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Ready to break up—or take a break from—full-coverage foundations? The best BB creams and CC creams offer ample hydration and sheer, buildable coverage for a second-skin-like finish. There are differences between both formulations (which we’ll get to below), but at their core, both BB and CC creams provide blemish-concealing coverage and infuse skin care (hi, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and SPF!) into your makeup routine. Effectively, you’re getting the best of both worlds—what could be better than that?
Our Top Picks
- Best BB Cream or CC Cream Overall: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream, $47
- Largest Shade Range: Kosas BB Burst, $38
- Dewiest Finish: Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream, $38
- Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Jart+ BB Premium Beauty Balm, $48
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Supergoop CC Screen SPF 50, $44
- Best for Redness: Erborian CC Red Correct, $46
- Best Sheer Finish: Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer, $42
- Fullest Coverage: One/Size Turn Up the Base Blurring Foundation, $35
- Best for Mature Skin: Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30, $44
Though they’ve been around for decades, many of these makeup-skin care hybrids have found their way back to virality—or, in the case of IT Cosmetics’ famed product, never left the spotlight. We tapped our team of full-time beauty lovers and a few professional makeup artists to find the best BB and CC creams to make you look like you're glowing from within.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the difference between BB creams and CC creams?
- How do I apply BB and CC creams?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best BB Cream or CC Cream Overall: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 50+
Why it’s worth it: There's a reason IT Cosmetics' Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream won a Readers' Choice Award three years in a row. Aside from a heaping of broad-spectrum SPF 50, the ingredients list of this product is stacked with nourishing additives. This skin-loving cocktail contains—ahem—collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, and antioxidant-rich vitamins A, B, C, and E, all of which work in tandem to hydrate, plump, and improve skin texture over time. It’s no wonder why makeup artists such as Neil Scibelli and Brielle Pollara consider this the gold standard of BB and CC creams. “The CC+ Full coverage foundation SPF 50+ truly corrects any uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and redness, and also blurs pores—while still leaving a natural finish on the skin,” attests Scibelli.
Tester feedback: “The coverage of this CC cream cannot be matched,” says senior audience director Lexi Herrick. “As someone who still fights active breakouts, this cream provides amazing coverage for all blemishes, dark spots, and scars.” “It brightens my whole face, lasts all day long and the SPF is perfect for long summer days when you need coverage and extra protection.” (Friendly reminder: You need to wear sunscreen all year round, not just during the summer.)
Key ingredients: titanium dioxide (9%), zinc oxide (6.3%), niacinamide, collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E | Finish: natural | Shade count: 22
Largest Shade Range: Kosas BB Burst
Why it’s worth it: No more mixing shades to find your perfect match, because the Kosas BB Burst has an extensive 24-shade lineup. (This number may seem low in comparison to traditional foundations, but most BB creams on the market have around 10 shades or less.) Our editors love this BB cream for its smooth, barely-there feel, which is due to a hydrating duo of humectants sodium PCA and saccharide isomerate, a hydrator derived from sugar moelcules. As a bonus, Kosas’s BB cream is infused with copper peptides to promote skin elasticity and zinc for its redness-neutralizing properties.
Tester feedback: “This formula is the definition of weightless—if I don't apply it using a mirror, I truly question whether I put it on or not,” says shopping director Shanna Shipin. “It can be a little tricky getting the undertones just so, but once you've found the perfect color, it's Second Skin City. Truly imperceptible coverage that blends easily and wears ridiculously comfortably. It's my ideal summer skin tint.”
Key ingredients: copper peptides, zinc, sodium PCA, saccharide isomerate | Finish: natural/semi-dewy | Shades: 24
Dewiest Finish: Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream SPF 30
Why it’s worth it: The CCC Cream from Cle Cosmetics combines the best aspects of BB and CC creams into one do-it-all formula. This broad-spectrum SPF 50 skin tint hydrates and nourishes skin with an impressive blend of hyaluronic acid and glycerin, a humectant that attracts water. To even out your complexion, this CC cream contains microcapsulated pigments that burst and spread to provide seamlessly blendable medium coverage. Just make sure you spend time blending this formula out, as it comes out white straight from the tube.
