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Are you aware that the best drugstore BB cream is all you need to get you ready to venture out for the day? BB stands for either ‘beauty balm’ or ‘blemish balm.’ A BB cream can be used as a moisturizer and it also works wonders for hiding your blemishes.
Some of these creams also come with SPF protection, reducing your need for even sunscreen. Easily available at any drug store, these are cost-effective as well. So, take a look at our list to get your hands on some expert-recommended BB creams.
Top Picks
Best Drugstore BB Creams
1. Best For Sensitive Skin: Purlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream
Using multiple products for sensitive acne-prone skin is not such a great idea. The Purlisse BB cream, formulated to suit sensitive skin, helps cover blemishes and fixes uneven skin tone. The chamomile and artemisia present help fight the signs of aging. This paraben-free and hypoallergenic BB cream gives your skin a radiant glow while enhancing your natural beauty, and its SPF 30 protects your skin from the sun. It is suitable for all skin types. You can watch this product testing video to understand how this expert-recommended product works.
Pros
- Has powerful antioxidants
- Offers a matte finish
- Suitable for oily and dry skin
- Helps tackle wrinkles
- Offers skincare benefits
Cons
- May have a thick consistency
- May only have limited shades for darker skin tone
"This lightweight cream lets my skin breathe, and the coverage is truly amazing. It may take a while to settle on the skin, but once absorbed, it offers a long-lasting stay even in summer. The cream offers foundation like coverage and make the skin look naturally flawless. Overall, it is a no-fuss foundation that compliments my skin beautifully!"
Pro tipUse spray sunscreen to ensure UV protection without spoiling your makeup. Experts advise holding the nozzle close to your face and spraying generously until your skin glistens to ensure adequate coverage (1).
2. Best With SPF Protection: Coola Organic Rosilliance Mineral BB Cream
Enriched with the goodness of rose stem cells, acai fruit oil, and plankton extract, this BB cream replenishes the skin while hiding its imperfections for you. The mineral skin cream provides SPF 30 protection, and the tinted formula gives your skin good coverage for a no-makeup makeup look. This water-resistant formula has a sweet rose fragrance. It is free of parabens and gluten and is available in three shades. Check out this video that has detailed information about the product.
Pros
- Has antioxidant properties
- Dermatologist-tested
- 70% organic formula
- Offers aflawless finish
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily skin
- May not be suitable for mature skin
"I've used this BB cream for over two years, and I continue to be amazed by its moisturizing properties and the glow imparted by it. It may make the skin look pale, but that issue subsides once the cream gets absorbed into the skin. Moreover, the sheer finish, UV protection, and rose fragrance are a pleasant plus."
3. Best Fragrance-Free: Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow
Not everyone likes a fragrance in their face creams. This fragrance-free BB cream not only conceals your imperfections but also helps fix uneven skin tone. Its oil-free formula helps hydrate the skin without making it greasy. The natural chamomile and aloe present in the cream have a calming and soothing effect on the skin. The self-adjusting pigments keep shininess in check, while the antioxidants boost skin regeneration. Have a look at this review video to learn more about a tester’s experience with using the product.
Pros
- Offers a luminous finish
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
- Oil- and paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- May not offer long-lasting finish
- Pump may not work efficiently
- May have glitter
"A small amount of this tinted BB cream mixed with my moisturizer covers discoloration and acne scars and makes the skin look radiant. While the slight chemical scent is a letdown, the lightweight coverage makes up for it. It's my go-to cream for getting that "no makeup" makeup look."
Purlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream Best For Sensitive Skin | Coola Organic Rosilliance Mineral BB Cream Best With SPF Protection | Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow Best Fragrance-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | - | - |
| Color | MEDIUM TAN | - | - |
| Dimensions | 1.38 x 1.38 x 5.25 inches | 1.62 x 1.62 x 6.62 inches | 3.9 x 3.9 x 15 inches |
| Weight | 1.4 Ounces | 1.6 Ounces | 1.6 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,058 | 653 | 2,115 |
| Price | $36.0 | $52.0 | $29.95 |
4. Best Oil-Free: Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Cream
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 27,960 satisfied customers have left positive reviews about the product on Amazon.
Oil-based products can be disastrous for oily skin, especially on a hot summers’ day. Hence, this water gel BB cream makes it to this list. Free of oil, this BB cream gives sheer coverage that can hide minor skin imperfections and provide a flawless finish. It helps achieve the much-desired dewy finish that most women love sporting. The SPF 30 in it protects your face from the sun’s harsh rays, while its mild formula helps replenish and rejuvenate the skin. The celebrity-endorsed brand offers this product for different skin tones, to achieve that no-makeup makeup look.
