"Blemish Balms," more commonly referred to as BB creams, are a coveted multi-tasking product for no-makeup makeup lovers who hate heavy-duty foundation. That you? If so, BB creams are a lifesaver on days when you just can't muster up the energy to apply a full face of foundation, or when you're pressed for time and need to cut your complexion routine in half. These lightweight creams sit at the intersection of makeup and skincare, as they're jam-packed with skin-enhancing ingredients that mask imperfections while nourishing your skin.
What do BB creams do?
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a MC writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
BB creams moisturize and prime the skin, and they do this while evening out discoloration, concealing blemishes, and protecting against UVA rays. Not to mention, they leave your skin looking poreless and radiant—like you're not even wearing makeup.
These beauty superstars come in sheer to buildable coverage and apply seamlessly to give you a smooth and effortless glow. You won't be concerned with looking too cake-y or dry with these textures. Not to mention, many BB creams offer SPF protection, if you're looking to skip that very important step of applying sunscreen in your a.m. routine.
Consider this BB cream your secret weapon on SOS skincare mornings. It reduces the look of large pores while covering redness and blemishes. Pick this up the morning after a late night when you fall asleep without washing your face.
If you're the type that burns basically any time it's not overcast, invest in a higher SPF BB cream—like this one with ingredients that masks skin imperfections like a pro.
For less than a latte, you can get impressive coverage in five shades, plus SPF and soothing cucumber, jojoba, aloe, and vitamin E. Those with darker skin should order the "deep" shade direct from e.l.f.
Maybelline's best-selling BB cream includes the welcome addition of salicylic acid, a gentle exfoliant that works to loosen up dead skin cells that can cause blackheads.
Feel free to use this cream as a foundation primer or apply it alone for a flawless, no-makeup makeup finish. Hence the name, Smashbox's Camera Ready BB Cream is like a filter for for you skin that blurs pores and imperfections in one easy step.
This oil-free skin perfector provides a sheer, natural coverage that stops shine in its tracks. For a lightweight finish, apply one coat of this all over, or simply spot treat the areas of concern.
It's all in the name. K-beauty experts Dr. Jart+ formulated a BB cream that works on shrinking those pores of yours, clearing breakouts, and controlling excess oil.
While this product only comes in one shade, blending it into nearly any skin tone results in a brightened, evened complexion. Those with both fair or deeper complexions did prefer this layered under a daily foundation or bronzer.
You don't need to have "aging" skin to enjoy the benefits of SPF 20 plus added retinol, which work in tandem to prevent complexion damage and repair any that's already been done.
This drugstore gem can compete with all of its luxury counterparts. The formula absorbs quickly and even offers a dose of vitamin C to brighten uneven skin tones.
Keep this convenient compact nearby when your skin needs touch-ups. It's a buildable formula that offers a sheer, satin finish.Keep this convenient compact nearby when your skin needs touch-ups. It's a buildable formula that offers a sheer, satin finish.
This BB cream should be your go-to during hot summer months. The water-resistant, SPF-filled formula offers a light veil of coverage.
If you're acne-prone or have oily skin, here's a solution. Clinque's Acne Solution BB cream is made of silica, an ingredient that absorbs excess oil, and is a mattifying product that reduces shine and leaves you with flawless complexion for up to 12 hours.
Even out your discoloration and protect your skin from pollutants with this vitamin-packed formula. This skin perfecting BB cream is comprised of good-for-you ingredients, like turmeric, aloe vera, vitamin B, C, and E.
This antioxidant-enriched cream is so lightweight that it rolls on the skin like silk. Fortunately, you can liberally apply this cream without having to worry about a cakey finish.
If finding the right shade for your skin is your biggest frustration (because honestly two options doesn't really cut it), do some tone-matching with the 10 different tints of this mineral-based moisturizer. P.S. It has a host of anti-inflammatory ingredients for super-reactive skin.
For those who are thinking "the less unpronounceable ingredients, the better," look to this natural, anti-aging cream that builds smooth, wrinkle-free coverage so you look naturally flawless by the time you walk out the door.
When you want an extra touch of glowy magic without doubling down on highlighter, dab on some of this BB cream that's formulated with light-reflecting pigments. Don't be surprised when people ask you whether you're in love.
Give your complexion a flawless finish that feels weightless and natural with this moisturizing skin tint. The buildable formula contains floral stem cells and hyaluronic acid that’ll keep your skin nourished and hydrated while it evens your skin tone and blurs your pores for a seamless look.
This illuminating BB cream is lightweight but easily buildable to give you coverage with a soft matte finish. The formula contains Ginseng, which will moisturize and smooth your skin for a plump, flawless complexion.
Available in three shades, this BB cream is packed with nourishing skincare ingredients—including vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10, and green tea—that deliver anti-aging benefits and glowing skin. The formula also has niacinamide and caffeine, which will help to calm any redness and even your skin tone.
-
Jennifer Lopez Test Drives the Apple Picking Aesthetic in a Plaid Flannel and Torn-Up JeansThe singer is going back to the fall basics.
-
Members of One Canadian Town Council Are Refusing to Swear Allegiance to King Charles"It's a bit of a sticky situation."
-
Hailey Bieber Turns 28 in an Opulent Feather Top and a Martini Manicure"A tini bit 28."
-
Drunk Elephant Recalls Three Best-Selling Skincare Products Following an Ingredient Mix-UpHere's how to know if yours were compromised.
-
Why Dyson's New Airstrait Ad Ignited a TikTok Controversy"They said y'all can buy the product but it is not meant for you."
-
Burberry Beauty's All-Time Classics Finally Relaunched at NordstromHere's how to shop reviewer-vetted products first.
-
As A First-Time Marathon Runner, These Wellness Essentials Helped Enhance My Training and RecoveryFrom a hardworking deodorant to a soothing sauna blanket.
-
Contrast Makeup Theory Is the Viral TikTok Anti-Trend Everyone Should TryHere's how to find your signature makeup look with this makeup artist-approved technique.
-
Hailey Bieber’s New Rhode Barrier Butter Is So Decadent, You’ll Want to Smear It EverywhereIntroducing the brand's yummiest product yet: Barrier Butter.
-
What Is Sugar Waxing? Everything to Know, According to ExpertsIt's also less painful than some alternatives.
-
Is Cyperus Rotundus Oil Really a Natural Alternative to Laser Hair Removal?According to research, it just might.
