8 best BB creams that can’t be beaten for a barefaced look
Erborian super BB au ginseng nude
Best overall
The competition was close for which BB cream would be named the best, but Erborian was the winner. Combining a standout ingredients list with a non-cakey full coverage, there were few faults to be found with this product. In fact, we could happily use it as a foundation replacement, safe in the knowledge that, while it conceals, a lot is going on behind the scenes. Enriched with white ginseng and fermented ginseng flower, it deeply moisturises the skin, while niacinamide works to reduce blackheads and blemishes. We really couldn’t ask for much more, other than a high SPF factor, perhaps. And it was the longest-lasting option of all the products we tested too.
Essence hydro hero hydrating BB cream
Best budget BB cream
Essence is a go-to for bargain beauty, and, at £4, this BB cream is no exception. With a fuller coverage than some of our other options, and a formula that isn’t as packed full of skin-loving ingredients, we’d class it more as make-up than skincare. So, if you’re after a budget-friendly lightweight foundation, look no further. A little goes a long way, and the matte finish adds to the foundation-covered look without being too heavy. But we would recommend applying with a make-up brush or sponge to get that silky-smooth finish.
Monat BB cream
Best to splurge on
Coming in at the top price end of BB creams, this Monat option is one of our more expensive finds. With a heavyweight, thick, creamy texture, it certainly feels more luxurious than some of the other options, thanks to the incredibly hydrating coconut
alkanes, which work wonders on dry skin. Immediately melting into the face, a little goes a long way to provide an incredibly natural ‘no make-up make-up’ by simply swiping across with your fingers (no mirror required). The coverage is quite light and does even out the skin tone, but any blemish, dark circles, or real redness will need a concealer to be fully covered. And an SPF 30 seals the deal on why our tester will be keeping this in their make-up bag for the foreseeable future.
Garnier oil-free perfecting care all-in-one BB cream Best for oily skin
Anyone with oily skin may have given BB creams a wide berth. Packed full of potent ingredients, the skincare staples can seem a bit too silky on the skin, often with a dewy, softly shining finish. But with mineral pigments and an instantly matte formula, Garnier is here to bring good news to anyone struggling with shine. Designed for combination to oily skin, the lightweight layer instantly covers the face with a slight shade, evening out skin tone and stamping out excess shine. It won’t quite cover under eye bags or blemishes, so keep a concealer to hand too. Included in the formula are hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract, to add a hit of hydration, but on dry skin, it can look a little cakey, so best to leave this for skin types it’s particularly suited to.
Clinique dramatically different moisturizing BB gel Best for dry skin
This Clinique BB cream may look white, but it actually includes encapsulated pigments that are designed to transform to the colour of your skin. Although it doesn’t work for everybody, so use the camo print on the bottle to see which skin tones it will actually suit. Including a whole host of hydrating ingredients from glycerin and cucumber extract to laminaria saccharina (yellow/brown algae) and Japanese knotweed extract, it was the most moisture-boosting option our tester tried. The
results last for around eight hours, leaving a lightweight sheer coverage while flooding your face with skin-loving ingredients. To use, our tester found it was best to apply with the fingers and leave to dry for a minute before touching up to ensure a smooth finish. It won’t conceal blemishes or dark circles but does even skin tone and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Best for those with dry skin, it sits in between a foundation and a moisturiser, so be sure to slot it into your beauty routine after any serums and an SPF (as none is included).
How we tested
Trying a huge range of some of the best make-up brands, our tester took six weeks to work through each and every product. Looking at ease of application, coverage, colour, finish and feel, they rated each one out of five to find those that truly impressed.
To use, simply sweep onto the face with your fingers after you’ve applied your skincare routine and rub in as you would a moisturiser. It really couldn’t be easier.
niacinamide works to reduce blackheads and blemishes. We really couldn’t ask for much more, other than a high SPF factor, perhaps. And it was the longestlasting option of all the products we tested too.