BB creams have become the darlings of the beauty world in the past year. If we listen to all the hype surrounding them, they’re being billed as an absolute miracle product.

But aside from their reputation, few of us know anything about them. What are BB creams exactly and where did they come from? More importantly, why on earth is everyone talking about them now?

Here we attempt to answer any questions you may have about the latest beauty trend…

Eh, what on earth is a BB cream?

A BB cream is a beauty product that is used to protect the skin, even out your skin tone and offer you a light form of coverage if you don’t feel like wearing a full face of make-up. Simply put, BB creams give you a flawless, natural look without using loads of make-up.

What does the ‘BB’ stand for?

The ‘BB’ stands for Blemish Balm, although these creams don’t really have anything to do with spots. However, that being said, some people believe that repeated use of BB creams can improve skin conditions like acne.

So where does it come from?

There’s a lot of dispute over where BB cream was actually developed, but it has been a make-up bag essential in Asia for the past decade at least. The modern BB trend started in 2005 when popular Korean actresses admitted that they were using it.

Originally, BB cream was a special kind of cream that was used to heal skin that had underwent laser surgery. The cream itself is known for its protective, soothing and regenerative properties – especially on highly sensitive skin.

Over time, people started copping on that members of the public would be more than willing to part with their hard-earned cash for a beauty product that could promise them all of the above. A new kind of BB cream was then developed for the beauty market and mass produced.

Now it is a beauty must-have all over the globe.

What does will it do for my skin then? Why should I rush out and buy it?

BB cream will give your skin a flawless, natural look without you having to touch a bottle of foundation. Therefore, it’s absolutely perfect for those days when you just want to look your best without emptying the contents of your make-up bag onto your skin.

It has a lightweight, skin-friendly formula meaning that it offers the perfect amount of coverage but it doesn’t clog up your pores. You can also layer it for heavier coverage if you want.

It has the ability to conceal skin pigmentation, discoloration, acne and blemishes. Oh and it also has some crazy healing properties – it softens, smooths, refines and encourages skin regeneration. This means that your skin will be kept looking dewy and youthful.

BB cream also contains UV protection and there’s loads of variations out there, so you can get a BB cream that suits the problem you want to tackle (for example acne, anti-ageing etc).

How do I apply this wonder-cream?

You can apply BB cream any way you want and to be honest, it’s a question of personal preference. Fingers, foundation brush – it’s all good. However, in Korea (where BB cream is uber-popular) the method of application is with a slightly damp make-up sponge.

So ladies, what do you think of the BB cream phenomenon – miracle product or waste of money?