What is BB cream used for?

“BB Cream is used as a foundation hybrid to even out the skin tone while adding skincare and SPF benefits,” says Cahill. “You can use a BB cream as a base for the next steps in your routine or as your complete one-step skincare, primer, foundation, routine."

How do you apply BB cream?

“To get the most coverage, use a brush. I recommend a dense kabuki brush for a smooth, “fullest” coverage application,” says Cahill. She further explains, “to get the naturally radiant look, use a damp sponge as this will help the dew come through the product and even out sheer of the product a tad to give a more natural look.”

What is the difference between BB and CC cream?

Cahill says a BB cream is a beauty balm hybrid between skincare, primer, foundation, and/or SPF, whose goal is to lightly even out skin tone, treat, and protect. In contrast, a CC cream or color/complexion corrector is designed to correct uneven skin tone and add coverage while protecting your skin.

The 14 Best BB Creams of 2023

While foundation will always have its place in our makeup bag, we just can’t go past the light, easy coverage that a BB cream affords. BB creams—short for beauty or blemish balms—are a hybrid between foundation and skincare. The idea is that they’re easy to apply and even out the skin tone while simultaneously improving its appearance. “BB creams are usually like a skin tint that provides fresh, healthy-looking coverage without the heaviness of a traditional foundation,” explains makeup artist and beauty expert Michael Brown.

Brown extols the use of BB creams, adding that they're excellent for those who care about the integrity of their skin. “They’re great if you want quick, fuss-free coverage that’s also going to benefit the health of your complexion,” he adds.

We conducted hours of research on the best BB creams, evaluating each formula on active ingredients, benefits targeted, how easy they are to blend, and overall value. We also looked at different types of finishes and coverage levels, and considered formulas for every skin type. After considering dozens of brands, and consulting with two celebrity makeup artists, we landed on the following best in show.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+ at Amazon

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Best Budget:

e.l.f. Cosmetics BB Cream at Amazon

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Best Drugstore:

Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Cream at Amazon

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Best for Dry Skin:

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream at Amazon

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Best for Combination Skin:

Garnier SkinActive BB Cream at Amazon

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Best with SPF:

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer With Niacinamide and SPF 40 at Sephora

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Best for Oily Skin:

bareMinerals Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream at Amazon

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Best for Light Skin:

Laura Mercier Natural Tinted Moisturizer at Amazon

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Best for Dark Skin:

Fenty Beauty Blurring Skin Tint at Sephora

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Best Splurge:

Chantecaille Just Skin at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Great coverage
Added SPF
Good shade range

What We Don’t Like

Not ideal for very oily skin

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ Review

While we do acknowledge that this is a CC Cream, it’s unmatched when it comes to natural-looking coverage, finish, and luminosity. The creamy formula is pigmented, so it does a great job of concealing redness, breakouts, and scarring. One small pump is all you need for a glowing but believable base.

“This is a staple for me,” adds Brown. “It does an amazing job evening out the skin without feeling or looking heavy.”

Price at time of publish: $44

Size: 1.08 ounces | Shades: 12 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

e.l.f. Cosmetics

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Elfcosmetics.com

What We Like

Affordable
Hydrating

What We Don't Like

Limited shade range

This vegan formula contains cucumber, aloe vera, and vitamin E, not to mention SPF 20, all for less than the price of an iced coffee. The coverage is decent for a BB cream, and we’d call out the finish as natural (not too shiny or matte). The shade range isn’t amazing—just three warm-toned colors—but if you can find a match, it’s a hard deal to pass up.

Price at time of publish: $7

Size: 0.96 ounces | Shades: 3 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.9

Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Cream

Walgreens

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What We Like

Light gel texture
Affordable
Contains SPF

What We Don't Like

Limited shade range

Light and impossibly fresh, this water-based formula glides over the skin, leaving it smooth, even, and radiant. The coverage is minimal, but it does work well to soften the look of blemishes and refine the look of pores. The self-adjusting shades mean you’ll be able to use it year-round or when you have self-tan on, too.

