8 BB Creams That Make Foundation Feel Totally Unnecessary

The article presents a comprehensive guide to BB creams, detailing their benefits, application methods, and distinctions from CC creams and tinted moisturizers. The author, Katie Berohn, acknowledges the challenge of finding the right BB cream that offers adequate coverage without feeling heavy, while also being hydrating without being oily and long-lasting without mattifying. To address these concerns, a rigorous testing process was undertaken, involving 51 BB creams from various "best-of" lists, which were then narrowed down to 13 for editorial testing. From these, the top eight BB creams were selected and ranked based on factors such as coverage, blendability, finish, shade range, and wear time. The guide features insights from celebrity makeup artist Renée Loiz, who defines BB cream as an all-in-one product that hydrates, smooths fine lines, and brightens the skin. Loiz also explains that BB creams can be applied with fingers, a makeup brush, or a beauty sponge, with a beauty sponge being her preferred method for seamless application and minimal product use. The article clarifies the differences between BB creams, CC creams, and tinted moisturizers. CC creams, while sharing similar benefits, offer more coverage and color-correcting properties. Tinted moisturizers, on the other hand, are a simpler blend of moisturizer and foundation, providing sheer coverage without additional skincare benefits. The article highlights eight specific BB creams that excelled in testing. The Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 is lauded as the "Best Overall BB Cream" for its seamless blend, hydrating properties, and effective base for makeup, although it notes that the two darkest shades lack SPF. For a more affordable option, the Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream is recommended as the "Best Budget BB Cream," praised for its lightweight, long-lasting coverage and radiant, skin-like finish. The Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 is identified as the "Best BB Cream for Dry Skin," offering a dewy, glowing finish that effectively addresses discoloration without clinging to dry patches. The Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint receives recognition for the "Best BB Cream Shade Range," providing a glowy, dewy finish, though some shades may initially appear orange before oxidizing to a correct match. For combination skin, the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream is highlighted for its impressive shade range, lightweight and breathable formula, and lasting coverage. The Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream is recommended for oily skin, offering sheer coverage, a healthy glow, and weightless feel that stays intact throughout the day. The Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation is presented as the "Best BB Cream for Mature Skin," providing a smooth, juicy, skin-like finish with buildable coverage and added SPF, although it might be too dewy for some. Finally, the Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Cream is chosen as the "Best BB Cream for Blurring," known for its ability to blur and even skin tone for a radiant finish, despite a potentially strong fragrance and limited shade range. #BBCream #BeautyProducts #Skincare #MakeupReview #TintedMoisturizer #BeautyGuide #Cosmetics #SPFProducts #FoundationAlternatives

BB creams, short for 'beauty balms', offer a versatile solution for skincare, makeup, and sun protection, distinguishing themselves from foundations and even their close relatives, CC creams. While foundations provide more coverage and CC creams focus on color correction, BB creams aim for a more universal, simpler formula with light, natural coverage, often akin to tinted moisturizers. This article reviews several top-rated BB creams available in the UK, catering to various skin types including oily, dry, and combination skin, and offers a comprehensive guide to help consumers choose the most suitable product for their needs. One featured product is the Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream, praised for its lightweight, skin-like coverage that enhances without masking. It features a hydrating gel-cream texture with copper peptides, sodium PCA, and zinc, providing plumping, soothing, and moisturizing benefits. This buildable and blurring formula gives a soft-focus effect, reducing redness and minor discoloration, making it suitable for everyday wear, even for oily and acne-prone skin. However, its staying power is limited, typically lasting around four hours without setting powder, and its gel-cream consistency can be tricky to apply, potentially streaking or pilling if not used with specific techniques or on primer-free skin. The Dr Jart Premium BB Beauty Balm SPF 50 stands out for its multitasking formula, combining hydration with 5% glycerin and niacinamide, broad-spectrum SPF 50, and medium, buildable coverage. It delivers a natural, dewy, and healthy glow, effectively smoothing redness and evening skin tone without feeling heavy. Despite its innovative Korean skincare background, including a high SPF, it has a limited shade range of only four universal shades that tend to lean warm or pink. Additionally, its dewy finish might appear shiny on oily skin if not set with powder, and it comes with a higher price point. Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing BB-gel is a lightweight, oil-free option designed for combination to oily skin types, offering up to eight hours of wear. It provides buildable coverage, a mattifying finish, and UVA/UVB protection, while being fragrance-free, allergy-tested, and non-acnegenic. The product transforms from a grey gel into a sheer, skin-tone-matching wash, providing a fresh, dewy glow. However, its single 'universal' shade can lean mid-tone/orange, making it less adaptable for fair or deeper/cool undertones. It also contains silicones and synthetic components that might irritate or clog sensitive or breakout-prone skin. The L'Oréal Paris C'est Magic BB Cream, despite its limited range of five shades, adapts to the skin's unique texture and tone through mineral pigments released upon application. It offers light-to-medium coverage that lasts well, along with 24-hour hydration from glycerin and protection against environmental stress from fig extract, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamin E. This affordable option provides a natural matte finish but lacks SPF protection. Another affordable option, Garnier SkinActive Classic Perfecting All-in-1 BB Cream, was one of the first BB creams in the UK. It offers a lightweight, subtly tinted formula with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera for 24-hour hydration and SPF 15. However, it only comes in four shades and may feel greasy or fade quickly on oily skin. Erborian Super BB is a full-coverage hybrid that contains niacinamide, making it effective in reducing imperfections and nourishing the skin, with built-in SPF 20. Its shade range is limited to five shades, which can lean warm or orange, and it is positioned at a higher price point. KIKO Milano Daily Protection BB Cream SPF 30 provides buildable, natural-medium coverage with SPF 30 and sea kale extract for hydration, resulting in a dewy finish that is highly moisturizing. However, it may oxidize and appear slightly orange on some skin tones, and its dewy consistency may not suit oily complexions. Estée Lauder DayWear Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Sheer Tint Release Moisturizer SPF15, formerly known as a BB creme, is designed for oily to combination skin, controlling shine and offering antioxidant-rich, non-greasy hydration with vitamins C and E. It is super lightweight and has a refreshing cucumber scent, but it provides very sheer coverage, which might not be sufficient for all users. Finally, Vichy Capital Soleil BB Tinted Dry Touch Emulsion SPF50 offers high UVA/UVB protection and a matte finish, making it suitable for oily skin and hot climates. It is also paraben-free, hypoallergenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. A drawback is its tendency to pill, especially when applied over moisturizers or during re-application, and it is available in only one shade, limiting its adaptability for diverse skin tones. #BBCream #SkincareReview #MakeupGuide #BeautyProducts #SPFProtection #Cosmetics #SkinTypes #ProductComparison

The article explores the category of Korean BB creams, which are multi-functional makeup products combining skincare benefits like moisturizing, sun protection, and coverage. Although BB creams originated in Germany in the 1960s, they gained significant popularity in South Korea in the early to mid-2000s, leading Korean brands to innovate in this product area. These creams typically offer lighter, buildable coverage compared to foundations or CC creams, aiming to even out skin tone and perfect its appearance. A common limitation noted in the article is the restricted shade range of many BB creams, often catering to fair to light skin tones, though some brands are expanding their offerings. Beyond coverage, BB creams frequently incorporate active ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides, moisturizing agents, and skin-lightening or brightening components, as highlighted by Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified dermatologist. The article provides a curated list of the top 10 Korean BB creams for 2024, selected based on expert recommendations and customer feedback. Each product is detailed with its pros and cons, shade availability, size, and average customer rating. For instance, Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF42/PA+++ is lauded as the 'Best Overall' for its buildable coverage and inclusion of hydrating and anti-aging ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and arbutin, despite having a limited shade range. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 is recommended for redness correction, blending cica, mineral SPF, and lightweight coverage, though it may not suit very dry skin. Purito Cica Clearing BB Cream, a fragrance-free option, is suggested for irritated skin, featuring centella asiatica, panthenol, and niacinamide to soothe, support the skin barrier, and brighten the complexion. Joah Perfect Complexion BB Cream stands out for offering a broader shade range among Korean BB creams and is designed to strengthen the skin barrier with malachite extract. Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 40 is highlighted as a dermatologist-approved choice for its all-in-one moisturizing, brightening, and coverage benefits, including niacinamide, but also has a limited shade selection. Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly B.B SPF20 PA++ is ideal for a dewy finish and refreshing feel, particularly in warm weather, due to its mint water content. Mizon Snail Repair Blemish Balm incorporates snail mucin for anti-aging and moisturizing effects, offering comfortable, buildable coverage. Skin79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm Pink BB provides higher coverage and oil control with SPF 30, making it suitable for acne-prone skin, while Erborian BB Crème, with ginseng, offers a natural matte finish, blurring pores and imperfections. Lastly, IPKN Moist & Firm BB Cream helps address fine lines with ceramide and collagen, providing buildable coverage suitable for various skin types. The experts emphasize that BB creams are versatile and can be used by all skin types, with formulations catering to specific concerns like hydration or oil control. Application typically follows other skincare steps, with a nickel-sized amount recommended for full-face coverage, blended outwards from the center. For adequate SPF protection, using enough product or supplementing with a standalone sunscreen is advised. The article underscores the importance of rigorous testing, expert consultation, and customer review evaluation in compiling its recommendations, reinforcing ELLE.com's commitment to reliable beauty content. #KoreanBeauty #BBCream #Skincare #Makeup #SPFProtection #BeautyProducts #DermatologistRecommended #Complexion

The article explores the growing popularity of cream blushes, highlighting their ability to provide a dewy and glowing look, which is currently a highly sought-after aesthetic in makeup. The author, initially a proponent of powder blushes due to perceived ease of application, details her transition to embracing cream blushes after exploring new products as part of her beauty coverage. This shift in preference is attributed to the realization that cream blushes are not as difficult to apply as she once thought, often requiring just a light touch and offering buildable color. The article emphasizes that when selecting a cream blush, important factors include significant color payoff, longevity, and the inclusion of skincare benefits. These attributes contribute to an enhanced finished makeup look and promote overall skin health. To provide a comprehensive overview, the author solicits recommendations from colleagues in the beauty industry, showcasing a variety of top-rated cream blushes and their unique characteristics. Key recommendations include Merit Flush Balm, praised for its ease of use, rich cream formula, and natural dewy finish, with versatility for use on eyelids and lips. Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color is highlighted for its convenient stick format, portability, and ability to create monochromatic looks across lips and eyelids. Fenty Beauty's Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush is noted for its buildable bold colors, suitable for both subtle and vibrant applications, and Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush is described as lightweight and easy to apply, creating a soft, flushed appearance. Further recommendations feature Glossier Cloud Paint, revered for its smooth application and blurring pigments, and Chantecaille Cheek Gelée Hydrating Gel-Cream Blush, which offers a sheer, long-lasting radiant glow. The article also introduces versatile multi-tasking products like Lilah B. Divine Duo Lip and Cheek and Tower 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush, both suitable for lips and cheeks and offering hydrating properties. Additional notable products include Wander Beauty On-The-Glow Blush and Illuminator, Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Trio for customizable shades, Nars Air Matte Sheer Cream Blush for a matte finish, Maybelline Cheek Heat for a natural, buildable flush, Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Eye, Cheek & Lip Cream Pigment for its long-lasting and waterproof formula, Clé De Peau Beauté Cream Blush for a subtle, moisturizing effect, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Cream Blush for a soft, velvety finish, and Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks for a rosy glow on both areas. #CreamBlush #MakeupTutorial #BeautyRecommendations #DewySkin #MultiTaskingMakeup #BlushApplication #SkincareInfusedMakeup #CosmeticProducts

