skin care essentials The 7 Best Times To Wear BB Cream

With the rise of new complexion products like tinted serum and serum foundation, it can be easy to forget about the great results we got with some of our old favorites. Remember when BB cream was the new, ultra-popular go-to? Well, it may not be the newest innovation in the beauty world but today it’s still a must-have, especially given how popular no-makeup makeup looks are. So we’re taking you back and diving into the details about this makeup and skin care hybrid. From why BB cream should remain a staple in your makeup bag, to when are the best times to use BB cream, we’re sharing what to know about this complexion classic. 

What Is BB Cream?

The “BB” in BB cream generally stands for beauty balm or blemish balm. It’s a skin-first product that’s meant to hydrate the skin and provide radiance. BB creams typically  boast sheer to medium coverage that evens out the complexion while letting the natural skin tone and texture shine through. Some BB creams have been considered color changing makeup due to their ability to adjust to the skin tone of the wearer.

How To Pick The Right BB Cream For You 

Selecting the best BB cream for you depends on your skin and your preferences. There are different L’Oréal Paris BB cream options to choose from based on your needs.

If you’re simply looking for an everyday complexion product that provides light coverage and hydration, the L’Oréal Paris Magic by Studio Secrets Skin Beautifier BB Cream is for you. It primes, corrects, hydrates, and leaves behind a natural, skin-like finish. 

If you have redness that you’re looking to even out, the L’Oréal Paris Magic BB Anti-Redness (For All Skin Tones) was made for you. Like green foundation makeup, it transforms into a universal shade to reduce the look of redness while correcting and hydrating the skin. 

The Best Times To Use BB Cream 

Now that you know what BB cream does and which one is best for you, you can easily incorporate it into your beauty routine. Here, we’re sharing the occasions that call for using one.

1. When Traveling 

With limited space, trying to figure out which beauty products to stash in your travel makeup bag can be challenging. Since BB creams have multiple benefits, you can streamline your routine and save some space in your travel bag. Plus, vacation sometimes calls for minimal makeup, so BB cream is the perfect complexion product to have on hand. 

2. When You’re In A Rush 

When you’re rushing to get out the door, products that are easy to apply and fast to blend are key. With a BB cream, you can quickly rub it into your skin using your fingers like you would with a moisturizer, and head out without worrying that your foundation looks unblended. 

3. When You’re Embracing Skinimalism 

BB cream was practically made for the skinimalism embracing beauties. When you’re looking to embrace your natural skin but even it out just a bit, reach for a BB cream and you’ll be all set. 

4. When Your Skin Needs A Break  

If you want to give your skin a break from full coverage makeup but still want to even your skin tone a bit, BB cream is the way to go. For a little more coverage without wearing foundation, try applying your BB cream before masking any imperfections that peek through with a lightweight concealer.

5. When You’re Breaking Out 

BB cream isn't sometimes referred to as blemish balm for nothing. While full coverage makeup can conceal blemishes, it can also make the skin appear cakey. With a BB cream, you can tone down the redness of breakouts while letting your skin breathe and while avoiding that caked on look.

6. When You’re Experiencing Redness 

If you’re experiencing redness that you want to camouflage, reach for a BB cream with green color correcting pigments like the L’Oréal Paris Magic BB Anti-Redness (For All Skin Tones). It will help to neutralize your complexion, and then you can use concealer to spot correct specific areas that are extra red. 

7. When You’re Going To The Beach  

If you’re going to the beach, there’s a good chance you won’t want to wear a full face of makeup. But that doesn’t mean that you might not want a bit of coverage to even out your skin. Add a light layer of BB cream over your SPF to provide coverage and help to cancel out any potential white case from your sunscreen. 

Next: Your Step-By-Step Guide To Color Correcting

Edited by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: Myla, IG/@pradaolic