BB creams have become increasingly popular over the years as a versatile makeup and skincare product. BB stands for "beauty balm" or "blemish balm" and was first developed in Germany in the 1950s to help soothe and protect skin after laser treatments. Today, BB creams are used for a wide range of purposes, from providing light coverage to moisturizing and protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays.
When it comes to finding the best BB cream for your needs, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First, consider your skin type and concerns. Do you have oily skin and need a mattifying formula, or do you have dry skin and need something more hydrating? Do you have dark spots or acne scars that you want to cover up? These factors will help you narrow down your options and find a BB cream that works for you.
Another thing to consider is the level of coverage you're looking for. Some BB creams provide sheer coverage, while others offer more medium to full coverage. If you're looking for a product that can replace your foundation, you'll want to choose a BB cream with more coverage.
We spent hours researching and testing various BB creams to find the best ones on the market. In the following sections, we'll share our top picks and what makes them stand out.
Best BB Creams
We know that finding the right BB cream can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's hard to know which one will work best for your skin type and needs. That's why we've done the research for you and compiled a list of the best BB creams on the market. Our list includes products that offer a range of benefits, from hydration and sun protection to coverage and anti-aging properties. So, whether you're looking for a lightweight option for everyday wear or a more full-coverage option for special occasions, we've got you covered. Keep reading to find your perfect match.
Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream
If you're looking for a lightweight BB cream that hydrates, brightens, and protects your skin with SPF 30, then the Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream is worth considering.
Pros
- Adjusts to skin tone
- Minimizes and blurs the look of pores
- Reduces the appearance of redness
Cons
- Light to medium coverage
- Not suitable for those looking for full coverage
- Limited shade range
We've been using this BB cream for years and it's become a staple in our makeup routine. The lightweight formula is perfect for everyday wear and provides a sheer, natural-looking coverage that evens out skin tone and minimizes the appearance of pores. It also contains SPF 30, which is a bonus for those who don't want to apply a separate sunscreen.
One of the best things about this BB cream is that it adjusts to your skin tone, which means you don't have to worry about finding the perfect shade. It also contains skincare benefits that help brighten and hydrate your skin, making it look healthier and more radiant.
While the coverage is light to medium, it's buildable and can be layered for more coverage. However, if you're looking for full coverage, this BB cream may not be for you. Additionally, the shade range is limited, which may not work for those with darker skin tones.
Overall, we highly recommend the Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream for those looking for a lightweight, hydrating, and natural-looking coverage. It's perfect for everyday wear and provides skincare benefits that help improve the overall health of your skin.
L'Oreal Paris Magic Anti-Redness BB Cream
If you're looking for a multi-tasking BB cream that neutralizes redness, corrects skin color, hydrates, and perfects to hide imperfections, then L'Oreal Paris Magic Anti-Redness BB Cream might be the perfect product for you.
Pros
- With its color-transforming pigments, this BB cream counteracts redness and transforms to a universal shade to reduce the look of redness.
- This skin beautifier instantly matches your skin and transforms to your perfect shade for a flawless, bare skin finish, making it perfect for all skin tones.
- This lightweight lotion hydrates your skin for all-day moisture.
Cons
- This BB cream doesn't have sunscreen protection, so you'll need to apply sunscreen separately.
- The coverage is light to medium, so if you're looking for full coverage, this might not be the product for you.
- This BB cream is flammable until dry, so you need to be careful when applying it near a fire, flame, or heat.
We've tried L'Oreal Paris Magic Anti-Redness BB Cream, and we think it's a great product for those who want to neutralize redness, correct skin color, hydrate, and perfect their skin. The color-transforming pigments work wonders, and the BB cream transforms to your perfect shade for a flawless, bare skin finish. The lotion is lightweight and hydrating, making it perfect for all-day moisture.
If you're looking for a BB cream with full coverage or sunscreen protection, this might not be the product for you. Also, be careful when applying it near a fire, flame, or heat. Overall, we highly recommend L'Oreal Paris Magic Anti-Redness BB Cream for those who want to achieve a natural, flawless look.
MISSHA M Perfect BB Cream No.23 Natural Beige for Light with Neutral Skin Tone
If you're looking for a BB cream with excellent coverage and skin-nourishing ingredients, the MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream is a great choice.
Pros
- All-in-one formula saves time and effort in your beauty routine
- Provides natural and buildable coverage while still maintaining a lightweight finish
- Enriched with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and botanical extracts
Cons
- Colors may look different depending on the monitor resolution and depending on the skin tone
- The scent is strong for some people
- Not waterproof
We've been using this BB cream for a while now, and we're impressed with how it covers blemishes and creates a bright skin tone while still looking natural. The formula is lightweight and easy to blend, and it stays put throughout the day without feeling heavy or cakey.
One of the things we love about this BB cream is how it combines the benefits of skincare and makeup in one product. It functions as a primer, foundation, concealer, and sunscreen, saving time and effort in your beauty routine. Plus, it contains hyaluronic acid and ceramide to create moisturizing and elastic skin, and rosemary leaf extract and chamomile flower extract to aid in skin healing.
Another great feature of this BB cream is its sun protection. It contains SPF, providing protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. This helps to shield your skin from sun damage and premature aging caused by sun exposure.
