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The secrets of Asian cosmetics
Blemish Balm creams have come into vogue in the west by combining treatment and makeup in a single product. The result: a natural appearance and velvety skin.
Perfect skin that shows no signs of fatigue or ageing. That is the objective of any cosmetic worth its salt, and also of any good makeup session. The trend is towards displaying a porcelain complexion; hence the Blemish Balm creams, which every day are acquiring a higher profile worldwide.
For decades it has been one of the articles most in demand in the Asian cosmetics industry given its magnificent results: smooth, baby-like skin. They attained considerable popularity thanks to the intensive promotion by South Korean celebrities, but also to the boost in 'low-cost' beauty brands. In recent years it has crossed borders and is awakening a great deal of interest in the European marketplace. It is actually in Europe where the first Blemish Balm was launched (its creator was Christine Schrammek). It was used in the 1950s by German dermatologists to calm the skin after a facial peeling or other aggressive procedures and succeeded in softening, regenerating and protecting the skin while making any redness vanish. Multiple advantages that nonetheless did not catch on in Europe at the time.
Two in one
The Koreans perfected the product by incorporating anti-ageing, anti-acne, anti-spot and other ingredients and by creating a wide range of choices and hues. The secret of their success lies in the natural appearance it provides and in the combination of treatment and tinted cream that is capable of covering imperfections with a single product. This type of cream feels like a miracle product as it produces a velvety complexion, comes with sunscreen, erases blemishes, unifies, illuminates and moisturises.
Its online diffusion aroused the interest of the western markets and led to internet purchases of Asian brands such as Etude House, Missha, Skin Food or BRCT. Increasingly aware of this incipient market share, the major firms have begun to work on beauty products based on the benefits of Blemish Balm.
Clinique has launched Age Defense, an anti-ageing cream that includes this coveted restorative balm, while Esteé Lauder boasts the CyberWhite line – not yet available in this country. The prestigious brands MAC, Maybelline and Bobby Brown are also working on cosmetics that incorporate this ingredient.
In Spain, Erborian was the first one to sell a BB cream. It did so in 2009. In its wake, Garnier launched in May its perfector balm, very economical and designed for all skin types. Four months later, UNE Beauty began to sell a powdered cream that includes Blemish Balm and is only available at El Corte Inglés. Completing the list is Vichy with its Neovadiol Luminosity and Skin 79. The Korean firm has opened a centre in Madrid's Salamanca district (the first in Europe).
BB creams can be used directly on the skin or over a moisturiser. As they are tinted, it is advisable to remove them with a face cleanser.
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Published in Fashion and Beauty by Patricia Rivera on 15/11/2011
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