# WTF is B.B. cream!? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 13, 2013, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799 "2013-03-13T08:49:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/1 "2013-03-13T08:49:18Z")
Suddenly, a couple months ago, I started seeing ads for a product for one’s face called B.B. cream. The ads seem to imply that everyone should already know what it is and what it’s for. I DON’T! Of course, I probably don’t need to know, since I don’t wear makeup. I’m just curious. ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 9:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/2 "2013-03-13T09:23:28Z")
Perhaps a misspelling of B.B. King??? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/3 "2013-03-13T10:54:58Z")
They’re supposed to be an all-in-one moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation, floor wax, breath mint, cancer cure, !Q booster… [Here’s](http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/the-experts-at-garnier/bb-cream_b_1214401.html) an article from the HuffPo. ---
**Author:** ![Heracles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heracles/32/487_2.png) [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/4 "2013-03-13T11:38:29Z")
Slight hijack: The first time I saw a reference to a “BB pellet” was in an article on high-speed photography (back when seeing an apple explode was cutting-edge stuff). The entire article went on and on about the photography process, mentioned “BB pellets” as projectiles a few times but seemed to assume every reader knew what they were fired from. In the days before Google and Wikipedia, this was highly frustrating. Ironic that B.B. cream repeats the process. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/5 "2013-03-13T12:37:51Z")
Bag Balm? ---
**Author:** ![apollonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2bfe46/32.png) [@apollonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/apollonia)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/6 "2013-03-13T12:51:47Z")
[BB Cream.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BB_cream) > [@](#): > > BB cream is promoted as an all-in-one facial cosmetic product to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock. It can be worn alone as a tinted moisturizer, over serum and moisturizer as a regular foundation, and under powder, depending on the desired amount of coverage Developed in Germany, immensely popular in South Korea, and now making the mainstream leap to the US. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/7 "2013-03-13T15:46:54Z")
Thread I started about it a while ago: [linkety link](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=679958&highlight=cream) ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/8 "2013-03-13T15:51:27Z")
> [@picunurse](#): > > Suddenly, a couple months ago, I started seeing ads for a product for one’s face called B.B. cream. The ads seem to imply that everyone should already know what it is and what it’s for. > I DON’T! Of course, I probably don’t need to know, since I don’t wear makeup. I’m just curious. Goddammit, if you’re curious about what it is, Google it! If you have a Humble Opinion, state it here. ---
**Author:** ![nthelight079](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/258eb7/32.png) [@nthelight079](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nthelight079)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/9 "2013-03-13T16:18:27Z")
> **[LMGTFY - Let Me Google That For You](https://lmgtfy.app/?q=What%2Bis%2BB.B.%2BCream)** > > For all those people who find it more convenient to bother you with their question rather than to Google it for themselves. ---
**Author:** ![Q.N.Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/3da27b/32.png) [@Q.N.Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.N.Jones)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/10 "2013-03-13T16:36:02Z")
I only found out about it from **Sattua** ’s thread. I had given up on foundation because it took too long to apply properly and the coverage was way too heavy–I could feel it on my face. Tinted moisturizer has always been a waste of money because the coverage was always poor, streaky, and left me looking greasy all day. Did some research on MakeupAlley and decided to try the Diorskin Nude BB cream. It is not cheap ($44/tube) but it is the perfect makeup for me. I am pretty fair, so I use the lightest color. It does look funny while you’re putting it on, sitting on top of the skin kind of like paint while it’s wet, and it looks way too light. But as soon as it dries (which happens quickly), it’s perfect. Lightweight matte coverage that I can just smear on and blend with my fingers. And I can’t feel it, either, once it dries. Now I wear it almost every day. Two squirts is plenty. Although it’s expensive, I’ve been using the same tube for almost 2 months and it hasn’t run out yet. I’m going to give some of the cheaper brands a try (like Garnier) but really, this is the only foundation-type product that has ever fit into a quick-and-easy beauty routine for me. ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/11 "2013-03-13T17:44:43Z")
BB cream is so 2012! The new thing is [CC cream](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CC_cream), which is apparently an improved version of BB cream. Oh, wait…I’m sorry, I got behind again. Now [DD cream](http://www.glamour.com/beauty/blogs/girls-in-the-beauty-department/2012/12/make-way-bb-and-cc-will-dd-cre.html) is the latest and greatest. Presumably we will be working our way through the entire alphabet with this stuff, and then have to start over with AAA cream. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/12 "2013-03-13T18:19:28Z")
For the benefit of those who don’t want to read the article: > [@](#): > > the BB is short for “Blemish Balm,” “Beauty Balm” or “Beblesh Balm” (stemming from a copyright on the word “blemish” in Korea) ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/13 "2013-03-13T18:45:40Z")
Mrs Gargoyle uses it and raves about it, however there is apparently a difference between “real” BB cream and the latest mainstream BB cream showing up. According to her, the American domestic stuff is fake and inferior, and she buys mostly S Korea formulations. I don’t know enough one way or the other than, “damn, girls, that crap is more expensive cost/weight than gold is!” ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Bird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Little\_Bird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Bird)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/14 "2013-03-13T21:11:05Z")
I use Loreal BB cream and it works well for me. Evens out my skin, hides some of my issues, and doesn’t look greasy or like I’m wearing makeup. And it’s cheap! ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/15 "2013-03-13T21:39:54Z")
I just came in to say: if we’re watching the same commercial, I hate how… plosively the girl says “BB.” Like BB mixed with PP. I’m not the target demographic, but I still want to buy this less. ---
**Author:** ![Disheavel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@Disheavel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disheavel)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/16 "2013-03-13T21:40:03Z")
> [@nthelight079](#): > > [http://bit.ly/YrVKoE](http://bit.ly/YrVKoE) Well played. ---
**Author:** ![MoodIndigo1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e8c25b/32.png) [@MoodIndigo1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MoodIndigo1)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/17 "2013-03-13T21:53:54Z")
I discovered B.B. cream a few months ago. I tested a few kinds and settled for Marcelle-- inexpensive, a little goes a long way. As a 60-something-year old, I was dissatisfied with the way the traditional moisturizer/foundation worked on my skin. No matter what I tried- sponges, a light hand, mineral with brushes, etc. - foundation tended to make wrinkles or expression lines more evident. Not so with BB cream. Women have asked me what I use because my skin looks so bright, clear, and natural, even women working makeup counters. So, this simplifies my makeup routine considerable, an added bonus. ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/18 "2013-03-14T06:44:27Z")
> [@hrhomer](#): > > Goddammit, if you’re curious about what it is, Google it! If you have a Humble Opinion, state it here. Why so angry? If you don’t want to read the thread, just don’t open it. ---
**Author:** ![Fiveroptic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiveroptic/32/8257_2.png) [@Fiveroptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveroptic)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/19 "2013-03-14T07:27:39Z")
No kidding. I’d never heard of it until you started this thread which is why I appreciate that people start threads about their curiosities. Switch to decaf, **hrhomer** , or take a nap. Dang. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799/20 "2013-03-14T14:13:40Z")
I work for a company that makes a BB cream. We employees who are responsible for making the stuff were introduced to it by a Marketing Director in one of our quarterly meetings. She enthusiastically announced that we were developing a BB Cream and it was going to be a huge hit. It was mentioned casually, like we should all know what she was talking about. Finally, a brave co-worker raised his hand and asked the burning question. “At the risk of sounding stupid, what is BB Cream?” So you’re not the only one. We peons didn’t know either and skin care is our livelihood. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-b-b-cream/652799.md?page=2)