BB 2G: The second generation of BB creams for different skin types

For those of you who still haven’t jumped on the BB bandwagon, let’s go back to the basics.  BB stands for Beauty Balm, and they are tinted multi-taskers with skincare benefits.  They are generally a little thicker than a tinted moisturizer, but usually a little less coverage than foundation, but with more moisturizing properties that even out skin tone with repeated use.  But like any other makeup product, no formula can possibly be good for ALL skin types, right?  Although BB’s are good for most skin types, our favorite brands out there know that we might need a formula for oily skin, or a formula that’s more coverage, or for the ultra-sensitive skin types, etc.  Here are the new BB versions that have come out recently to cater to all our needs:

Physician’s Formula Super BB All-in-one Beauty Balm Powder ($13.95)

Though BB creams are usually a replacement for foundation, powder-junkies can’t resist applying a layer of powder over their BB’s.  There’s nothing wrong with that, but now Physician’s Formula has given us a BB cream AND a BB powder that can be worn together or on their own.  (There’s even a BB concealer in the line!).  This is great for people with oily skin or those that love the matte-skin effect.  But skin isn’t just looking flawless when the soft-focus BB powder is applied, it has White Willow Bark Extract, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E to brighten skin tone for the long-term.  It has fruit extracts to reduce the appearance of fine lines, and UVA/UVB protection to prevent future damage.  It’s also good for sensitive-skin because it’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores), fragrance-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free. 

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Smart Gel Beauty Balm ($36)

This formula is fascinating to me because I usually don’t think of a face tint in a jelly-like texture like this.  It’s cool because it has shape-memory polymers to help prevent pore-widening and wrinkle formation while you’re wearing it. It has grapefruit extract to control sebum and keep the pores tight.  Grapeseed oil, Mangosteen, and Snow Lotus have antioxidant, brightening, and anti-inflammatory properties.  This oil-free formula is ideal for all skin types. It is also free of artificial fragrances, artificial colors, and is suitable for even the most hypersensitive skins.

Too Faced Air Buffed BB Crème ($39)

This is a great cream-to-powder finish for those who like more coverage or a matte, airbrushed-like finish.  The paraben-free formula contains Rose Fruit to help refine pores, Star Fruit Leaf to moisturize, and Rose Myrtle to help repair skin.  They get bonus points for including a small Air Buff Brush made with their cruelty-free “Teddy Bear Hair” bristles that snaps onto the lid so you never lose it.