BB creams are the latest trend to hit the beauty industry. A craze in Asia for the past twenty years (Korea Herald editors refer to it as “the secret of Korean actresses”), Western beauty companies are now marketing the product to U.S. consumers as the one stop solution for all of your skin needs. Advertised as a moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock in one, is it possible that BB creams can do it all…and do it all well? Or are marketers laying it on thick? Beauty expert Lois Joy Johnson weighs in.
Five lucky FOFs will try Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream. Enter to win by leaving a comment below.
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What exactly are BB creams?
Beauty Balms or Blemish Balms are really just super tinted moisturizers. Some have a little bit more coverage than others, some come in one universal shade, others come in a light, medium, dark palette and some target aging skin with brighteners. Most actually work well as makeup primers to tint, hydrate, and add ‘slip,’ which makes liquid and cream foundations easier to apply and blend. Some give skin a dewy look, others give skin a matte look. Some are super-sheer, others have a little more coverage. Some have a higher level of sunscreen–if you’re over fifty, and you have sun damage, the ones with SPF are the most beneficial.
Who do BB creams work best for?
I think they’re a good option if you like a lightweight, non-made up look and feel, if you have nearly perfect skin due to amazing genes or careful lifelong sun protection, or if you use a self-tanner. A faux tan blurs skin discoloration, so you won’t need more than a tinted moisturizing cream for a boost. If your skin is naturally darker, and more even in tone (you don’t have a lot of discoloration) BB creams would probably make you pretty happy.
You mentioned that some BB creams contain brighteners for aging skin–can they also help other skin issues, like wrinkles, redness or under-eye circles?
Some so-called BB creams help these issues, and some of them don’t. BB creams are really not any more miraculous than a lot of stuff that’s already out there, but I do think that several are suitable for mature skin. (Click slideshow below to see Lois’ BB cream recommendations.)
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Where did BB creams originate?
The original BB creams were prescribed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons, primarily in Asia, and were designed to treat and soothe skin post laser surgery. These new, so-called BB creams riff on the original, but each one has it’s own combination of ingredients.
Are there certain ingredients that these creams have to be labeled “BB creams?”
You don’t need some seal of approval. You can slap the BB cream label on anything you want. It’s just a term, meaning Beauty or Blemish Balm. There’s no secret to it. Think of it the same way you see diversity in lipstick textures and ingredients.
So if someone over fifty came to you and asked if you recommend they use a BB cream, what would you say?
By the time you reach 50, your face is dealing with pigmentation issues–brown spots, dark circles, broken capillaries, rosacea, loss of pigment, as well as sagging, loss of firmness, lines and wrinkles, and dryness. There is no one product that is going to solve everything. Most women over fifty are looking for long-term treatment and performance, as well as short-term instant visible improvement. I think, overall, that BB creams are a good option to play with but are certainly not a miracle. It’s smart marketing!
Lois Joy Johnson is a leading expert on style and beauty and the author of Great Hair After 50: A Vibrant Nation Guide and The Makeup Wakeup, a critically acclaimed guide to looking fabulous at any age. She’s the former Beauty and Fashion Director of MORE magazine. Her new book, The Wardrobe Wakeup will be available in December 2012.
Five FOFs will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes July 5th, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.
0 Responses to “Best BB Cream For Women Over 50”
Penny says:
I’m over 50 and BB Creams are horrid for someone like me. I have all the factors that you speak of, discoloration (my skin is actually translucent). I have very dark veins under my eyes and have never found anything including Dermablend or any other “miracle” product that could cover them, BB creams are no different. For someone with aging skin, I find the BB creams (no matter the brand, I tried 5 different ones) settle into the wrinkles, are drying and seriously find that it stains your cloth when you wash it off, I have reservations about something that won’t wash out of your facecloth yet wearing it on my skin for 8 hours a day.
BarbB says:
I would like to try something new.
PJ says:
Cool.
Anita Carnley says:
I have used the BB cream for 8 days and am really happy with the appearance of my skin! TY! <3
Chris Weihing says:
Never heard of this type of beauty cream but would love to try it!
tarheel4ever says:
I would LOVE to try Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream because I have used some Garnier products and, so far, have liked them all a lot. Plus, I would really like to change from using foundation to a tinted moisturizer. Thank you! 🙂
Nelson Batman says:
i also play with cars a bit, learning some mechanic work. id really like to be able to tune engine management, either tweak a stock ecm or tune a full on standalone, so if anyone knows that stuff here PLEAASSEE point me where to look to get started because im so lost
Laura McLendon says:
Now this is a product that I am researching and checking into right now. I have tried a couple in the drugstore but I haven’t found my ideal product yet. I would like to try this one!!
