8 best BB creams that can’t be beaten for a bare-faced look

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 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.

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.

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.

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).

For those who are after just a touch of coverage, this BB cream is for you. It’s labelled as sheer and is true to its name, with one of the lightest layers of skin tint we’ve seen. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it doesn’t do anything, as this light layer evens out skin tone with a slight shimmer blurring imperfections and leaving a more radiant-looking finish. Key ingredients include kakadu plum and phytomoist, high in vitamin C, to boost the skin’s natural glow from the inside while reducing signs of fine lines. Meanwhile, desert date oil and aloe vera provide a hydration boost without any greasy feeling. Best for those with combination skin, it really leans into the beauty balm name with an impressive ingredient list and a ‘your skin but better’ boosting result.

Clarins is a favourite of many a beauty buff, and it truly excels with this BB cream. With a fuller coverage than some of the other options in this round-up, it provides a slightly heavier finish than the lightweight layers, yet is packed with potent skincare ingredients. Acerola seed extract aids in the oxygenation of the skin, meadowsweet keeps the skin bacteria balanced, and aloe vera helps with hydration.

Easy to apply, it gently hides redness and covers slight blemishes and dark spots but, with a fuller coverage, it could be a little bit drying on tight or dry skin, so best for those with combination to slightly oily faces to aid that fresh-faced glow.

If signing up to receive a recurring order on the Clarins site, you’ll receive 10 per cent off and a whole host of free samples.

Less is more with this No7 BB cream, as a little goes a long way. The lightweight texture feels like sunscreen, and with an SPF 50, the product works perfectly as a sun protection combined with just a touch of make-up. So, you can bet we’ll be wearing this once the warmer weather comes around. The one downfall our tester did find was that it can be a little bit patchy, so best to apply with the fingers, let dry for around a minute, then go back in with a make-up sponge or brush to make sure there’s one solid smooth sheet. After all, no one wants a patchy-looking face. But blurring fine lines and brightening the skin, thanks to the brand’s bestselling protect and perfect formulation, it actually works from the inside out to truly improve the skin tone and texture.