
Table of Contents
The Best BB Creams
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 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 we love having one in our 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’S THE BEST 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! |
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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 while remaining hydrated. It fixes uneven skin tone while still letting your natural skin shine through.
Suitable for all skin types, this BB cream is the perfect addition to your no-makeup beauty routine. It helps cover and smooth fine lines and large pores as well as provide great 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 BB cream with SPF 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 and professional makeup artists consider this the best BB cream with its sheer coverage and broad spectrum sun protection that works on multiple 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-cover 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 to 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 texture 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 type of skin, 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 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: LA ROCHE-POSAY HYDREANE BB CREAM
When it comes to the best BB creams, the La Roche-Posay Hydreane BB Cream stands out for its moisturizing ingredients and lightweight coverage that delivers a natural finish.
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this BB cream hydrates the skin while offering medium coverage, making it a great alternative to wearing foundation.
Unlike some other BB creams, which can feel heavy, this one blends effortlessly into the skin, leaving behind a healthy glow.
Our junior beauty editor suggested it as a must-have for those with very dry skin, as its creamy formula acts as a light moisturizer, smoothing out texture and evening out skin tones.
With its coverage, this BB cream helps to hide dark circles and blur acne scars, all while maintaining a breathable, skin-like finish. The shade range is somewhat limited, but its adaptable formula works well across multiple skin tones.
If you have oily skin, you might prefer a matty finish, but for those who love dewy coverage with a radiant finish, this is one of the best BB options.
Packed with Vitamin C, this nourishing formula also protects against sun damage, making it a smart choice for your skincare routine.
As a board-certified dermatologist favorite, this affordable BB cream offers both skincare effects and great coverage—a true multitasker in any makeup routine.
PROS AND CONS OF THE LA-ROCHE POSAY HYDREANE BB CREAM
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Moisturizing formula with hyaluronic acid, ideal for dry skin and very dry skin ✔️ Lightweight coverage with a natural finish and healthy glow ✔️ Infused with Vitamin C to help protect against sun damage ✔️ Affordable BB cream that works well in a makeup routine | ✖️ Shade range is limited, which may not suit all skin tones ✖️ Not the best option for oily skin as it provides dewy coverage |
#6: PURITO CICA CLEARING BB CREAM
Among the best BB creams, the PURITO Cica Clearing BB Cream stands out for its natural coverage and texture that feels weightless on the skin.
This BB cream is packed with key ingredients like Centella Asiatica, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It provides a natural matte finish while still keeping the skin hydrated, making it one of the best BB options for those who prefer a soft, skin-like look.
A pea-sized amount is enough to even out skin tone and provide a smooth finish without looking cakey.
What makes the BB cream PURITO a favorite BB cream is its broad-spectrum SPF, offering extra protection from daily sun exposure. Unlike some BB creams that feel heavy, this one has a lightweight gel consistency that blends effortlessly.
Though its shade range is limited, the formula is flexible and adapts well to different skin tones. Many makeup artists recommend it for achieving a natural-looking coverage that works beautifully on its own or under foundation.
If you’re looking for a BB cream with skincare and breathable wear, this is a solid pick.
PROS AND CONS OF THE PURITO CICA CLEARING BB CREAM
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Natural-looking coverage with a natural matte finish ✔️ Soothing formula ideal for sensitive skin ✔️ Contains key ingredients like Centella Asiatica ✔️ Broad-spectrum SPF for daily sun protection ✔️ Lightweight gel consistency that blends seamlessly | ✖️Shade range is limited, which may not suit all skin tones ✖️ May not provide enough coverage |
WHICH BB CREAM IS BEST?
There are many BB cream brands on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your skin type, skin concerns, and preferences.
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.
IS IT GOOD TO USE BB CREAM DAILY?
It is generally okay to use BB cream every day, as long as the product is suitable for your skin type and doesn’t cause any adverse reactions. BB cream or beauty balm is designed to be a multifunctional product that combines skincare benefits with light coverage.
Most BB creams offer hydration, sun protection, and a sheer tint to even out the skin tone. Using it daily can provide a quick and easy way to achieve a natural-looking complexion while incorporating essential skincare elements. Just remember to remove your BB cream thoroughly at the end of the day to prevent clogged pores and potential skin issues and take care of your skin health.
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 or control shine 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, color corrector 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. It also works better for hyperpigmented and dark skin.
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 color corrector creams are better at concealing them.
WHICH IS BETTER BB CREAM OR FOUNDATION?
BB creams typically offer lighter coverage compared to foundation. It’s designed to even out skin tone, hydrate and brighten skin, and provide some additional skincare benefits like SPF protection. They are great for achieving a natural, everyday look without feeling heavy on the skin.
On the other hand, foundation offers more coverage and can help conceal imperfections like blemishes, redness, and dark spots. Foundations come in various formulations, including liquid, powder, cream, and stick, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your skin and desired finish. They’re ideal for occasions when you want a flawless, polished look or need long-lasting coverage.
Both can be used daily, but BB creams offer light to medium coverage and tend to give a natural-looking finish, while foundation offers higher coverage for a more perfect finish.
DO KOREANS USE BB CREAM OR FOUNDATION?
By experience, Korea is home to some of the best BB creams. So, it’s typical for them to use BB cream, particularly because of its lightweight, skincare-infused coverage. Still, there are a number of those who use foundation for higher coverage and a polished look. It depends on personal preference and the desired finish.
WHAT IS THE BEST KOREAN BB CREAM?
One of the best BB creams is the Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream, known for its key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, providing hydration, coverage, and sun protection in one formula.
WHICH BB CREAM IS BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
The PURITO Cica Clearing BB Cream is one of the best BB creams for sensitive skin, featuring key ingredients like Centella Asiatica to soothe and protect while providing natural coverage.
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 Smashbox 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.