Over the past few months, I've reviewed different drugstore BB creams, and thought I'd do a roundup of them all. Please let me know if you need more information/swatches of a product(s). As always, just because I dislike a product doesn't mean you will too--try it & you might like it!What are BB Creams?
BB means "beauty balm" or "blemish balm."
What do they do?
These creams are a mix of skin care and a tinted moisturizer. It's supposed to save a step in your makeup routine by marrying skin plus foundation products. BB creams have many claims, such as hydrating the skin, blurring imperfections, and evening out skin tone. BB creams are meant to be worn alone, and not as a primer, and some wear powder to set. Don't use a moisturizer with these. Just apply with fingers, a sponge, or foundation brush. They're great for days when you want a satin finish, but without all the cakey-looking makeup. I have really enjoyed them during the summer and on days when I don't want to wear a lot of makeup (but want to wear something).
What do they NOT do?
BB creams will not provide the same coverage as a foundation, and are comparable to a tinted moisturizer in that respect. I'm always disappointed to read reviews that fault BB creams because the reviewers are expecting total coverage.
Reviews begin clockwise
Garnier Skin Review (click for more comprehensive review)
- $11-13
- two shades: light-medium and medium-dark
- dewy, satin finish
- medium coverage
- moisturizing
- vitamin c (note: I'm allergic to citric acid, but have had no effects from this cream)
- lasts all day
- It smells at first
- Oily skin--might want to avoid EDIT: There is now a formula for combo/oily skin
- spf 15
- most product
- Elle Sees' fave
- around $7.44
- 5 shades
- SPF 30--the best I've seen on drugstore BB creams
- It allegedly: Blurs imperfections, Brightens, Evens skin tone, Smoothes, Hydrate Enhances
- creamy texture
- light coverage
- no breakouts or offensive smell
- dry-normal skin
- Great, cheap alternative to tinted moisturizer, but not the finish of a BB cream (would repurchase for tinted moisturizer purposes only)...this BB cream is a favorite among many of you.
L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream
- $15-16
- Allegedly Evens, Illuminates, Perfects, Moisturizes, Corrects
- same smell as Garnier, just not as thick
- light-med coverage
- sheer tint with slight luminosity
- SPF 15
- most product
- 2 shades
- Slightly more expensive version of Garnier but a great alternative for those who found the Garnier too thick of a formula (not repurchasing)
Cover Girl BB Cream
- $7
- This is the same exact product as CG Smoothers. This is not a BB cream, just a tinted moisturizer. Don't fall for it!
- Allegedly: moisturizing. light coverage, lasts up to 8 hours
- SPF 15
- I cannot find a link to buy this online--it's the same product, just in different packaging. I thought I'd mention that again.
- This works as a great tinted moisturizer, but is in no way a BB cream. (wouldn't repurchase due to the fact I feel duped! Grr.)
L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream (original review here)
- $8.24-10
- 4 shades
- It allegedly Hydrates, Corrects, Evens, Perfects, Vitamin E, 24 hour hydration
- Starts off grey, like traditional BB cream but then blends to shade you purchased
- BB=beauty beads that hurt my face...use with a foundation brush instead
- best for those with oily skin
- reflective shimmer
- med coverage
- no spf
- Many love this product, but I don't due to those exfoliating bbs. (not repurchasing)
Revlon Photoready BB Cream
- This product came out in late November/early December 2012.
- 1 oz for $13.99
- 3 shades, but I like how the display had the three shades distributed amongst their regular shades, insuring which one might look best on you. For example, I wear Natural Beige, and was matched up to the light medium shade.
- According to the website it hydrates, smoothes, covers, blurs flaws, and protects.
- SPF 30
- dewy, satiny finish
- light to medium coverage
- no smell
- best for dry and normal skin
- This reminds me of a lighter version of the Garnier BB cream. It is still oily (moisturizing), so those with oily skin might want to avoid, but I would suggest trying it and using a matte powder to set (just make sure you can return).
