While most vanity drawers are packed with foundations, mine is stocked full of the best BB creams. These “beauty balm” multitaskers keep my skin looking natural, matte and even-toned. They’re a great option if you don’t want to spend time blending out heavy foundation, and they create the perfect canvas for a no-makeup makeup look (so do CC creams, BTW, but those are often used for color-correcting).
But the even better news is that they often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to boost hydration and brightness. For this reason, they’re heavily favored by dermatologists and makeup artists alike. With hundreds of products on the market, I tapped experts and Glamour testers to evaluate the very best ones. Our top pick overall was the Tarte BB blur because its has a marshmallowy-smooth texture that sinks into the skin with ease. The SPF-packed formula (which comes in a wide range of shades) lasts all day long, rivaling some of the best foundations in our collection. We also found options for dry, redness-prone, mature skin, and even a Korean beauty cult favorite.
The best BB creams, at a glance
- Best Overall: Tarte BB Blur Natural Matte Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 Sunscreen, $42
- Best for Dry Skin: Kosas BB Burst Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream with Copper Peptides, $38
- Best for Oily Skin: Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream, $7
- Best for Redness: Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint, $42
- Best Korean Beauty: Erborian BB Cream with Ginseng, $25
- Best for Mature Skin: Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream, $8
How we chose the best BB creams
What to look for in a BB cream
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When shopping for a BB cream, there are a few things to look out for including ingredients and SPF levels, according to Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. “I’m always a proponent of sun protection, so I recommend looking for a BB cream with an SPF 30 or higher. I’d also recommend looking out for formulas that can deliver lightweight hydration with hyaluronic acid or glycerin,” she says. If you have specific skin concerns and struggle with redness, oiliness or acne, look for formulas that soothe the skin, tone down redness, and promote cell turnover to mattify and clarify the skin, she adds.
How we tested
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While testing BB creams, we looked for formulas with skincare benefits like Dr. Engelman suggested, plus those with SPF. We also evaluated BB creams on their texture, how well they sunk into the skin, and their longevity throughout the day. The best BB creams were velvety and smooth, absorbed into the skin quickly, and didn’t pill when layered with other products. They also lasted through long eight-hour work days and weekends in the sun. Overall, they kept our skin looking blurred, matte and free of redness.
Best Overall BB Cream: Tarte BB Blur Natural Matte Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Jazmin Gathers testing Tarte BB blur natural matte tinted moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
- Original photo from Jazmin Gathers testing Tarte BB blur natural matte tinted moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
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Tarte BB Blur Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Amazon
- Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, triple-B complex
- Shades: 12
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Pros: We love the matte finish with medium coverage
- Cons: Pricey for the size
This tinted moisturizer made our best overall cut because it contains dermatologist-recommended SPF 30, seamlessly blends into skin like foundation, and offers a wide shade range compared to other BB creams on this list. It never looks cakey, either, and lasts all day, even if you pair it with other makeup products like concealer and blush.
“Usually when I apply a BB cream I have to follow it up with powder to avoid being too oily, but this one is actually matte all by itself. It didn’t feel dry, and literally looked like my skin. It has a bit of a red tint to it, but once I blended it in it started to disappear. It’s extremely lightweight and didn’t feel like I was wearing anything, which is perfect for summer or a natural look,” says Glamour’s senior social media editor, Jazmin Gathers.
Best BB Cream for Dry Skin: Kosas BB Burst Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream with Copper Peptides
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Kosas BB Burst Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream with Copper Peptides
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Kosas BB Burst Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream with Copper Peptides
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Kosas BB Burst Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream with Copper Peptides
Amazon
Blue Mercury
- Key Ingredients: Copper peptides, sodium PCA
- Shades: 24
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Pros: Gives the skin a burst of hydration, helps correct dehydration, dryness and redness
- Cons: Takes a few coats for fuller coverage
If you have dry or sensitive skin or deal with dry patches, Dr. Engelman recommends BB creams over foundations because they often contain ingredients that will plump and firm the skin without making it look cracked or cakey. This tinted moisturizer-BB cream combo does just this with copper peptides and sodium PCA to help protect and support the skin barrier, helping it retain moisture.