Debbie swanson says:
I like This BB cream…one of my number 1
Terry R. says:
Have been wanting to try a BB Cream. Thanks for the tips.
Delora Williams says:
I’ve really been anxious to try BB Cream, I’m having the typical over 50 skin problems, and it’s driving me crazy!
🙂
Trending—Battle of the BB & CC Creams: Fab Over 50 Interviews Tracey Brown for the Lowdown on CC Creams | Blinging Beauty says:
[…] when BB creams were the beauty buzzword? Now cosmetic companies are taking it up a letter with the CC cream. […]
angelique says:
Does BB cream help with dark scars for teenagers and does it work for all tones
Fab55 says:
This just appeared on my FB page, but I think the contest is over…if not ….SIGN ME UP!! PLEASE! 😉
Sherry Tew says:
I was interested to see if the BB cream I have been using for several months was going to be mentioned in this article and was pleasantly surprised to find it is! I have been a very happy user of the Garnier BB cream for a while now. I am 53 years old and very fortunate to have reasonably good skin, even w/rosacea. I don’t like traditional foundations so decided to try the Garnier BB cream. It gives a nice even tone to my skin. I use Make Up For Ever finishing powder over the BB cream, a little blush and I am all set!!
Kathi says:
I would be thrilled to try a BB cream, I do have some pores and redness that I would like to cover up before I use my foundation or maybe would not need foundation after using BC cream. This is why I would Love to try it and Thank you for the opportunity. 🙂
Margee says:
Would love to try!
karen barth says:
I am 58 and thanks to oily skin have begun wearing foundation just this year. I’m not crazy about the heaviness of foundation + powder and look forward to a lighter option. I plan to use a fade cream for some over-exposure to sun areas on my chest and try a bit of BB cream for special events.
Karen Schmitz says:
I saw this BB creame beamed about on Dr OZ,,,,,With a skin DR…Can not wait to try..
audrey benson says:
Good article. I’m in late 70’s and getting very dry and wrinkled will try a BB cream Have been faithfully using BADESCU products since 1970 with fairly good results. However, age will out and am now looking my age. Very fair complexion (redhead) so foiundation color also a problem
Donna says:
Saw this on tv and can’t wait to find a store that sells it!
Veronica says:
I want the one they showed on dr oz where can I get it?
Louisa says:
I’ve been using Garnier BB Cream for a few weeks now. I have nearly perfect, very light skin.
The Garnier BB Cream in light/medium is too dark for my face so I use very little. I blend just a little bit into moisturizer, sunscreen, and a mattifying primer. I let my skin absorb it for a few minutes. This plus a touch of cream blusher on my cheeks and lips, followed by a dusting of sheer pressed powder and I’m done. All I need is a little color on my face.
I don’t think BB cream is a miracle product, but I like it. If my health had permitted, I’d have done more outdoor activities, but it wasn’t for me. At 56, I have the consolation prize of beautiful skin. It isn’t anything I put on my face that’s done it, that’s for sure. It really is about how much time you spend in the sun over the years.
newtoy42 says:
Would like to test this
a1nettie says:
I have heard of this and would love to put it to the test. I do need some extra concealer to cover my hyperpigmentation, but would love to be able to test this out and see if it could even out my skin tone. Would love to do a review of the Garnier skin renew skin perfector BB Cream
JENNIFER HART says:
THIS REVIEW TOLD ME ALOT AND TOLD ME NOTHING.DO I OR SHOULD I GO THROUGH EVERY BRAND OR NOT?WHICH BRANDS DO WHICH FUNCTIONS?HOW DO I KNOW WHICH ONES DO WHAT?
Glenda says:
I like the sound of this product, as the reason I never wore foundation when I was younger is because I always thought it looked thick and obvious and not natural at all.
I still don’t wear it, but this sounds like something that maybe I would.
