Diorsnow, Dr. Jart+, Tarte. Images courtesy of Nordstrom and Sephora
By now, you’re probably aware of the cult beauty products that have emerged from South Korea over the past few years. BB, CC, and – the latest addition, DD – creams, are rapidly replacing foundation as the go-to makeup for flawless skin. But before we get ahead of ourselves with the latest alliterative beauty trend, let’s focus on the best BB creams. BB creams or beauty balms intend to protect skin from UV rays, diminish the appearance of dark spots and signs of aging, provide hydration, and prevent further damage to skin. It’s basically a combination of a primer, moisturizer, sunscreen, anti-aging treatment and foundation. Of course, some BB creams work more effectively than others. With some trial-and-error (what are we, guinea pigs?), I’ve found the best BB creams for my combination skin.
Best for glowing skin:
Dior – Diorsnow UV Shield BB Creme SPF 50: I’ve been using this creme for about a year after discovering it at the Nordstrom Dior makeup counter. One of the first things I noticed immediately after applying this creme was how bright and radiant my skin looked (I even got a few compliments!). Needless to say, it didn’t take too long before I was sold on the magic of BB creme. The thickness of the creme feels a bit like foundation, and a tiny dab goes a long way. That’s probably why my bottle has lasted me for a year with no signs of running out any time soon (not bad for a $56 investment, if you ask me!). The foundation-like texture provides a decent coverage, although too much can clog pores. Nevertheless, this SPF 50 creme keeps my skin dewy and radiant all day. It’s a keeper.
Best for an even skin tone:
Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45: This creme is more lightweight than Diorsnow and requires more than just a dab to cover your entire face.* Unlike Diorsnow, this balm doesn’t brighten my skin as much, but it does give a more airbrushed look. This is the best BB creme for evening out skin tone and minimizing fine lines. One of the drawbacks to this otherwise amazing balm is the coloring. Like Diorsnow, this comes in only one shade, however, while Diorsnow brightened my skin, Dr. Jart+ made my skin look a bit dull.
*It’s important to point out that you don’t need to camouflage your entire face with makeup; instead, focus on the areas that need coverage, including under eyes, nose, and cheekbones.
Best for coverage:
Tarte – BB Tinted Treatment 12-hour Primer: As a fan of Tarte blush, I knew I needed to try their line of BB creme. Unlike Diorsnow and Dr. Jart+, Tarte comes in four colors (it’s a step up, right?); I tried the light shade. Just as the Sephora sales associate promised, this creme provides thorough coverage for blemishes and dark spots with just one coat. The texture is similar to Diorsnow – thick and foundation-like. Also, like Diorsnow (and unlike Dr. Jart+), it gives me more color and radiance. However, it is more oily than the previous two BB cremes. If your skin leans more on the oily side, you may want to skip this.
Is there a BB creme you love that I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments!
