I’ve been hearing all the fuss about bb creams and decided to try it out to see if it really lives up to its hype.  BB cream, which stands for Blemish Balm Cream, was initially used by dermatologist whose patients underwent laser surgery.  The cream helped to protect, soothe and regenerate their highly sensitive skin, while providing great coverage for post-laser scars and redness.  Shortly after, Korean cosmetics companies caught onto the popular cream and it eventually made it’s way into Western markets.

The benefits of bb creams include:

• Produces a  natural, “no makeup” look
• Provides good coverage like foundation, but not as thick, and it doesn’t clog the pores
• Works pretty much like a tinted moisturizer
• Conceals all types of pigmentation, discoloration, acne and other blemishes
• Has healing properties that soften, smooth and refine skin
• Encourages skin regeneration to create and maintain youthful skin
• Contains UV Protection for healthy skin (SPF levels differ for each brand/product)
• Anti-wrinkle and skin-lightening benefits (available for some variants)

Brands from Garnier to Smashbox are in on the bb cream craze and depending on the brand you choose, you could have an all in one product (moisturizer, concealer, foundation and sunblock).

I tried Smashbox’s Cream Ready BB Cream SPF 35 in medium (1 oz. $39).

Here are the claims:

What it is:
A five-in-one set secret for achieving flawless skin on camera and beyond.

What it does:
This multitasking tinted cream formula with SPF 35 moisturizes, primes, perfects, controls oil, and protects for flawless skin on set and beyond. Formulated with emollients and optical pearl pigments, this BB Cream gives skin a glowing, ethereal look and provides a hydrating veil for the complexion to maintain moisture on the surface of the skin. With its ultra-smoothing finish, it instantly re-texturizes to create a smooth canvas. Especially when worn under foundation, it enhances the wear of makeup for up to eight hours. Ideal even for oily complexions, this expert formula with UVA/UVB protection helps inhibit oil to prevent the complexion from getting shiny throughout the day without the typical chalky matte finish.

What else you need to know:
Smashbox first heard about Asia’s hottest beauty craze in the photo studios from makeup artists, who had just been on location, and found it was the best tool to perfect skin on set without all the typical layers of product such as moisturizer, primer, concealer, and foundation, which can irritate sensitive skin. This unique formula creates “progressive” coverage, which means you can achieve different levels of coverage depending on how you wear it. Appropriate for all skin types, this product is free of fragrance, dermatologist tested, and non-acnegenic.

So here’s my outtake:

PROS:

Long lasting – Usually by the end of the day my makeup basically disappears, but as the the claim stated “enhances the wear of makeup for up to eight hours”. It actually lasted longer.

Non-Oily – Usually I would have to blot my face several times, throughout the day, but once or twice is

Lightweight – You don’t get that caked-up/heavy look or feeling

Goes on smooth – Easy application because it spreads like butter

Good coverage – You could actually wear this without foundation, depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for

Sunscreen

CONS:

Pricey – At $39 it is a little costly compared to Garnier’s $12 bb cream

Color selection – With only 5 color selections, they don’t offer that many color options.

One more thing I want to add, although it does provide good coverage, if you have acne-prone skin, like myself, you may still need to use a concealer and/or a little foundation to help conceal your acne.  Overall, I’d have to say, it’s worth the $39.

Smashbox’s Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 is available online at Smashbox, Sephora and ULTA.