Pros
- Has a buildable coverage
- Offers hydration
- Reduces appearance of redness
- Smoothes skin
- Brightens skin tone
Cons
- May not be easy to blend
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
"The BB cream offers light and sheer yet buildable coverage while providing sun protection. It offers a fresh, dewy finish and is hydrating without being sticky. It's a reliable solution for achieving a natural, minimal makeup look."
Beauty tip5. Best With Plant Oils: Missha M Perfect Cover BB CREAM
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 13,012 fine reviews on Amazon.
Combined with a base SPF underneath, Missha’s BB cream gives you not just the perfect skin tone, but also superior sun protection. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and gatuline RC present in the cream moisturize and replenish the skin, while emollient plant oils make the skin soft. Rosemary and chamomile extracts help enhance and balance the complexion.
Pros
- Offers good coverage
- Balances skin tone
- Calms and balances the skin
- Makes skin firmer
- Suitable as abase makeup
Cons
- Some may find its fragrance intense
- May look patchy on dry areas
"This cream's texture feels luxurious. It boasts a herbal scent that is pleasing to the senses and has a dewy finish that holds out well even in hot summer. While I wish for a more diverse shade range, I like the light coverage it offers."
6. Best All-In-One:Physicians Formula Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Cream
Physicians Formula’s all-in-one BB cream has a lightweight formula suitable for all skin types. This clinically tested cream is infused with SPF and provides a sheer coverage level that helps blur out skin imperfections. The antioxidant-rich balm is tinted and works as a moisturizer and a primer. Moreover, infused with firming botanicals, this all-in-one cream can refine your skin’s surface and protect it from environmental pollutants.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
- Helps brighten the skin tone
- Easy to apply
- Available in two shades
Cons
- Some may experience redness
- Colors might differ
"While the shade range of this BB cream could be more diverse, it offers valuable coverage. It's ideal for quick fixes, given its blendability and easy application. The added SPF is a plus, although I reinforce it with my sunscreen."
7. Best Anti-Aging: Garnier SkinActive BB Cream
The Garnier SkinActive BB cream is a tinted moisturizer along with sunscreen protection. It moisturizes your skin while giving you a light coverage level and an even skin tone. Additionally, this expert-recommended cream protects your skin from sun damage and improves skin texture, leaving your skin smooth, radiant, and refreshed. Enriched with vitamin C and salicylic acid, it provides deep hydration, helps reduce wrinkles, and makes your skin firmer.
Pros
- Bestows 5-in-1 benefits
- Recognised by the Canadian Dermatology Association
- Provides SPF 15 sun protection
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May be a tad bit oily
- May not be fragrance-free
"Compared to pricier brands, I prefer this odorless and easy-to-use tinted BB cream. I have been using it daily, and I love how it serves as sunscreen and moisturizer too."
Point To Consider8. Best Water-Based: Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream For Oily Skin
Oily skin requires a lightweight product, and this BB cream is just that. Covergirl’s Clean Matte BB Cream is created to suit and rejuvenate oily skin. This complexion product gives the skin a matte effect that helps control oil and excessive shine. Its water-based formula helps hydrate the skin and also works like a color corrector to make it look even. It is easy to blend, and its light coverage can conceal slight skin blemishes. It is non-comedogenic, so it gives you a natural-looking and flawless finish without clogging your pores.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Keeps the face moisturized
- Hides blemishes
- Helps prevent breakouts
Cons
- Contains talc
- May have a thick consistency
"The matte finish BB cream gave my skin soft coverage and lasted throughout the day without feeling greasy. Although it felt as light as a moisturizer and didn't clog my pores, finding the right shade for my complexion was a slight hurdle. However, once I found the correct shade, the blending and application process was super easy."
9. Best With Salicylic Acid: Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 6,898 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
Maybelline’s Dream Pure BB cream adjusts to your skin tone to give you a smooth and even tone. It can cover large skin pores and redness. Fortified with 2% salicylic acid, it can tackle acne and fight blemishes. The expert-recommended oil-free formula is suited for oily, acne-prone skin, and the lightweight non-comedogenic formula makes it easy to use every day.
Pros
- Offers light to medium coverage
- Has a sheer tint
- Reduces appearance of redness
- Hydrates skin and conceals skin imperfections
Cons
- May cause dryness
"This BB cream offers good coverage and blends seamlessly with or without a concealer. While the formula may feel light to some, it imparts a natural look and helps me cover signs of aging."
