What is BB Cream and why are Asian women crazy about it?
Ranked #4 in Fashion & Beauty, #31 overall
Learn why this Korean beauty product is all the rage in Asia!
BB Cream
The formula is reported to have come from Germany where dermatologists use it for healing laser skin surgery because of its characteristic soothing and skin-regenerating properties. Famous South Korean actresses then began using it for beauty purposes and since Asian dramas and hallyu is huge, a craze was born. 
The trend that started in Korea first spread to Japan then to South East Asia and has now quickly made its way to Europe and the USA.
I use the product myself so if you want to read my personal BB Cream testimonial, find BB Cream recommendations and reviews, and see which are the top BB Cream brands and products these days, please stay until the end of the page.
What is BB Cream and Why Are Asian Women Crazy About It? by arncyn on Squidoo is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License
Photos: Skin79 BB Cream & Etude House BB Cream
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So what exactly does BB Cream do?
All about this Korean beauty secret.
Korean celebrities seem to be blessed with naturally flawless skin, as you've surely noted if you watch K-dramas a lot. Well now we know that they'e able to maintain their beautiful skin with the help of a secret weapon called the BB Cream
Referred to as the secret of Korean actresses, the hallyu
Celebrities who underwent laser surgery discovered and started using this wonder cream. Korean cosmetic companies got wind of it, realized the business potential, adapted the technology and started making their own formulas, thus making it available to the general public. Song Hye Kyo, the pretty Korean actress in the above photo is among the first to reveal that she uses the product.
This "public" version of BB cream is suited for all skin types and are targeted to those who have sensitive and acne-prone skin. It has the advantages of both skin care and makeup as it improves the skin's condition and evens out the skin tone while providing coverage for dark spots and other blemishes.
General Product Features and Benefits
* Produces a very natural, "no makeup look"
* Provides perfect coverage like a foundation would but since it's not as thick, it doesn't clog the pores
* Works pretty much like a tinted moisturizer
* Conceals all types of pigmentation, discoloration, acne and other blemishes
* Has healing properties that soften, smoothen and refine skin
* Encourages skin regeneration to create and maintain youthful skin
* Contains UV Protection for healthy skin (SPF levels differ for each brand/product)
* Anti-wrinkle and skin-lightening benefits (available for some variants)
Sources: Naver / Asian City / Ginger Dip. Korean Celebrity Photos: Song Hye Kyo / Jun Ji-Hyun
In a nutshell...
Wanna give BB cream a try?
Try this amazing beauty product from Korea. You won't regret it!
This ETUDE HOUSE BB Magic Cream with SPF30
* See other highly recommended BB Creams.
ETUDE HOUSE BB Magic Cream SPF30 PA++ 35ml - for Dry Skin
Amazon Price: $11.69 (as of 02/16/2012)
BB Magic Cream offers natural looking coverage that nourishes, corrects skin complexion and protects against sun damage. It has UVA,UVB and Sun Protection. Cucumber & Caviar extracts supply skin moisture. Eucalyptus relieves problem prone skin to curb breakouts. This product promotes flawless complexion with a natural No Makeup Look.
Regular make-up routine vs. the BB Cream
A side by side comparison. Watch!
The following is a Korean video that demonstrates how much time you can save with the BB Cream. Since the cream has moisturizing, coverage, and SPF properties, the application of other makeup and skin products can actually be skipped altogether.
Missha is a popular BB Cream brand
Try it out and see why Korean girls are crazy about it.
Missha M Perfect Cover B.B. Cream SPF 42 PA+++ 21 Light Beige, 1.69oz, 50ml
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 02/16/2012)
The MISSHA brand is among the more popular BB Cream brands from Korea. This particular product has the added features of wrinkle care, SPF 42 UV protection, moisturization and can be used as a make up base or foundation. It can conceal pigmentation, discoloration and other blemishes such as acne, coupe rose, vitiligo, age spots, sun spots and dark circles. For all skin types.
MISSHA M upgraded BB B.B. Cream (Blemish Balm) 50ml - MATTE VITA BB CREAM SPF20
Amazon Price: $7.90 (as of 02/16/2012)
This is another BB cream product by MISSHA: M Original B.B Cream with skin protection, moisturizing effect, coverage as well as SPF 20 UV protection relieves you from extra makeup and contains natural extracts that offer natural soothing effects for sensitive skin.
Before & After
Video demonstrations that show the BB effect right away.
