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Hearing someone say, “Your makeup looks good,” is great and all, but there’s nothing quite like having someone comment on how amazing your skin looks, even when you secretly have a little something on it. Here at ELLE, we've cracked the code to collecting those compliments like Monopoly money: BB creams.
While BB creams were mostly popularized by Korean makeup brands, they’ve been around since the 1960s and are designed to “moisturize, protect, and correct” the skin, says Dr. Sung-Jae Jung, the founder of BB pioneer Dr. Jart+. “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,” adds celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno. In other words, BB creams are a moisturizer, foundation, and skin care product all rolled into one. They also usually feature lighter coverage, so you’ll love BB creams if you’re already a tinted moisturizer fan and have an affinity for fresh, natural-looking skin.
Top picks for the best BB creams in 2024
Essentially, if you want to roll out of bed and apply one product to make your skin feel and look its best, let it be a BB cream. Those with oily skin or a penchant for matte skin need not be afraid of these formulas either—just “follow up with a setting powder to get a more matte finish and control shine,” says Denno. With so many options for these makeup-skincare hybrids out there, it can be hard to pinpoint the right one. Lucky for you, we consulted experts, sifted through customer reviews, and peered into our own makeup bags to bring you the 12 best BB creams to help you achieve that coveted my-skin-but-better look.
Pros
- Full-coverage
Cons
- May not be suited for sensitive skin
Thicker than your average 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.
Best for: Oily combo skin
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “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
Pros
- High level of SPF
- Flexible shades
Cons
- Coverage may be too sheer for some
We here at ELLE Beauty are staunch supporters of the skin care-infused Supergoop! Protec(tint). We can’t get enough of that buildable coverage, SPF 50 protection, and lightweight texture. At least once a week since its launch, one of us has mentioned how much we adore it, and we probably won’t stop any time soon.
Best for: Dry, normal skin
Size: 1.18 oz.
Supergoop! rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “What more can I say about this tint that I haven’t already? I layer it over my regular SPF, and I love knowing that my skin has multiple layers of protection. I look forward to applying it every morning, and on the days I don’t, I miss the way my skin looks when blessed by the Protec(tint). People can’t even tell I’m wearing a base product, but it almost completely camouflages my redness, which is my constant nemesis. I just look like I have even-toned, perfectly smooth skin naturally, and I can’t say I hate that.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suite for oily skin
Dry skin will be so happy with this ultra-moisturizing tinted liquid. Slip Tintsubtly improves the overall skin tone, while star ingredient hyaluronic acid hydrates and licorice root extract brightens skin over time.
Best for: Dry, normal skin
Size: 1.3 fl oz
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Saie’s products are formulated to get into the deeper layers of the skin to deliver their moisturizing ingredients. I swear that I can actually feel my skin drinking up all of the hydrating hyaluronic acid in this buildable tint as I buff it in. Afterward, my skin feels plumper and looks dewier.” —Carol Lee
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). Plus, it also contains natural extracts that help repair and heal any blemishes or reactive areas on the skin.
Best for: All skin types
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “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, finish and settles well after a long day at work or in the sun.” —Nerisha Penrose
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.
Best for: All skin types
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Glossier rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I know that people constantly complain about how sheer this product is, but I disagree. Well, I don’t deny that it doesn’t even come close to the coverage a light coverage foundation can give. But when you rub the Skin Tint in with your fingers, I find that I can layer it so that you can’t even tell I have rosacea. Plus, it’s deeply moisturizing and makes my skin look oh-so-juicy and healthy.” —Carol Lee
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, protects 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.
Best for: Dry skin
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!”
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 instant hydration. The product is also free from oils, so your skin will be dewy but not shiny.
Best for: All skin types
Size: 1 oz.
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.”
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.
Best for: All skin types
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
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can feel greasy
Formulated with hyaluronic acid and coconut water, ColourPop’s tinted moisturizer is a makeup and skin care hybrid that gives your skin some much-needed TLC and covers blemishes well.
Best for: All skin types
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.”
Pros
- Comes with a wand for more controlled application
Cons
- Limited shade range
Is your skin feeling kind of blah? This formula's key ingredients, hyaluronic and glycerin, work to hydrate and plump your skin for a refreshed glow.
Best for: Dry skin
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.”
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.
Best for: Sensitive skin
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!”
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 you wear it. The cream is also packed with vitamins A, C, and E that moisturize and brighten skin.
Best for: Normal, dry, combination 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.”
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 beneficial ingredients. Each brand chooses its own, and you’ll find each differs in the level of coverage and finishes.”
Additionally, Denno notes BB creams tend to be more flexible with matching 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
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