BB Cream: What is it? The “BB” in BB Cream is short for beauty balm, and this cult-favorite-gone-mainstream complexion concoction offers lightweight coverage to mask those pesky imperfections (hello, sunspots and blemishes) while looking more natural and less “made up” than traditional foundation.
YouBeauty Makeup Contributor Emily Kate Warren says that she loves BB Creams because they’re lightweight and multifunctional. Warren says, “They take several steps and put them all into one. I personally enjoy using them when traveling because you only need one product to accomplish many needs.” For the record, she’s currently loving Maybelline Dream Fresh BB.
So which BBs are worth a try? We’ve gathered YouBeauty readers’ tried-and-true favorites. See what a community of the truly beauty-obsessed use and love, and weigh in with your favorite in our YouTalk BB thread.
1Tarte BB cream
“Tarte BB cream is amazing. It is lightweight and blends completely into your skin tone by using your fingers and STAYS without finishing powder. Plus, the vitamins and SPF really do help skin stay protected and heal. The cincher? As a person with combination and slightly acne prone skin, it’s totally oil-free and doesn’t make me break out like other products I tried.” —YouBeauty reader katropia
2Too Faced Beauty Balm
“My favorite BB cream is Too Faced Beauty Balm. It comes in five colors and provides SPF 20. I have combination skin and rosacea, and this product covers what you don’t want to see, but keeps things like my beauty mark visible. It retails $34 and lasts over a year!” — YouBeauty reader EqBeauty
3L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB cream
“L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB cream ‘til the day I die. I have combination skin with a few mild acne scars and when I put this stuff on, I don’t even bother with foundation OR concealer! The product is ultra lightweight and a little goes a long way—perfect if you hate applying a million (or even just two products) to your face. Can’t love this stuff too much!” —YouBeauty reader langloy
4Avon’s Ideal Flawless BB Cream
“Avon, plain and simple! I have redness and Avon’s Ideal Flawless BB Cream covers the red and goes on smooth, but is still light like a moisturizer.” —YouBeauty reader threemonkeys
5Double Wear All Day Glow BB from Estée Lauder
“Double Wear All Day Glow BB from Estée Lauder. It’s oil-free and lasts up to eights hours. It leaves a matte finish, but is hydrating and will keep you glowing all day while still looking natural!” —YouBeauty reader mariann21
6Smashbox BB Cream
“My favorite is Smashbox BB Cream. I have normal skin, that’s dry in places and this works all over with no problems. I can use a thin layer for a tinted moisturizer look or put on two layers for more coverage. I’ve tried a couple of the drugstore brands, as well as more expensive brands and this one just works for me. Plus, the color match is perfect.” — YouBeauty reader gigi claudia
7The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream
“The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream is perfect for me because I always want to look natural. I tried so many BBs, but this is my fave.” — YouBeauty reader Superfatma
8L’Oréal Paris Youth Code BB Cream Illuminator
“I started using L’Oréal Paris Youth Code BB Cream Illuminator. It gives me some coverage, but is very light. I have combination skin, and this looks good, and is easy and fast in the morning. In fact, people just think my skin looks really good when I wear it, and they don’t even know I’m wearing makeup.” — YouBeauty reader Shans
9Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream
“I really like Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream—it’s cheap too! I usually flit from product to product, but I’m on my third bottle of this. I apply it; use a concealer for any spots and under my eyes, and finish with a bronzer or powder to set and I’m good to go!” —YouBeauty reader suzylicious
