Hate Foundation? These Are the 14 Best BB Creams for Healthy, Glowing Skin—Tried and Tested

Formula: Gel-like

Number of shades: 24

Finish: Fresh

Ahead of writing this, I asked Who What Wear's beauty editors what their favourite BB cream was, and they both responded with the word "Kosas" in seconds. "I'd say Kosas's BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream feels very fresh on the skin but also gives a good amount of coverage without being overly dewy," says beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden. I don't know about you but this is precisely what I want from my BB cream. Hailey Bieber's also a fan, so it also has that going for it.

Formula: Creamy

Number of shades: 4

Finish: Blurring

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 SPF 50. The best part? The silky smooth, whipped texture applies like a dream. I rarely apply base products with my fingers, but this is the exception—it melts into skin and is just so easy to use.

Formula: Creamy

Number of shades: 3

Finish: Sheer

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. "This is perfect, breathable, and it has good coverage and is buildable so you can build coverage up or have it less!! So nice and smooth," says one reviewer.

Formula: Creamy

Number of shades: 5

Finish: Glowy

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. If so, I'd recommend applying it with a blending sponge for a smooth finish.

Formula: Creamy

Number of shades: 8

Finish: Glowy

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. "I bought this just to use on holiday but have now binned the foundation I've been using for years as this is far better suited to my now 42-year-old skin," says one reviewer. "It applies better with fingers than a brush, and is buildable in problem areas. It gives a lovely natural finish."

Formula: Creamy

Number of shades: 5

Finish: Glowy

With rave reviews (especially from those with sensitive skin), this affordable BB cream is bound to be a winner—the formula features soothing aloe vera and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Although the shade range initially seems slim, users praise its ability to adapt to suit your individual skin tone.

Formula: Creamy

Number of shades: 3

Finish: Fresh

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. "This was the first BB cream I ever tried and I have repurchased it again and again (and again)," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay. "It gives that "your skin but better" finish and I always get compliments when I wear it."

Formula: Creamy

Number of shades: 6

Finish: Blurring

Another K-beauty staple, this BB cream draws upon one of Korean skincare's hero ingredients, cica, to soothe sensitivity and reduce redness. Personally, I find this amazing for evening out skin tone, and I love that it doesn't feel heavy in the process. The light, creamy formula blends beautifully onto skin, delivering a fresh, dewy finish.

Formula: Creamy

Number of shades: 6

Finish: Flawless

For those who do prefer a high coverage finish, that's exactly what Pixi's BB cream promises. While still feeling light on skin, I find that the formula works hard to conceal everything from breakouts and scarring through to age spots and enlarged pores.

Formula: Liquid

Number of shades: 28

Finish: Glowy

NYX's BB cream offering has one of the more impressive shade ranges we've found, with 28 shades to choose from. The satin finish gives a seamless 'second skin' effect—if you're like me and prefer a natural finish, you'll love this—think your skin but better.

Formula: Creamy

Number of shades: 5

Finish: Matte

If I know I have a long day, this is my go-to. 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.

Formula: Cream

Number of shades: 1

Finish: Matte

If you have oily skin and prefer a base with a matte finish, this BB cream is the perfect option. At the same time, what I really liked about it is that it never looks dry or cakey. We just wish the shade range could be more inclusive.

Formula: Creamy

Number of shades: 3

Finish: Glowy

Available in three shades which adapt to match your specific skin tone, this sheer BB cream leaves skin with a luminous finish. It's definitely not one for those who prefer a matte or natural-looking finish, but if you're all about the glow, look no further.

Formula: Creamy

Number of shades: 5

Finish: Sheer

Available in three shades which adapt to match your specific skin tone, this sheer BB cream leaves skin with a luminous finish. "I find this very easy to apply," says one reviewer. "It looks very natural and I feel very comfortable wearing it. I put a couple of layers over the areas that have age spots."