Price at time of publish: $9

Size: 1 ounces | Shades: 5 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.5

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++

Amazon

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What We Like

Hydrating
Contains SPF
Plumps wrinkles and fine lines

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance
Limited shade range

Packed with hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and ceramides, Missha’s BB Cream is a top choice for those with dry or dehydrated skin. It provides ample coverage and a dewy finish, softening the look of lines, wrinkles, and uneven tone. The addition of SPF 42 is a nice touch, as well.

Price at time of publish: $20

Size: 1.69 ounces | Shades: 4 | Cruelty-Free: No

Garnier SkinActive 5-in-1 Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream

Walmart

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What We Like

Affordable
Balances combination skin

What We Don't Like

Limited shade range

Garnier was one of the original drugstore BB creams, and its oil-free iteration is one of our top picks for combination skin types. The non-comedogenic formula has an oil-absorbing mineral powder called perlite to control shine, while antioxidants and SPF 15 keep the rest of your face protected. Our only complaint is the limited shade range—two just isn’t enough to cater for all skin tones.

Price at time of publish: $31

Size: 2.5 ounces | Shades: 2 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer With Niacinamide and SPF 40

Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Great coverage
Contains SPF

What We Don't Like

Limited shade range

The modern concept of BB cream originated in Korea, so it makes sense that the Dr. Jart+ version is up there as one of our favorites. The formula is thicker than most but smoothes over the skin, leaving it even, plump, and nourished. It’s also bolstered with SPF for additional sun protection during the day.

Price at time of publish: $44

Size: 1.35 ounces | Shades: 3 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.9

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30

Amazon

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What We Like

Great for acne-prone skin
Natural finish

What We Don't Like

Pricey

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream Review

This top-rated skin tint is infused with plant-based squalane, hyaluronic acid, and mineral sunscreen, giving it plenty of nourishing properties without congesting the skin. The lightweight gel feels light and cooling, providing sheer coverage that blurs blemishes without concealing natural texture. It also grabs bonus points for the vast shade range.

Price at time of publish: $37

Size: 1.18 ounces | Shades: 20 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Laura Mercier Natural Tinted Moisturizer

Sephora

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What We Like

Natural finish
Wears well

What We Don’t Like

Pricey

While not technically a BB cream, Brown swears by Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer and has carried it in his professional kit for years. “It has a light, blendable texture that evens out skin tone without caking.” It’s also infused with macadamia and kukui nut oils for nourishment, while silica-treatment pigments ensure a dewy, radiant finish.

Price at time of publish: $49

Size: 1.7 ounces | Shades: 20 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

Sephora

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What We Like

Long-lasting
Blurring effect

What We Don’t Like

Can be drying

“I love all Fenty Beauty complexion products, and this tint is no different. It’s light and buildable, but unlike so many other dewy base products, it’s long-wearing and relatively transfer-proof,” shares Brown. Available in 25 shades, it’s also one of the few products that cater to all skin tones.

Price at time of publish: $32

Size: 1.07 ounces | Shades: 25 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Chatecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer

Nordstrom

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What We Like

Sheer finish
Antioxidant benefits

What We Don’t Like

Pricey

While expensive, this tinted moisturizer from Chantecaille comes with a stack of skincare benefits, plus a lightweight tint to boot. The formula contains edelweiss, honeysuckle, and green tea. The addition of sodium hyaluronate helps with hydration levels. The finish is sheer but noticeable (think more even tone, reduced redness, and refined pores).

Price at time of publish: $70

Size: 1.7 ounces | Shades: 8 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.3

L'OrÃ©al Skin Paradise Water-Infused Tinted Moisturizer

Amazon

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What We Like

Hydrating
Affordable
Oil-free

What We Don’t Like

Limited shade range

Like a tall drink of water for parched skin, this skin tint from L'Oréal is supremely hydrating without feeling heavy. Made on a base of water, aloe, and the humectant glycerin, it plumps fine lines and improves luminosity while subtly concealing uneven tone and texture. It comes with some sun protection, too.

