The Top BB Creams for Every Skin Type and Concern

If you haven’t used BB creams yet, you’re in for a real treat. First off, these tinted moisturizers are different than foundation in that they’re a bit more lightweight—but they still build like a foundation. A little cream goes a long way in terms of helping you look completely put together on a busy day, giving you near-perfect complexion. Plus, they can even last through the summer heat.

Oh, and we didn’t even mention the best part: BB creams have plenty of skincare benefits. Depending on the product, BB creams contain anti-aging components (including peptides and antioxidants, such as vitamins A, E, and C), hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which moisturize your face, ingredients like licorice and arbutin that help even out skin tone, and silicone-based ingredients, such as dimethicone, that help smooth the skin.

But these moisturizer/foundation/SPF hybrids, with their laundry lists of features, can also be incredibly confusing. Do they work for every skin tone? What’s the best BB cream for oily skin? We tested a full lineup to bring you the very best BB creams.

MORE: 8 Best Anti-Aging Night Creams for Every Skin Issue

BB Creams: The Facts You Didn’t Know

It’s not easily definable: Unfortunately, the term “BB cream” is pretty nebulous and encompasses a wide range of products. BB creams originated in Germany and exploded in Korea, where they were first used by laser treatment patients to ease post-procedure redness. But now that beauty consumers have embraced BBs, new formulas span a range of shades, textures and skincare benefits.

Not one shade fits all: Despite what some packages claim, we found a wide range of colors, and they don’t all work with every skin tone. You may need to test a few formulas before you find a match.

BBs are best applied with a brush: Just like any complexion makeup, the key to making these tinted balms work is to blend, blend and blend some more. A foundation brush (or a sponge like the Beauty Blender) does the job better than fingers.

Layering brings the best results: Though some BB creams aim to replace your entire arsenal of face products, that’s not always realistic. If your skin is extra-dry, you’ll want to prep with moisturizer so your BBs pigment doesn’t stick to dry spots. Also, since most BBs have light to medium coverage, you’ll probably still need concealer for under-eye circles, blemishes, and other discolorations.

MORE: 3 Black Women Share Game-Changing Skin-Care Routines

Which BB Cream is Right For You?

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The Ultimate Guide to BB Cream | @stylecaster

A version of this article was originally published in May 2016.