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The Best BB Creams for 2023
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST BB CREAMS
Beauty/blemish balms are the perfect all-around makeup for every occasion. Need a smooth, hydrating primer? Grab a bb cream. Want to ditch the heavy foundation for the day and go for a natural look? Exactly what a beauty balm is for. Trying to hide a few spots without irritating the skin? You guessed it — bb creams can do it.
Other than an alternative for full-coverage foundation, BB creams can also be used as a tinted moisturizer SPF or a primer. That’s why they’re often called 3-in-1 makeup products. And that’s why I love having one in my makeup bag — they’re perfect for quick touch-ups when you’re out and about.
Want to know where you can find the best BB creams? We’ve got you covered! Check out the best products in the market for the year.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BB CREAMS?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Korean BB Cream |  Best Moisturizing BB Cream |
Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Spf 35The Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream is your all-around BB cream as it offers 35 SPF sun protection, fine line coverage, and deep moisturization. | Missha Perfect Cover BB CreamIf you love all things Korean, this BB Cream form Korea can stand as a primer or light foundation and as a hydrating lotion. | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating TintIf you want to achieve that 'dewy' look, this Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint is the BB cream for you! It offers great coverage, a smooth finish, and lasts for a long time! |
Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: |
LET’S GO OVER EACH BB CREAM
#1: SMASHBOX CAMERA READY BB CREAM SPF 35
Smashbox has some pretty amazing products on its roster, and their blemish balm is no exception. This tinted moisturizer/broad spectrum UV protector/primer is a multifunctional product that controls oil and leaves a matte finish, all while leaving you hydrated. It fixes uneven skin tone while still letting your natural skin shine through.
Perfect for all skin types, this BB cream is the perfect addition to your no-makeup makeup routine. It helps cover and smooth fine lines and large pores as well as provide excellent sun protection in one product. Take a selfie (or two, or ten) while you’re at it — it’s called the Camera Ready BB cream for a reason!
PROS AND CONS OF THE SMASHBOX CAMERA READY SPF 35
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Great coverage ✔️ Moisturizing properties ✔️ Blurring effect for wrinkles and fine lines | ✖️ Expensive |
#2: MISSHA PERFECT COVER BB CREAM SPF 42 PA+++
Wondering which blemish balm to add to your K-beauty collection? Ulzzang fanatics, rejoice! The Missha Perfect Cover has everything you want in a product: it’s highly hydrating, great for dry skin, and includes protection against harmful UV rays to reveal a flawless complexion.
Consider this balm a full-coverage yet amazingly lightweight cream that will make you feel confident leaving the house even without foundation. The formula includes rosemary leaf extract and chamomile oil to soothe and nourish the skin in no time. Even celebrity makeup artist consider this as the best bb cream with its sheer coverage and broad spectrum SPF that works on different skin tones!
PROS AND CONS OF THE MISSHA PERFECT COVER
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Lightweight yet full coverage ✔️ Highly hydrating formula ✔️ Includes rosemary leaf extract and chamomile | ✖️ Might not be suitable for oily skin |
#3: NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST HYDRATING TINT
Nothing’s worse than applying a full coverage foundation and having it break into cakey little bits in the middle of the day. People of most skin types can suffer from this — from dehydrated skin to normal.
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint sees to it that you won’t ever have to go through that again! Not only does it have a smooth finish that stays on effortlessly, but it’s packed with hyaluronic acid too. That means hello to moisturized skin and goodbye dullness.
People with a damaged skin barrier might love this hydrating BB cream as the hyaluronic acid locks in moisture into the skin. Over time, the ingredients help boost suppleness to prevent early sagging and visible aging. The creamy formula is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and great for almost every type of skin. It also comes in 10 different shades.
PROS AND CONS OF THE HYDRATING TINT – NEUTROGENA
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Hydrating formula ✔️ Perfect for dehydrated skin ✔️ Prevents sagging and aging skin | ✖️ Not as buildable as others |
#4: MAYBELLINE DREAM FRESH BB CREAM
Want blemish-free skin on a budget? Maybe Maybelline’s the answer. Their Dream line comes with different kinds of BB creams perfect for every skin type, occasion, and wear. The Dream Fresh cream has made it to tons of “best of” lists this year, and for a good reason.
According to Maybelline, the product includes 8 skin-loving benefits in one package. The formula is sheer and lightweight to bring out your natural glow with a buildable coverage so you can pack on or stay light as needed.
PROS AND CONS OF THE MAYBELLINE DREAM FRESH BB CREAM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Affordable ✔️ 8-in-1 BB cream ✔️ Very buildable coverage | ✖️ Needs reapplication throughout the day |
#5: BURT’S BEES BB CREAM SPF 15
If your skin loves all-natural products, Burt’s Bees is a great brand to start looking. This BB cream + broad spectrum SPF is great for no-makeup makeup looks for natural looking coverage when you’re feeling just a tad bit lazy or maybe you want to let your skin have a little breathing room.
Either way, the coverage this product gives does not disappoint. It’s quite buildable so you can go for sheer one day and full the next. It also boasts a formula rich in moisture and vitamins like vitamin e so you can have a healthy glow and stay protected and hydrated at the same time.
