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Test-driving new BB beauty creams

Promising to give you the flawless look you've always wanted, beauty balms or blemish balms (also known as BB creams) are the "it" beauty product of summer. And as they are an alternative to often sticky, greasy foundations, it's easy to see why.

Promising to give you the flawless look you've always wanted, beauty balms or blemish balms (also known as BB creams) are the "it" beauty product of summer. And as they are an alternative to often sticky, greasy foundations, it's easy to see why.

BB creams are infused with skin-nourishing vitamins and antioxidants and are marketed as the perfect way to mask facial imperfections and rejuvenate dull, lifeless skin.

So, what exactly is a BB cream?

Created by German dermatologist Christine Schrammek in the 1960s, the first beauty balm was formulated as a way to help protect the skin after a laser procedure or surgery. Full of antioxidants and moisturizers, BB creams not only soothed the skin but also acted as an anti-inflammatory agent.

It was not until the 1980s that BB creams gained a cult following among Korean actresses who began relying on the product to give their faces a smooth, porcelain quality. With their multitasking benefits (moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock in one), BB creams became a hit in the Asian market, with brands like Missha, Skin79, and Skinfood the popular choices.

It would take almost three decades for BB creams to reach the United States, but within the last year, BB creams have taken the Western market by storm. There are now more than a dozen BB creams out there.

So now that you have a little background, here are some good ones:

Boasting a high SPF, Smashbox's BB cream does everything from prime your skin to control oil. It's supposed to give a glowing, ethereal look, and can also be worn under foundation. $39, Sephora (both freestanding stores and inside J.C. Penney).

First impression: It's available in three shades, and I chose medium to match my olive-toned skin. This formula is definitely not nearly as sheer as some other BB creams, but it does apply smoothly. Of all the BB creams I tried, I noticed Smashbox's formula was the only one that gave my face complete coverage and did not require any use of concealer (perfect if you have blemishes). Not only did it stay on my face all day, it also kept my blush looking as good as it did when I applied it in the morning. My only gripe is that as someone who has an oily T-zone, I still had to apply a finishing powder.

Verdict: Perfect for achieving an almost Photoshop-quality look, this is the product that does everything you want a foundation to do and more. Is it pricey? Yes. But worth it? Double yes!

Infused with silver-tip white tea and SPF 15, the beauty balm by Origins is meant to leave tired, ravaged skin looking healthier and younger. With a wear time of up to eight hours, this age-defense BB cream seems made for those with combination to dry skin. $35, Origins.

First impression: It's available in six shades, and I chose medium. The first thing that caught my attention when I applied the cream was how lightweight and sheer the formula was. Not only did it go on smoothly, it also gave my face a natural look, as if I was not wearing any makeup. However, the biggest selling point is the noticeable glow the product gave my complexion.

Verdict: The perfect BB cream to perk up your complexion, this is a great buy for those wanting a natural, flawless finish on a daily basis. With its anti-aging benefits and ability to rejuvenate tired skin, this product suits the older customer.

  L'Oreal Paris' BB cream promises a natural finish. Made to hydrate, correct, even, and perfect, it contains Vitamins C and E, and helps keep your pores from clogging. $10.99, Ulta.

First impression: When I first squeezed the formula out of its tube, I was taken aback. Despite choosing the shade medium (it's available in three other shades), the BB cream looked white with a gray tint. However, once I applied it to my face, it quickly blended in to match my skin tone perfectly. Within seconds of application, I noticed a very vibrant glow to my suddenly even complexion. The product is very sheer, giving users an effortless, natural look. However, because of the sheer formula, those with blemishes might still need to use concealer.

Verdict: As far as drugstore BB creams go, L'Oreal Paris' offering is a cut above the rest. It give me most of the benefits of a high-end product, at about a third of the price.