May not be suitable for aging skin
10. Best For Aging Skin: Bella Terra BB Cream
Bella Terra buildable BB cream offers sheer to medium coverage and is suitable for all skin types. It can effectively conceal scars and blemishes, and even fine lines disappear under this cream. Its lightweight formula hydrates the skin and makes it look rejuvenated and dewy. This mineral skin cream is hypoallergenic and is free of parabens, preservatives, fragrances, alcohol, additives, and synthetic dyes.
Pros
- Provides sun protection
- Has complexion-restoring properties
- Not tested on animals
- Sulfate-free
- Contains natural mineral ingredients, such as mica, zinc, and magnesium
Cons
- May be prone to pilling
- Coverage levelmay not be adequate for some
"This BB cream offers moisturizing benefits and great coverage. Having used it for a while, I can swear by its lightweight formula that matches my skin tone brilliantly. It glides flawlessly on my skin and creates a smooth base for foundation or other makeup products. Hence, it has become a stable in my makeup kit."
11. Best Budget-Friendly:Revlon PhotoReady BB Skin Cream Perfector
Just like a balm, this BB skin perfector glides over the skin and hides any flaws to help you flaunt smooth and even skin. The budget-friendly yet professional-grade beauty cream is available in three shades and works like a primer to give you a smooth canvas for the skin. Its hydrating formula revives the skin and makes it look healthy and bright, and SPF 30 present in the cream shields the skin from the sun’s harsh rays.
Pros
- Offers light to medium coverage
- Suitable for all skin types
- Hydrating formula
- Contains both chemical and mineral ingredients
Cons
- May not last long
- May have a greasy texture
"This product is my answer to filling creases and diminishing lines and wrinkles. The formula is a bit thick, but mixing it with a day cream does it for me."
12. Best Easy Application:L’Oréal Paris Makeup Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream
This beautifier BB cream from the celebrity-endorsed brand, L’Oreal, gives you the effects of multiple beauty products in one. First, it smoothes the skin like a primer, helps correct minor imperfections, replenishes the skin, and keeps it hydrated all day. Its ultralight formula feels like a second skin. The vitamins C and E present in the ingredients are known for their proven efficacy of brightening and rejuvenating the skin. This affordable beauty cream is easy to blend and can be applied with just two fingers.
Pros
- Ideal for daily use
- Universal formula
- Infused with color-transforming pigments
- Counteracts fatigue
Cons
- May require a primer base
- May have a watery consistency
"I've used this BB cream for two years, and it's great for a quick dab before heading out. It offers light, airy coverage and a bit of a tan. I like how it gives me a fresh look without the heaviness of makeup."
13. Best Cruelty-Free:NYX Professional Makeup BB Cream Beauty Balm
Looking for cruelty-free makeup? Have a look at the NYX BB cream. Infused with minerals, this cream helps you achieve an even skin tone. The hydrating cream works like a primer to smooth the skin and helps achieve a light coverage level to hide minor skin imperfections. This lightweight cream is oil-free, so you do not have to worry about a shiny face after wearing it for hours.
Pros
- Suitable for oily skin
- Gives a smooth complexion
- Great for a natural look
- Works for acne-prone skin
Cons
- May not offer adequate coverage
- May not suit darker skin tones
"I love this NYX BB cream. It covers my imperfections and makes me feel as though I'm wearing nothing at all. It doesn’t provide sun protection, but it's perfect for everyday use and doesn't make my skin greasy or trigger breakouts."
14. Best Water-Resistant :Everglam BB Cream
Traveling with a ton of makeup can be troublesome. So why not carry this BB cream which does the work of a ton of makeup? It easily blends with skin to help cover fine lines and wrinkles. It is extremely light on the skin and hydrating and also helps control the oily shine on the face. Its SPF 30 provides both UVA and UVB protection from the sun. It is resistant to sweat and water, so there is no need for frequent touch-ups.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Works for mature skin
- Weightless formula
- Nourishing and revitalizing
Cons
- Contains added fragrance
- May not offer matte finish
"The BB cream has a smooth and blendable formula and has made my makeup routine hassle-free. Sure, it demands a light hand, but the hassle is worth the flattering, non-cakey result. Its lasting, adaptable coverage is commendable and has done well during summers and winters."
