2011 has arguably been the year of the BB Cream in the UK. Developed by a German dermatologist in 1970 to calm and cover redness after dermatological treatments, it quickly became a hit on the South Korean skincare market. It's a hybrid product that combines traditional moisturizing ingredients; antioxidant and SPF protection, and complexion-perfecting mineral pigments for an all-in-one skincare and cosmetic product. That's primer, anti-ageing protection, sun block, moisturizer and foundation in one product. In Asia, it also offered a grey pigment to whiten Asian skin - BB creams now account for 13% of the Asian mass-market make-up sector.
Having launched a greater range of shades across the USA in 2010 with Maybelline, Boscia, Biotherm, Clinique and Dr Jart+, Western BB Creams hit the UK market this year. Dior, Germaine de Capuccini, MAC, Clinique, Illamasqua, Une, Garnier and Boots 17 have all launched their own blend, and now Estee Lauder - previously with a BB Cream confined to their travel sector - is launching Daywear Anti-Oxidant BB Creme SPF35 (£32) on 2nd January at Selfridges - my favourite of those available in the UK so far.
What does it do to your skin? It unifies skintone and disguises any redness without masking your natural radiance - this is a seriously natural finish. It leaves no discernible residue at all and you know it's offering protection against environmental ageing. And it comes in paler shades than most - try 01 Fair if, like me, you're verging on see-through. Doesn't get much better than that.
Text: Grace Timothy