“I deal with combination skin and dry patches around my nose that tend to get red and flaky, especially when the seasons change. I need something that will keep these areas hydrated without sacrificing my oily areas by making them look overly shiny, and let me tell you, this gel cream formula does it every time. It’s really lightweight and melts down into the skin perfectly, not to mention, it blends well with just about any concealer that I pair it with. My skin always feels really hydrated but never greasy when I wear it, and it lasts all day,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best BB Cream for Oily Skin: Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Norell Zable testing Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream
- Original photo from Norell Zable testing Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream
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Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream
Amazon
- Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, silica
- Shades: 3
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Pros: Has a natural no makeup makeup finish
- Cons: Only comes in 3 shades
BB creams can be useful for oily skin types too, especially if they have a matte finish like this drugstore pick. The non-comedogenic formula makes it acne and blemish friendly, and it can provide a decent amount of coverage if you’re looking to conceal pimples. It has oil-absorbing properties, too, to ensure that your skin doesn’t look slick by the end of the day.
“This BB Cream couldn’t have been a better color match for my skin. I’m wearing shade 530 for light to medium skin and the shade and coverage was really flawless. I don’t wear foundation everyday, I’m more of a tinted moisturizer girly, and this BB Cream is definitely the best of both worlds. It was hydrating, though I do suggest a moisturizer or primer underneath as part of your skincare routine. It stayed on all day and didn’t transfer to any clothing. As a matter of fact, I wore it while wedding dress shopping and was in and out of countless white dresses and was totally clear of transfer!” says Condé Nast executive director of global strategy, Norell Zable.
Best BB Cream for Combination Skin: Dr.Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 40
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Dr.Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 40
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Dr.Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 40
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Dr.Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 40
Amazon
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin
- Shades: 6
- Size: 3.7 fl oz
- Pros: Has a color correcting finish, lasts a long time
- Cons: The formula is a little heavier than some of the other ones on this list
A favorite of Dr. Engelman, this BB cream is a must try if you have combination skin and could use a boost of hydration. “This BB cream has a blend of niacinamide and glycerin to balance the skin barrier, even out skin tone, and deeply moisturize. I also like that it has SPF 40 to provide daily protection against UV rays and external aggressors,” she says.
Glamour’s Kilkeary loves it too. “This BB cream has definitely replaced some of the other complexion products in my beauty arsenal because my combination skin simply drinks it up. It keeps excess shine away and grease, but manages to keep my dry areas hydrated and fresh all day long. I love wearing this one on days I’m spending a lot of time outside and want lighter face makeup.”
Best BB Cream for Mature Skin: Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Charlotte Twine testing Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream
- Original photo from Charlotte Twine testing Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream
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Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream
Amazon
- Key Ingredients: SPF, salicylic acid
- Shades: 5
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Pros: Has a blurring finish that makes the skin look plump
- Cons: Only has 5 shades
“This all-in-one BB cream is an excellent affordable drugstore option. Non-comedogenic and made with 2% salicylic acid, it helps clarify and mattify the skin while targeting and concealing texture,” says Dr. Engelman. And she’s not wrong: it does a great job of hiding everything from breakouts to dark spots, and fine lines and wrinkles, making it a great pick for mature skin types who want more even texture.
“I think I may have found my new daily SPF skin coverage with the Maybelline Dream BB Fresh. It has sheer yet buildable coverage that didn’t have that tacky feel of sunscreen. It is also super easy to glide onto my skin, and I was happy to see it didn’t settle in my wrinkles. It did pill a little bit over my cheeks, though, where I had some serum on underneath. I was so happy with the coverage that I didn’t even put on concealer. I will reach for this BB cream on active days when I just want to put on lip gloss and head out the door,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine.
Best BB Cream With SPF: MDSolarSciences Crème Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Jazmin Gathers testing MDSolarSciences Crème Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50
- Original photo from Jazmin Gathers testing MDSolarSciences Crème Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50
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MDSolarSciences Crème Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50
Amazon
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, squalane
- Shades: 4
- Size: 1.23 fl oz
- Pros: Gives skin a soft velvety and dewy texture, can cover dark spots and hyperpigmentation
- Cons: Only comes in 4 shades
If you’re on the hunt for a BB cream that also can act as a sunscreen, look to this light coverage SPF 50 formula that protects skin from UV rays. It’s completely weightless and packed full of skin hydrators and antioxidants, including vitamin C, green tea and cranberry extract, niacinamide and squalane.
