Search Results for: BB Creams

BB Creams – My Favorites for Each Skin Type

A BB Cream (initials for “Beauty Balm” or “Blemish Balm”) is a moisturizer, sunscreen, and skin care treatment all in one. They were first popularized in Asia and have since taken the US by storm. They are literally EVERYWHERE. As a beauty editor, the questions I most often get are “How do I pick a BB Cream?” or “Which BB Cream is your favorite?”. So, this article is designed to narrow down my favorites based on your exact needs.

First, I must disclose, this is probably my most favorite beauty product at the moment. It is a multi-tasker that prevents aging, makes skin look even and still have a natural look about it. They work great as a primer with SPF under foundation. Or on their own if you don’t need as much coverage. One of these should definitely be in your makeup arsenal.

Best for combo/oily skin: Boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++

This oil-free formula comes in only one shade but works on a wide range of complexions. It has a watery consistency that blends easily and won’t clog pores. The addition of Abyssine, a naturally-derived survival molecule, can actually calm skin inflamed by breakouts or sensitivity.

Best for dry skin: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++

NARS has a high SPF with a dewy and hydrated finish. The coverage is fairly substantial for a tinted moisturizer and this keeps my dry skin plump and glowy all day. They have a great shade range and the slightly yellow undertones neutralize redness. NARS also promises to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation with four weeks of continued use. My dark spots did improve while I was using NARS but I also had steps in my skincare to fight darks spots.

Best for dry skin with lighter coverage Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++

This formula by Dr. Jart is made with 50 percent water, hydrating skin to give a healthy finish. This is great for a hot summer day because the water actually has a cooling effect as it is applied to the skin. The coverage is slightly lighter than his Premium formulation seen below.

Best for sensitive or red skin: Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB Cream SPF 20, 1.7

This silicon-free formula is perfect for easily irritated skin. The luxury formula has loads of skin care benefits, including Hyaluronic acid, adding hydration. The coverage is light but it easily minimizes redness and gives a glowy finish without looking too dewy.

Best for varying coverage or as a primer: Miracle Skin™ Transformer

This vitamin rich formula evens skin while still being light-weight. Its formula and coverage makes it particularly well suited to build as you need more coverage and contains scilicon to give it a bit of “slip”. This also makes it a great primer under a fuller coverage foundation. This was a lifesaver in the winter when I needed more coverage for redness in the center of my face, but was stil able to use a lighter application on my cheeks and forehead.

Best SPF: Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++

While these other formulas have between 20-30 SPF, Dr. Jart amped it up with this formula. His “Premium” version is perfect for summer days spent outdoors. He didn’t skip on skin care properties – bio-peptides and adenosine protect skin from harsh environmental factors while restoring firmness and elasticity.

For a drugstore alternative: Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream

Garnier did a great job bringing BB Cream to the drugstore, available for $12.99. They have two shades: Light/Medium and Medium/Deep.

The Best Eye Creams

I’ve been battling some serious fine lines around my eye area. They aren’t super pronounced, but I know now is my chance to stave off any major wrinkles. Welcome to your mid-thirties, Belle Belle! So I decided it was time to really dive into the world of eye cream. I’ve selected my favorites for particular concerns whether you have fine lines like me, battle puffiness or get those dreaded dark circles. Let me know if you have any other superstar favorites I missed in the comments below!

Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System – Best Tool

I mention the Opal first because I use this tool with all the creams and serums tested below. I adore Clarisonic so no surprise that their tool for the eye area was equally impressive. The micro-massage (which is super-gentle) drives active ingredients into skin. Amplifying infusion with the vibration equals quick results. The Opal runs on a one minute cycle and I have to say it is actually fun to use. The rubbery applicator tip is gentle and keeps the amount of product to a reasonable level – something I found difficult when using just your finger. My only beef? I wish there was a beep when I needed to switch to the other eye. So I just do a full rotation (one minute) on each eye.

blisslabs active 99.0 Multi-Action Eye Cream – Best Newcomer

I adore this new eye cream from bliss. Part of their active 99.0 line, this treatment is professional-grade without being irritating. It manages to fight all the concerns mentioned above. And nourishes my dry and thin skin. It is a one-stop shop for those who want to address a range of concerns.

