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12 BB Creams That’ll Tempt You to Break up With Your Foundation
Your skin, but better.
We're masters at beauty, not magic but we do know a trick or two to deceive people into thinking you woke up looking, err, like this. By "this" we mean airbrushed, refreshed, and dewy. No, this isn't about a good foundation but the next best thing: BB creams.
Existing at the intersection of a moisturizer and foundation, BB creams—known as beauty or blemish balm (BB)—aim to “moisturize, protect, and correct” the skin, according to Dr. Sung-Jae Jung, founder of BB pioneer Dr. Jart+. Essentially, BBs are supposed to minimize the need for the other products in your beauty routine and allow your skin to breathe so it can look like, well, skin. Not to be mistaken for its sister, CC cream—which stands for “color correcting”— many BB creams are infused with antioxidants, brightening agents, acids, and broad-spectrum SPF to treat the skin while delivering a fresh, even glow. So that means when you need a little assistance covering a blemish, a BB cream will actually help it, rather than inflame it.
And even if you’re worried about looking too dewy with these types of formulas (shout-out to folks with oily complexions), you can simply “follow up with a setting powder to get a more matte finish and control shine,” explains celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno. A full beat is great, but a lightweight, breathable BB cream may be just what you need to put your best face forward this season. Ahead, we searched through thousands of customer reviews and consulted experts to find the 12 best BB creams to make your skin look like skin, but better.
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Turn Up the Base Blurring Foundation
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Turn Up the Base Blurring Foundation
Pros
- Full-coverage
Cons
- May not be suited for sensitive skin
Thicker than your typical BB cream, One/Size’s version amps up the coverage and blurring effect so you look as smooth as the Instagram Paris filter. The balm dries to a matte finish, perfect to keep in your vacation beauty bag or for the days when your adventures take you from sun-up to sundown. It’s also formulated with Japanese white rose stem cells to control oil and calm the skin.
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
“Take it from this acne-prone gal: One dot is all you need to cover most of your face. I reach for this balm solely for photography days because it photographs so well and looks smooth on and off cameras. A little goes a long way, so you’ll definitely have this balm for a while, but it’s the perfect base to layer with or wear alone.” — Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor
| Size | 1 oz |
|---|
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream 8-In-1 Skin Perfector
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream 8-In-1 Skin Perfector
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited shade range
Behold, the ultimate drugstore steal. This water-gel formula goes on smooth, providing hydration in an instant. The product also is free from oils, so your skin will be dewy but not shiny.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s very creamy, blends very well, matches my skin tone beautifully. I will definitely be ordering more.”
Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer
Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer
Pros
- Infused with hydration-boosting ingredients
Cons
- Pricey
Here’s a beauty balm that can do it all. The formula creates a natural-looking finish while protecting skin with SPF 40 and rapidly hydrates via a boost of nourishing glycerin. Niacinamide also minimizes the appearance of pores for that refreshingly sleek airbrushed effect.
Size: 1.35 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I LOVE this stuff! It is the perfect coverage for me. I wanted something a little dewy and light coverage so you could still see my freckles and this is it! My skin looks so smooth and even-toned!”
Burt’s Bees BB Cream with SPF 15
Pros
- Skin-loving ingredients
Cons
- Limited shade range
Burt’s Bees BB cream has the perfect balance of hydrating lotion and concealer-like coverage. The added noni extract provides a burst of antioxidants, too.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I wanted a sunscreen that would also double as makeup, and this BB cream is great for that. When I wear it, it provides great sun protection, doesn’t make me break out, and looks like a good foundation! It stays on all day for me, even when I sweat.”
ColourPop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer
ColourPop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can feel greasy
Formulated with hyaluronic acid and coconut water, ColourPop’s tinted moisturizer is a makeup and skincare hybrid that gives your skin some much-needed TLC as it covers blemishes very well.
Size: 1.45 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I bought this because my go-to BB cream was out of stock. I can’t get over how perfect the color is and I love the coverage it gives me. You can’t tell there’s anything in my face. I now have a new go-to.”
True Botanicals Everyday Skin Tint SPF 30
True Botanicals Everyday Skin Tint SPF 30
Pros
- Wide shade range
Cons
- Pricey
This just-launched skin tint from True Botanicals is a new favorite of Denno. Featuring squalane, niacinamide, and antimicrobial zinc oxide, “it combines a multitude of high potency ingredients while allowing skin to look healthy and glowy,” she says. Also boasting milk thistle for a silky smooth application, the formula is effortlessly buildable—should you need more coverage in certain areas.
Size: 1 fl oz
True Botanicals rating: 3.5/5 stars
A True Botanicals reviewer says: “Spreads evenly and looks wonderful. The skin tint gives complete coverage while looking natural.”
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
Pros
- Comes with a wand for more controlled application
Cons
- Limited shade range
Skin feeling kind of blah? Key ingredients like hyaluronic and glycerin in this formula work to hydrate and plump your skin for a refreshed glow.