15. Best Vegan:Pacifica Beauty Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream
If you want a natural but radiant look, then this Multi-Mineral BB cream is created just for that. Infused with floral stem cells, coconut water, and hyaluronic acid, this BB cream moisturizes the skin and makes it appear brighter. Its fully vegan and cruelty-free formula gives you decent coverage, sparing you to use heavy foundation, and help hide signs of aging and maintaining an even skin tone.
Pros
- Ideal for daily use
- Light fluid formula
- Doubles as a primer
- Cruelty-free
- Diminishes appearance of pores
Cons
- May not offer adequate coverage
- May not conceal redness and noticeable pigmentation
"I've found this makeup cream to be a perfect base for my makeup. It doubles as a tinted moisturizer for lighter coverage days. The product leaves a nice glow and has been kind to my skin."
16. Best Vitamin-Infused:e.l.f. BB Cream
Formulated with vitamin E, aloe, jojoba and cucumber, e.l.f. BB cream helps soothe the skin and keeps it healthy and glowing. It gives you an even skin tone so you can rock the natural look effortlessly. It comes with SPF 20 to keep your skin protected from the harsh sun rays. This budget-friendly BB cream is suitable for both dry and oily skin.
Pros
- Offers medium coverage
- Blends easily
- Not tested on animals
- Vegan-friendly
- Free of toxic chemicals
Cons
- May be a little heavy on the skin
- May leave a shine after some time
"I chose this product for its SPF and cruelty-free attributes. While it provides a lighter cover than foundation, it blends smoothly over any primer. It's not heavy or greasy. It's great for quick fixes, especially if you stay in the sun for extended periods."
17. Best Hydrating:Burt’s Bees BB Cream with SPF 15
This extra-light cream gives light to medium coverage. Its clinically proven hydrating formula helps nourish the skin, while its main ingredient, Noni extract, helps moisturize the skin. This affordable BB cream is supported by clinical data to reduce the signs of aging while giving your skin an even tone.
Pros
- Mineral-rich formula
- Comes with SPF 15
- Made with 98.9% natural ingredients
- Available in three shades
Cons
- May be a little cakey
- May have an intense fragrance
"My love for this BB cream runs deep. I like its feather-light texture in particular. While the SPF 15 isn't quite enough to protect the skin against sun damage, it is a perfect BB cream that blends, moisturizes, and gives beautiful coverage."
18. Best For Large Pores:Cezanne Canmake Japan BB Cream All-in-one Foundation
This Japanese BB cream offers SPF 23++ protection from the sun and helps improve the texture of your skin. It works as a primer to blur out large pores and dark circles and give the skin an even and smooth tone with perfect coverage. It also functions like a foundation, covering blemishes and other skin imperfections. It is free of fragrance and is easy to wash off with a make-up cleanser.
Pros
- UV absorber-free
- Loaded with moisturizing ingredients
- Infused with collagen
- Has hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Available in three shades
Cons
- May not be suitable for darker skin tones
- May not be suitable for mature skin
"Although new to BB creams, I find this one remarkable. It offers impressive coverage with no need for under-eye concealer. Its thick consistency makes it a bit challenging to blend, but it provides a non-oily satin finish, making the hard work worth it."
19. Best Dry Skin Saver:IPKN Moist And Firm BB Cream
Here’s a BB cream by IPKN with a moisture gel matrix that adheres to your natural skin and offers perfect coverage while effectively moisturizing and hydrating the skin. The cream is available in light-medium beige with neutral undertones. It is suitable for use on the whole body, especially for those who have dry skin. The cream also consists of ceramide and collagen that play an active role in taking care of the elasticity and lines in your skin. Moreover, the cream has SPF 45 to protect your skin from the harsh sun rays.
Pros
- Vitamin E heals damaged skin cells
- Makes skin firm when used consistently
- Brightens skin
- Provides aflawless complexion
- Offersskincare benefits
- Works for melasma and freckles
Cons
- May have a chalky finish if used in excess
- May not offer as many options for different skin tones
"This product provided a buildable yet lightweight coverage to help me create diverse makeup looks. It blends in well and almost feels like a moisturizing foundation. Hence, a little product goes a long way. Although slightly drying, it does make the skin look flawless."
20. Best For Skin-Improving :Marcelle BB Cream Beauty Balm
Marcelle’s BB Cream Beauty Balm comes with self-adjusting pigments, making it a great alternative to foundation. The formula is hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, and fragrance-free. It also hydrates and nourishes the skin, helps reduce imperfections on your skin, and helps achieve a flawless complexion. It is enriched with the goodness of aloe, antioxidants, and chamomile, helping control shine, soothe skin, and reduce spots. The expert-recommended cream is ideal for all skin types and tones.