Caudalíe ‘Polyphenol C15’ Anti-Wrinkle Eye & Lip Cream – Best Multi-Tasker

Major kudos for releasing something specifically for women (and I guess men!) in their 30s. This workhorse fights free radicals around eyes and lips and soothes sensitive areas where signs of aging first appear. The consistency is very light, making it perfect for those with oilier or combination skin. It is my lazy girl answer for nights you just ~~can’t~~ don’t have the energy.

Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford Advanced Formula Lifting Eye Crème – Best Value

I fell hard for Cindy Crawford’s skin Meaningful Beauty back here and the price point takes the sting out of a normally very expensive product. She developed her line with a dermatologist and the active ingredients really work to tighten and lift. The small tube is perfect to throw in a travel bag or purse. And it works beautifully to refresh under eyes at the end of a long day before cocktail hour.

SkinCeuticals Eye Balm – Best For Fine Lines

SkinCeuticals is always my pick for people who want powerful formulas. Usually the line is a little irritating on me, but this balm from SkinCeuticals was surprisingly gentle and nourishing. I loved the anti-inflammatory nature and soothing chamomile that fought my redness like a champ. I felt refreshed and smooth a full day when using this balm.

StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Eye Treatment – Best For Puffiness

I used to think StriVectin was a gimmicky brand, but after trying so many of their products, I am seriously obsessed with their ability to fight a wide variety of skin concerns. I don’t usually have puffiness, but I went though a phase of terrible allergies recently and this was the only eye treatment that got those puffs to calm down. My eyes were immediately “deflated” for lack of a better word. And that’s not all. The formula contains retinol – a workhorse against lines and hyper-pigmentation. And it isn’t irritating.

AHAVA Dead Sea Osmoter Eye Concentrate Youth & Cellular Energizing Serum – Best Nourishing Eye Cream

When I feel like I need to baby my under eye area, this is what I reach for. The silky serum smooths skin and plumps any dehydrated areas. And when I say “silky” I mean literally. The serum contains Persian Silk and is perfect after a sleepless night or one too many cocktails. It just feels sooo good to use.

Murad Instant Radiance Eye Cream – Best For Dark Circles

Murad’s standout focuses on radiance by boosting collagen production. The tangerine butter brightens the eye area and leaves youthful baby-soft skin. And a bonus point – if you like using eye cream on lids like I do – this one is gentle enough to be used over the entire eye area.

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AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Dr. Jart+ BB Radiance Beauty Balm

I am on a mission too check out the latest and greatest from Dr. Jart over the next couple of weeks. So stay tuned for thoughts on new BB creams and masks from one of my favorite brands. But one product was such a standout immediately, I couldn’t resist sharing with you guys.

I have had a long love affair with Dr. Jart’s BB Creams. They are truly a best of breed and were the first to hit shelves here in the US. Even my stepmother agrees that they are simply the best out there. There are tons of formulas to choose from but the most recent release jumped to the top of my list.

Dr. Jart+ BB Radiance Beauty Balm does everything a BB cream should do while adding a natural looking glow (if you need a primer on BB creams check out this post here and a another favorite Dr. Jart’s formula here). This moisturizer/sunscreen/serum/tint all-in-one leaves skin looking better, radiant but still natural.

So how does this make my skin so radiant? Hydrogel is encapsulated to add fine pearl powder. This powder brightens the face while still leaving it dewy. Since hyper-pigmentation is my biggest skin beef, I love the addition of brightening ingredients like Snow Lotus, Vitamin Tree Fruit and vitamins.

I add a pea-sized amount to my face and neck. Upon immediately application it can look a little light, but use hands to pat into skin and the color will slightly oxidize, almost as if it adjusts to my skin tone. Because this comes in only one shade, those on the ends of the skin tone spectrum might have a harder time with matching. But those of us in the middle will adore this “best of breed” BB cream.