This article discusses the benefits of cream blushes and provides recommendations from beauty experts at Sephora and Ulta Beauty. Cream blushes offer a smooth, realistic skin texture and a natural-looking glow, making them a popular choice for achieving a dewy finish. The article outlines how to choose and apply cream blush based on skin type, and highlights 16 top product recommendations across various categories. The article explains that the main difference of cream blush from powder blush is its creamy formula, which blends seamlessly into the complexion and often provides a natural glow. David Razzano, Sephora’s beauty director, emphasizes that cream blushes create a smooth and realistic skin texture. The guide covers considerations for different skin types: acne-prone skin may benefit from blushes with collagen, oily skin from cream-to-powder formulas, liquid stains, or water-based gel blushes, while dry skin is better suited for water-based gels, oil-based creams, or oil stains. For combination skin, understanding the skin’s oil production in different areas is crucial, and sensitive skin benefits from skincare-like or “clean” ingredients that promote hydration. Various application methods are suggested, including using fingers for a natural look, a beauty sponge for quick blending and color building, or a makeup brush for precise control. If too much product is applied, a setting powder can help disperse the color. The article also clarifies that cream bronzers or highlighters are not necessary when using cream blush; cream products should generally be applied after any powder products. The recommendations are categorized to assist consumers in making informed decisions. Categories include best overall (Stila Convertible Color), best budget (Ulta Beauty Too Cheeky Lip & Cheek Color Stick), best splurge (NARS Air Matte Blush), and best drugstore option (NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint Blush). Other categories feature best stick (ColourPop Blush Stix), best clean (Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush), best matte (NudeStix Nudies Matte All-Over Face Blush & Bronze Color), and best cream-to-powder (Florence by Mills Cheek Me Later Cream Blush). Further recommendations are tailored to specific needs: Pacifica Fluffy Blushy is suggested for acne-prone skin, E.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Blush for intense pigment, LYS Beauty Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Blush for oily skin, and Honest Beauty Creme Cheek Blush for dry skin. For different skin tones, Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush is recommended for fair skin, Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick for medium skin, and Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush for dark skin tones. Lastly, Iconic London Sheer Blush is highlighted as the best tube formula. Each recommendation includes a brief description, pros, and cons, providing a comprehensive overview for consumers seeking to integrate cream blush into their makeup routines. #BeautyTips #MakeupTrends #CreamBlush #Skincare #BeautyProducts #Cosmetics #ProductReview

The article explores eight complementary colors that pair well with cream in interior design, a shade described as timeless, sophisticated, and versatile. Cream's adaptability allows it to be combined with various accent colors, ranging from coordinating neutrals to bold brights and darker, moodier tones. Interior designer Naomi Astley Clarke highlights cream's elegance and serenity, noting its ability to create a calming atmosphere and serve as a backdrop for other colors, materials, and textures. One approach is to pair cream with a fellow neutral shade, such as beige or brown. Sherwin-Williams color expert Sue Wadden suggests that a beige shade like 'Touch of Sand' with cream creates a calming and laid-back vibe. This combination emphasizes texture, as seen in a cream dining room designed by Lucie Ayres of 22 Interiors, where darker brown and beige tones of seating and a rug provide a subtle contrast to cream walls. Another effective pairing is cream with blue, which can create a sophisticated, classic scheme suitable for kitchens, home offices, or libraries, according to Helen Shaw, color expert at Benjamin Moore. Blue and cream are complementary colors on the color wheel, and using cream instead of white with blue tones can add warmth and balance, particularly in coastal-inspired decor. Margaret Ash Design's modern parlor room exemplifies this, using various blue shades against cream walls to highlight colorful artwork and upholstery. Green is another popular