- would repurchase
Rimmel London BB Cream
- This product came out in the US on January 2013.
- $6 for 1 oz.
- 3 shades: light, medium, medium-dark
- Claims it does 9 things: primes, moisturizes, minimizes pores, conceals, covers, smooths, mattifies, brightens, and helps protect skin.
- faint smell at first that instantly disappears
- light to medium coverage
- reminds me a little of Maybelline's Dreamfresh but longer lasting
- SPF 25
- best for oily skin, as it has a matte finish.
- would repurchase
BB Cream (Sally's Beauty)
- I found this for around $7 at Sally's Beauty
- Great for oily skin
- Comes in 3 shades
- Matte finish
- Light-almost medium coverage
- I like using it as a primer.
Garnier BB Cream in Combo/Oily Skin
- SPF 20
- 2.0 oz
- 3 shades: light/medium, medium/deep, deep
- best for oily/combo skin
- screw top cap
- runny formula
- +- $12 (I used a coupon for a few dollars off)
- would repurchase, but I don't like how messy the formula is
Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream in Light to Medium
- $12.99
- The lightest coverage
- lightest-feeling BB cream
- SPF15
- 2 colors
- nice watermelon smell
- wouldn't repurchase, as it is pretty much a tinted moisturizer (sent for review)
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Pond's BB+
- multi-tasking "beauty benefit" cream.
- blurs imperfections
- light coverage (a little more than some BB creams or tinted moisturizers)
- visibly fades dark spots--thanks to Vitamin E Acetate – an antioxidant known to protect and repair skin & Glycerin – helps increase hydration.
- SPF15.
- isn't greasy
- matte to satin finish
- hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
- Overall, I do like it and would purchase it (sent for review consideration)
- two shades
- $9.99
Notes:
- CHECK OUT HIGH-END BB CREAM REVIEWS HERE
- Remember, check the store's return policy before you buy. Many stores allow an opened product to be returned with receipt.
- This post has been updated as I have reviewed new BB Creams.
Are you a fan of BB Creams?
Which brand do you use?
need to try a bb cream of some sort
ReplyDeleteI actually had no idea they were called BB creams, the same things are labelled differently here. Would definitely go for the Garnier one.
ReplyDeleteI like the Garnier one - sometimes it's a bit much (little greasy) - but overall I love it! Haven't tried any others...
ReplyDeleteXO
www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com
Awesome! I've seen these advertised and wondered what they were all about. I use a matte lotion or "face perfector" instead of foundation and thought maybe it was similar.
ReplyDeletehttp://mandycrandell.blogspot.com/
I don't use them but I have been meaning to try the Garnier one, and now that it comes so well recommended I guess I will try it :)
ReplyDeleteI really like the Garnier one as well - this is a really helpful post, BTW!
ReplyDeleteCourtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com
I'm still nervous around BB creams because I'm afraid it's going to be too much coverage and clog my pores - thoughts around that?
ReplyDeleteI use Estee Lauder BB Cream and I love it. Works great. The cost does hurt a little though.
ReplyDeleteLove the reviews- help a girl sort herself out before hitting the beauty aisle at Target! :)
ReplyDelete-Ashley
http://lerougestylo.blog.com
Great post!
ReplyDeleteI just bought the Garnier one and am enjoying it too. I have the smashbox one as well but it feels more like a foundation to me than a cream.
♥ kristen ♥
www.beholdthemetatron.com
I am! I've been using Garnier and love love love it. But my opinion doesn't really matter as I haven't tried any of the other brands to truly compare.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried using BB cream. I usually use a transparent day moisturizer under an SPF15 liquid foundation. Interesting post..will most probably check Garnier.
ReplyDeleteI've been using the maybelline one and really like it. It definitely is more of a tinted moisturizer but it works for what I need it for.
ReplyDeleteI've watched and read a lot of reviews here, but seriously, so many of them! I can't keep them straight.
