What is BB Cream?

BB cream, also known as Blemish Balm, Blemish Base or Beblesh Balm (due to an apparent copyright on the word “Blemish”), is a cosmetic item sold mainly in East and Southeast Asia, although larger beauty brands are increasingly introducing BB creams to Western markets as well. Originally formulated in Germany by dermatologist Dr. Christine Schrammek in the 1950s, the cream was initially used to protect skin after laser procedures and surgery, while also providing light coverage. Introduced to South Korea and Japan in the 1980s, BB cream has been named “the secret of Korean actresses” and has been heavily endorsed by Korean celebrities, which gained it large exposure in these Asian markets.

BB creams come in a variety of different formulations and qualities mainly perceived as being anti-inflammatory and having a soothing effect. As companies focused initially on the East Asian market, BB creams have a limited number of hues. Due to its “multi-tasking” all-in-one properties — moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock — the cream became a hit in Asia, especially in South Korea, where BB creams make up 13% of the cosmetics market. Moreover, the cream is also used by men in South Korea. – Wikipedia

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

Maybelline advertise their BB Cream as having these following benefits:

• Imperfections look blurred

• A natural looking glow

• Fresh feel

• Compliments skin tone

 • Skin looks smooth

 • Hydrates

 • Protects with SPF 30

• Oil free, non greasy

Review

It’s not every day that I agree with everything a product advertises to do but when it comes to this product, I absolutely do. I came across Maybelline’s BB Cream at a time when I was desperately in need of some sun protection. Britain became uncharacteristically hot and sunny and my skin was a little taken aback with all the sunshine. I ended up getting all red and blotchy. In other words my skin was screaming out ‘help’. I have a hate-hate relationship with sun creams. I find them too greasy and too white against my skin.  I randomly came across the ‘Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream’ on the Boots website. I’m not one to jump on the hype about certain products. Everyone seemed to be going on about BB cream this and BB cream that. I was a little put off. It was only when I saw the letters and the number ‘SPF 30′ that I decided to dash into Boots and have a look at this miracle product. No only was this cream going to protect me against the very un-british sunshine, here were Maybelline telling me that their BB cream would ‘compliment’ my skin tone. Thank the lord! Without any hestitation I went to the counter and bought it. I must say after three days use I am very happy with it. I haven’t had red blotchy skin since. My skin feels hydrated and no one can tell I have anything on my face. Summer, I’m ready for you!

The little tid bits I would change:

• Add a little more of a yellow tone to the cream to suit more yellow-toned skin.
• Provide more packaging. I have an inkling I will run out quickly as I seem to be using the cream every day.

Hanni xxx