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Feels more like a moisturizer, very cool and refreshing going on. It’s so sheer, and won’t settle in lines, especially aging skin. I just can’t say enough good things about this tint. I’ll never go back to foundation.”
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Pros
- Sun protection
Cons
- Can feel greasy
This SPF-infused lightweight foundation leaves the skin glowing and naturally radiant for the ultimate dewy look (and level of protection). It also contains natural extracts that help repair and heal any blemishes or reactive areas on the skin.
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
“I was shocked at how much coverage this tinted sunscreen provides, which is especially good during the warmer months. This tint evens out my tone and leaves me with a dewy, not greasy, and settles well after a long day at work or in the sun.” —NP
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suite for oily skin
Dry skin will be so happy with this ultra-moisturizing tinted liquid. It subtly improves the overall skin tone, while hyaluronic acid hydrates, and licorice root extract brightens skin over time.
Size: 1.3 fl oz
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Oh..my..gosh. This stuff is INCREDIBLE! Gives my skin a gorgeous tint and a dewy but not too shiny finish. It is bright and smooth.”
L.A. Girl BB Cream HD Beauty Balm
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited shade range
L.A. Girl’s concealers became a fan-favorite for delivering high-end quality for less than $5. Now, its BB cream provides the same results without hurting your wallet.
Size: 1 fl oz
Walmart rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Walmart reviewer says: “Wow! This works just as well as the expensive name brands. It's very light coverage, but that's what I wanted. Doesn't settle into fine lines or wrinkles. Will be purchasing again!”
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
Pros
- Light glow
Cons
- Super sheer
Glossier’s beloved skin tint is described as a “sheer skin enhancer,” and enhancing is precisely what it does. The cream won’t blur dark spots and blemishes, but it will give your skin an even tone and a sun-kissed glow.
Size: 0.17 fl oz
Glossier rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Glossier reviewer says: “The tint covers in a very moisturizing and thin layer but still evens out my skin tone and gives a radiant glow. It is also buildable for a little more coverage.”
Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20
Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20
Pros
- Skin-loving ingredients
Cons
- Limited shade range
The Amazonian clay at the base of Tarte’s BB is ideal for oily skin because it sops up excess oil as your wear it. The cream is also packed with vitamins A, C, and E that moisturize and brighten skin.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I love this so much. The coverage is perfect for me and feels good on my skin. I also like how there’s SPF in it. It protects my skin! Will buy again.”
What is BB cream used for?
“BB creams are in the family of complexion-covering products, and their hallmark features generally include some sort of active—whether that’s SPF, antioxidants, peptides, or special hydrating properties,” Denno says. Since they’re sheerer than foundation, they’re great for people who want easy, light-to-medium coverage that will also benefit skin, she explains.
Is BB cream better than foundation?
Yes, at least in Denno’s opinion. “Mainstream foundations typically aren’t formulated to be your skincare,” she says. “Foundations in the clean beauty realm have changed a lot of that by including plant-rich, antioxidant oils as their base, but by and large, you’re not going to be getting peptides, antioxidants, or SPF from your foundation. BB creams, however, always offer some amount of beneficial ingredients. Each brand chooses their own, and you’ll find each differs in level of coverage and finishes.”
Additionally, Denno notes BB creams tend to be more flexible with matching to your skin tone (and undertones) than often pigment-heavy foundations.
What should you look for in a BB cream?
“I’m always going to look for a BB cream with a mineral SPF (zinc oxide) of at least 30,” Denno says. Other main ingredients she advises keeping an eye out for are plant-based oils—like squalane, raspberry seed oil, chebula, and jojoba—that have moisturizing and antioxidant properties, as well as skin-boosting niacinamide and peptides. “I’m also going to look for one that’s naturally scented because, well, why wouldn’t you? Natural botanical scents are the best!” she says.
And just as you would with foundation, make sure to find a skin tint with a finish you’ll love, she suggests.
What is the difference between BB and CC cream?
BB creams tackle blemishes, while CC creams are lighter in texture but still offer foundation-like coverage for correcting redness and dullness. Better suited for mature skin but also able to work for anyone, CC creams also sometimes contain added nutrients to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and fade discoloration.
“BB creams came onto the scene first and were similar to a tinted moisturizer (and in some cases, just a tinted moisturizer), but often had one skincare ingredient added that made them stand out as better for your skin,” Denno says. “CC creams came along soon after, touting even more skincare benefits, generally two or more, along with sometimes an SPF. Often used interchangeably, the terms BB, CC, skin tints, and tinted moisturizer all refer to a skincare product offering lighter coverage than a foundation, plus an added ingredient or range of ingredients that allows them to take the place of a multi-step morning skincare routine,” she adds.
Meet the Experts
Katey Denno is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients have included Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, and Alicia Silverstone.
Dr. Sung-Jae Jung is the founder of Dr. Jart+.
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skincare professionals and has personally tested the latest and greatest products across makeup, skincare, and hair care.
Sam Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.
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