However, it's worth noting that the colors may look different depending on the monitor resolution and depending on the skin tone. Also, the scent is strong for some people, so if you're sensitive to fragrance, this might not be the best choice for you. Finally, it's not waterproof, so you'll need to reapply if you get wet.
Overall, we highly recommend the MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream to anyone who wants flawless skin in a short amount of time. It's perfect for those who have difficulty expressing clean skin with existing BB cream due to blemishes, those who want high coverage while keeping the makeup light, and those who want base makeup that provides UV protection, wrinkle and brightening care.
MISSHA M Perfect BB Cream No.21 Light Beige for Bright Skin
If you're looking for a BB cream that provides flawless coverage with a natural finish, then the MISSHA M Perfect BB Cream is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Smoothly conceals imperfections
- Keeps your skin hydrated and soft
- Infused with nourishing botanical essences
Cons
- Limited shade range
- May not provide full coverage for severe acne or scars
- May not be suitable for oily skin types
We've been using the MISSHA M Perfect BB Cream for a while now, and we love how it provides a youthful and perfected look to our skin. The formula is lightweight and blends easily, making it a great option for everyday wear.
The BB cream also contains powerful ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Gatuline RC, which help to infuse moisture for firmer looking skin with a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the rosemary and chamomile extracts help to calm and balance the complexion.
One thing to keep in mind is that the shade range is limited, so it may be difficult to find a match for all skin tones. Additionally, if you have severe acne or scars, this BB cream may not provide enough coverage. Lastly, if you have oily skin, you may find that this formula is too moisturizing.
Overall, we highly recommend the MISSHA M Perfect BB Cream for those looking for a natural and flawless look.
COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream
If you're looking for a lightweight, matte BB cream that won't clog your pores, then the COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream is worth considering.
Pros
- The oil-free formula keeps your skin shine-free all day long.
- The water-based foundation goes on easily and blends perfectly.
- This BB cream evens out your skin tone and hides blemishes, giving you a natural-looking finish.
Cons
- The coverage may not be enough for those with severe skin imperfections.
- The product may dry out your skin if you have dry skin.
- The shade range is limited, so it may be difficult to find the perfect match for your skin tone.
We tried the COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream, and we were impressed by how well it kept our oily skin matte throughout the day. The formula is lightweight and easy to apply, and it blends seamlessly into the skin. We also appreciated how it evened out our skin tone and concealed minor blemishes.
However, we did notice that the coverage wasn't enough to cover severe skin imperfections. Additionally, if you have dry skin, this BB cream may dry out your skin even more. Lastly, the shade range is limited, so it may be challenging to find the perfect match for your skin tone.
Overall, if you're looking for a lightweight, matte BB cream that will keep your skin shine-free all day long, then the COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream is a great option to consider.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best BB cream, there are a few key features to consider. We've put together a guide to help you make an informed decision.
Skin Type
The first thing to consider is your skin type. BB creams are designed to work with a variety of skin types, but some may be better suited for oily or dry skin. Look for products that are specifically formulated for your skin type to ensure the best results.
Coverage
Another important factor to consider is coverage. BB creams are designed to provide light to medium coverage, so if you're looking for something with more coverage, you may want to consider a foundation instead. However, if you're looking for a natural, everyday look, a BB cream is a great option.
SPF
Many BB creams also come with SPF, which can help protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Look for products with at least SPF 30 to ensure adequate protection.
Ingredients
It's also important to consider the ingredients in the BB cream you choose. Look for products that are free of parabens, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals. If you have sensitive skin, look for products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
Shades
Finally, consider the shade range of the BB cream you choose. Look for products that offer a range of shades to ensure the best match for your skin tone. Some BB creams also come with color-correcting properties, which can help even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of redness or discoloration.
By considering these key features, you can find the best BB cream for your needs and achieve a natural, flawless look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BB and CC cream?
BB cream stands for "beauty balm" or "blemish balm," while CC cream stands for "color correcting." BB cream is a tinted moisturizer that provides light coverage and has skincare benefits like SPF and hydration. CC cream, on the other hand, has more coverage and color-correcting properties to even out skin tone and reduce redness.
Which brand of BB cream is best?
There are many great BB creams on the market, but some of the most popular and highly rated brands include Maybelline, Garnier, and Missha. Ultimately, the best BB cream for you will depend on your skin type and individual needs.
What BB creams do dermatologists recommend?
Dermatologists often recommend BB creams that contain sunscreen and other beneficial ingredients like antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. Some of the most recommended brands include EltaMD, La Roche-Posay, and SkinMedica.
Best BB cream for oily skin
If you have oily skin, look for a BB cream that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. Some great options include the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water SPF 30, the Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45, and the Boscia BB Cream SPF 27.
Best BB cream for dry skin
If you have dry skin, look for a BB cream that is hydrating and contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and shea butter. Some top picks include the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Illumination SPF 50+, the Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer SPF 30, and the Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35.
Best BB cream for combination skin
If you have combination skin, look for a BB cream that is lightweight and oil-free, but also provides enough hydration for dry areas. Some great options include the L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream, the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30, and the Estée Lauder DayWear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit BB Creme SPF 35.
