Beauty
21 Mar '25
4 min read
Dreaming of a natural, radiant complexion? Discover the multitasking magic of BB creams – your go-to for a flawless, skin-like finish with skincare benefits to match.
There’s no denying that when your skin looks good, you feel good. And as summer rolls on and the heat soars, we don’t always feel like wearing a full face of foundation – so if you’re looking for a natural skin-like finish with skin loving ingredients, we have just the thing for you!
BB creams are exactly what you need to bridge the gap between moisturiser and foundation. Think – nourishing, nutrient dense formulas with just enough coverage to even out and perfect your skin without any cakiness or thick mask-like finish. BB creams can be seen as an extension of your skincare routine, with the instant benefits of improved skin tone and added glow. It’s your skin, but better. Keep reading for everything you need to know!
What is BB cream?
Short for 'blemish balm' or 'beauty balm', BB creams are skincare-makeup hybrids that combine sheer, skin perfecting coverage with the hydrating, skin-kind formula of a moisturiser. It’s a foundation alternative that offers sheer coverage while enhancing the skin. BB can stand for a few different things, depending on who you ask. But between smoothing, blurring, protecting, and tinting, it doesn’t really matter what it stands for, they’re truly a beauty powerhouse product either way.
BB creams are exactly what you need to bridge the gap between moisturiser and foundation.
When did BB creams become popular?
While BB creams have been in the spotlight lately, the origin story of this multitasker starts in Germany where they were originally developed for post skincare treatment.
It’s come a long way since then, and we can bet that the shift to lighter base makeup has had a resurgence due to the pandemic and a lean towards a no makeup, makeup approach. Whether or not this is true, BB cream still remains full of skin loving benefits that makes it so much more than just a makeup product. Formulations vary from brand to specific type, but one thing is for sure – BB creams are bound to be a staple in your beauty bag (if they’re not already).
Benefits of BB cream
What are the key ingredients for healthy skin?
Depending on your current skincare regime (ours is 10 steps but no judgement either way), you might already incorporate these common ingredients, but let's break it down:
Hyaluronic acid: As the ingredient is known to “hold 1000 times its weight in water,” it's many people’s go-to for dealing with our top skin concerns. From dryness to smoothing out the appearance of wrinkles and more, hyaluronic acid[1] does a lot to keep our skin looking and feeling healthy. What's the big deal about hyaluronic acid? A lot, actually. Just like the molecule found naturally in our skin, HA found in topical products is a known humectant that helps restore lost moisture. It attracts water molecules to hydrate and plump skin, making it a go-to when wanting to take care of skin health.
Niacinamide: The active ingredient flying off the shelves? Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3. Niacinamide, like retinol and hyaluronic acid, is one of those hero skincare ingredients you’ll find in every second product[2]. It helps to visibly brighten the complexion, improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, balance oil production and help to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Niacinamide is really well tolerated by nearly all skin types – even people with more sensitive skin can incorporate it into their routine.
SPF: Friendly reminder – you should wear sunscreen all year round, not just during summer. We all know the drill – everyone should be using broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, regardless of skin type, skin tone, or the weather[3]. While some BB creams contain SPF, their primary purpose is cosmetic – so they shouldn’t replace your sunscreen. Layering a dedicated broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen under or over your BB cream ensures you’re properly protected. From SPF 30 to SPF 50+*, there are plenty of options to suit your skin. Reapplication is key to staying protected against the harsh sun – yes, even through windows! Worried about messing up your makeup? There are SPF face mists designed to layer seamlessly over your look throughout the day.
How to choose the right BB cream for your skin type?
BB cream for oily skin
Skin on the shiner side? Does your t-zone resemble an oil slick by lunch? There’s a BB cream for you!
The La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL BB Cream. It’s light and hydrating and melts into skin for a soft-touch finish. The formula is non-oily, has long-lasting wear and contains La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, and is seriously backed by science, and wears nicely without getting greasy. FYI, you might want to set it with translucent powder for added staying power.
BB cream for dry skin
Need to stop at the hydration station? Look to products stacked with ingredients that quench your skin's thirst. BB creams that feature a nourishing cocktail of ingredients like collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidant-rich vitamins work overtime to hydrate, plump, and improve the appearance of skin texture.
