BB creams were first popularized in France for their multi-functional effects. Let’s explore what BB creams from France are, how they work, and why they’ve become so popular.
I’ll provide some recommendations of some of the best French BB creams available on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight foundation or a tinted moisturizer, this post should help you find the right BB cream for your needs.
So, whether you’re new to the world of BB creams or a seasoned enthusiast, get ready to embrace the je ne sais quoi of French beauty with these Best French BB Creams! Let’s unlock the secret to a radiant and flawless complexion, à la française!
What is BB cream used for?
BB cream, which stands for “blemish balm” or “beauty balm”, is a versatile makeup product that combines various skin care benefits with makeup coverage. Here are some common uses of BB cream:
Moisturization: BB creams typically contain moisturizing ingredients that help to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day.
Sun Protection: Most BB creams offer some level of SPF to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation.
Primer: BB cream can act as a makeup base or primer, preparing the skin for further application of cosmetic products.
Light Coverage Foundation: BB creams provide a light to medium coverage to help even out the skin tone, conceal blemishes, redness, and minor imperfections, making them an excellent alternative to heavier foundations.
Brightening: Some BB creams contain ingredients that are designed to brighten the skin or give it a more radiant appearance.
Anti-Aging: Certain BB creams also incorporate anti-aging ingredients that help to smooth fine lines and deep-set wrinkles over time.
BB cream is considered a multi-tasking product and it’s ideal for a natural, “no makeup” makeup look, or if you prefer to simplify your skincare and makeup routine.
Best French BB Creams
The Bourjois Healthy Mix BB Cream is known for its vitamin-rich formula that promises to give your skin a boost of radiance; it blends seamlessly into the skin to conceal imperfections and offers an enhanced natural look.
The L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier Anti-Redness BB Cream is formulated to tackle skin redness and even out the skin tone; its color-transforming pigments adapt to your unique skin chemistry, providing a personalized, natural-looking finish.
The Garnier SkinActive BB Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer is a multifunctional product that targets signs of aging; it offers SPF protection and hydration, along with coverage to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting youthful-looking skin.
The Yves Rocher Sublime Skin BB Cream offers a unique blend of skincare and makeup; it provides medium coverage and leaves the skin looking bright and radiant, while also offering moisturizing benefits and a natural-looking finish that’s perfect for daily use.
The Lancome Soleil Bronzer SPF 50 BB Cream is not only a makeup product but also a high-quality sunscreen, providing strong UV protection along with a bronzed finish that gives your skin a sun-kissed glow, making it a summer essential.
The Bioderma Sensibio BB Cream is a multitasking beauty product designed specifically for sensitive skin; it soothes and hydrates while providing light to medium coverage, making it perfect for reducing redness and skin discomfort.
What is the difference between BB and CC cream?
BB and CC creams are both multi-tasking beauty products, but they are designed with slightly different purposes in mind.
BB Creams (Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm): BB creams are an all-in-one product that combines the benefits of skincare and makeup. They provide light to medium coverage, giving your skin a natural, slightly enhanced look. BB creams typically have hydrating properties, offer sun protection, and can serve as a makeup primer. They are ideal for regular use and for ladies who prefer a minimal makeup routine.
CC Creams (Color Correcting): CC creams provide the same benefits as BB creams, such as sun protection and hydration, but they focus more on color correction. CC creams are designed to address issues like redness, sallowness, or hyperpigmentation. They often offer more coverage than most BB creams and are lighter on the skin, which makes them a good choice for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin or those who have uneven skin tones.
In a nutshell, BB creams are great for casual, everyday makeup routines and can provide multiple skincare benefits along with some coverage. CC creams, on the flip side, are more focused on targeting specific color-related skin issues and generally provide more coverage. The choice between BB cream and CC cream largely depends on your skin’s needs and preferences.
BB Cream vs. Foundation
Should you use BB cream instead of foundation? Whether to use BB cream or foundation depends on your preferences, as well as the look you’re aiming for. Here are some factors to consider:
- Coverage: Foundations typically provide much more coverage than BB creams. If you want to completely even out your skin tone or cover blemishes or discolorations, then foundation might be a better choice. BB cream, on the other hand, provides lighter coverage that can be enough if you just want to enhance your natural skin rather than fully cover it up.
- Skincare Benefits: BB creams often include skincare benefits like hydration, SPF protection, and sometimes include anti-aging or brightening ingredients. If these benefits appeal to you and you’re seeking a more minimalist beauty routine, a BB cream could be a good fit.
- Texture and Finish: BB creams usually have a lighter texture than foundations, which can be beneficial if you don’t like the feeling of heavier makeup on your skin. They also often leave a more natural, dewy finish, while foundations can range from matte to dewy depending on the specific product.
- Time and Convenience: BB creams can be a timesaver as they are multi-functional, serving as a moisturizer, primer, SPF, and light coverage all in one.
- Skin Type: If you have acne-prone or oily skin, you might want to choose a non-comedogenic foundation designed for your skin type. BB creams can sometimes be too rich and cause breakouts. However, there are also BB creams designed for different skin types.
So, while BB cream can be a good alternative to foundation in certain cases, it won’t provide the same level of coverage or finish. It can be a great option for more casual or natural makeup looks, for a lighter texture, or to streamline a makeup routine. If you’re unsure, you could try both and see which one you prefer for different occasions.