It’s ideal for anyone, whether they have sensitive skin or combination skin, and it’s pretty much a solid choice for any makeup look. We say: it’s an all-around must-try!
PROS AND CONS OF THE BURT’S BEES
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 90% Natural formula ✔️ Includes SPF ✔️ Lasts long and great for all skin | ✖️ Has an odd scent |
WHICH IS BETTER: BB OR CC CREAM?
First, let’s differentiate the two. “BB” stands for beauty balm, while “CC” means color corrector. BB and CC creams are both multipurpose creams but they have a few key distinctions.
So, what does it mean? Often, BB creams are formulated to be a tinted moisturizer or a light alternative to the usual foundation. They usually include SPF and can hide a few blemishes without being too heavy or cakey. The coverage ranges from light to buildable coverage, making them a great option for almost all skin tones.
On the other hand, CC cream is better at reducing the appearance of sallow skin, dark under-eyes, and red spots. Think of it as a lightweight concealer-slash-color corrector.
According to this article from Superdrug, you can also distinguish the two by their mode of operation and how they help the skin. BB creams are better at preventing blemishes, while CC creams are better at concealing them.
CAN I USE BB CREAM INSTEAD OF FOUNDATION?
Yes, you can use BB cream instead of foundation. BB cream stands for beauty or blemish balm and is a multipurpose product that provides coverage, moisturization, and sun protection.
BB creams typically provide a lighter coverage compared to a traditional foundation, but they can still help even out your skin tone and hide minor imperfections. They also tend to have a more natural finish, making them a great option for those who prefer a more casual or natural makeup look.
However, if you have specific skin concerns or require heavier coverage, you may still prefer to use a traditional foundation. It ultimately depends on your individual preferences and needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which BB cream is good for daily use?
The best BB cream will really depend on a few factors: your skin type, the environment, and what you’re using the product for.
For dry skin, look for a BB cream with moisturizing properties. Luckily, it shouldn’t be hard to find as most BB cream is pretty hydrating. Some examples in this list are the Neutrogena Hydrating cream and the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue. You can also check out:
- Jane Iredale Glow Time Mineral BB Cream (Vegan, cruelty-free)
- Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer (Light coverage, natural finish)
- BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel (Lightweight formula)
On the flip side, moisturizing skin tint formulas might spell disaster for those who have oily skin. If you’re not a fan of products that are too thick and greasy, definitely go for a lightweight beauty balm that won’t clog your pores.
For this, you can try the Clinique Acne Solutions BB Cream. A non-greasy yet buildable foundation-type cream, the Acne Solutions BB Cream is the perfect fit for those who have trouble with oil control and acne-prone skin.
The environment also plays a big factor. Are you out in constant heat all day or do you stay in an air-conditioned place like an office? Definitely take some time to think about this as a cool environment can dry your skin out, while a hot one may make you sweat your makeup off.
Which BB cream brand is best?
There are many BB cream brands on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your individual skin type, concerns, and preferences. Here are some popular BB cream brands that are well-regarded by many users:
- Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream – This drugstore favorite is praised for its lightweight formula that provides natural coverage and a dewy finish.
- Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream – This Korean brand is known for its high coverage and skincare benefits, such as hydration and anti-aging properties for mature skin.
- Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream – This brand is beloved for its oil-free formula that provides a matte finish and has SPF 35 protection.
- IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream – Although technically a CC cream, this product is known for its full coverage and skincare benefits, such as hydration and anti-aging ingredients.
- Garnier SkinActive BB Cream – This drugstore option is praised for its affordable price point, lightweight formula, and long-lasting wear.
Remember, what works best for one person may not work for another, so it’s always a good idea to try out a few different options to see what works best for your skin. Besides that, here are some honorable mentions:
- BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel – It has light to medium coverage, brightens skin, and works on different skin tones. It works as an everyday bb cream that can even skin tone.
- CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream – Using this skin tint can let your skin breathe as it has aloe vera for added skincare benefits.
- Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream – This skin tint has vitamin C and vitamin E that can help with dark spots and it’s good for acne-prone skin, dry skin, or oily skin.
- Erborian BB Cream Tinted Moisturizer SPF – Get that ultimate sun coverage protection without looking cakey.
- Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint – This tinted hydrating gel cream works best for that blurring effect. Skin tints like this can even be used during photoshoots!
- Tinted Skin Veil Bare With Me – This beauty balm offers medium coverage that works for any skin type.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it! No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a BB cream for your needs. Bring out your natural glow in just a few seconds with any of these products. Who knows, you may even find your new holy grail.
But don’t end your makeup journey there. No look is complete without a poppin’ eyeliner. Check out our guide to the best eyeliners right here.
Editor’s Choice
SMASHBOX CAMERA READY SPF 35
Ready for your picture-perfect makeup look to get elevated? The Smashhbox beauty balm has everything you need to get camera-ready in as little as one minute. The formula covers your skin effortlessly and smoothly while keeping it hydrated all day.
Stay protected no matter where you go with the added SPF 35 that guards your skin against harmful sun exposure that could lead to early signs of aging. With its perfect mix of breathable and blemish-blurring, this balm is nothing short of a beauty must-have for your makeup bag.
Joey is an AB Psychology graduate of the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. Her life’s passions include writing, film, and spending hours on end binge-watching fashion vloggers on Youtube.