Hurry, don't miss savings on selected furniture & more.* Shop all offers
2 Products
BB Creams: Your essential buying guide
BB cream is typically used as a lightweight complexion product that helps even out skin tone while offering a more natural finish than many foundations. Depending on the formula, it may also include moisturising ingredients, SPF or a smoothing effect.
Look for the closest match to your undertone as well as your depth of skin tone. Some BB creams have flexible or sheer coverage, but it is still worth checking whether the shade range includes warm, cool, neutral or olive undertones where available.
BB cream is usually better if you prefer lighter coverage and a quick, natural-looking base. Foundation is often the better choice when you want more coverage, a wider shade selection or a more polished finish for longer wear.
Yes, but the finish matters. For oily skin, consider oil-free, matte or shine-control BB creams. For dry skin, look for hydrating, dewy or moisturising formulas that help the base sit smoothly without clinging.
A BB cream with SPF can add useful sun protection, but many people do not apply enough makeup product to get the stated SPF level. For dependable everyday protection, use a separate sunscreen underneath if sun exposure is expected.
BB creams vary widely, from sheer tinted moisturiser-style formulas to more makeup-led options with noticeable coverage. Comparing the finish, coverage level and skin benefits will help you choose a product that fits how you like your base to look and feel.
Sheer BB creams are ideal for a barely-there look, especially if you want your natural skin texture to show through. They can help soften redness or uneven tone without creating a made-up finish.
Medium-coverage BB creams are better if you want more visible evening of the complexion while still keeping the base lighter than a typical foundation. Check product descriptions for terms such as buildable, blurring or skin-perfecting.
For oily or combination skin, a natural-matte or satin BB cream can help reduce the look of shine during the day. Lightweight, non-greasy textures are usually easier to layer with powder if needed.
For dry or dull skin, a dewy or hydrating BB cream may give a fresher look. Ingredients described as moisturising, nourishing or glow-boosting can be helpful, but avoid overly radiant finishes if you prefer a soft-focus effect.
Many BB creams are marketed with added benefits such as hydration, SPF, smoothing or radiance. Focus on the benefits that matter most to your routine rather than assuming every formula will do everything equally well.
If SPF is important, check the stated protection level and whether the product suits daily use. A separate sunscreen may still be needed, especially for prolonged outdoor exposure.
Because BB creams often have lighter coverage, some shades are designed to stretch across several skin tones. This can be convenient, but it may not work as well if your undertone is very warm, cool, olive or deep.
Look for swatch guidance, undertone notes and shade descriptions where available. A good BB cream should blend into the skin rather than leaving a visible line at the jaw.
BB cream is a good choice for quick, everyday base makeup, but it is not the only option. If you need more correction, you may want to compare it with CC cream, foundation or concealer depending on the finish and coverage you prefer.
Keeping your comparison within cosmetics can make it easier to decide whether a BB cream is enough on its own or whether it should sit alongside other base products in your makeup routine.
Use our barcode scanner to match products instantly to find the best prices, find products with ease using our voice search and build wish lists and your favourites at the click of a button.