Pros
- Illuminates the skin
- Recognized by Canadian Dermatology Association
- Lightweight
- Suitable for combination skin
Cons
- May have an ashy finish on darker skin tones
- Coverage may be a little too sheer
"This BB cream is my new favorite. It stays put during grueling shifts and feels like I am wearing nothing. It's moisturizing without being greasy and makes my mature skin look smooth without settling into lines."
How To Choose The Right Drugstore BB Cream?
Consider the following factors when choosing a suitable drugstore BB cream.
- Skin tone and texture: Choose a BB cream tailored to your skin type and texture. Although many products work for all skin types, some may be better suited for particular textures and offer a smooth finish.
- Finish: If you have oily skin, choose a product that controls excess oil and reduces shine. For matte skin, a moisturizing cream may be more suitable. Ensure the formula is lightweight and non-greasy to prevent stickiness.
- Coverage: Check the BB cream’s coverage to ensure it suits your needs. You can choose from sheer to light coverage if you have blemish-free skin. However, choose a BB cream with medium coverage if you have acne-prone skin.
- Ingredients: Choose a cream free of harsh chemicals and drying agents. It should not have artificial fragrances and colors to suit sensitive skin. Also, ensure the ingredients are non-comedogenic and clinically proven to be skin-friendly. You may also explore natural beauty products to ensure safe use.
If applied in the right way, BB creams can help enhance your looks. Try them on a special day to get more compliments than ever and make it memorable.
Marin McCarthy, a licensed, professional makeup artist and owner of Marin Eve Makeup, says, “BB creams are super easy to apply and great for beginners or non-makeup wearers. They are more user-friendly than foundations because they can be applied with the fingers. However, some do not have great staying power because of the added skincare and SPF ingredients, and they are not for people looking for a high-coverage product.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is BB cream better than foundation?
In terms of nourishment and skin protection, BB creams are better than foundations. Unlike foundations, BB creams are generally hydrating and made with vitamin-rich formulations. However, they provide a lighter coverage as compared to a foundation. Also, foundations have a wider variety of shades to choose from.
2. Is BB cream better than tinted moisturizer?
Yes, most BB creams are better than tinted moisturizers since they provide relatively better coverage while nourishing the skin with antioxidants and vitamins.
3. Can I mix BB cream with foundation?
Yes, if you’d like to have extra coverage, you can use a foundation along with a BB cream. Foundations can complement the BB cream, especially if you have noticeable scars or blemishes. However, always apply the BB cream before the foundation.
4. Do BB creams clog pores?
Non-comedogenic BB creams such as water-based or oil-free ones can provide the goodness of even-tone coverage without clogging the pores.
5. Is BB cream harmful to the skin?
No, if the BB cream is removed properly and religiously before sleeping, like any other makeup product, most skin-friendly BB creams won’t harm the skin. Opt for BB creams that are free of parabens, sulfates, fragrances, alcohol, and other harsh chemicals to keep your skin healthy.
6. What do I put on my face before BB cream?
Ideally, a toner, moisturizer, SPF lotion, and primer could be applied before a BB cream. Since, most reputed BB creams are hydrating, nourishing, and contain SPF, using just a toner prior to applying a BB cream would do.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a fashion and beauty writer and editor who loves trying new trends to bring the best products for our readers. She has done detailed research and reviewed multiple products to bring you a list of the most popular drugstore BB creams for a smooth, natural finish. These creams help moisturize your skin and give you an even tone. Poulami also discusses some useful tips to help select the appropriate drugstore BB cream for your skin type.
The Bottom Line
It’s not always possible to get a full face of makeup on point, especially when you’re rushing out of the door. For days like these, you need something more low-key, such as a BB cream that blends in and covers imperfections in a single application and is easy to find in any drugstore beauty section. The options listed here are highly recommended by women as they contain quality ingredients and are effective at giving your skin a glow that stays all day. Our favorite picks include the Purlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream for combating aging signs, the Coola Organic Rosilliance Mineral BB Cream for skin nourishment, and the Physicians Formula Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Cream, which provides a luminous finish. These top-recommended products also offer SPF protection.
Infographic: How To Apply Drugstore BB Cream?
The key to making any makeup look flawless is the application. A drugstore BB cream can be as smooth and effective as any other if you know how to apply it right. So if you have chosen your favorite drugstore BB cream from the above list, check out this infographic to learn the step-by-step application process. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- How To Use Stick And Spray Sunscreens
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-use-stick-spray-sunscreens
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