Beauty OWN: BB cream?! What's that?

Ever since I was little, I remember my mom telling me that I should put on a hat or wear sunscreen on my face. Did I ever listen?  Of course not.  Not until I started to realize that the sun was putting little freckles all over my cheeks.  Sun, I love you, but I'm not a fan of the freckles so shove off and stop doing that to my pretty little cheeks!  They aren't severe enough that I feel the need to go to a dermatologist for removal, I do cover them up with some makeup because I hate when they are exposed.  Nothing heavy, but something.

I'll be the first to admit that I know next to nothing about beauty products (except lipsticks- pink, red and wine is all I need).  I wish I knew more.  Luckily, there's Youtube- the site that teaches people who don't like to read!  I was watching a barrage of beauty videos when I came to one that talked about BB cream.  What the heck is a BB cream?

Well, that question was motivation enough for me to stroll to my neighborhood Sephora and check out what I was missing.  And wow.  I've really been missing out!

 

Apparently, BB cream stands of "beauty balm" or "blemish balm" - but what I don't understand is why people still use regular foundation if BB cream exist!  Here are the benefits that BB creams have:

1) SPF

2) Age Defense

3) Blemish Correction

4) Primes skin

5) Medium Coverage

And what does a foundation really offer?  Coverage only, right?  I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I'm right.

Anyway, Cristal at Sephora was nice enough to walk me through the ones that they have, but the one that she let me take home and test was Smashbox BB cream.  

It's AWESOME.  it goes on smooth.  It's no heavy at all.  AND it covers a little more than the tinted moisturizer so I don't have to use as much concealer.  

For years, I've been married to Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer, but now that I've tried this BB cream, I'm totally hooked.  I have ordered a BB cream by Korean makeup brand Lioele which apparently has sunspot healing power!  We'll see how that turns out...Stay tuned!  If' not, Smashbox, I'm coming for you.  Wait for me...!

Must Owns. My Beauty Essentials.

While there are plenty of options out there when it comes to makeup, there are a few items that I have to always have in my arsenal.  ALWAYS.  Items that I would die without.  You know when people ask you what five things you would take with you if you were stranded on an island?  Well, if my goal on that island were to look good and fresh instead of surviving, then these would be the five:

1) Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer- Just the right amount of coverage.  If you want a natural look, this serves as a good base layer that isn't heavy like foundation.  It also has SPF 20 which is great for protecting your skin.

2) Bare Escentuals All Over Face Color in Warmth- My favorite bronzer.  The color isn't really as brown as most bronzers, but instead, it gives more of a glowy blush/bronzer look.  I love this stuff.  It also takes very little to get the color you want.

3) Sephora Liquid Liner in Matte Black- A must have.  I wish that I could wake up with this stuff on.  It creates a strong black eyeliner line and really brings out the cat-eye shape, which I am super fond of.  It's a great liner for dramatic eye makeup.

4) Covergirl Smoothers Concealer- I have used this concealer since I was in high school.  Because it's low cost, I have one in light and medium for my summer and winter skin tones.  I have this on me always.  You never know when that random pimple is going to show up.  This cover stick is full, un-cakey coverage.  If they ever stop making this, I don't know what I'll do.  Maybe I should hoard now...!

5) Sugar Lip Treatment in Rose- The lip gloss alternative.  It's not really a lip gloss because it's not as glossy as that.  It's not a lip balm because it's glossier than that.  It's not a lipstick because it's not that much color.  Whatever it is, it's perfect for every day wear and it has some SPF in it as well.

There you have it.  Which five makeup items would you take with you??