We wouldn't be without 'em
Want great-looking skin without the heaviness of foundation? The best BB cream not only offers decent coverage but a whole load of skin benefits too.
But if you’re not yet clued in on what they are and how they work, keep reading for the Marie Claire guide to all things BB (and the best CC cream and DD cream when you’re done here).
What is BB Cream?
Standing for ‘blemish balm’ or in some cases ‘beauty balm’, BB cream is an Asian skincare staple that’s dominated the market for years.
Although they have the Korean market to thank for their fame, the first BB cream was actually invented in Germany by dermatologist Dr Christine Schrammek (and it’s still available today over 50 years later). The idea was to create a product that combined make-up with skincare, for patients to use after a peel or cosmetic surgery.
It wasn’t until the 2010s that they really burst onto the scene here in the UK, and now you’ll rarely find a beauty junkie’s make-up bag without one.
The best BB cream is a kind of ‘does it all’ skincare buy, providing coverage as well as other skin benefits like moisture, blemish control, antioxidants and everyday essential SPF. And, of course, there’s a little pigment involved to even our your complexion without the heavy, flawless finished of a foundation. Think your best tinted moisturiser, but better coverage.
Best BB cream vs CC cream – what’s the difference?
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While BB creams disguise blemishes and make your complexion look more even overall, CC creams target discolouration and even our your skin tone but with less coverage; the CC part stands for colour correction.
So whether you’re looking for the best BB cream for oily skin, combination skin or the best BB cream for dry skin, find your new skin hero in our edit below.
Erborian BB Crème, £15, Fabled
French-Korean skincare Erborian are famous for their BB cream. It evens out the complexion for a slightly matte finish, a hit of skin moisture and of course reduce the appearance of blemishes; it's no wonder it's a best seller.
Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35, £
Bobbi Brown's BB Cream not only protects instantly but corrects over time too. The formula combines moisturiser, treatment, sun protection and foundation all in one. Choose from nine shades to brighten, hydrate and smooth your skin with its water-attracting molecules, light-reflecting pearls and pore-reducing peptides.
Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35, £27, Fabled
This is a Marie Claire favourite. There are eight shades, so it caters for a pretty good range of skin tones, and blends easily for that signature Smashbox camera-ready finish.
La Roche-Posay Hydreane BB Cream, £11.25, Lookfantastic
There are only two shades of this BB so you should try before you buy, but it is absolutely superb for sensitive types. It contains thermal spring waters so it is very gentle and soothing on sensitive skin. If you're prone to redness and irritation, this product won't exacerbate it further, and it is totally brilliant for anyone with acne-prone skin, severe dryness and or rosacea.
Estee Lauder DayWear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme, £36, Fabled
An instant skin perfector, Estee Lauder's DayWear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme delivers beautiful glowing skin in one simple step. Available in two skin-perfecting tints, this light-feeling cream can be worn alone or underneath your regular foundation to provide sheer coverage that minimises flaws and maximises your skin's natural radiance.
Clarins BB Skin Detox Fluid SPF 25, £32, John Lewis
For medium coverage with a luminous healthy finish, look to Clarins' BB Skin Detox Fluid. You'll also reap the benefits of SPF 25, too, for that all important protective layer.