The following video shows a variety of women putting on the cream. A still of their "before" shot appears next to the "after" shot at the end of each demo.
My personal BB Cream review
How I discovered this amazing beauty product from Korea
I discovered BB Cream
Another thing - I don't wear makeup apart from face powder and lip gloss because I hate that heavily-made-up feeling. Besides, my job as a home-based creative professional does not require me to wear much of it.
Before I knew it, said sales girl was already applying the cream on my face (okay, I may have allowed her). When I saw the effect, I was impressed. My skin looked radiant and dewy yet it didn't look -- and feel -- like I had make-up on. I still looked like myself, only better because the little skin imperfections and discolorations have now been covered up. The cream itself is light and, upon blending, absorbed easily by the skin. The result was a nice, matte finish.
It's been over three years since I started using BB Creams and my bare face now feels smoother and looks more radiant. The dark undereye circles and age spots have been minimized and wrinkles are -- for now -- non-existent.
Currently I am using South Korean brand Etude House products - the Total Age Repair BB Cream and BB Magic Cream. I use them interchangeably depending on the coverage I need. The Total Age Repair cream is denser so it works great as a foundation. The BB Magic Cream has SPF30 and results in a sheer finish so it's perfect for everyday daytime wear.
Here are links to popular brands of Korean cosmetics that are known for their BB Creams.
- Missha : Love your skin. Love your soul.
- Missha is the most popular BB Cream brand in Korea. For skincare brand Missha, makeup need not be expensive, and should be seen as an essential instead of an indulgence. Missha offers over 600 products for skincare, body care, makeup, fragrance and hair care.
- SkinFood : Feed your skin, it deserves a treat
- A South Korean cosmetics manufacturer with headquarters in Seoul, SkinFood creates delicious cosmetics from familiar ingredients such as sugar, rice, vegetables and fruits. From yummy strawberries to crunchy apples, refreshing aloe vera and invigorating coffee, SkinFood offers over 900 products that pamper, protect and please your skin.
- Etude House Cosmetics and Skincare
- Founded in 2005, Etude House is a Korean makeup, skincare, and beauty accessory brand shop. Established in 1995, Etude House develops high quality skincare and cosmetic products at affordable prices. Created with young women in mind, the brand offers a wide color palette and whimsical packaging that call to the young girl's sweet and romantic nature.
- Beautiful by Nature THEFACESHOP
- The Face Shop is a South Korea-based retailer of body, bath, skin care and make-up products aimed at both women and men. The brand is inspired by nature and all its splendor and they strive for environmental responsibility and work to minimize our impact in the natural world.
- Skin79 : Skin Innovation by Seventy Nine System
- Skin79 embraces nature and science, ensuring that all its products are suitable for all skin types. Through continued research and innovation, Skin79 constantly improves and develops newer and better skincare formulas that adapt to an increasingly modern lifestyle.
- Tony Moly : The Provence of Skin Care
- What if there was a place where your skin could recuperate and emerge radiant and silky smooth? Look no further than South Korean beauty brand Tony Moly. The makeup and skincare lines are packed with natural ingredients like tea tree, honey, pomegranate, coffee and primrose to give skin supple radiance, as if woken from a deep beauty sleep.
- Laneige : Inspired by the immaculate beauty and purity of snow
- Deriving its name from the French word for "snow", Laneige bases its philosophy on the unique relationship between snow and water, one element being reborn from the other over and over. Using pure glacial water flowing from the Himalayas as its key ingredient, Laneige's products protects skin cells, maintains balance, and strengthens immunity.
- HANSKIN : Health and Nature
- HANSKIN derives its name from their motto "Health And Nature", reflecting their belief in creating products that are friendly both to the skin and to the earth. No artificial ingredients are used in any HANSKIN product, ensuring blemish-free, soft and naturally beautiful skin.
How to apply BB Cream: tips and additional information
A testimonial video you can watch.
The following video shows BB Cream and Youtube user BabyMissa. Watch her as she talks about her experience with the cream and watch out for her tips on how to find the perfect BB cream for you (enumerated below). It's best to listen to her expound on it though.
How to find the perfect BB Cream:
1) Do your research.
2) Narrow the playing field.
3) Find the perfect consistency.
4) Find the right shade.
5) Invest in BB Cream for the sake of your skin!
More Korean brands you can try.
