Before clean girl beauty was a mega TikTok trend, we had BB creams. Originally developed in Korea, BB creams combine skincare and makeup benefits to serve up light, easy coverage that improves complexion health long-term. The concept is similar to a tinted moisturiser, but BB creams are instead focused on super sheer coverage – they can be used alone, or as a base for additional makeup.
If you crave coverage that’s easy, natural and going to keep your skin, a BB cream is probably a safe bet. Our edit of the best according to RUSSH, below.
What is a BB Cream?
BB creams – short for beauty balm or blemish balm – are a K-beauty concept that sit somewhere between skincare and makeup. Designed to streamline your routine, they typically combine light coverage with skincare benefits like hydration, SPF and antioxidants. Unlike foundation, BB creams are intended to even out tone rather than conceal completely, creating a natural, lived-in finish that lets skin show through. The appeal lies in their versatility: one product that moisturises, subtly perfects and protects.
The best BB Creams for all skin concerns
Bioderma Sensibio AR BB Cream
Best for: Sensitive, reactive skin
This formula works twice as hard to soothe and unify skin that’s prone to redness and flushing. The sheer tint corrects uneven tone, while the super gentle formula relieves the skin, reducing the root cause. It can be used alone, or under makeup.
Embryolisse BB Cream
Best for: Dry skin
If you love the balmy thickness of the cult Embryolisse Lait Cream but want a bit of coverage, this formula has a peachy tint and illuminating pigments for subtle glow.
Dr.Jart+ BB Premium Beauty Balm
Best for: Normal skin
BB cream was originally a Korean beauty innovation, so you know Dr.Jart+ is going to be good. It’s lightweight but hydrating and buildable so you can tailor your desired coverage. It also has skincare benefits of niacinamide, glycerin and SPF filters.
Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream
Best for: Combination skin
Kosas BB Burst is less of a cream and more of a gel that delivers light, fresh coverage. It’s boosted with copper peptides and zinc to soothe, plus saccharide isomerate increases hydration.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream
Best for: Full coverage
While technically a CC cream, this is one of the most popular in the category. It was originally ideated by a TV journalist who needed an easy base product that would deliver flawless coverage. This delivers on that promise, but it’s surprisingly light on the skin.
Mecca Max Off Duty BB Cream
Best for: Glow
This is easy, all-in-one coverage that’s radiant but natural. It comes in a broad shade range, and can be applied wth your hands. A win.
Hermès Plein Air Natural Enhancing Complexion Balm
Best for: Skincare benefits
This balm is super light, cooling and radiant – like post facial skin in a bottle. It’s also packed with skincare ingredients like evening primrose oil, baikal skullcap, hyaluronic acid and mineral SPF.
La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL UV Protection BB Cream
Best for: Sun protection
If you want the benefits of sunscreen, this BB cream combines an SPF of 50+ with light coverage. It’s specifically formulated to even out skin tone, blurring the look of pigmentation and breakouts.
Image: mecca.com
