"The skimpy coverage many BB creams provide just doesn't cut it for my skin, which despite my best efforts, looks less than #flawless sans foundation. Not the case with this stuff. Erborian's magic elixir somehow masks my imperfections and enlarged pores, making my skin appear naturally dewy and smooth. Another perk? The moisturizing formula is souped-up with good-for-your-skin ginseng." -- Mary Squillace, managing editor
"I have a bit of an oily T-zone, so I love that this drugstore BB cream gives me a nice, matte finish that lets me retire my oil blotting sheets for the day. But don't let the price fool you into thinking that's all this product does. It's formulated with pigmented moisturizing beads that dissolve upon application, adding a warm burst of color -- and antioxidants -- to skin, making it the perfect option for those of us who dutifully protect ourselves from UV rays but miss having sun-kissed skin." -- Rose Curiel, senior editor
"I was gifted with a BB cream straight from Korea (sadly, you can't buy it in the U.S.), I've been a little spoiled. No other BB creams could compare, and I felt destined to a life of only foundation — until this magical Guerlain cream came along. It comes out of the tube thicker than a tinted moisturizer, but lighter than a foundation, and melts into my skin with just a few pats of my fingers.
It gives me a dewy glow that doesn't turn greasy and lasts all day — an amazing feat, considering that it's incredibly moisturizing, as it's made with the brand's bestselling Super Aqua Serum. Plus, the scent is to die for. The subtle blend of rose, ylang ylang and jasmine is so Parisian and beautiful, I can't help but feel like I'm walking along Champs-Elysees when I smell it. — Allie Flinn, assistant editor
"If you're going to have your picture taken, this is the best BB cream to try. It contains ingredients to diffuse light and hide wrinkles and pores. While most of the other BB creams have a dewy finish, this one is more matte — I can skip powder entirely." — Dawn Davis, beauty director
"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
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.