A solid SPF 30 products skin from damaging rays and the formula is free of parabens, mineral oil, talc, artificial fragrance and petroleum. This BB cream is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and dermatologist tested. Available at Sephora.

Kiehl’s Skin Tone Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream

It wasn’t but a couple short weeks ago I was thinking about Kiehl’s and hoping the famed skin care brand would come out with a tinted moisturizer. It was like they are reading my mind! Now available online and in stores on June 1st, Kiehl’s Skin Tone Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream is at the top of my list and a best of breed.

Now, you probably are thinking there are so many BB Creams out there – how can this one be that different? Well, you know how I go on and on about my dreaded hyper-pigmentation? This BB Cream actually works to correct skin tone while concealing imperfections. Using Vitamin C – something we already know Kiehl’s is good at – the BB Cream effectively goes after uneven skin tone and dark spots. Often prone to seperation, the Vitamin C is combined with natural mineral pigments making it stable and gentle.

The formula is silky and lightweight, but still buildable enough to offer moderate coverage with no greasy or cakey finish. On the skin, the cream looks balanced – not too luminous nor matte. The color wears for a full day and color stays true. There is bit of a mineral/chemical smell, but nothing offensive, likely due to the heavy duty SPF 50 and natural mineral pigments.

I’ve been spending lots of time outside lately, so I am actually wearing Medium (above left) but could get away with Light (above right). It is offered in four shades: Fair, Fair/Light, Light, and Medium. This stuff isn’t leaving my regular rotation anytime soon. I love the way it looks on my skin and am so encouraged about what it can do for my dark spots and sun damage.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Smart Gel BB

I was already smitten with this BB Cream from Dr. Jart. But since I had fallen hard for everything from his Water Fuse line, including this and this, I knew I had to give Dr. Jart Water Fuse Smart Gel BB a whirl. My dry skin responds so well to these hydration packed formulas, leaving my face feeling radiant and plump.

Right off the bat, you will notice the jelly texture of the formula, inspired by memory foam mattresses. I can just visualize all that moisturizing goodness ready to impart bouncy hydration. After scooping out product, a little deformed space will slowly return to an even layer in the jar. It also does this on your face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and enlarged pores.

Unlike so many BB Creams, you get fairly good coverage with some building. The two available shades have a radiant finish, glow-y but totally even. In this way, it reminds me of this tinted moisturizer. The SPF 30, antiaging and anti-inflammatory ingredients all work to improve the appearance of your skin long-term while you wear it. I can totally see myself throwing this on for a little coverage during the day during the warm summer months (and likely most days before then too!).

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

3LAB ‘Perfect’ BB Cream SPF 40 PA+++

Back in May, I covered my favorite BB Creams for various skin types and needs. Since then, I’ve come across another BB Cream that is worthy of All-Star fame and I had to add it to the roster. 3LAB ‘Perfect’ BB Cream SPF 40 PA+++ is like the super-charged, ultra BB Cream. Exceptional is a word that comes to mind.

Like many other BB Creams, the 3LAB version is quite the multi-tasker. It makes my skin vastly more even, brightened and smooth. It isn’t quite as dewy as the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++, but more luminous than Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++. 3LAB ‘Perfect’ BB Cream is available in three shades: light, medium and dark. Medium works perfectly on my NC30-NC35 skin. Coverage is pretty substantial for a BB Cream, but looks extraordinarily natural.

Its efficacy is emboldened by some serious technology. The formula contains a patented Human Growth Hormone (hGH) that treats fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides help whiten and brighten skin. Ingredients like pea proteins help promote collagen production. And it can help calm skin and reduce irritation. I love the high SPF factor and vitamin E as a natural antioxidant. You can tell these guys don’t mess around, using state of the art technology to bring us a BB Cream that goes above and beyond.

Available at Nordstrom with free shipping.