HANSKIN Premium Magic BB Cream 50ml
Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 02/16/2012)
HANSKIN is another popular BB Cream brand in Korea. Hanskin Premium Magic B.B Cream calms irritated and blemished skin naturally. It contains SPF 15, prevents wrinkles, and has a whitening effect. Grape seed oil provides rich moisture and nourishment. The result is a no make-up look that looks very natural on any skin type.
HANSKIN Caviar Gold BB Cream 40ml
Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)
This is another product by HANSKIN. Contains ingredients such as Caviar, Aloe, Vitamin B, Vegetable Vitamins. These can greatly improve the condition of your skin and makes it healthy and supple. Hydration & nourishing ingredients soak into skin while it provides a protective skin barrier to prevent loss of hydration and maintain skin moisture.
SKIN79 Super+ Beblesh Balm BB Cream Triple Function ( Pink Label ) SPF25 PA++ 40g
Amazon Price: $9.65 (as of 02/16/2012)
SKIN79 has Adenosine and Arbutin which are effective in pigmentation lightening and in lessening wrinkles, giving you radiant and supple skin. This brand also provides UV Protection. It also incorporates a mixture of sunflower, rice bran and ivy extracts called Osmopur which protects skin from various harmful conditions. An ingredient called Phyto Complex keeps skin moist and healthy.
BB Cream application testimonials, tutorials and reviews
Check out these videos by real-life users.
I'm done singing praises for this beauty product so I'm letting other satisfied users share their tips and knowledge with you. Since skin composition varies for every person, finding the right one for your specific skin type will be an arduous (but I hope, enjoyable) trial and error process.
10 Best BB Cream Products (2010 / 2011)
BB Cream bestsellers on YesStyle
Below are the 10 best selling BB cream products, according to YesStyle Beauty Shop, a popular Asian specialty online boutique. Click on the product's name to learn more about it.
* See more of the best BB Creams of 2010-2011.
Laneige Snow BB Cream SPF 41 PA++ (#02 Natural)
A lightweight, essence type BB cream drenches skin more...2 points
Skin79 BB Cream Miniature Set (Black)
A four piece set of blemish balm creams in handy t more...1 point
Missha M B.B Boomer
A creamy makeup primer that enhances the BB cream' more...1 point
Skinfood Aloe Sun BB Cream SPF 20 PA+ (#2 Natural Skin)
Enriched with skin soothing aloe vera to soothe an more...1 point
Skinfood Aloe Sun BB Cream SPF 20 PA+ (#1 Bright Skin)
Shade #1 Bright Skin, leaves skin radiant with a s more...1 point
Skinfood Peach Sake Pore BB Cream SPF 20 PA+ (#2 Natural Beige)
A lightweight BB cream specifically formulated for more...1 point
Hanskin Perfect Super Magic B.B Cream SPF 30 PA++
A multi-function blemish balm cream that provides more...1 point
Mentholatum Sunplay Skin Aqua Silky BB Cream SPF 25 PA++
BB Cream manufactured by Mentholatum, a Japanese s more...1 point
Hanskin Caviar Gold B.B Cream SPF 21
A luxurious BB cream with caviar extracts to moist more...1 point
Skinfood Agave Cactus Sun BB Cream SPF 36 PA+++ (#2 Natural Beige)
An intensely hydrating blemish balm cream packed w more...1 point
Find the brand that suits your skin best
Other BB Cream brands in the market
BB Cream Reviews by brand
Compare brands before buying.
- BRTC | BB Cream Reviews
- User reviews of BRTC brand BB Creams
- Dr. Jart | BB Cream Reviews
- User reviews of Dr. Jart brand BB Creams
- Etude House | BB Cream Reviews
- User reviews of Etude House brand BB Creams
- Hanskin | BB Cream Reviews
- User reviews of Hanskin brand BB Creams
- L'egere | BB Cream Reviews
- User reviews of Legere brand BB Creams
- Maybelline | BB Cream Reviews
- User reviews of Maybelline brand BB Creams
- Missha | BB Cream Reviews
- User reviews of Missha brand BB Creams
- Skin79 | BB Cream Reviews
- User reviews of Skin79 brand BB Creams
- Skinfood | BB Cream Reviews
- User reviews of Skinfood brand BB Creams
- The Face Shop | BB Cream Reviews
- User reviews of The Face Shop brand BB Creams
- Tony Moly | BB Cream Reviews
- User reviews of Tony Moly brand BB Creams
How about BB Cream for Men?
