You may have noticed the beauty trend that has topped the list for American women this year, known as BB creams or beauty balm. The product is originally from Asia, but hit the western market this year and is growing as more and more brands come out with their own version. The balm or cream is comparable to a tinted moisturizer with lots of good-for-your-skin benefits. Caitlin Corsetti, beauty blogger and UA alum, offers up some of her tips and favorites concerning BB creams. Personally, she said she uses Bobbi Brown’s BB cream daily and loves it.
“The Bobbi Brown BB cream is incredible. It doesn’t even feel like I have anything on my face, which is something I really look for in makeup,” Caitlin says. She also suggests splurging for a higher-end brand. She says that though most students are on a budget, the price tag will be worth it, especially for brands like Estee Lauder, Clinique or Bobbi Brown.
“You’re basically wrapping moisturizer, sunscreen, primer and coverage all into one product,” she notes. “If you’re using all of these products separately, you’re spending well over what the cost of a BB cream would be.” Caitlin’s final tip? Don’t cake it on—BB creams are meant to be light and fresh for your skin!
“The whole point is to look natural and keep your skin feeling fresh. I use mine as a base and lightly apply my powder over it since I get a little oily,” she says. “I would definitely go into a store and try some out. When in doubt, ask for samples!”
So I took Caitlin’s advice and did so for myself: here are my recommendations!
Dr. Jart + Premium Beauty Balm
I really, really like this one. The cream goes on smoothly, and blends nicely. I feel this offers enough coverage for splotchy-ness, but isn’t quite enough to cover breakouts. This BB cream achieves a “dewy” look, as I only had to powder around my nose. It is also effective as its own primer and stays on well. Buy it: Sephora, $39.00
Smashbox BB Cream
As an avid Smashbox Photo Finish Primer fan, I was eager to try their BB cream. Just as I hoped, their cream definitely sufficed as its own primer. I also appreciate that this one comes in a light shade, which blends easily. Its only downside is it does not achieve that natural “dewy” or “glowing” look that some of the others do. Buy it: Sephora, $39.00
Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm
This one is tricky; initially I was not too excited about how the cream looked right after I applied it. But, after it had a chance to set in, it looked much better. It also stayed on well all day, even through exercise (okay, a brisk walk—but still.) It offers light coverage and the only downside is it does not necessarily offer a significant priming effect. Buy it: Sephora, $32.00
Maybelline BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm
Anxious to see what some of the more college-budget friendly options offered, I tried out Maybelline’s BB cream. This cream goes on evenly and does smooth my complexion. It feels very light, but unfortunately the formula leaves for some splotchy-ness. I feel like this is a great errand-running or test-day make up option, as it does not offer as much enhancement as a foundation but still provides light coverage and a fresh feel. Buy it: Ulta, $8.99
Overall, I would agree with Caitlin: if you can, splurge for the higher-end brand. They seem to provide the most (noticeable) benefits. I know personally I’ll be going back for more of Dr. Jart’s BB cream. Regardless of price tags, BB creams can do a lot for a girl, especially a busy collegiette!
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