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{Want more travel beauty? Get your fill the third Wednesday of every month. Lauren, our travel beauty expert, is already whipping up her next concoction post!}
They're what everyone is talking about, yet for some reason most of us don't know what they actually are.
BB creams were first introduced in Asia then in Europe last year; however, they're still something of a mystery. What is a BB cream? Some say it stands for Blemish Balm, others call it a Beauty Balm {word on the street is that they were originally called Blemish Balms, but when they were brought to North America, retailers thought that name didn't sound appealing}.
Overall, this multitasking product provides hydration, SPF, sheer coverage and soothing and healing properties to deliver genuine benefits for the skin and minimize your beauty routine---i.e. they're PERFECT for travel! I'm a little BB cream obsessed, and I tested a number of them to come up with my favorites in several different categories. Check out my BB cream awards below!
1/ Best Sun Protection: Dior Diorshow UV Shield BB Creme SPF 50 With a whopping SPF 50, this BB cream is perfect for those with fair complexions or those who need a high level of sun protection. The formula has a gorgeous silky texture and the perfect amount of coverage.
2/ Most Coverage: Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector This brilliant formula tones down redness and dark circles, providing impressive coverage. It glides on smoothly and eliminates the need for concealer.
3/ Best For Sensitive Skin: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 I was so impressed with how long this BB cream lasted---my skin looked as good at the end of the day as when I first applied it. It's also fragrance free, making it a good option for people sensitive to scents.
4/ Most Hydrating: Dr. Jart + Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 This fab formula leaves dry skin ultra moisturized and perfectly dewy.
5/ Best Natural Finish: Too Faced Beauty Balm Multi-Benefit Skin Care Makeup This product is best for those looking for light coverage with all the benefits of a BB cream. It's perfect for those days when you want to go "au natural".
6/ Best All Around: Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm I loved this formula, which has more of a matte finish than most other BB creams. It creates a perfect canvas for your skin, diffusing the light and hiding any blemishes or pores.
What's next? CC creams!
I read the other day that CC creams {Color Control creams} are the next generation of BB creams. Doing double duty as skincare and makeup, they offer more coverage than BB creams and include even more skin-nourishing ingredients. Chanel is apparently already working on a CC cream formula...stay tuned for more info!
More Travel Beauty Trish's Travel Beauty Picks How To Prolong Your Gorgeous Glow Nicole’s Exotic Travel Beauty Picks In-Flight Beauty Masks Q&A With OPI’s Founder {Nail Tips For Travel} Heather’s On-The-Road Beauty Must-Haves On-The-Go Teeth Cleaning St. Tropez’ Celebrity Tanning Expert’s Self-Tanning Secrets Q&A With Dr. Murad
[collage by @tripstyler with images sourced online]