It’s not a skin tint, not yet a foundation. Yup, we’re talking about the skincare and makeup hybrid, BB cream. If you’re just not feeling up for a full coverage beat or just prefer a quicker option in a pinch, a BB cream is the way to go.
With plenty of options on the market, however, landing on the right BB cream can be tough. This is why we’ve narrowed down the search and rounded up the best BB creams. Before we reveal our top picks, here’s a quick introduction to BB creams.
What is a BB cream?
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The “BB” in BB cream actually stands for “blemish balm” or “beauty balm”. It is a foundation alternative that provides lightweight coverage with added skincare benefits such as SPF, antioxidants, and many more, depending on the formula.
It’s the perfect base makeup for you if you need some coverage sans heaviness and cakiness. Besides that, BB creams also smooth, protect, and hydrate our skin.
What is the difference between a BB cream and CC cream?
CC cream, on the other hand, are “colour-correcting” or “complexion corrector” creams. These are meant to mask redness and even out your complexion.
So instead of reaching for a separate colour corrector, you can use a CC cream as a 2-in-1 product. CC creams tend to provide more coverage compared to a BB cream, which is why they often have a slightly thicker texture.
Best BB cream for all skin types
IN2IT BB Aqua 5in1 Makeup Cream
If you’re looking for a water-based BB cream that offers good coverage, IN2IT BB Aqua 5in1 Makeup Cream might just be your next favourite product. It helps keep your skin smooth and radiant as this product acts as a foundation, makeup base, and primer.
It is also waterproof and can last for up to 12 hours while keeping your skin moisturised as it contains vitamin E and aloe vera. Besides that, this BB cream has SPF 40 PA+++, which protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
IN2IT BB Aqua 5in1 Makeup Cream retails for RM20.61 at Watsons.
Elianto Flawless Beauty Blemish Balm BB Cream
This matte BB cream acts as a makeup base, foundation, and moisturiser, leaving your skin looking fresh and even-toned.
It uses lavender extracts, which helps to control sebum production while also maintaining the moisture level of your skin. With an SPF25 PA++, it doesn’t offer enough sun protection, so remember to layer a sunscreen right under it if you’re wearing this during the day.
Elianto Flawless Beauty Blemish Balm BB Cream retails for RM19 at Elianto Online Store.
Wardah Lightening BB Cream
If you’re searching for a BB cream that’s ideal for sensitive skin, look no further! Wardah BB cream is formulated with aloe vera extract to keep your skin moisturised throughout the day, making it suitable for sensitive or dry skin.
This BB cream is also a true multitasker as it has SPF32 PA+++ that can help protect your skin against harmful UV rays. Additionally, it provides good coverage to address uneven skin tone and blemishes too.
Wardah Lightening BB Cream (30ml) retails for RM22.60 at Guardian.
Cathy Doll Matte Cover Blemish Blur BB Cream SPF50 PA+++
Have blemishes, redness, or dark spots that you want to cover? This matte BB cream will do the work for you! It nourishes the skin with a combination of snail mucus and collagen, which help to clear blemishes and firm up your skin. Besides that, it protects your skin against the sun as it comes with an SPF50 PA+++.
Cathy Doll Matte Cover Blemish Blur BB Cream SPF50 PA+++ (50ml) retails for RM24.95 at Guardian.
Silkygirl Magic BB Cream
Silkygirl Magic BB Cream gives your skin a smooth finish as it is formulated with mineral powder, which spreads and blends into your skin easily. Sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E moisturise your skin, which keeps your skin soft and supple without making your skin greasy. It also has an SPF 30 that helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Silkygirl Magic BB Cream (30ml) retails for RM10.05 at Guardian.
AMAXMALL Forest Colour All-In-One BB Cream
With its lightweight and creamy texture, this all-in-one collagen BB cream from AMAXMALL provides enough coverage to reduce redness, visible wrinkles, and blemishes. The formula blends in well too, so you can apply it with your fingers or a makeup sponge. There are also two shades for you to choose from.
AMAXMALL Forest Colour All-In-One BB Cream (30ml) retails for RM19.95 at Watsons.
SIMPLYSITI New Age+ BB Cream
This BB cream is a foundation, moisturiser, and concealer in one. It perfects your skin for a flawless look while also maintaining your skin’s health. The formula is created with light-reflecting pigments to diffuse the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Besides that, it helps to firm and lift the skin, making you look more youthful too.
SIMPLYSITI New Age+ BB Cream (30ml) retails for RM53.90 at Watsons.
KATE Tokyo Whipped Matte BB
Available in two different shades, KATE Tokyo Whipped Matte BB has a lightweight texture that’s similar to whipped cream. It also offers a long-lasting matte finish. If you have oily skin, this BB cream helps to control sebum production to prevent midday shine.
KATE Tokyo Whipped Matte BB retails for RM32.73 at Watsons.
3CE Back To Baby BB Cream SPF35+++
This BB cream from 3CE helps revive your skin to make it super smooth, thanks to the nourishing ingredients infused in the formula, such as crystal water, diamond powder, and pearl powder. It also contains hydrating ingredients to prevent your skin from drying out, keeping your base makeup looking fresh for hours on end.
3CE Back To Baby BB Cream SPF35+++ (30ml) retails for RM71 at Hermo.
Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF25 PA++
This BB cream has everything you need for perfect coverage. Its seven-free formula minimises irritations, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. It’s enriched with hydrating ingredients to prevent dehydration too – ideal for keeping your skin looking flawless in our hot and humid weather.
Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF25 Pa++ (45g) retails for RM99 at Hermo.
Shiseido BB For Sports SPF50+ PA+++ Tinted Sunscreen
If you enjoy being outdoors, this tinted sunscreen from Shiseido should be an essential in your bag. It uses Quick Dry Technology to prevent a greasy afterfeel that’s commonly associated with sports sunscreens.
Even better, it uses WetForce Technology, an ionic mineral sensor that binds with minerals in water or perspiration to create a powerful film that shields your skin from harmful UV rays. That means the more you sweat, the stronger its sun protection gets
Shiseido BB For Sports SPF50+ PA+++ Tinted Sunscreen retails for RM170 at Sephora.
Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30
This multitasker works to give your skin an amazing glow. The Tarte BB Tinted Treatment can be worn alone as a skin tint or as a light coverage foundation. Available in four different shades, this oil-free formula provides enough coverage to minimise redness, large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30 retails for RM138 at Sephora.
Dr Young 2P Blemish Base BB SPF35 PA++
Suitable for all skin types, Dr Young’s 2P Blemish Base is infused with shea butter and ceramides to moisturise and strengthen your skin’s barrier. It evens out your skin tone and blends easily without leaving a heavy or sticky finish. With SPF 35 PA+++, it helps protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
Dr Young 2P Blemish Base BB SPF35 Pa++ (60ml) retails for RM80.75 at Hermo.
Face Republic Perfect Cover BB Cream
Offering medium to full coverage, Face Republic’s Perfect Cover helps to even out and brighten your skin, reducing the appearance of blemishes as well as dark spots. Formulated with niacinamide, this product does wonders for your skin by minimising the look of large pores, redness, and discolouration.
Face Republic Perfect Cover BB Cream (40ml) retails for RM39.92 at Hermo.
Dr.Jart+ Rejuvenating Beauty Balm
Perfect for combination skin to sensitive skin, Dr.Jart+ Rejuvenating Beauty Balm offers a more natural finish that conceals red skin with its correcting tint. If you prefer a higher coverage, this formula will get the job done. It also helps to maintain clear, healthy skin, which is a huge bonus.
Dr.Jart+ Rejuvenating Beauty Balm (50ml) retails for RM140 at Sephora.
Innisfree Eco Natural Green Tea BB Cream
Containing 100% natural extracts, the Innisfree Eco Natural Green Tea BB Cream delivers extra moisture to your skin to prevent dryness. This product also has Jeju green tea that hydrates and brightens your skin for a radiant and glowing complexion. Apart from that, it also provides excellent, long-lasting coverage.
Innisfree Eco Natural Green Tea BB Cream retails for RM74 at Hermo.
Holika Holika Holi Pop BB Cream Matte
Suitable for all skin types, Holika Holika’s Holi Pop is enriched with plant extracts and nutrients to improve your skin’s texture and replenish its moisture reserves. It also provides a smooth finish, doesn’t clog pores, and gives your skin a brightening effect for a soft, glowing complexion.
The formula is also infused with sea buckthorn extract to eliminate dryness and nourish the skin. It also comes in two other versions of BB cream, which are better suited for oily skin and dry skin.
Holika Holika Holi Pop BB Cream Matte (30ml) retails for RM34.90 at Hermo.
Dear Dahlia Skin Paradise Blooming BB Cream
Even if you have the most sensitive skin, you’ll love the Dear Dahlia’s Skin Paradise Blooming BB Cream. It is a multifunctional cream formulated with plant-based ingredients for healthy, glowing skin and a flawless natural look.
In addition, it protects the skin from free radical oxidative damage as it is enriched with Dahlia Variabilis Flower Extract, an antioxidant that offers anti-ageing benefits.
Dear Dahlia Skin Paradise Blooming BB Cream (35ml) retails for RM135 at Sephora.
Bourjois Healthy Mix BB Cream
This drugstore pick lets your skin breathe as it blends seamlessly for a natural finish. Trust us, it’s so lightweight that you won’t even feel it on your skin! It also provides hydration for up to 24 hours, and is formulated with a perfect mix of vitamin A, C, E, and B5 to fight the signs of fatigue.
Bourjois Healthy Mix BB Cream (30ml) retails for RM52.90 at Hermo.
Nature Republic Snail Solution BB Cream
Snail mucin is a well-known anti-ageing K-beauty ingredient that hydrates the skin and smooths out wrinkles and fine lines. Nature Republic’s BB cream contains a whopping 50% of this key ingredient to keep your skin firm and supple. Besides its skincare benefits, it also provides excellent coverage and helps extend the life of your makeup.
Nature Republic Snail Solution BB Cream (40ml) retails for RM92.60 at Hermo.
Kose Sekkisei White BB Cream
Kose’s Sekkisei White BB Cream is lightweight and provides a natural, flawless finish. It’s a six-in-one BB cream that also contains SPF40 PA++++ to protect your skin against harmful UV rays. Suitable for all skin types, this formula will leave your skin natural-looking and radiant.
Kose Sekkisei White BB Cream (30g) retails for RM113 at Shopee.
Featured image credit: @deardahlia_beauty and @bourjoissg on Instagram
