The Dictator

BB Doll, Kowloon

BB cream? Talk about old. These days, it's all about CC cream. Good guess, but I don't think many global brands would market a product based on "Canto-English" phonetics. There may be something Asian to your theory, though, as most of my sources claim it originated in Korea. BB is commonly understood to mean blemish balm or beauty balm. Products so named are touted as having all-in-one benefits, such as anti-ageing properties, anti-oxidants, SPF coverage and the ability to even and/or whiten skin tone. Korean brand Sulwhasoo sells Snowise Whitening BB Base SPF 50 in two tints (HK$420; for locations, go to www.sulwhasoo.com.hk). From Japan, Hada Labo's Air BB Cream, with its 10 promised results, is available at Watsons (HK$128; tel: 2608 8383). While there, look for other affordable versions such as Garnier's "instant fairness" BB Cream (HK$129). Or go luxe at Joyce Beauty with Omorovicza's anti-ageing moisturiser, foundation and sunscreen Complexion Perfector BB SPF 20 (HK$980; Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2367 0860). Other brands: Clinique (HK$280), Estée Lauder (HK$380), Origins (HK$270), etc. Now, if you ever want to graduate to CC creams, e-mail me.