New BB creams hit U.S. drugstores this summer, plus Sephora offers 2 new beauty balms from Dr. Jart

If you're as BB-obsessed as I am, you'll be thrilled to hear about the newest beauty balms to hit the U.S. market. I've heard from many fellow beauty junkies that American brands are missing the mark with BB creams. As someone who first purchased a Korean BB and then purchased a few different American brands, I can say that I understand why some beauty-lovers are disgruntled, if you're expecting a replica of the Asian products. But I try to erase any preconceived notions of how it should be and give the product a fair try, simply asking myself: Do I like this product? Does it suit my skin? So, that being said ... here's some exciting news in the cosmetic world!

Scoot over Garnier! Drugstore shelves will have to make room for two more BB creams this summer, and they're sure to be a hit. Why? Because American women who haven't jumped on the beauty balm wagon are curious about this new type of makeup, but they may not be ready to drop 40 bucks on a prestige brand. So, they'll peruse the isles of Target in search for a more economical way to experiment with this beauty craze, preferably for under $10. Maybelline will debut it's version of the BB cream this month, and L'Oreal will debut one in July.

I personally enjoy the Garnier BB cream and use it daily with just a little setting powder on top! It's a more affordable alternative to the Too Faced Beauty Balm; it has the same silky feel and slight glow to it. Here's what the new drugstore BBs will look like:

In addition to these new drugstore BB creams, Sephora has added to its ever-growing roster of BB creams. Sephora's Dr. Jart line, a well-loved Korean skin care and cosmetic brand, welcomes two new BB creams in addition to the Premium Beauty Balm and Water Based Beauty Balm. The two newbies are: the Black Label Detox BB and the Renewalist BB ($36 each). For blemish- and acne-prone skin, try the Black Label, and for aging skin, try the Renewalist. Here's a peak at some photos and descriptions:

What it is:

A purifying face cream that provides age defense, and hides uneven skintone and blemishes.
What it is formulated to do : Perfect and protect skin instantly with this all-in-one multifunctional Beauty Balm. This triple-action formula naturally covers blemishes and uneven skintone, and contains botanical actives to purify and calm blemish-prone or irritated skin. Arbutin works to erase unwanted dark spots, while caviar extract and antioxidants protect skin from inner and outer pollutants for an enhanced radiance. Lightweight with sunscreen protection for simple, one-step neutralizing coverage, this soothing cream delivers optimal results for both women and men.

What it is:

A multi-action facial cream with powerful brightening and antiaging properties.
What it is formulated to do: Perfect and protect skin instantly with this all-in-one multifunctional Beauty Balm. Renewalist BB's natural-looking coverage evens skintone and minimizes the appearance of imperfections. Patented platol white-c complex brightens dull skin for a lustrous, youthful glow, while nutrient-rich exotic oils soothe dryness. The niacinamide strengthens skin's moisture barrier, helping to boost collagen levels. Lightweight with sunscreen protection for an ideal base makeup application, this antiaging balm is sure to leave your skin refreshed.

BB MANIA

BB creams, though they've graced the faces of Asian movie stars for quite some time, have just recently debuted in the American beauty scene. They originated in Germany, where dermatologists used these creams to sooth their clients' tender skin after a procedure.
"BB" stands for beauty balm or blemish balm. When the cream is called a blemish balm, like Skin79's Hot Pink Super Plus Beblesh Balm (supposedly "blemish" is trademarked by another Asian BB cream company), it usually has whitening properties to lighten pigmentation. It's not an acne-fighting agent. Generally, these one-step beauty wonders provide ligh to medium coverage, hydrate, prime, even skin tone, protect from UV damage, and sometimes have anti-aging properties. It's like your moisturizer, primer and foundation in one product, though I'd look at BB creams more as a make-up product than skin care, so don't skip your moisturizer.
Asian BB creams tend to have a thicker consistency, come in one light shade, and appear to have a gray tone when first applied. Some of the most popular include Skin79 and Missha, which can be ordered online.
American cosmetic and skin care companies have taken the concept behind the BB's and created new products with a variety of consistencies and coverage, and a greater selection of shades. Origins, Stila, Too Faced, Smashbox, Dr. Jart, Dr. Brandt, Garnier -- those are just a few of the brands to jump the BB bandwagon. For lighter and somewhat luminous coverage, try Too Faced or Garnier. Both feel so silky smooth. For oil control, Smashbox does the trick and offers more shades than most brands. I tried it but it clogged my pores, so be careful if you are prone to breakouts or sensitivities from silicones.
If you're worried about the way your cosmetics are affecting your skin, BB creams may be the way to go for you. They have skin care benefits that most cosmetics don't have, and when you find the right brand for you, you'll likely notice some improvements in the appearance and texture of your skin. I've found just what I was looking for with Garnier's BB cream, and the bonus? It's the most affordable BB I've seen yet.
If you're curious to try a few, ask your Sephora beauty consultant for samples and see how your skin reacts.

Beauties, there's a whole new world of make-up waiting for you, so go explore!