LMH says:
I love BB cream. I use Garnier’s brand. I find that I cannot use it alone due to the darkness of my skin. Which is not a new issue for me as a woman of color. I use the medium/deep color and am pleased that it has sunscreen in it. When I use it, I apply it before I put on any concealer or foundation. I have had many compliments on the smoothness and texture of my skin when I apply it with my makeup. I decided to try it after seeing it used on Dr. Oz’s show. I can use it with my liquid foundation for full coverage or I can use it with my oil blotting powder for lighter coverage. It helps to even my skin – since getting older, I have more places of uneven skin coloration, especially under my eyes. I don’t break the bank for such a wonderful addition to my make up routine. I love it!
Kim says:
Would love to try it. Thanks!
Arlene says:
Have not tried BB cream and would love to try it. Sounds like it would help the appearance of my skin.
deborahf2 says:
I have been using a tinted moisturizer for many years, but must admit intrigued at an all in one type product…had the Garnier on my list of “soon to try”-would be fantastic if I could try it gratis!
Deborah says:
My skin is now entering a dry phase. i would love to try this to see if it’s my magic bullet.
KAREN COGBURN says:
Love to be a part of testing. heard amazing things about this product.
Maria Bell says:
I’ve heard so much about this cream! I’m 64 yrs old & would be a great over fifty diva to try this product!!!
Maria Bell says:
I’ve heard so much about this cream!!I’m 64 yrs. & would love to see how this cream could help me…I’d be a great over fifty diva to try this product!!!
Dee says:
I haven’t tried these but am really thinking about it. I need a little more coverage so not sure if these will work for me?
deborah m says:
i began using garnier bb cream about one month ago. oddly enough i have had several people ask me about my skin and how great its been looking. is it the bb cream, maybe so…..
Marsha Depace says:
I love when creams are tinted. I don’t have to wear cover up. Bit would definitely buy this or maybe I just might win!
Sergey says:
Thanks Jeff for the post. There are a couple of other Chicago area sacoefsrle admins that are going to be authoring my blog as well, Ryan Klein and Dave Beaudoin. They have great ideas to share and tons of sacoefsrle experience.
Barbara wicklund says:
Count me in!
fran says:
I am using Garnier BB cream now. Like if so far.
Jeanne-Marie says:
I would give it a fair shake… love to try
Jo Anne Roberts says:
I turned 50 1 1/2 ago. I have seen more changes after 50 than i have my whole life. i am in the search for a cream that will SLOW down the signs of aging. i would be thrilled if i was picked as a winner as i have spent SO much money in search of a magical cream that would do this for me. i just cant spend another penny on creams that done do what they say. maybe Estee Lauders “BB” cream will deliver! wish me luck. with the giveaway and my search! thank you Jo Anne Roberts P.S. i truely love Estee Lauder products, when i can afford them
Zia Montesi says:
Here at the beach in Outer Banks NC sunscreen’s a must yet makeup isn’t .
Using Ss designed for faces should be enough, right? I’m 63, freckled & unfortunately grew up on S Florida beaches so I’m sure the damage is already done though I don’t hang out in the sun anymore sadly. Can this BB cream add ‘ more’ protection?
KAREN COGBURN says:
Heard wonderful things about this product. Honored to test.
Fashion Flash | Menopause Makeover | The Ultimate Guide to Taking Control of Your Health and Beauty during Menopause says:
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debbiehoskins says:
I would love to try one of these BB creams, anything to simplify my routine would be terrific!
KAREN COGBURN says:
Great product. Count me in!!
Corky says:
I happen to be using Garnier’s BB Cream Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector product in the light/medium formula. It quickly became my go-to foundation for the summer. I still use a moisturizer first because, ahem, I am almost Medicare eligible! But because it’s a light weight product, nothing feels heavy. I have noticed a very slight brightening of my skin tone. However, with an SPF of 15 I would use something different if I want to spend some time outdoors. Nice product, not expensive, worth a try.
KAREN COGBURN says:
Love to be a part of testing.
kellykat says:
yes, this would be something i’d love to test,thanks.
Roxie says:
I intend to try a BB cream when I travel internationally so that I can save space!
Alene Wendrow says:
I have some. No big deal. I believe I have Smashbox BB cream. It gives some coverage but not unlike tinted moisturizer. It does nothing for small wrinkles or pores. They lied. I don’t even think it fills anything in. It’s fine for the beach, when you don’t want heavy foundation but you want good sunblock and some coverage. I’ve run to the grocery store with it on. That’s it. I need more coverage than it provides. And I would never use it as a primer. Primers are much better feeling when you put them on. This is like putting on a light foundation. And then you put a second on? Lois Joy, you’re correct. Smart marketing. Would not buy it again.