Men deserve to look good and blemish-free too!
Popular Korean actor Lee Min Ho of Boys Over Flowers fame
is the face of Etude House' product line of BB Cream for Men
Because of the BB Cream's fast-growing popularity (not just in Asia but all over the world), the demand for BB Cream for men has grown over the years. In this light, it's not surprising that top Korean cosmetic brands such as Etude House
The video below demonstrates how to apply BB Cream for men.
Image courtesy of Etude House. Some information is from Mr. M. Fashion
Where to Buy BB Cream for Men
BB Cream for Men is available online from these eBay sellers.
If you want your man to look as blemish-free and handsome as those Korean drama actors (or if you're a guy and you want to charm your sweetie with your dashing good looks and smooth skin), make that switch and stock up on some BB Cream for men.
These people are talking about BB Cream!
What are they saying about it?
Like it or not, BB Cream is HOT right now. Let's see what these folks are saying about it.
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- abi_gray
- @LatestInBeauty The refresh and recover box +3 extras, a little box and I received some BB cream yesterday too! x
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- allperthdeals
- A flawless face with top celebrity secret, BB Cream http://t.co/8VkDMQ0R http://t.co/1IUIgbG3
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- khalei_marie
- I jumped on the BB Cream bandwagon...we'll see how this goes!
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- dz_wollongong
- 50% off at My BB Cream http://t.co/fxZy7wjG #wollongong
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- piinkstrawberii
- wooo getting bb cream tomorrow! so hooked on this stuff :D
Don't see the BB cream brand you want to try?
Type it in the search box and we'll find it for you!
Amazing Asian beauty products
What the Japanese use for supple, young-looking skin.
What do you think of BB Cream?
Are you willing to give it a try?
Please consult your dermatologist before applying this cream (or anything you've never tried for that matter) on your face. Better try it on a different body part first to see if you might be allergic to it.
Are you convinced about the BB Cream? Ready to go shopping? Do visit the Best BB Creams of 2010-2011 store. If you're already a BB Cream user, please share your experiences here! Your comments on this page are most welcome too.
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Chouquette
Feb 14, 2012 @ 10:30 am | delete
- sounds like a great cream, I might give it a try...
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AmandaSilver
Feb 13, 2012 @ 5:56 am | delete
- women need so much attention :) but usually they achieve the beauty they need to feel great :)
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goo2eyes
Feb 12, 2012 @ 11:59 am | delete
- i was there in malaysia last dec until jan 2012 and too bad that i did not read your lens before my trip. i am sure that it is being sold in every cosmetic store. squidangel blessings.
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Tipi
Feb 10, 2012 @ 12:44 pm | delete
- Its nice to see your BB Cream lens is doing great, and I hope the sales are too. :)
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chromegrrrl
Feb 8, 2012 @ 7:21 pm | delete
- I'm not a BB cream user but I think you've convinced me enough that I'll give it a try when my current foundation runs out. I really like the idea of an all in one since I have to wear uv lotion under my current foundation.
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Want to give BB Cream a try? Start with these following popular, tried & tested Korean brands.
Missha Perfect Cover Cream
MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream No.23 Natural Beige SPF42 PA+++ (50ml)
Amazon Price: $13.80 (as of 02/16/2012)
Missha is the top BB Cream brand in Korea at the moment. Missha Perfect Cover Cream provides smooth and natural skin coverage and comes with UV Protection, whitening properties and wrinkle care.
Hanskin Caviar Gold BB Cream
HANSKIN Caviar Gold BB Cream 40ml
Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)
Hanskin was the top Korean BB Cream brand before Missha overtook them in 2010. Caviar Gold has SPF 21, prevents wrinkles, and has whitening properties. It contains nourishing ingredients like Caviar, Aloe, Vitamin B, and Vegetable Vitamins to improve the skin and keep it healthy and elastic.
Skin79 The Prestige Beblesh Balm BB Cream Diamond Collection
SKIN79 The Prestige Beblesh Balm BB Cream Diamond Collection
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 02/16/2012)
Skin79 is another very popular BB Cream brand in Korea. The Prestige BB Cream Diamond series has Adenosine and Arbutin which has whitening properties and are effective in minimizing wrinkles for bright and supple skin. It also offers UV A and UV B protection. Diamond Powder and Jewel Complex Powder of Ruby, Amethyst and Pearl gives skin a radiant glow.
