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The best BB creams for all skin types – whether oily, dry or combination
Because foundation doesn't always cut it
Every now and then, your skin needs a little TLC; Enter, the very best BB creams. Yup, BB creams go the extra mile that a foundation just won't with feather-light coverage while also protecting against the sun, defending against pollution, and delivering long-lasting moisture to the skin. She's a multi-hyphenated product!
What is a BB cream?
Its name stands for 'beauty balm' while its sister counterpart, the CC cream, stands for 'colour corrector'. Both of which merge makeup, skincare and SPF benefits. The difference, however, lies in the formula. BB creams are designed to be a more universal, simple formula (hence a somewhat limited shade range) – and are likened most to tinted moisturisers, whereas CC creams are designed to help correct areas of uneven skin tone.
A sneak peek at some of our faves
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Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing BB-gel 50ml
Read review - 4
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Still need a little more guidance to know which is best for you? Well, it's important to find the best BB cream for your skin type (especially before parting with your hard-earned cash), so, whether you have oily, combination or dry skin, we've reviewed some of the UK's top-rated formulas to bring you a beginner's guide to acing your base.
Oh, and if you're looking for a little extra coverage, be sure to hit up our selection of the best foundation for every skin type next...
Pros
- Lightweight, skin-like coverage – delivers a sheer to light, “your-skin-but-better” look that enhances without masking
- Hydrating, refreshing gel‑cream texture – contains copper peptides, sodium PCA, and zinc for plumping, soothing, and hydration; feels cooling and moisturising
- Buildable and blurring – can be layered in targeted areas; gives a soft-focus effect that smooths out redness and light discolouration
Cons
- Limited staying power – tends to wear off after about 4 hours without setting powder; may not last through a full day
- Trickier application – gel-cream can streak or pill if not applied correctly; best used with fingers or a specific brush technique, and ideally on primer-free skin
Kosas is a brand that shot to stardom in recent years not only for being one of Hailey Bieber and the Kardashians' faves (!!) but for their clean, skin-enhancing formulas.
And piping my favourite AirBrow to the post comes a more recent launch, the BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream. Just like a tinted moisturiser, this gel-textured cream offers feather-light coverage that's also buildable and hydrating while simultaneously caring for the skin. Perfect for everyday wear – yes, even those with oily, acne-prone skin!
Glowing customer review: "Great for no-makeup makeup lovers. So glad I found something to match my olive skin! It does have a scent (non fragranced) but it’s not offensive. It’s also a nice lightweight gel that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin."
Pros
- Multitasking all-in-one formula – provides hydration (5% glycerin, niacinamide), broad-spectrum SPF 50, and medium, buildable coverage in one lightweight balm
- Natural, dewy “skin-like” finish – delivers a radiant, healthy glow that smooths redness and evens tone without heaviness
Cons
- Limited shade range – only four “universal” shades that lean warm or pink
- May feel shiny on oily skin – its dewy, hydrating finish can highlight oiliness unless set with powder
- High price point
Innovative Korean skincare is what sets Dr Jart apart from a crowded cosmetics market – and I mean, I think their viral Cicapair speaks for (read: sells) itself. However, if redness is not a high-priority concern and instead, you're looking to treat hyperpigmentation and/or discolouration in the skin, look no further.
For those on the drier spectrum of skin types, this beauty balm is dewy AF and perfect for amping up hydration and moisture in one's complexion. While it only comes in four shades (I know, I know), its selling point is the added SPF 50, providing a high level of UV protection while also adding glow and sheer makeup coverage.
Glowing customer review: "Very pleasantly surprised by this! I normally wear a full coverage but bought this to try for summer and I actually love it! It looks very natural but also covers everything! It’s got a lovely glow to it and the spf is perfect for the warmer weather. This is definitely my new go to for the summer! The best tint I have tried by far!"
Watch our full video review of the product on YouTube, here.
Pros
- Hydrating and lightweight – turns from a grey gel into a sheer, skin-tone-matching wash that evens complexion and imparts a fresh, dewy glow
- Oil-free, skin-friendly formulation – hydrates for up to 8 hours without greasiness
- Fragrance- and paraben-free
Cons
- Limited shade adaptability – although one 'universal' 'adaptable' shade, the tint leans mid-tone/orange, misfitting fair or deeper/cool undertones
- Not suitable for sensitive skin – contains silicones and certain synthetic components that can irritate or clog for sensitive, breakout-prone users
Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing BB-gel is a lightweight, oil-free formula that will last up to eight hours on combination to oily skin types. Its buildable coverage, mattifying finish and UVA/UVB protection make it perfect for skin that needs a little extra help. FYI, it's fragrance-free, allergy tested and non-acnegenic, too!
Glowing customer review: "This is my go to glow to in summer months. Adds a little colour and glow without weight of a foundation. A great no make up look for me."
Pros
- Adaptable coverage – leans toward light-medium coverage that lasts impressively well throughout the day
- Vitamin-rich – infused with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, with fig extract and vitamin E for hydration
- Mattifying – self-setting with a natural matte finish
- Affordable
Cons
- No SPF protection
- Limited shades – only 5
Five shades of this BB cream may have you rolling your eyes but the formula is, in fact, infused with mineral pigments which are released upon application to match the skin's unique texture and tone. Adaptative, if you will!
With the best of the best ingredients included, glycerin allows for 24 hours of hydration while a refreshing blend of fig, Pro-vitamin B5 and Vitamin E all help to protect your skin from environmental stress. It is magic.
