Whether you prefer a low maintenance makeup routine, you're looking for a hot weather-friendly alternative to foundation, or you simply prefer a more natural skin finish, there are plenty of reasons why you might opt to use a BB cream.
Short for 'blemish balm' or 'beauty balm', BB creams are skincare-makeup hybrids that combine the concealing properties of foundation with the hydrating, skin-kind formula of a moisturiser. The multipurpose products typically contain more pigment than a tinted moisturiser or skin tint, but definitely offer lighter coverage than foundations. For this reason, they're a favourite of those who like lightweight, natural-looking base makeup that gives skin a healthy, sheer glow and doesn't feel thick or cakey.
If you're on the search for the best BB creams then you've probably also encountered CC creams. What's the difference between BB creams and CC creams I hear you ask. It can seem confusing, but the main distinction is that CC creams are colour correcting, and therefore more oriented at those with redness in their skin. Ultimately the differences are minimal—they're both lightweight and hydrating skin tints which are marketed as a more natural alternative to foundation and are packed with skincare ingredients.
BB creams are great for everyday wear since they're really quick and easy to apply. Thanks to their sheer formulas, they don't require the buffing and blending that it can take to apply foundation. You can easily apply a BB cream with your fingertips, or a sponge if you prefer. They're great for dry skin types as they're so hydrating, but also for oily and breakout-prone skin, since they're not quite so heavy and pore-clogging as some foundations can be. And while the BB cream category has historically not been great at catering for all skin tones, this is certainly changing and the latest BB cream releases are more more inclusive and versatile.
If lightweight, glowy, natural-looking makeup is your thing, scroll down to discover our guide to the best BB creams for 2023.
Shop the Best BB Creams:
1. Dr. Jart+ BB Premium Beauty Balm
Dr. Jart+ is a skincare brand so you just know that when it came to formulating their BB cream, they put skin first. This innovative formula is packed with skin barrier-strengthening ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin, and also boasts SPF50. The best part? The silky smooth, whipped texture applies like a dream.
2. Tarte BB Tinted Treatment
If you're concerned about how long a BB cream will last on your skin, then this is the formula for you. Part BB cream and part primer, it promises up to 12 hours of wear—alongside sheer coverage, brighter skin, and less obvious pores.
3. Erborian Ginseng BB Crème
This is a cult classic Korean BB cream, but the formula was improved earlier this year in order to increase coverage and target breakouts (thanks to the addition of niacinamide). The texture is totally weightless so can easily be built up for those who do prefer more coverage.
4. L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect BB Cream SPF 50
Ideal for mature and dry skin types, this ultra-hydrating formula is infused with a moisturising serum to maintain skin's hydration levels throughout the day. It has a fresh, dewy finish, helps to tone down redness and conceal age spots, and never settles into fine lines.
5. Lily Lolo BB Cream
With rave reviews (especially from those with sensitive skin), this affordable BB cream is bound to be a winner—the formula features soothing ale vera and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Although the shade range initially seems slim, users praise its ability to adapt to suit your individual skin tone.
6. Garnier Classic Perfecting Care All-In-1 BB Cream
Promising 24 hours of hydration and a luminous complexion, this BB cream is perfect for simultaneously evening out skin tone while also delivering a host of long-term skincare benefits. It contains ultra-thin mineral pigments which help to cover and conceal without clogging pores or feeling heavy on skin.
7. Purito Cica Clearing BB Cream
Another K-beauty staple, this BB cream draws upon one of Korean skincare's hero ingredients, cica, to soothe sensitivity and reduce redness. The light, creamy formula blends beautifully onto skin, delivering a fresh, dewy finish.
8. Pixi Beauty Balm
For those who do prefer a high coverage finish, that's exactly what Pixi's BB cream promises. While still feeling light on skin, the formula works hard to conceal everything from breakouts and scarring through to age spots and enlarged pores.
9. NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil BB Cream
NYX's BB cream offering has one of the more impressive shade ranges we've found, with 12 shades to choose from. The satin finish gives a seamless 'second skin' effect—think your skin but better.
10. Shiseido Sports BB Cream
Designed to last even through a vigorous workout, this longwearing BB cream is the kind that will take you from day to night, with no top ups required. it features a clever 'quick dry technology', which dries your sweat quickly to keep you looking fresh, and 'WetForce technology', which creates a protection veil when it comes into contact with water.
11. Holika Holika Holi Pop BB Cream Matte
If you have oily skin and prefer a base with a matte finish, this BB cream is the perfect option.
12. Coola Mineral Face SPF30 Rosilliance BB Cream
Available in three shades which adapt to match your specific skin tone, this sheer BB cream leaves skin with a luminous finish.
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