BB” Creams. It’s so hot, even the stars and their makeup artist are using it including Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, Mila Kunis, the Spice Girls and Sandra Bullock to name a few! BB Creams are known for their multitasking wonders. They’re truly like an all in one product.

From Wikipedia:

BB cream stands for blemish balm, blemish base, beauty balm or beblesh balm (apparently because of a trademark in Korea on the word “blemish”), and in Western markets, beauty balm. It is a cosmetic item sold mainly in East and Southeast Asia, although larger beauty brands are increasingly introducing BB creams to Western markets.

BB cream is promoted as an all-in-one facial cosmetic product to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock. It can be worn alone as a tinted moisturizer, over serum and moisturizer as a regular foundation, and under powder, depending on the desired amount of coverage.

While there are a plethora of brands and options to choose from, the L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream advertises that it offers 5 services in one compact wonder bottle:

• Sheer Coverage with a Natural Finish
• Primes and Smoothes
• Hydrates
• Conceals
• Corrects and Evens Skintone

(Hence the 5 reasons why one should use L’Oréal’s new BB Cream… 6 if you include the fact that celebs love it too! ;)

Since I’ve never been one to wear foundation (EVER), but have always preferred the coverage of a tinted moisturizer instead, I was really interested in trying this new product out.

Here are my results:

• With ingredients like Panthenol, Vitamin E and Glycerin my skin stays hydrated.
• It creates a primed canvas which makes my other makeup look better and my end result doesn’t look “fake”.
• I never have to worry about that dreaded orange clown line that I’ve seen so many women get from their makeup

As a busy work at home mom with a demanding toddler, I don’t have time for an intense beauty regimen. I’m all about the 5 minute rule when I “put on my face”. The 5 in 1 features makes life easier and saves me time. All I do is dot it on and blend it with my fingertips. No muss, no fuss and no special tools I don’t even know how to use. And believe me, there are many beauty tools I have no idea how to use!

I’m most intrigued by the fact that this only comes in 4 shades. I chose “light” and even though when I look at the cream on my hand I think, “What is this stuff?!?”

I’m not sure I would call it a “cream” – its pretty runny. And initially I was skeptical of its grayish hue. But apparently the self-adjusting beads seem to do their job and blend right into my skin tone (and it isn’t even confused by my uneven skin. ;)).

As you can see I have a ton of skin pigmentation going on, plus freckles PLUS some capillary veins (towards the bottom of each pic). While it’s not full coverage, thats perfectly ok because it’s not what I am looking for. I very much like the natural look and the fact that it blends my imperfections. What do you think? You also can’t argue with the price of just $10.95!

I received a complimentary product from SheSpeaks/L’Oréal to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are original.