To BB or Not To BB

What if I told you there was a beauty product that combined a tinted moisturizer, sunblock, anti-aging cream, skin prime, and foundation and in addition would give you gorgeous skin? Start looking for your car keys ladies, because you're going to want to run out and get yourself some bb cream aka beauty balm or blemish balm, as soon as you finish reading this post. It is no exaggeration when I say bb cream is a game changer in the world of cosmetics and to put it mildly has revolutionized the way women put their makeup on. 

After Korean soap opera stars (they're huge all over Asia, think Justin Bieber-like popularity) started crediting their porcelain skin to bb creams, there was such an insane demand for bb cream that Asian cosmetic companies could not make them fast enough before selling out. It has now become such a world phenomenon that everyone from makeup artists to beauty bloggers and beauty insiders are buzzing about the amazing results.

According to the New York Times, German dermatologist Dr. Christine Schrammek first designed the bb cream to help with the healing process of post-op surgical patients after laser surgery treatments. The bb cream was used to treat the common redness and inflammation that occurred in post-peel patients.

It is easy to explain the multi-tasking bb cream's meteoric rise to fame. Not only is it saving women precious time by taking away numerous steps in their daily beauty routine, but also saving them  money by eliminating the need to buy several different skin care and makeup products. Save time and dollar dollar bills? Sign me up yo!

All the hype and excitement around Asia's best kept beauty secret now have a few of the major American and European cosmetic brands releasing their own version of the highly sought-after bb cream. My favorite, Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream, has SPF 35 making it the perfect sunblock for year-round protection from uv rays. It comes in five different shades that will give you up to eight hours of coverage. Definitely stick with the American version because unfortunately the Asian bb cream cousins often have skin lighteners because of the Asian fascination with "fair=lovely" skin.

Bb cream is destined to become a staple in every makeup bag and women everywhere will be wondering what they ever did before. By the end of this year, I am pretty sure every single makeup brand will have their own version of bb cream available. Just see what fits your skin needs best and climb aboard the wagon, there are plenty of seats and I hear there will even be a band playing. ;)