Garnier BB Cream Classic is an all-in-one that hydrates with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, evens the appearance of skin tone, and provides SPF 15 protection, delivering a radiant, natural-looking finish. Its lightweight, blendable texture offers all-day hydration and a luminous glow, while correcting the visible signs of fatigue.
BB cream for mature skin
As our skin ages and changes, our makeup needs change, too. The recommended BB creams for mature skin are typically light in texture and more hydrating, which is ideal for mature skin that may be prone to dryness and fine lines where product can stick and accentuate.
L'Oréal Paris Magic BB Cream is an ideal match for mature skin, thanks to its intelligent, adaptive formula that’s packed with hydrating ingredients. Its lightweight texture helps smooths over fine lines and wrinkles, creating a seamless, natural finish that enhances the look of your skin without settling into creases.
How to apply your BB cream
Want tips for getting the best results from your BB cream? We've got you covered...
Priming: It’s all about that base. When it comes to choosing what primer to wear under your BB cream it all depends on your specific skin types or challenges when preparing skin for makeup. Whether you want to add more glow and luminosity, mattify, blur pores and imperfections or extend the wear of your look – there’s a perfect primer for you.
Application: It depends on the product and the level of coverage you want. Try using your hands for light coverage to begin. The warmth allows the product to melt into your skin naturally resulting in an even, glowy look. For higher coverage, use a wet beauty sponge or brush and apply in layers going over the areas you need to mask, like under eyes, on breakouts or around the nose. Consider using concealer for extra blurring of imperfections and finish with swipes of bronzer, blush and highlighter for an extra flawless finish.
Setting: Lock it in place with a spritz of setting spray or light powder to make sure your BB cream doesn’t shift during the day, and allow for touch ups where necessary.
Ready, set, go:
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BB creams feature nourishing ingredients like collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidant-rich vitamins to hydrate, plump, and improve the appearance of skin texture.
Alternatives to BB cream?
CC cream
CC cream is short for "colour corrective" or "colour control". Typically, it helps cover up uneven tone and hyperpigmentation with added ingredients that calm redness and promote radiance. When it comes to BB cream vs CC cream it depends on your needs and the specific product. Some CC creams have a lighter texture than BB creams, others are thicker and closer to foundation.
Whether you’re obsessed with skincare or not, you’ve probably heard of Embryolisse, the cult French pharmacy skincare brand whose less-is-more approach to beauty is taking over our social feeds. The Embryolisse CC Cream is your ultimate morning time saver. Created in collaboration with make-up artists, this unique CC cream combines so many products in one tube. It provides full coverage that instantly covers and blurs imperfections thanks to the ultra soft-focus, mineral pigments and light reflecting pearls to give skin a smooth, radiant finish that lasts all day.
Tinted moisturiser
It’s all in the name, moisturiser with a hint of tint. A perfect go between product when running errands and popping out of a quick coffee, tinted moisturiser adds a sheer coverage that makes you look like you’re not wearing any make-up but offers a lit from within glow. Kind of like you’ve just got back from a leisurely long holiday. Yes please!
Introducing the Nude By Nature Hydra Serum Tinted Skin Perfector. It’s a tinted serum designed to provide lightweight coverage while deeply hydrating the skin for a fresh, natural glow. We love it because it melts effortlessly into the skin, offering a radiant, sheer finish that enhances your complexion without feeling heavy or cakey. Its breathable formula smooths over imperfections, evens out skin tone, and lets your skin’s natural beauty shine through.
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Finding your perfect match...
Easy-to-use products that slash the time it takes to get ready in the morning get the tick of approval from us! Say it with us now, moisturise, protect, and correct. From brands like MCoBeauty and Maybelline, to Nude by Nature and more, find your perfect match in a BB cream at Chemist Warehouse in-store or online today.
References
[1] Neutrogena Australia. Hyaluronic acid benefits for skin. https://www.neutrogena.com.au/beauty-and-skin-care-tips/healthy-lifestyle/hyaluronic-acid-benefits-for-skin
[2] La Roche Posay Australia. Niacinamide benefits for skin. https://www.laroche-posay.com.au/blog/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-niacinamide.html
[3] Health Direct. Sunscreen.https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sunscreen
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent use and re-application in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.