ReplyDeleteCan yo drug sto' gets me sum zinc oxide to puts on my face so peeples can see me in da dark ?
ReplyDeleteI actually thought they are called Beauty Balms!
ReplyDeleteOoops!
I currently have two - Marcelle and Garnier… I want to try the Maybelline!
oxo,
ML
TWENTY YORK STREET
Follow @20YS on Twitter : @20YS
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Recent post:http://www.twentyyork.com/2012/08/fall-fashion-jacob-chic-suitcase.html
I actually thought they are called Beauty Balms!
ReplyDeleteOoops!
I currently have two - Marcelle and Garnier… I want to try the Maybelline!
oxo,
ML
TWENTY YORK STREET
Follow @20YS on Twitter : @20YS
Follow @20YS on Facebook: TWENTY YORK STREET
Recent post:http://www.twentyyork.com/2012/08/fall-fashion-jacob-chic-suitcase.html
I actually thought they are called Beauty Balms!
ReplyDeleteOoops!
I currently have two - Marcelle and Garnier… I want to try the Maybelline!
oxo,
ML
TWENTY YORK STREET
Follow @20YS on Twitter : @20YS
Follow @20YS on Facebook: TWENTY YORK STREET
Recent post:http://www.twentyyork.com/2012/08/fall-fashion-jacob-chic-suitcase.html
Love that you did this! I was actually thinking of doing my own BB cream battle :) So far, Garnier is my favorite drugstore version.
ReplyDeleteI've never used a BB cream, but it's interesting to read your reviews of them.
ReplyDeletei love dr jart premium bb. it actually provides some good coverage which i need!
ReplyDeleteI've never used ANY before, I should get into it!
ReplyDeleteI've got the Garnier one, but it's a bit too thick for my skin, plus it's almost too dark for my very pale skin. I do like how it covers and the effect though. Glad you do these reviews, great roundup!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fabulous review!!! OMG you need to come work at a cosmetics company. You would fit right in :)
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a good week so far. It's been so crazy that this is the first second I've had to sit down. My night is made now :) xoxo
i would try Garnier!
ReplyDeletexo
@MOSAMUSE
www.MOSAMUSE.com
i just got a garnier bb cream and i'm super excited to give it a try. :)
ReplyDelete<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
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this is great!! thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteMust admit I really love the Garnier one, which I heard of through your review:)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. I was first introduced to BB creams in my birchbox. It was Boscia. I love it! But not the price! I had no idea that there were less expensive alternatives.
ReplyDeleteI really would like to try the garnier but only two shades? I am afraid my skin is way too fair for that.
ReplyDeletemy favourite one by far is Maybeline because it feels extremly light and still has all the benifits of a bb cream.
ReplyDeletei got a sample of loreal youthcode with this months oprah mag. i quite liked it. never thought i would go for anything other than my bare minerals coz i hv acne n oily t zone..but this didnt make my face shiny at all.
ReplyDeletethanks for ur review
I have been trying sample packets of Skin79 pink and gold. I TOTALLY love them. Do any of the B's you reviewed compare to Skin79?
ReplyDeleteI googled drugstore bb creams and came across your page. First I love that you're from Atlanta as I am as well.. so coming across a local blogger was so cool and then you referenced how you lived near H-mart, which total just sealed the deal since I am Korean. Anyways.. point is.. great post!!!
ReplyDeleteI googled drugstore bb creams and came across your page. First I love that you're from Atlanta as I am as well.. so coming across a local blogger was so cool and then you referenced how you lived near H-mart, which total just sealed the deal since I am Korean. Anyways.. point is.. great post!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Garnier one was first to come out and I used it although it is super greasy. I have oily skin with mild hormonal acne and clogged pores. It didnt break me out though. But then I tried the Maybelline. That one works best for me out or the two. I've also used two high end BB creams and the drugstore new are different for sure. But they are great for every day when. Don't want to wear foundation. The Maybelline one really his my large pores well and also did not break me out. I don't like glitter in my face products because I don't have perfect skin. So I may just stick to the Maybelline. The Garnier lasts a LOT longer in the tube though.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. I have to admit, I am very curious about BB creams in general. I'll have to try the Rimmel one here to see if it's worth further exploration for me. So glad you warned about the beads in the L'Oreal version. That would've been my first instinct to try if you hadn't mentioned those beads. My face definitely needs something these days but sometimes foundation is heavy enough to feel annoying. I don't suppose you've heard of a BB cream for sensitive skin?
