The Best BB Creams

Follow our guide to find your perfect BB Cream
You're probably more than familiar with BB creams by now, but five years ago most of us had never even heard of them, so how did they suddenly become a beauty must-have? And, more importantly, how can you find out which is the best BB cream for your skin?
BB (Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm) creams were first developed in Asia to give skin-obsessive customers natural-looking coverage and a host of other skincare benefits. Based on a formula originally created by dermatologists to help patients who had undergone laser skin surgery, BB creams are similar to tinted moisturisers in terms of coverage, but they promise so much more than that.
Multi-functional BB creams aim to moisturise and regenerate skin with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants - as well as concealing imperfections and helping to fight the signs of ageing. Many also claim to prime skin for make-up, cover pores, plump and protect from UVA and UVB rays. If you need plenty of coverage, BB creams may not be for you as they normally give just a sheer hint of coverage that's perfect for evening out skin tone but not covering blemishes, rosacea or dark circles. If you are pretty confident with your skin however BBs offer a fabulous lightweight option - especially in summer - and there is no need to apply foundation on top, cutting your morning routine in half.
Nearly every brand has a now, with each one promising a host of benefits from anti-ageing benefits to colour correction and oil-control.
So which BB cream is right for you? With a few clicks of your mouse, our sister site Powder can work out which BB texture isthe best match for you....
Aldi Lacura BB Cream, £3.49
Best for: A clever beauty bargain
Dior Diorsnow BB Creme White Reveal UV Protection, £40
Best for: Colour correction, UV protection and coverage Dior say: "With Icelandic Glacial Water. The highest UV filter ensures 100% felt all-day protection efficacy. Incredibly lightweight, this BB texture enriched with a blend of new-generation colour-correcting pigments instantly beautifies the skin, visibly reducing spots." We say: A little thicker than the others, but stays put all day. A best-buy if you're worried about giving up foundation. Buy Dior Diorsnow BB Creme White Reveal UV Protection
Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector All-in-one, £9.99
Best for: Moisturising Garnier say: "Garnier BB cream for immediately perfected skin with even tone and boosted glow. Blurs imperfections and smoothes fine lines. SPF15 protection and 24hr hydration." We say: Good for dry or combination skins. Gives skin a dewy glowing finish but needs reapplying throughout the day. Buy Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector All-in-one
MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm SPF 35, £21
Best for: Wearing under foundation MAC say: "Lightly tinted in a nearly sheer beige tone to work on an array of complexions, it creamily re-texturises the skin and then goes on to excel at being a face primer with high everyday UVA/UVB SPF 35 defense." We say: A twist on MAC's classic primer, this smoothed skin and kept our foundation in place all day. No need to conceal. Buy MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm SPF 35
Clinique Age Defense BB Cream, £27
Best for: Anti-aging Clinique say: "Perfecting cream conceals, helps prevent premature signs of aging with UVA/UVB protection. Unique complex of optics helps instantly reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants help defend against environmental aggressors." We say: Great for sensitive skin. This cream gently soothed the skin without weighing it down. It's fragrance-free too. Buy Clinique Age Defense BB Cream
No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream, £13.50
Best for: Brightening up dull or tired skin No.7 say: "Its unique 3-in-1 formula evens and enhances skin tone and disguises imperfections, while the nutrient-enriched formula helps to banish blemishes." We say: Very lightweight. Easy to apply, and not oily like other BB Creams, we used this as a base. Buy No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream
17 BB Blemish Balm, £6.99
Best for: Smooth skin under £10 17 say: "Discover the new 17 BB Blemish Balm to reveal the magic of flawless skin with this all-in-one foundation plus skincare wonder product." We say: Wear on holiday - it doesn't cover completely but does enhance good skin with a nice, natural glow. Not bad for £7. Buy 17 BB Blemish Balm
Estee Lauder Daywear Beauty Benefit Cream, £34
-
-
Prince Andrew will not be attending Queen's birthday parade for Trooping the Colour in June
It's been confirmed that Prince Andrew will be absent from festivities - and here's who will be in his place during the parade
By Lauren Hughes •
-
The UK’s best nudist beaches for families and couples
Where to strip off and enjoy the elements on the UK’s top nudist beaches
By Lottie Gross •
-
Bobs are the world’s most popular hairstyle – here’s how to style yours
All you need to know about this classic haircut
By Charlie Bell •
-
How you drink your coffee affects your skin, say dermatologists
Could your coffee be having a negative effect on your skin?
By Fiona Embleton •
-
Body candles are the next homeware must-have we can’t get enough of
If dried flowers, stoneware pots and bespoke prints are on your radar already, then body candles will be the next interiors trend on your list...
By Aleesha Badkar •
-
7 celeb-inspired straightener hairstyles we're loving for 2021
Look no further: These straightener hairstyles have got you covered for smooth, shiny, star-powered locks.
By Courtney Leiva •
-
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara review: the little lash-lifter with big staying power
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara is the lash-coating sensation with a tiny wand, that’s sure to be a new staple in your make-up bag
By Emma North •
-
This cult US skincare brand is coming to Boots very soon - and we can't wait
Treat yourself to some of their gorgeous products...
By Amy Hunt •
-
The different mascara wands every mascara user should know
Brush up on your mascara brushes—they all serve a different purpose.
By Eunice Lucero-Lee •
-
Woman & Home's Vanity Edit: Our favorite launches and products this week
We highlight the latest and greatest beauty heroes on the market, from ultra-thin eyeliners to magnetic mascaras. Here's what's currently in trend.
By Dominique McIntee •