Lucille says:
Just in time for my birthday: BB cream to brighten my complexion and give me a lift!
Faith Moeller says:
I have some areas of redness and have seen the Garnier BB commercial on television. My skin could use some evening of color that has a ‘kick’ to it! I’d LOVE to try it and see how it does. Count me in as a test subject!
Jeanne T says:
I would love to try this. I am not a foundation wearer, but I would love something that sheerly adds a bit of smooth-out factor.
Tamara says:
I would love to give this a try and see what all the hubbub is about.
Suzanne Medici says:
I’ll be going to Italy for two weeks this Fall, and this would definitely lighten up my beauty load for travel. I’d love to do a trial run to see if it could work for me! You’d even be doing my Husband a favor if it does : )
KAREN COGBURN says:
Would love this opportunity.
AJB says:
I haven’t tried BB creams before, it would be interesting to see how they work for my skin.
maria says:
Whatever they are called, I really like these BB creams. The Garnier one was first available here (Europe) and it has all I need: a little color, a goodish sunscreen, not too much scent… and the price is right.
Of course, in the end, they are just tinted moisturizers. Great for summer.
elizabeth says:
I would like to try this because it would be great for supermarket shopping or any other time that you don’t need to use a full foundation look. It has gotten good reviews and sounds like what I have been looking for.
jd321 says:
I would love to win this, I have heard good reviews about the Garnier BB cream
Ianete says:
I’m always looking for a way to pare down my makeup routine. Perhaps this is the answer?
Judy says:
I’ve heard a lot about B B Creams but have not yet tried them. Now I’m really curious. It would be a fun trial!
Soledad says:
I would like to try this product. I don’t like heavy foundations. I’ve tried tinted moisturizers in the past and liked the light feel of it so this looks like the product for me.
Maureen O'Neal says:
I saw BB cream recommended on the DOCTOR OZ show, and that’s good enough for me, in fact, its GREAT!
JAN says:
Love the BB cream I have – definitely makes my skin look younger and more flawless!
MARY K says:
Yes, I’d love try this. Probably would see if it worked in place of makeup as I don’t like to wear it much.
Christine Norman says:
I would like to try a light version of this cream, and glad to see it has sun protection too.
Lindsay says:
I tried a small size of bb cream a few years ago from Asia. I stopped using it because it was a bleaching cream, not a dark spot lightening one. I would love to try the new generation of these, since I am quite pale and don’t need any assistance in looking porcelain.
Mia says:
I’m skeptical but will try almost anything. Seems very similar to a tinted moisturizer.
mspurplelady11 says:
BB cream—I’m ready for a change.
Joann says:
I just turned 57 this week and would love to see how his product works.
Susan P says:
I put a sunscreen on my face every day, really, in LA, even when it is raining. Have never found a tinted moisturizer that looked good – and have also used spf makeup. This sounds pretty great, and possibly a clutter eliminator on the counter as well!
Laura Morgan says:
Anything to help my skin looking young! I’m married to a younger man…..pressure’s on!!!!! 🙂
Sherry B. says:
Since my skin is not absolutely terrible (yet), I think I’d really like to give this a try. Thank you!
Sheila Chaffins says:
I would love to win these!
Elizabeth K says:
I’ve heard so much about this product lately can’t wait to hear what the testers think
melody says:
Like the idea of a light, tinted cream.
Seija says:
To see is to believe.
Cheryl says:
I would love to give them a whirl….I’ll try anything ONCE!
Spartn88 says:
The Garnier product looks nice as pictured. I don’t need heavy coverage, so I think a BB creme will do. I especially like that the Garnier product has sunscreen, too.
Joanne P. says:
I’ve heard about these BB creams and would love to try them for myself. I’m a fan of tinted moisturizer and I like just a hint of coverage.
Carol K says:
I have tried many BB Creams, but this is my favorite – a natural look with a slight sheen, not opaque like some others.
carrieobrien says:
I’ve been hearing about this kind of cream and would love to give it a try!
eddyrobey says:
I usually mix my moisturizer and foundation. This sounds as though it would be a convenience in obviating that step in my routine.
ACeeKayWa says:
Would love to try this on my aging, yet still oily skin!
MK says:
I got a small sample and LOVED the results.
Katrina Hooper says:
I have acne scarring and sun damage sounds like this product would be perfect for me
msortet says:
Sounds way too good to be true but I’d love to try it and see if it is a miracle product!
