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How to Pick a BB Cream

Published in BB Cream Selection 3 mins read

Choosing the right BB cream involves several key considerations to ensure a perfect match for your skin tone and needs. First and foremost, matching your skin tone is crucial. A poorly matched shade can result in an ashy or overly dark appearance.

Matching Your Skin Tone: The Most Important Step

The most critical factor when selecting a BB cream is finding a shade that complements your skin tone perfectly. Many brands offer a range of shades, from fair to deep, often categorized with descriptions like "fair," "light," "medium," "tan," and "deep." Consider your undertones (cool, warm, or neutral) for a more precise match. Referencing shade charts and online swatches can be helpful, but remember lighting conditions can affect how colors appear.

  • Online Ordering Challenges: When buying online, it's harder to gauge the shade accurately. Some suggestions from online communities include using a universally recognized shade chart (like MAC foundation shades) as a reference. Or, if you've used a specific shade in another brand before, try to find a similar shade in the BB cream you want to purchase.
  • In-Store Testing: Ideally, test shades on your jawline in natural light to see how they blend with your skin.

Understanding BB Cream Shades & Undertones

Many brands offer shade names like "Nude," "Clair," or numbered systems like #21 or #23, indicating the lightness or darkness of the shade. The specific names and numberings are brand dependent, so comparing them directly across brands can be unreliable.

  • Example: Erborian suggests "Nude" for fair skin with beige undertones, while others might use a numbering system with lower numbers representing lighter shades.

Beyond Shade: Considering Other Factors

While shade is paramount, other factors can influence your BB cream choice:

  • Skin Type: Consider whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. Opt for formulas designed to address your specific concerns. Some BB creams cater to specific skin needs.
  • Desired Coverage: BB creams offer varying levels of coverage, from sheer to light-medium. Determine how much coverage you need – do you primarily want skin tone evenness or more significant blemish coverage?
  • Ingredients: Check the ingredient list for potential irritants if you have sensitive skin. Look for additional benefits like SPF protection.

Tips for Choosing the Right BB Cream

  • Read reviews: Look at online reviews to see other people's experiences with specific brands and shades.
  • Swatch before you buy: Whenever possible, test out the BB cream shade on your skin.
  • Start with a small amount: Don't apply too much BB cream at once, or you might end up with an unnatural look.
  • Mix and match: If you can't find an exact match, try mixing your BB cream with a lighter or darker foundation to customize the shade.