BB Creams

What is a BB Cream?

BB Cream is an abbreviation for ‘beauty balm cream’ or ‘blemish balm cream’. Lancôme BB Creams were born out of the demand for a product that combines the Lancôme Australia expert skincare formulas with a makeup product for an effective single step result.

A tinted BB Cream provides a light to medium level of glowy makeup coverage using a gentler formula with added skincare benefits. Essentially, it’s a moisturiser, primer and everyday foundation in one.

BB Creams were originally developed by dermatologists to conceal redness, skin discolouration and blemishes after laser treatments without damaging or irritating the skin. Now, these products are widely recommended to anyone who is looking to give their skin a bit of a break from heavy foundations and enjoy the benefits of a skincare/makeup hybrid that looks beautiful and feels luxurious.

What is the difference between a BB Cream vs CC Cream vs Tinted Moisturiser?

BB Creams generally contain active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to hydrate, vitamin c to brighten complexions, antioxidants to even out skin tone and sunscreen to protect from external elements. Like foundations, BB Creams are available in a variety of shades and finishes, with the added benefit of skincare ingredients.

A CC cream also offers skincare benefits and buildable coverage, but this product is primarily used for colour correcting. It aims to correct redness and dark spots and add radiance in addition to providing hydration and colour.

Regular tinted moisturisers are a lighter option, closer to a lightweight face cream with a hint of colour. These are ideal for those who are looking for minimal coverage and maximum hydration, however, are less buildable and less effective at concealing blemishes compared to a BB Cream.

How to use a BB Cream

A BB Cream moisturiser and foundation hybrid, like Hydra Zen BB Cream, can be used alone as a single step, incorporating moisturiser, primer and foundation - great for days when you’re short on time! Alternatively, we like to apply it after our full skincare routines, adding a little extra hydration after using our serums and day cream.

A BB Cream is best applied using your fingers or a damp beauty sponge, as the warmth helps to melt the product smoothly onto your skin. Simply work the product evenly across your face and neck and allow it to dry fully before applying any other makeup products.

BB Cream with SPF

A BB Cream with SPF, like UV Expert BB Cream Complete SPF 50+, ensures you never leave the house without sun protection, even when you’re on the run. This BB Cream is multi-functional, helping your skin fight against daily aggressors such as UV rays and urban pollution, while making skin tone appear brighter, more even and blurring blemishes.