www.womanthismonth.com 31 February 2013 | Y ou may have seen or heard about BB creams, the new generation in skin lotions, which is changing the market. With an abbreviation that stands for blemish balm, the trend started to gain popularity in Asia although it originated in Germany. Dermatologists have been recommending them for healing scars caused by laser skin surgery, due to the skin regenerating properties found in its formula. However, the movement to use it as an everyday skincare regime started in Korea, spreading to Japan, China and all of South East Asia. It has since made its way to Europe and the USA. Clearly, BB creams have proved to be wonder workers. Here are a few reasons as to why the multitasking product has won its place in the skincare and cosmetics industry. All in one One of the important characteristics of BB creams is that it offers multiple results. If you think that it is only a kind of foundation plus a regular cream, you are more than wrong. Most of these lotions have makeup, sunscreen, and skincare functions. Once applied, a beauty balm evens out the skin tone, improves the texture, offers anti-ageing benefits and protects the skin from UV rays and other pollutants in the air. It enjoys the title of a miracle cream by modern, utterly busy women. To top it off, these heavy-duty benefits are all packed into lightweight formulas; BB creams feel natural on the skin. It also helps enhance whatever skincare you already use. As if that isn’t good enough, these products suit all complexions. The sceptic in us might think that all this is too good to be true. After all, who can believe all these benefits can come from a single tube? Doubters can have a look at the number of well-known brands that have been introducing BB creams in their product range. Time for change I am sure your morning beauty regime is quite similar to mine: wash the face, put an antiageing cream or moisturiser, follow it with a primer, and then a sunblock (mine already has foundation with it, so one step less), and finally finish it with powder before we can start on our everyday make-up. Wouldn’t it be much easier if we could jump all these steps with a single cream? Although we might miss our loyal lotions, a contemporary solution is what we need and that is exactly what a BB cream provides. In fact, they are designed to go a few steps forward in skincare with additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants that help regenerate the skin. Which to try? If this beauty marvel is on your shopping list, there is no doubt an unavoidable question hovering over you: “Which one do I buy?” The trend has spread so far and wide that there are so many reliable brands in the market offering their newest BB cream that choosing one will be a challenge. The simplest way would be to check if the one you want to buy lists the benefits mentioned above. It would be wise to go for brands that have already been tried and tested. Unlike popular belief, trying more than one is advisable to find what best suits your skin. If you can give your shampoo a few tries before settling on a brand, why not do the same for your skin? It is all about feeling light and comfortable after having applied it. Most importantly, you need to see results. The Body Shop The All-in-One BB cream possesses a lightweight formula that provides 24-hour nonclogging hydration. The pigment-filled capsules of the white cream burst on application to release colour that blends to your skin tone giving a smooth, undetectable finish. UNE The Intuitive Touch BB cream foundation from UNE boasts a 100 per cent natural formula. Compact and refillable, it can be applied with fingers or a brush and comes in seven different shades. The multi-function treatment camouflages skin blemishes, unifies, soothes and protects. Bobbi Brown This go-to skin protector offers long-term benefits: a more even skin tone, diminished appearance of fine lines, reduced redness and minimised pores. SPF35 boosts the formula with daily protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays and environmental hazards. Estée Lauder Get moisture, protection and flawless complexion all at once with the DayWear Anti-oxidant BB Creme SPF 35. It is an oil-free Beauty Benefit Creme for all skin types, providing skin with complete coverage to minimise flaws and maximise its natural radiance. Bourjois A genuine hybrid make-up and care product, BB cream foundation from Bourjois comes in four shades and offers eight actions in one single gesture. Its ‘go anywhere’ design is perfect for the girl on the move. On the shelves:
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