Which BB is best?

There seems to be a new one launched every day, so there is just no getting away from BB Cream.

Massive is Asia for years, it would seem that the buyers in SA have finally cottoned onto the fact that we love ourselves a multi-tasker (yes, well done). So what exactly is a BB Cream, you ask? Well, the best definition I’ve found is from the beauty bible itself, Allure, where they are described as such; “BB creams (short for beauty or blemish balm creams) are like tinted moisturizers on steroids.”

By this they mean that they are basically tinted moisturisers with added skincare benefits, so they cover, even-out skin tone and protect your skin from free radical damage. Most of them sit around 3-5 benefits each. Pretty cool stuff!

But, like foundations, not all BB Creams are created equal. Some are good for older skin, while some can only be used on dry skin, etc., etc. So how to sort the wood from the trees? Here’s my round up and breakdown of the ones I have floating around at the moment.

BEST FOR DRY SKINS

1. Decléor Hydra Floral Multi-Protection BB Cream SPF15

Benefits: 5 (moisturises, illuminates, refines, UVA and UVB protection, and protects against urban pollution)

Selling point: Plant based 24-hour moisturiser

Shades: 1

Price: R395

2. Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-in-One SPF 15 BB Cream

Benefits: 5 (evens skin tone, blurs lines and imperfections, boosts healthy glow, 24 hour moisture, UV protection)

Selling point: Incredibly good value for money

Shades: 3 (Light, Medium and Dark)

Price: R79.95

3. Payot Hydra²⁴ Perfection Hydrating and Antioxidant BB Cream SPF 15

Benefits: 5 (24hr hydration, evens skin tone, repairs wrinkles and imperfections, revives radiance and luminosity, UV protection)

Selling point: Contains anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant ingredients for sensitive skin

Shades: 2 (Light and Medium)

Price: R395

 

GREAT ALL ROUNDERS WITH SUN PROTECTION

4. Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream SPF25

Benefits: 3 (ensures an even and radiant complexion, moisturises and energizes, protect against external aggressors with SPF)

Selling point: Gives a satin finish, whereas most give a dewy effect.

Shades: 3 (Light, Medium and Dark)

Price: R375

5. Revlon PhotoReady BB Skin Perfector Foundation SPF30

Benefits: 5 (moisturises, brightens, evens skin tone and blurs pores, conceales imperfections, UV protection)

Selling point: Its broad spectrum SPF 30 and 4-shade offering

Shades: 4 (Light, Light/Medium, Medium and Dark)

Price: R149

 

BEST FOR OLDER SKINS

6. Filorga BB-Perfect SPF15 2 shades R550

Benefits: 4 (anti-aging properties, repairs, corrects, UV protection)

Selling point: The best BB Cream for anti-aging benefits

Shades: 2 (Radiant Beige and Golden Sand)

Price: R550

7. L’Oreal Revitalift Total Repair 10 BB Cream SPF 15

Benefits: 10 (24-hour hydration, illuminates, smoothes, evens skin tone, boosts skin tone, covers imperfections, firms, brightens, reduces appearance of wrinkles, UV protection)

Selling point: The 10 signs of ageing it promises to fight, and it’s part of the Revitalift stable

Shades: 2 (Light and Medium)

Price: R189.99

 

Other notable ones are the offerings from Rimmel and Ponds.

I use the Rimmel Match Perfection BB Cream SPF25 in Light most days in winter (Garnier is my one of choice for warmer weather). It boasts an amazing 9 benefits, deeply hydrates my skin and delivers a great coverage. It’s available in 3 shades (Light, Medium and Medium/Dark) for R99.95 each.

Pond’s Flawless Radiance All-in-One Even Tone Expert BB Cream SPF 30. Having a specially developed shade just for African skin is a first for Pond’s. And quite impressive it is too, as it comes in just two shades; Beige and Chocolate. When I first saw it I thought that it would never work just having the two shades, but actually I’m yet to find somebody that it doesn’t suit. The Beige is great for skin tones up to a deep olive and the Chocolate takes care of any darker skins (without going ashy, which is the normal complaint with concealer, foundations and the like for dark skins.) The high SPF is a must for our climate and R89.99 price tag doesn’t hurt either!