Price at time of publish: $17

Size: 1.0 ounces | Shades: 13 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Erborian BB Cream Clair Tinted Cream with Ginseng

Dermstore

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What We Like

Lovely texture
Great coverage
Matte finish

What We Don’t Like

Limited shade range

It’s not easy to find a mattifying skin tint that doesn’t feel heavy, but Erborian’s BB Cream strikes the ideal balance. Rich in plant ingredients like wild yam, ginseng, and licorice extract, it’s a nourishing formula with great longevity. Try it if you like a polished finish or find you’re prone to midday shine.

Price at time of publish: $45

Size: 1.5 ounces | Shades: 3 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.6

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Purlisse.com

What We Like

Formula is hydrating but lightweight
Very radiant finish still looks natural

What We Don't Like

May be too dewy for oily skin type
No shades for dark skin

For those who like a full-on dewy effect, this pick is choice. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid, glycerin), which in and of itself makes your skin appear plumper and more radiant. Add to the mix light-reflecting particles, and you’ve got yourself a full on glow, no highlighter needed. The medium coverage is also nice, and the shades available work well for a variety of light-to-medium complexions. However, it is worth pointing out that it doesn’t come in any shades for darker skin.

Size: 1.4 ounces | Shades: 4 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Ulta

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What We Like

Very affordable
Comes in a nice line-up of shades, especially considering it’s a drugstore product

What We Don't Like

Water-based formula could be slightly more hydrating

If you love your skin to look more matte, reach for this drugstore buy. Along with the wallet-friendly price tag, we also love the matte finish that keeps shine at bay, but never looks cakey or chalky. Plus, it’s both oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it a top pick for those with acne-prone skin, too. The coverage is considered light, though many reviewers point out that it’s still plenty to even out tone and/or camouflage minor imperfections. Just FYI, unlike many other BB creams out there, this one doesn’t contain SPF, so make sure you’re applying your daily dose of sunscreen separately.

Size: 1.0 ounce | Shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

IT Cosmetics CC Cream is our best overall pick, a cult-favorite that buffs out for a natural finish. For a more affordable pick, consider L'Oréal Skin Paradise Water-Infused Tinted Moisturizer, which is ultra-hydrating and packed with humectants to leave you with a flawless dewy finish—a must if you're after a glass skin look.

Meet the Expert

Michael Brown is one of Australia’s leading celebrity makeup artists with 20-years of experience. His editorial and commercial work can be seen around the globe. He is an expert is perfecting skin to create a natural, flawless look.
Megs Cahill is a retired professional makeup artist with specialized expertise in skincare.

What to Look for in a BB Cream

Desired Outcome

"When looking for your ideal BB cream match, think about what your desired outcome is," explains Megs Cahill, Professional Makeup Artist. She says, "Do you want sun protection, hydration, or shine control? Some things to look for in BB creams based on your wants/needs [include] skincare benefits, priming abilities, SPF, shine control, free of potentially harmful ingredients (parabens, sulfates, GMOs, etc.), coverage level, consistency, and wear time.”

Consistency

When testing the product, Cahill recommends opting for something lighter weight and non-greasy. “We want this to blend into the skin, not sit on top of it.” She further explains, for oily skin especially to avoid anything containing oil. “The good thing about BB creams is that they are a thinner consistency and coverage, so shades are more likely to match multiple skin tones.”

FAQ

What is BB cream used for?

“BB Cream is used as a foundation hybrid to even out the skin tone while adding skincare and SPF benefits,” says Cahill. “You can use a BB cream as a base for the next steps in your routine or as your complete one-step skincare, primer, foundation, routine."
How do you apply BB cream?

“To get the most coverage, use a brush. I recommend a dense kabuki brush for a smooth, “fullest” coverage application,” says Cahill. She further explains, “to get the naturally radiant look, use a damp sponge as this will help the dew come through the product and even out sheer of the product a tad to give a more natural look.”
What is the difference between BB and CC cream?

Cahill says a BB cream is a beauty balm hybrid between skincare, primer, foundation, and/or SPF, whose goal is to lightly even out skin tone, treat, and protect. In contrast, a CC cream or color/complexion corrector is designed to correct uneven skin tone and add coverage while protecting your skin.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Emily Algar has always subscribed to the idea of no-makeup makeup and loves the lightweight coverage a BB cream affords. She’s tried a bunch throughout her beauty writing career and has also called on a few experts in the field to curate the best.

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