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How to Use BB Cream Like a Pro

Learn how to use BB cream by working your way up from your fingers to a foundation brush.

By Riley BatesPublished 5 years ago 7 min read
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Photo via Birchbox

BB cream, which stands for beauty balm, is a makeup hybrid that not only leaves your skin looking flawless, but also plays a large part in any skincare routine. Celebrity makeup artists and dermatologists suggest using BB cream for those who suffer from dry skin and for overall color correction.

Before applying any makeup on a clean face, apply BB cream to blend skin tones and hide any blemishes or imperfections you may have. Although it sounds similar to any foundation or primer you may use, it turns out that it is very different, and can be used on all skin types. The industry’s best makeup artists have taught people for years how to use BB cream and the benefits that come with it.

Prepare your skin.

Photo by Jordan Heath on Unsplash

Industry experts suggest that it is always necessary to prepare your skin before you dab any type of makeup on it. BB creams are the perfect beauty product to create smooth, beautiful skin, but you must be prepared first.

In many cases, people confuse BB cream with foundations and other moisturizers. In reality, BB cream not only offers full coverage, but also has skin-improving benefits such as shine protection and blemish control. If you are a strong advocate for primers, there are some BB creams that come with primer built in, but it is not completely necessary.

Most makeup artists actually recommend to skip the primer and foundation all together. You won’t have to go that extra mile to apply it every day, and BB creams already act as a primer. Adding that extra step will only add weight to your face and won’t necessarily improve how the makeup applies to your face.

Find the right BB cream for your skin type.

Photo via SheKnows

There are tons of BB creams on the market, so how do you know which one is right for you? Depending if you have dry skin, oily skin, fine lines, or other blemishes, there are BB creams that will fit anybody’s needs. BB cream is a great product because it doesn’t discriminate towards any one person's skin type, and the best BB creams for pale skin are just as readily available as those for darker skin tones.

The moisturizers in the cream assist in adding shine to a dry face while simultaneously helping with oil control, which is great for those who have both oily and dry skin. Products differ by skin tones, so make sure to stop by your local beauty supply store and pick a BB cream that matches your skin tone. Always remember: When you are first using BB cream, let the product set. It will go on moist, and dry to a matte finish.

One method to applying BB cream is to apply it with your fingers.

Photo via Indian Makeup Beauty Blog

If you have never used BB cream before, don’t worry because there are very simple steps that you can take to apply it. One of the first ways that people learn how to apply BB cream is by using their fingers. It may seem amateur at first, but the truth is that makeup artists use their fingers to apply BB cream and primers all the time. Do not be discouraged, all you need to do is follow a few simple steps before you begin.

First, wash your hands.

As trivial as it sounds, washing your hands should always be the first step whenever you are applying makeup to your face. The last thing you want to do is transfer the bacteria and oils from your hands onto your face and into your pores. This is one of the ways that blemishes appear, but it can also be easily avoided. Use soap water, a disinfectant gel, or a cleansing wipe before using any product.

Next, apply a moisturizer.

This step mostly applies to those who have dry skin. Natural moisturizers are a perfect start. Your skin can absorb the moisturizer and have a fresh feeling before you apply the BB cream, which will make the skin look shiny and radiant.

Only use a small amount of the BB cream.

A little can go a long way. One common mistake that many people make when first using BB creams is using too much. These products are made of substances that spread easily; and therefore, are able to take over a large surface area. You will only need to squeeze a small amount into the palm of your hand or the back of your hand, whichever you prefer, to apply these blemish balms effectively. One of the best tips and tricks for makeup and beauty lovers is to pick up samples whenever possible; and with the minimal amount of cream you'll need to apply, this could very well be the only method you need to acquire this beauty product.

Finally, blend evenly onto your face with your fingers.

Take two fingers (makeup artists recommend your middle finger and ring finger because they are the softest), dip them into the BB cream, and dab them on your face. The main areas that people usually focus on are under the eyes and the "T" zone. Once it is dabbed on, use those same two fingers to blend the cream thoroughly into those areas until it is blended completely. You will realize that it blends naturally. Once this process is finished, you can go back and blend more product on the areas that need more, such as under your eyes, to give you more coverage.

Once you have have become an expert at applying BB cream with your fingers, it’s time to take the next step. Maybe you noticed that the coverage on your face can be smoother. With a makeup sponge or wedge, this thought becomes a reality.

When you first buy a sponge or wedge, it is completely white or a fair tone, which allows you to see how much product your are dabbing on and how easily it can be spread out. A benefit of using the sponge is that it applies creams smoother, and makes it simpler to reach certain areas, such as around the eyes. If you are using BB creams to cover any blemishes or discoloration, the sponge helps to soften the second layer of cream, leaving your face with a smooth finish.

First, moisturize the sponge.

When you first purchase a sponge, you will notice that it is rough, and holds no moisture in it. Before you get started on anything, make sure to moisten it with either water or a moisturizer. Just be careful not to over do it. If you do, you can always squeeze the excess water or moisturizer out of it until it is in a slightly damp state. The reason behind this is because you want the product to be able to lay on top of the sponge instead of being absorbed into it. Of beauty tricks every girl should know if you have dry skin is to use a moisturizer. If you have oily skin, then use water.

Next, squeeze foundation on and apply.

Just as stated before, apply only a small amount of BB cream into your hand and dip the sponge into it. If it is not enough, then you can always apply more later. Dab it on your face until the product is completely smoothed out. The first layer should be sheer, and the second layer is used to hide any blemishes, or to even out skin tones.

Now that you are built up to an expert level BB cream applicator and skin care wonder, you can move on to using a foundation brush. With a foundation brush, you cannot just dab it into the cream and wipe it on your face. It will come out uneven and leave a mess. As difficult as it may sound, with a little practice, you will be applying it with ease. There is a specific technique that makeup artists use that you can adopt into your practices.

You could use the C technique.

The C technique is used by celebrity makeup artists to get the best coverage on their clients’ faces. The method is just as you would imagine—make small C shapes with your brush instead of swiping. Take your brush, dab it in the BB cream, then apply it to your skin with slight pressure. Start motioning the brush in a small C, and once you are at the end of it, lift the brush off your face to avoid any streaks. When you are onto your second C, overlap it slightly.

Alternatively, you can use a flat foundation brush since some women find it easier. Although this brush isn’t necessary, some women report that it works better with liquid BB creams, and therefore smooths onto the face easier. Whichever way you choose to apply it, knowing how to use BB cream will definitely enhance your skin.

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About the Creator

Riley Bates

Classical piano student at Juilliard. Living in Brooklyn dueling piano bar. Just trying to make it in the Big City.

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