Michelle says:
I have been looking at these creams and wondering what the hype was all if a sudden. Thank you for clarifying an issue that really has been at the forefront of my mind!
Janice says:
Have tried several BB creams, including this one and not a fan. They all seem like just tinted moisturizers to me and been there-done that.
kaysimpson says:
I am 79 and have only partial eyesight left. I still try to look my best,even if I can’t quite see it all myself. Two daughters who live here help me by blending for me if I get too heavy in one spot. ANYTHING that would help with fewer steps would be a wonderful thing for someone like me especially. It would be great for everyone else, but some of us FOFs need a few more tricks to help us look our best at all times. Thank you.
wendy in wyoming says:
I would love to try these as I sun damaged and tanned skin. Though I would like to be able to see the freckles and tan….is this possible?
JanT. says:
I know one blogger who uses the dark shade on her legs! Would love to try it!
sandram says:
I am very interested in this type of product.
BB cream sounds like an answer to many problems women face daily.
cyuemura says:
Would love to try it!
Sue Rietveld Gill says:
At 60, I need all the help I can get! Would love, Love, LOVE to test the BB’s! Sign me up!
Deborah says:
I’ve been hearing so much about this cream and it’s all the rave, so it would be great to win it and finally get to try what all the fuss is about.
Susan says:
I love the Garnier BB cream.I wear it under my makeup and it gives me a little “glow”. I would, however, like to try the other products to compare.
Judy Grubbs says:
I would love to try this!
Monica says:
I’ve tried a tinted moisturizer and don’t like how it rubs off on my clothes. But I do need coverage and brightening for my ageing skin. I would like to try this. Just heard about it a few days ago.
beth says:
I would love to try one of these. I keep hearing about them and have been not too sure on them so to be able to try, and hopefully like them, would be great!!
Margaret Gabriele says:
I’d love to test this.
Nancy Jachcik says:
I’d be willing to give BB creams a try for the summer when a lightweight look is desirable. Clinique age defense BB cream sounds about what i would look for in a cream
marilyn says:
The most important cosmetic that I have for the past few years is my tinted moisturizer. I can’t live without it! I would love to try the BB cream to see if there is any difference.
CJ says:
So, cleanser, toner, anti-oxidant serum, collagen booster, firming cream, poreless primer, concealer, tinted spf moisturizer … phew! This would combine several of those steps. Now, how about an anti-oxidant, collagen boosting, firming serum – one that actually works?
onehsancare says:
Worth a try!
Heny says:
Johan Liljegren November 13, 2007 Jeff,Great to get some new blog tips! However, the link to Matt Evans’ The Admin Exchange is most likely incerroct, as it is the same as the one to Salesforce Times.My Google karma doesn’t give me any tips on where to find it either. Do you have an updated link to it?Regards//Johan
Tammy Allen says:
I would love to try this! It has everything I’ve been looking for and some.
Linda Cox says:
Beam me up!
Anna says:
Sounds too good to be true!! I’m willing to try anything to make my skin look better!!
kristin says:
I’m going to check these out!
lynda says:
I’d love to try this out – anything that saves time in the skincare routine is a bonus to start.
sharongreenthal says:
I’ll try it! Why not? At 50, my skin could use a little brightening.
Cathy Wood says:
As I mature, I realize more and more that my face is the outer representation of my healthy and happy inner self — and I want that to be a positive image. Plus, how much fun is it to try new things? Keeps us young!
Mamavalveeta03 says:
I keep reading about the miracle of BB creams, so count me in!!!
maryjane says:
I struggle with redness but hate the over madeup look. Would love to see if would be a good option for me.
Paula says:
I use Garnier BB cream.. I love it..It does everything it says it will do..I would like to try other brands to see how they compair..
Barbara says:
Would love to try this product. Heard so much about BB cream and have not seen it out in my area.
Denise Singleton says:
I too would love to give this a try. My skintone is pretty even but would just like a little coverage and think that this would do the trick. Thanks for the chance to win a sample!
traceybrown says:
I would love to give BB creams a try! I’m a fan of tinted moisturizer do I would love a super-charged formula!
KAREN COGBURN says:
Heard about this. Would love to be a part of testing.
campton says:
Would love to see if it’s too good to be true or the answer to all my skin problems! Wouldn’t that be nice!
Carol says:
I’d love to try this. I think it would be great.
dmnyes says:
I just saw a commercial for BB cream on television, would love to try it first hand!