Glowing customer review: "I have mature skin which foundations dont sit well on anymore. I was advised to try cc or bb cream. I tried this and love it. Its a white cream which changes colour when applied. Magic! Its sits very well on my skin, is lightweight and natural looking and stays all day through work. Its fab."
Garnier SkinActive Classic Perfecting All-in-1 BB Cream
Pros
- Hydrating, lightweight formula with skincare benefits – enriched with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, it offers 24‑hour hydration and a refreshing feel
- SPF 15 for light sun protection
- Super affordable
Cons
- Limited shade range – Only 4 shades available
- Not ideal for oily skin – can feel greasy or fade quickly
An oldie-but-a-goldie, Garnier's original BB Cream was one of the first to hit the UK market, and to this day, it's still one of the very best. The lightweight cream formula sinks into the skin with the ease of a moisturiser, leaving a subtle tint behind. The coverage is barely-there but it gives a warm, soft-focus finish that will instantly hide a tired skin day, instantly.
Glowing customer review: "This cream is amazing. It looks great, stays put all day. Feels really good on skin. I have been looking for something like this since I gave up wearing full makeup during the pandemic. It's just enough to make your skin look even, not heavy to wear and no need for a moisturiser before it. Highly recommend. I would just say though unless you have quick dark or tanned skin, stock to the light, the light is more like a medium tone."
Pros
- Lightweight yet long-wearing finish
- Built-in SPF 20 protection
Cons
- Limited shade range and warm/orange bias – only five shades
- On the pricey end
Just looking at my skin could cause a breakout (gah), so I'm always sceptical when trying out new skincare/base makeup products. However, with this latest release from Erborian, I needn't choose between concealing imperfections and caring for my skin because it actually does both!
What makes this so 'super' and differentiates it from the rest in this line-up is that it's a full-coverage hybrid – nourishing makeup at its best. Oh, and did I mention that everyone's favourite ingredient, niacinamide, is at the heart of this formula? With 4% of the powerful active ingredient included, it's no surprise that lab tests proved the product to be effective in reducing imperfections. Perfect for more fool-proof everyday and evening wear.
Glowing customer review: "Covers all my blemishes but still manages to look like my skin, it isn’t caked on. You don’t need a lot of product, a little goes a long way. It doesn’t settle into my pores or lines. I don’t like a matte finish, this gives a subtle glow."
Pros
- Buildable, natural-medium coverage – lightweight texture that blends into the skin, offering more coverage than typical BBs while still looking natural
- SPF 30 – great UVA/UVB protection
- Skincare benefits – enriched with sea kale extract which hydrates and leaves a fresh, comfortable feel
Cons
- Can oxidise – aka, go slightly orange once applied to the skin and reacts with oxygen in the air
Providing a second skin-like natural finish, with this BB formula imperfections and discolouring are effortlessly camouflaged. If you've got more of an oily complexion, we'd recommend steering clear of this formula as the dewy consistency is highly moisturising. Glowing to the Gods.
Glowing customer review: "Smooth, lightweight, and easy to apply! It blends beautifully, feels nourishing without being greasy, and gives a natural, healthy glow. Definitely a great BB cream!"
Estée Lauder DayWear Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Sheer Tint Release Moisturizer SPF15
Pros
- Antioxidant-rich, non-greasy hydration – packed with vitamins C and E, EGT
- Super lightweight
- Refreshing cucumber scent
Cons
- Very sheer coverage – great for some, not so great for others
There's no arguing with the facts, Estée Lauder know how to give you a good skin day. Their DayWear Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Sheer Tint Release Moisturizer (previously known as their BB creme) has been designed to work wonders on oily-to-combination skin. It controls shine to keep the complexion looking oil-free all day. The light formula is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins to keep skin healthy and happy.
Glowing customer review: "In my opinion this is the one of the best tinted moisturisers. Goes on lovely, not to thick and the colour just seems to match perfectly what ever the season."
Vichy Capital Soleil BB Tinted Dry Touch Emulsion SPF50 50ml
Pros
- Matte finish – great for oily skin types
- High protection – SPF 50 (!!)
- Derm-friendly – paraben-free, hypoallergenic, and suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Formula can pill (roll off skin), especially over moisturisers or during re-applying
- One shade which may not work/adapt for everyone
If you're heading off somewhere hot this summer, make sure Vichy's BB cream comes along with ya. Packed with super-high UVA/UVB protection, this tinted cream evens out the skin and gives a subtle hit of coverage, perfect if you don't fancy going to the beach 100% bare-faced.
Glowing customer review: "I love the color and effect it gives. I also like the texture but it flakes a little bit on my face, maybe I need a scrub. If you have very white skin tone it can be yellow ish for you"
How we test
At Cosmopolitan, we rigorously test every BB cream over several weeks to evaluate its effectiveness on the skin. Each product is trialled by our editors or trusted testers in real-life conditions, allowing us to assess performance, texture, coverage, and long-lasting results. We don't just rely on claims – we ensure every recommendation is backed by hands-on experience and visible results you can trust.
Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Lia Mappoura is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. With over three years under her belt, over three different roles at Cosmo (intern, assistant and now, writer), as well as a year prior interning at magazines including Grazia, Dazed Beauty and Glamour, she has learnt a lot about what makes for a good great beauty product. I mean, she has been a judge in over seven seasonal beauty awards... which includes having to test over 100 skin, makeup, hair and body products for each. Someone's gotta do it!
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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