"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.
