How to Apply BB Cream: A Simple Guide to Using BB Cream

BB cream stands for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm cream,” so-called for its ability to cover up slight blemishes on the skin. This skincare product comes in a range of hues, and it also provides basic brightening capabilities and enriches skin with hyaluronic acid and other nourishing ingredients. You can use BB cream to provide a base layer for additional makeup. A popular Korean makeup product, BB cream is a priming, hydrating, light-coverage foundation created to meet the demand for makeup that has benefits for skincare.

BB cream is distinct from CC cream—color-correcting cream—which is designed to cover up dark spots under your eyes, improve broader discoloration, and address hyperpigmentation. BB cream can replace a host of other skincare steps in your morning skincare routine and provide a full-coverage foundation. You can even wear it as a sunscreen that provides a protective, no-makeup makeup look.

Once you prepare your face and prep your skin for BB cream, follow these application steps:

• Apply cream. Place a dollop of BB cream about the size of a dime on the back of your hand. Then, using your fingertips, dab the cream evenly on your face. If your BB cream is thicker, you can use a foundation brush to apply it, then lightly apply a damp beauty blender to remove excess cream.
• Blend cream into your skin. After the BB cream is on your face, blend the product evenly over your face. Use your fingers to massage it into your skin like you would a tinted moisturizer, or use a makeup sponge if you prefer a more airbrushed look.
• Add concealer. Once the first coverage is complete, you can use a concealer for added coverage.
• Apply setting powder. Setting powder is optional, but it can help you preserve your makeup look or achieve a more matte finish.

If your skin type is blemish-prone or you have oily skin, you might be interested in BB creams as a replacement for more cakey drugstore-bought foundations. One of the skincare benefits of BB cream is that it contains antioxidants and salicylic acid which can help prevent breakouts on acne-prone skin. Many formulas are also oil-free.

Consider using BB creams during the warm summer months. Standard foundations can easily melt in hot weather, but BB cream’s lightweight feel is more suited for high temperatures—and it includes SPF protection. When using BB cream as sunscreen, it’s best to find one with SPF 30 or higher.

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