"I apply a pump or two of this shimmery BB cream to my face, and it evens out my skin tone, gives me a youthful glow, and protects me from the sun. I cannot say enough good things about it — I love it!" — Audrey Fine, former editor
"This gives me a nice, dewy glow and works well both alone and under makeup. On the weekends (or when I'm on vacation) I wear it alone for just a bit of coverage and sun protection, but for everyday I apply makeup on top of it. My mother-in-law recently commented that my skin had a beautiful glow — after a 5-hour plane ride no less! — and all I was wearing was this beauty balm." — Sarah Carrillo, former editor
"I was excited to try this BB cream because of the high SPF content. I'm fair and burn in mere minutes. The consistency is a little thick, but I found that if I mix this BB with my regular moisturizer, it glides on perfectly. It keeps me feeling protected and helps perfect my complexion. Total win-win." — Meghan Rabbitt, former editor
"The sunscreen in some BB creams can make them look yellow or chalky depending on your skin tone. This one blends really beautifully on just about everyone — even though it's only available in three shades — because it's more translucent than most. If you're looking for less coverage, this one is perfect. I'll use it instead of a primer under my regular foundation if I want more coverage." — Sharon Yi, former editor
"This BB cream is sheer but gives great coverage, and the color is warmer and more fleshy than some of the others. I've stopped using tinted moisturizer and now I exclusively wear BB cream." — Paola Gonzalez Marra, former graphic designer
BB cream is suddenly everywhere — from giant signs in Sephora windows to the best real estate in the drugstores to cosmetic bags around the country. And even us beauty editors (who have to be hypercritical — it's our job) are excited about this bourgeoning makeup-meets-skin care category.
BB stands for "Beauty Balm" or "Blemish Balm" depending on the formula, and they're basically tinted moisturizers with skin care ingredients and SPF built in.
Although everyone from salespeople to journalists is touting them as all-in-one miracle creams, we wouldn't go that far. "It's marketing," says Washington D.C.-based dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi. "There's nothing magical about a BB cream — but if you're looking for a new tinted moisturizer, why not try one of these?" So that's exactly how we're categorizing them: tinted moisturizers — with benefits.
We tried all of the options to decide on our personal favorites. And along the way, a few Total Beauty editors decided that BB creams aren't for them. Some didn't like the texture, which is similar to primer, and others weren't thrilled with the coverage. (They're sticking with their full-on foundations.) The rest of us, however, chose our top picks — and our reasons have nothing to do with the hype.