ReplyDeleteI want to try the rimmel london one! Im 13, and i just wear a bb cream and a powder to set. Im currently using the maybelline dreamr fresh bb cream, and im wishing that it was more matte, and lasted longer. But ive heard the rimmel london one was very matte! Im getting this bb cream tomarrow! So exited!
ReplyDeletevery helpful post! exactly what i was looking for :). Also, I appreciate your positive attitude. I am so tired of reading blogs with writers ranting about how much they hate a product.
ReplyDeleteYour Review is really helpful i was on the look out for a good bb cream and to far out like 3 -Rimmel, Maybelline and L'orel, that i've tried Rimmel is my fav right now wit its sweet smell that it has at first unlike maybelline which idk if you might have noticed but smells horrible haha but ya thanks your blogging about the world of bb :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews!! I'm going with the Rimmel London BB cream because of my oily skin... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews!! I'm going with the Rimmel London BB cream because of my oily skin... :)
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteThis post is a life saver! I have been searching for a bb cream to use for awhile now, but have been afraid to because of the prices and my failure with tinted moisturizers in the past. I needed something that I could wear while working out (because I'm weird and like to wear makeup while working out) and I took your advice about the Revlon and purchased it. So far, I love it! I normally use Revlon products so I felt that this would be great and it is! I have not tried the Garnier yet, but I really want to now. Thank you so much!
Leah
P.S. would you mind if I put a button or link on my blog to you as one of my favorites? :)
Was going to buy Garnier, but my local drugstore was having a sale for the L'Oreal one for five bucks! :'D So I got the L'Oreal one. I hope it works ell on my skin (I have dry skin). Thanks for the post, by the way! It really helped.
ReplyDeleteI love the loreal bb cream, i have combination skin and this works fantastically by its self with a little powder to set. It's light and natural looking.
ReplyDeleteReally prefer Boscia, but at $40 a tube, I'd like to find a drugstore alternative for weekends, casual days, etc. The L'Oreal product I tried was too greasy-feeling and so orange that I looked like an Oompa Loompa.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review. I think I'll look for Rimmel or Revlon next time I go to the drugstore.
I missed the Ponds review - saw after I commented (I'm the Boscia user). I bought some this weekend, and I like it! May not go back to Boscia when I next run out.
ReplyDeleteI have super dry skin, does everyone think the Garnier BB is the way to go? Or are there other options to look at? Thanks and love the information here!
ReplyDeleteI love the Garnier one, but I can only use it during the summer. The light shade is still far too dark for anyone with fair skin - just a warning! Also the smell took a while for me to get used to. I think I'm going to try the Ponds one now :)
ReplyDeleteI have the Revlon one and I like it but when you get to the end of the tub oil basically comes out and not BB cream which is kind of gross. Plus it's like 11 bucks. I'm definitely trying the Rimmel London one once I run out of Revlon. Thanks for doing this, I was looking for a new BB to try!
ReplyDeleteI found the Maybelline BB Cream super runny, which disappointed me. Is it supposed to be like that? Also, what's the difference between a BB cream and a CC cream?
ReplyDeleteI love BB creams,my go to face product need to continue my collection.
ReplyDeleteI have the garnier bb cream which is odd in their shades,their medium is too dark for me and the light is too light and If I mix them together it becomes too oily lol,but I love the maybelline BB cream and the Loreal one too.
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