Nigerians Share: Seven BB Creams We Absolutely Love

The beauty balm (BB) cream (also known as Blemish Balm in Asia) is fast becoming a make-up staple for many Nigerian women. Designed in different shades to suit various skin tones, it is an all-in-one facial cosmetic product to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunscreen. For women who tire of having to apply product after product, this great one-step product is more than good news; the BB cream is sheer brilliance as it cuts makeup time in half. We asked which BB creams offer the best value for money, and here are the top seven brands Nigerian women swear by: 7. Sleek ‘Be Beautiful’ Blemish Balm Women across the country welcomed the Sleek ‘Be Beautiful’ Blemish Balm with arms wide open; finally, a BB cream created for women of colour! This BB cream comes in 4 different shades- Light, Fair, Medium and Dark- and also contains Vitamin C and SPF 15. 6. Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream This nourishing, oil-free SPF 30 BB cream, like many products under the ACTIVE NATURALS range, is made using natural ingredients and contains natural light reflecting minerals to instantly even and conceal for a more flawless complexion. It’s great for women with oily skin. 5. Avon Ideal Flawless BB Cream This BB cream, like others, combines moisturizer and foundation with SPF 15 to hydrate your skin and give it a smooth, even, healthy look. It comes in 5 shades and is also infused with minerals and antioxidants, plus Vitamin E, which is great for your skin! 4. Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream This BB cream, a skin perfecting moisturizer with SPF 15, also comes in different shades and provides 24-hour hydration plus a splash of sheer color for a flawlessly radiant look. Users of this BB cream testified to noticeable though subtle differences in their skin, even after they take it off. 3. MAC Prep+Prime BB Cream There’s a reason MAC has a loyal following; you can almost always count on this brand for quality. The Prep+Prime BB Cream is no exception. It comes in only one colour, but it caters to a range of skin tones and offers some serious sun protection- SPF 35- in addition to an instant flawless look. 2. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream When it comes to moisturizing, smoothening and priming the skin, this is one BB cream that certainly delivers on its promises. It comes in 5 shades, from Fair to Dark, and offers coverage that lasts all day, without being heavy. Although there are complaints that its deepest shade, “Dark” is not dark enough for some Nigerian women, to its credit it offers really great sun protection – SPF 35. It’s not readily available in shops in Nigeria; users have ordered it online. 1. Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream Users declare that this 8-in-1 BB cream gives life to the face, with its sheer tint that produces a matte finish so soft you may not even need powder. With 2% salicylic acid, this BB cream also helps fight acne all day long. Now that’s a huge plus for women with oily skin and acne issues! Which BB cream has made a difference for you? Please share in the comment box!     About the Writer; Joy Ehonwa is a writer and freelance copy-editor who is passionate about relationships and personal development. She is the founder of Pinpoint Creatives, a copy-editing, proofreading and ghostwriting service.