choice, enhancing a connection with nature and fostering a relaxed, indoor-outdoor feel. Patrick O'Donnell, color expert from Farrow & Ball, recommends pairing cream with muddy sage greens like 'French Gray' or 'Green Smoke' for a contemporary scheme. Plush green velvet sofas against neutral walls can create an eclectic mix of textures and styles, as demonstrated by Ryann Swan Design. Warming, bright shades such as coral or sunshine yellow can also uplift a cream design with joyful character. Sue Wadden suggests 'Reynard' from Sherwin-Williams, a clay-like color, to create a comforting and mellow space. Designer Artem Kropovinsky notes that bright coral or sunshine yellow can create a playful and inviting atmosphere, suitable for modern living rooms. Rich reds, particularly deep burgundy, offer a sophisticated contrast. Texas-based interior designer Audrey Scheck advises that cream's brown undertone makes it compatible with earth tones like dusty mauve, plum, and burgundy. Benjamin Moore's 'New London Burgundy' paired with 'Sea Pearl cream' creates a distinguished look, with cream serving as a neutral backdrop for the strong accent color. Pink and cream palettes can also establish an elegant design, with similar cozy undertones that add warmth to a room. For a tonal look, a soft, pale pink works well, while a bolder pink can be a striking accent against cream. Black or gray provides a classic, elegant contrast with cream, balancing out darker shades. J Patryce Design's contemporary cream kitchen, featuring black and gray accents such as industrial pendants and sleek bar stools, illustrates how these darker colors add a modern edge while cream maintains a warm and inviting atmosphere. Finally, pairing cream with cream creates an ultimate soothing sanctuary, using different shades of cream on walls and trim for subtle depth. Patrick O'Donnell suggests using a pale cream like Farrow & Ball's 'New White' on walls and a stronger cream like 'Double Cream' on trim. A gray, white, and cream scheme can also create a timeless, calming space, providing elegant contrast regardless of the gray's intensity. Cream can also be used as a woodwork color for softness over white or as a wall color for gentle warmth, and it makes a good ceiling paint for yellow, pink, or earthy red walls. #InteriorDesign #ColorSchemes #CreamColors #NeutralPalette #AccentColors #HomeDecor #ColorPairing #DecoratingTips

This article details a straightforward DIY method for creating cream blush using existing lipsticks, a useful hack for individuals who find certain lipstick shades unsuitable for their lips but appealing for their cheeks. The author, Kelly Dougher, recounts her personal experience with accumulating lipsticks that did not work on her lips, leading her to experiment with applying them as blush. Initially, she found that matte lipsticks were too dry for her skin type and difficult to blend directly onto the cheeks. This prompted the development of a simple and quick DIY process. The essential materials for this project include one or more lipsticks, a preferred oil or moisturizer (such as argan oil, as used by the author), a mixing tool (like a bowl and spoon), and a container for the finished product. The author repurposed an old powder compact after cleaning it. She specifically mentions using Revlon Matte Balm in Complex and Wet 'n' Wild Megalast Lipcolor in Just Peachy, both of which she found worked better on her cheeks than on her lips. The process begins by slicing small chunks of lipstick, allowing for color experimentation. These lipstick pieces are then melted, typically in a microwave for about 30 seconds. Following this, a few drops of oil or moisturizer are added and thoroughly mixed to achieve the desired consistency. The author emphasizes the importance of adjusting the amount of oil or moisturizer to control the creaminess and pigmentation of the blush. For those seeking a more pigmented product, less oil is recommended, while more oil or a white/tinted moisturizer will dilute the color and increase creaminess. The author advises against using light-sensitive ingredients if the blush will be stored in a non-opaque container. She shares her satisfaction with the resulting peachy-pink cream blush, noting its ideal creamy consistency, ease of blending, and the dewy glow it provides. The entire DIY process is stated to take approximately ten minutes, highlighting its efficiency and accessibility for a personalized beauty product. The article serves as a practical guide for beauty enthusiasts looking to repurpose makeup and customize their blush. #DIYBeauty #CreamBlush #MakeupHack #RepurposeLipstick #CosmeticDIY #BeautyTips #CustomMakeup #SkincareIntegration

