Testing: BB Cream

The beauty phenom (finally) graces our shores.

Photographs by Renata Brito

When I saw BB Creams on the pages of my fave fashion mags, I’ll admit, it was love at first sight. Over the past ten years it’s been “Me v. Acne,” and the verdict is still out. Sure, my face doesn’t resemble a pizza every day, but not even endless hours of extraction could cure my congested-skin woes. So when I caught word of this one-step-to-flawless-skin-magic-cure-all from Asia, you can bet I got my hands on as many tubes as I could.

To the uninitiated: BB cream (the B’s stand for blemish balm) has been a growing sensation in Asia and Europe for the past three years. It was originally developed to soothe sensitive skin after laser surgery, but has since gained recognition for its uncanny ability to transform problem skin to runway-ready skin in seconds — and it also boasts a bevy of benefits including SPF protection, aging prevention, nourishment, and restoration. So far Mac, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Garnier, and others have all jumped on the bandwagon, hawking their versions of the stuff at Sephora and other beauty counters.


I’ve been using Clinique’s version for about four weeks. Before, my daily makeup routine consisted of moisturizer, a light dusting of mineral foundation, and a dash of shimmery peach blush to highlight my cheek bones. I’ve been careful not to put anything liquid or oily on my face that could further clog my pores — which is why I was a little nervous at first to slather on the BB cream. Ever since the first application, I’ve been hooked.

Now, after applying moisturizer, I use BB Cream as a foundation. Once it sets (literally in seconds) I add a light dusting of powder on the T-zone and I’m good to go. Sometimes I use a little blush or skin illuminator on my cheeks for added drama, but I am literally lost now without my BB.

One morning, early on in this trial period, I accidentally skipped my BB cream. I was running late and so in haste, I reverted to my old makeup routine and ran out the door without a second look in the mirror. When I caught sight of my reflection later, I thought to myself in horror, Man, I am doggin’ it today. Then it hit me. It’s the cream.

Since that afternoon I haven’t left the house without my daily dose of BB, and I can honestly say that my skin is in great shape. Breakouts have been non-existent, and the overall tone and elasticity of my skin seems to be improving. (I also tried Dr. Jart’s Premium BB cream, which offered amazing coverage but wasn’t a good match for my oily skin — by the end of the day, I was shiny.) Want to try the trend? Find one that works for your skin type, and never look back.