Last summer, there was a BB cream explosion. We had Boscia, Smashbox, Dr. Jart+, Miracle Skin Transformer (although, that one is debatable—I still call it a BB cream), and so many others hit the US market! But BB creams aren’t exactly a new thing. They’ve been sold (and loved) in Asia for many years, and I’ve been told the BB creams on the US market actually pale in comparison to those on the Asian market. (Hmm…must investigate!) But the ‘BB’ in BB Cream can mean many things. It can stand for ‘blemish balm’, ‘beauty balm’, and ‘blemish base’. Some are more like tinted moisturizers with skincare benefits, containing soothing and protective ingredients, and sunscreen. Pretty much that’s the case here in the US, I’ve tried many on the market here—and I can tell you—each one is very different. I’ve yet to meet a one-size-fits-all BB cream! I thought I had found a favorite in another brand, until I met Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm a few months ago.
When I wear this, it’s truly my all-in-one product! It provides a little bit of coverage, broad-spectrum SPF 45, and anti-aging benefits as if I were wearing a serum underneath it. It’s my moisturizer for the day, it brightens my skin, and it also provides antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors. It does all of those things—and it’s not the slightest bit heavy on my skin. I truly love this stuff!
Pump dispenser
If there’s one thing that makes me a little sad about this product, it’s the fact that it’s best for fair to medium complexions. It doesn’t come in a variety of tints (most BB creams don’t), but to be perfectly honest—since it doesn’t offer the same amount of coverage as most tinted moisturizers, foundations, etc, you might be able to pull it off. It’s really not too pink, nor too ashen, so be sure to ask for a small sample of it at Sephora so you can see that it offers more of a brightening effect than anything—and I think it really makes the skin look smooth! Hopefully it will work for your skin tone, because I really believe it is one of those miracle products. You could even try it out as a base product for another foundation because it is so lightweight if you wanted the SPF and skincare benefits—but totally a personal preference!
A little before & after action, I’m not wearing anything except a basic mascara and a little lip tint in my after photo.
Bottom Line: This is my favorite BB cream, and I know I’ve said I’ve preferred others—but I hadn’t tried this one yet at the time. It’s my perfect “I don’t feel like wearing makeup today” product, and it keeps its promise! One tube has lasted me about 3 months, I still have a few weeks left in it.
Price & Availability: $39, Sephora.com