This article discusses the author's experience with the IT Cosmetics CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream ($47), highlighting its ability to provide comprehensive coverage while also offering skincare benefits. The author, who has dry, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin, previously relied on tinted moisturizers for their hydrating properties and mineral SPF. However, for occasions requiring more coverage, tinted serums proved insufficient. The IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream emerged as a solution, effectively evening out skin tone, providing moisture, and offering SPF 50+ protection without causing flare-ups. The product is presented as an all-in-one solution, functioning as a color-correcting cream, full-coverage foundation, anti-aging serum, and sunscreen. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is paraben-free. Developed by plastic surgeons, the cream promises hydrating coverage that resists cracking or creasing. Its formulation includes beneficial ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and various vitamins. These components work together to minimize the appearance of common skin concerns like acne scarring, wrinkles, redness, dark circles, and enlarged pores. The author shares personal testimonials, noting that the product successfully blurs rosacea-induced pink flushing, broken capillaries, acne scars, dark circles, and fine lines. This effectiveness led to the author preferring it over their previous tinted serum. A key advantage mentioned is its hydrating nature, which prevents the dry, flaky, or scaly appearance often associated with other full-coverage foundations on dry skin. The cream is also praised for not feeling heavy, clogging pores, or melting off during hot weather or low-intensity workouts. Its buildable nature and ease of reapplication are also highlighted as positive attributes. Regarding application, the author, with dry skin, applies two pumps of the CC+ Cream after moisturizer and sunscreen, focusing on areas needing more coverage before blending it across the face. Despite the product containing SPF, the author still opts for a separate sunscreen application for thorough protection. The article also touches upon other versions of IT Cosmetics CC+ creams, such as the Natural Matte and Illumination variants, advising readers to choose based on their skin type and desired finish. For instance, the matte option is suggested for oily skin requiring shine control, while the illumination version is recommended for a glowy finish. The chosen product offers a "natural" finish, positioned between matte and radiant, and has a higher SPF 50+ compared to the matte version's SPF 40. Finally, the article provides information on the availability of the IT Cosmetics CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream across various retailers, including Nordstrom, IT Cosmetics' official website, Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta. The author concludes the review with a five-star rating, underscoring satisfaction with the product's performance and benefits. #BeautyProducts #Makeup #Foundation #SPF #SkincareBenefits #ProductReview #SensitiveSkin #Rosacea #ITCosmetics

The Neutrogena Clear Coverage CC Cream is an affordable complexion product that offers buildable full coverage with a matte finish. This CC cream is designed to camouflage and blur imperfections and blemishes without causing skin irritation or future breakouts. The product contains niacinamide, an ingredient known for brightening discoloration and preventing breakouts. It is oil and fragrance-free, providing a lightweight feel while offering medium to full coverage. The CC cream is available in 34 shades, making it Neutrogena's most expansive shade range to date. One editor tested the Neutrogena Clear Coverage CC Cream and found that it effectively covered skin imperfections, allowing them to forgo using concealer. A small amount of product, approximately the size of a pencil eraser head, was sufficient to cover the entire face, providing an even skin tone. The application process was described as effortless, with the product blending smoothly into the skin using a damp makeup sponge within seconds. The CC cream successfully neutralized redness on the cheeks and around the eyes, making even small breakouts almost invisible. While the product claims to provide a matte finish, the editor noted that it delivered more of a satin or soft-matte look, allowing for a natural glow. This finish was preferred over a completely matte look. The texture of the product is slightly heavier than a skin tint but lighter than most full-coverage foundations, contributing to its natural feel on the skin once blended. Overall, the Neutrogena Clear Coverage CC Cream received a rating of four out of five stars, highlighting its effectiveness as an affordable drugstore option that performs comparably to more expensive products. It is suitable for both no-makeup makeup looks and full-face applications, effectively covering imperfections while maintaining a skin-like appearance. #CC Cream #Neutrogena #ProductReview #Makeup #Niacinamide #FullCoverage #DrugstoreBeauty