Fashion

BB Cream: the one-stop beauty elixir

Snigdha Ahuja, Hindustan Times
Mumbai, March 16, 2013

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First Published: 14:51 IST(16/3/2013)
Last Updated: 17:41 IST(16/3/2013)

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Concealer is one of the basics in makeup.

Are you in the habit of slapping foundation on your face every time you notice a zit or blemish? Well, seeking refuge in heavy make-up to make your complexion look flawless will only add to your skin woes.

Concealers and foundations are known to block pores, cause zits, spots and premature

wrinkles, if used regularly. So how about a skin product that camouflages imperfections, and acts as a healing balm? The BB cream (blemish balm/beauty balm), claims to meet all make-up needs, and also repair and replenish your skin.

“You can use BB creams as a make-up base, sunscreen, foundation or even as a moisturiser,” explains wellness expert Nandita Suri. Beauty expert Charoo Chawla adds “Some of these also possess anti-ageing agents and skin smoothening properties.”

While the BB cream can work for some, at the same time, like every make-up product, it needs to be tested to find out if it suits your skin. “Since it’s not as thick as foundation, BB creams provide less coverage than a liquid foundation. It’s better for the don’t-feel-like-wearing make-up days,” says Nikita Sharma, makeup trainer, The Body Shop, adding, “Also, be careful of BB cream undertones which tend to be pink instead of yellow and can make you look pale.”

The rise of the BB cream
Having its roots in Germany, the beauty cream rose to popularity in Korea where it was believed to be a luxury product and a favourite of film stars. When it made its way to the European markets, the primary hiccup was believed to be the lack of availability of varied shades. Now, with the quick rise of the cream in the past couple of years, there are more hues and colours available. In the Indian market, the BB has become popular, but it still does not have the high-definition resilience to replace the multitude of foundations and makeup base. But the simple application process still makes it a makeup saviour.