"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
"Smashbox is best-known for its primers, so we weren't surprised when they came out with a BB cream — it seemed like a natural progression. Their version is fragrance-free (unlike most of the others), so it's ideal if you're allergic or sensitive to fragrances. It feels fantastic going on and looks great even at the end of a long, hot day." — Alexis Finc, former editor
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.
