The Balm Squad
-
- Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30. Anti-oxidant cream delivers enough coverage to banish imperfections in three shades from fair to medium with golden undertones. $34 at Macy’s.
-
- Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 The professionals’ secret for achieving flawless skin on camera (and off) is out. This multitasking, tinted cream contains emollients and optical pearl pigments to give skin a glow plus hydrating veil. $39 at Sephora.
-
- Dr. Jart Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 Ideal under makeup, with antioxidant biopeptides to protect skin while delivering natural-looking coverage that minimizes imperfections and evens the skintone. $39 at Sephora.
-
- Lab Series BB Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 This one’s for the guys, who need skin TLC too. This multi-functional corrective and reparative treatment instantly improves the skin’s appearance with one-swipe convenience. $38 at DFS .
-
- Estee Lauder Daywear BB Creme Lightweight antioxidant complex with SPF 35 delivers high-performance, oil-free hydration to improve skin’s appearance. Comes in two tints. $38 at DFS Galleria Waikiki.
-
- Dior Hydra Life BB Creme SPF 30 Defends against environmental stress and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB with the protective powers of a skincare product, leaving the complexion moisturized, smooth and velvety soft. $56 at Sephora.
-
- Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 Buildable, lightweight vitamin E and rice bran extract formula gives skin a natural glow while diminishing the appearance of fine lines, redness and pores. Comes in five skin-tone shades from very fair to very deep. $42 at DFS Galleria Waikiki.
All-in-one BB creams simultaneously deliver flawless coverage and skin benefits to boot!
BB cream, long the beauty secret of the Far East, is taking over beauty counters now that Western cosmetic companies have introduced their own versions of the popular multi-tasking makeup.
Short for “blemish balm” or “beauty balm,” BB cream was originally developed in Germany as a post-laser treatment balm, but became wildly popular in Asia during the 1980s, where it was promoted as the secret of celebrities’ flawless skin. The average woman on the street also appreciated its all-in-one convenience, serving as moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock.
That one-step application makes it perfect for travelers who can’t be bothered with their usual multi-product routine while on the road, or toting several bottles of liquid cosmetics that rouse the suspicion of TSA agents.
Today, every major brand is offering a BB cream, and not to be outdone, even high-end label Chanel is said to be working on its own unique “CC” cream.