“The color match is absolutely perfect! Sometimes tinted subscreens and moisturizers can have a red undertone or be extremely oily, but this one literally looks like skin. The coverage isn’t super heavy, so it’s definitely buildable. That said, I still didn’t feel the need to use any concealer or powder. I’d wear it all by itself,” says Gathers.
Best BB Cream for Redness: Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint
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Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint
Amazon
- Key Ingredients: HA microspheres, peptide complex, fatty acids
- Shades: 16
- Size: 0.63 fl oz
- Pros: Stick form makes it easy for touch ups or to use on the go
- Cons: Expensive for the size
Redness is another skin concern that BB creams can help address, according to Dr. Engelman. This beauty balm serum skin tint has ingredients that can help even out skin tone and texture, including anti-aging hyaluronic acid spheres, a peptide complex, and nourishing fatty acids.
Glamour’s Kilkeary is a fan of this one too, particularly when it comes to covering up her post-acne marks with something that’s lighter weight than a foundation. “I found foundations to be too heavy and cakey, especially when I’m trying to cover pimples and areas of texture. This balm is simply a dream for that because it’s so incredibly lightweight yet it provides so much coverage. I also love the applicator too—you can simply slide it right on and blend it out with your fingers or a brush. It’s so breathable as well, and doesn’t have skin-clogging oils— it keeps my skin looking matte, even-toned and fresh every time I wear it,” she says.
Best Korean BB Cream: Erborian BB Cream with Ginseng
Erborian BB Cream with Ginseng
Amazon
- Key Ingredients: SPF, white ginseng, licorice
- Shades: 4
- Size: 1.5 fl oz
- Pros: Brightens the skin’s undertones and reduces redness and uneven tone, has buildable coverage
- Cons: Limited shades; Sheer so takes a few coats for more coverage
This pick is a K-beauty cult favorite because it gives you a lit-from-within glowy finish. It’s also packed with ingredients like wild yam, licorice and white ginseng to smooth and hydrate, all while evening out skin tone and eliminating redness, too.
“The texture is so smooth and silky. It’s not too thick and layers on well with my skin care products, concealer, and liquid blush. I love the natural, glowy finish. You can use it on its own but I like to use it on problem areas and mix it with my Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter foundation. Though I will say the shade matching is a little tricky. I have medium, tan skin tone but with a neutral undertone, and the two shades that I tested leaned too peach and warm for me which is why I blended with foundation,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Frequently asked questions
Do dermatologists recommend BB creams?
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Yes, dermatologists recommend BB creams, according to Dr. Engelman. “BB creams offer multiple benefits with a single application, so they’re a great way to streamline your skincare routine. They’re also helpful for addressing certain skin concerns, including oiliness, redness and acne, while evening out the complexion and leaving a natural-looking, perfected finish,” she says.
Are BB creams good for mature skin?
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BB creams can be a great option for mature skin types for a few reasons. “Full coverage products like foundation tend to settle into fine lines and wrinkles, while BB cream can provide coverage without being cakey,” says Dr. Engelman. Plus, they’re often packed with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients which is great for mature skin types that may not retain moisture as effectively.
Is BB cream better than foundation?
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BB cream is not necessarily better than foundation, it’s just different, according to Jonet Williamson, a pro makeup artist based in NYC. “Both foundation and BB creams have a place, and depending on your personal needs, a BB cream might be a better option for you if you’re looking for lighter weight makeup,” she says. BB creams also have more of a blurring effect and help plump fine lines, while heavy foundations may sink into them and cause creases.
Tips for applying BB creams
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Williamson recommends applying BB creams with your hands as the last step in your skincare routine and the first step in your makeup routine. “With this in mind, you can also use your bb Cream as a skin perfector before applying a traditional foundation,” she says.
Meet the experts
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- Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
- Jonet Williamson, a pro makeup artist based in NYC
The post 8 Best BB Creams for Lightweight Coverage 2025, Tested & Reviewed appeared first on Glamour.
