Since last year, we've seen a huge increase in popularity for BB creams.

Quick lesson on BB creams:
BB stands for beauty balm or blemish balm. It's suppose to be a primer, moisturizer, foundation, and sunblock all in one. It originated in Germany and has been huge in Asian markets.

Lately, western cosmetic companies have been creating their own BB creams. From drugstore to high-end brands, by now, practically every cosmetic brand has their own BB cream.

The Low-Down
I personally think BB creams are a waste of money, Western BB creams that is. Asian BB creams are really good on the other hand, but for those who don't live in Asia, it can be really difficult to find (unless you buy it online), and it only matches light skin tones because their target market is the Asian population.

DIY BB Cream
Save your money buying and testing out different BB creams and make your own instead! This is something I actually have been doing for awhile now.

A very simple BB cream formulation that you can use alone or use as a base is mixing a drop of your favorite foundation with a small pump of moisturizer. I usually stop here and use this, especially during the summer.

With this base though, you can add other things to your liking. Want sun protection? Either use a moisturizer with SPF or add a touch of sunscreen with your desired SPF! You can also add serums if you want! Customize with what you already have instead of spending $6-30 on a new product + gas money to get to the store.

When I make my own BB cream, I use Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation and Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer. Fresh and glowing skin with products I already have! WHOO HOO FOR SAVING MONEY! ;D

I hope this was helpful to you!

Lisa xx

I've been enlightened by the damp sponge method! :O

Nowadays with face brushes from numerous makeup companies, it's not uncommon for a person to overlook what a standard makeup sponge can do. I admit, I do have many face brushes. Also, I'm one of those people who adores her Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, which I may talk more about in a future post. So, when I heard Wayne Goss (aka gossmakeupartist on YouTube) talking about using makeup sponges, my reaction was "What?! A makeup sponge?! That won't give me the natural result that I want!!"

.... I've learned an important lesson since then. Never underestimate what Wayne Goss says. What he says is right, even if it proves what you've thought all along wrong. You've just have to suck up your pride. Keep that in mind from now on....

Damping a makeup sponge a bit and then using that to apply your foundation gives the most unbelievably natural effect I've ever seen. I now know what "makeup that goes on like a second skin" means. Unlike a makeup brush that can pick up a lot of product, a damp sponge allows you to use just the tiniest amount for your entire face, which saves you money. I suggest using a full coverage liquid foundation because with a damp sponge, you can sheer it out for a very light coverage or create the absolute most flawless full coverage.

In addition to liquid foundation, you can use it for cream foundations, concealers, powder and cream blushes, bronzers, etc. And, if you happen to have spilled a bit of coffee on your desk but you don't have a napkin to wipe it up but you have a makeup sponge, you can use that to clean it up ;D

The best part is that makeup sponges are super cheap!!!!! I got a packet at Target for not even $2!!!

Here's Wayne Goss' video of how to apply foundation with a damp sponge:

Thanks for reading, and I hope this method will enlighten you as it did me!

Lisa xx