Tester feedback: “For the past five years, not a single complexion product has swayed me from Cle's CCC Cream, and I'll tell you why: it requires zero effort whatsoever,” says senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen. “I can just squeeze a pea-sized amount onto my fingers and slather it onto my face without care and still get a glowing, even, my-skin-but-better result. It sinks in like a skin-care product—and has the ingredients to match—so it never creases, smudges, or cakes.”
Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide (9.19%), octinoxate (7%), octisalate (3%), Micro Capsule Technology, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E | Finish: dewy | Shades: 12
More BB creams and CC creams we love:
Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Jart+ BB Premium Beauty Balm SPF 40
Why it’s worth it: Dr. Jart+’s BB Premium Beauty Balm was one of the first Korean skin-care products, period, to hit Sephora shelves and one of the trend-sparkers for the BB cream wave in the early 2010s. Let us review the reasons why this breathable formula has withstood the test of time. First, it's designed to address hyperpigmentation—soy, licorice, vitamin C, niacinamide, and arbutin are discoloration-fading superstars, and broad-spectrum SPF 40 provides extra protection against new dark spots forming. (As with all SPF-spiked makeup—even if it's above SPF 30—we always recommend wearing a standalone sunscreen underneath.) This formula also makes skin look smoother with the help of adenosine, a sugar molecule that speeds up cell renewal, which is why this is one of Jamie Dorman's (a New York City-based makeup artist) go-to BB creams.
Tester feedback: “During my first-ever Sephora run in high school, my mom allowed me to get two items and this was one of them," says commerce editor Sarah Han “For someone who had yet to try base makeup, I figured a BB cream was the best introduction. While the formula has probably been tweaked throughout the years, Dr. Jart+'s Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer still holds strong.” “Most days, I only wear concealer, but if I'm looking to even out my entire complexion, this formula has just enough coverage while still looking like my skin. Plus, ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide lend a healthy glow.”
Key ingredients: octinoxate (6.8%), octisalate (4.5%), titanium dioxide (4.8%) zinc oxide (5%), niacinamide (2%), glycerin (5%), soy extract, licorice root extract, vitamin C, arbutin, adenosine | Finish: natural/semi-dewy | Shades: 4
Best for Sensitive Skin: Supergoop CC Screen SPF 50
Why it’s worth it: Many BB creams provide sun protection, but no one does sunscreen-infused makeup better than Supergoop, hence our love for the brand’s CC Screen SPF 50. On top of its broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection against harsh UV rays, bi-coastal makeup artist Tomy Rivero shouts out this sunscreen/complexion base multitasker. “It’s amazing under makeup for color correction and sun protection,” he says.
Editor's tip: This BB cream features 100% mineral-based UV blockers, which can leave behind a chalky finish on deeper skin tones. If you prefer a totally transparent finish (and don't mind chemical-based UV filters), try Supergoop's Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50.
Key ingredients: titanium dioxide (4%), zinc oxide (20%), hyaluronic acid, apple extract, glycerin | Finish: natural/semi-dewy | Shades: 14
Best for Redness: Erborian CC Red Correct SPF 25
Why it’s worth it: The CC Red Correct, a moisturizing tint from Korean-French brand Erborian, is a creamy, redness-neutralizing option for days when acne, rosacea, or a random flush kicks in. “The CC Red Correct's green formula is even great for spot-treating breakouts and dark spots,” associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen said in her review of this CC cream. "Most days when I wear it, I don't even need concealer, which just goes to show that this stuff is legit."
This Allure Best of Beauty Award winner provides light-to-medium, radiant coverage and is infused with Centella asiatica extract, a soothing, irritation-reducing ingredient. Since the SPF coverage is less than 30, be sure to apply sunscreen beforehand.
Key ingredients: octinoxate (6%), octisalate (2%), titanium dioxide (2.34%), zinc oxide (3.84%), Centella asiatica extract | Finish: radiant | Shades: 1
Best Sheer Finish: Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer
Why it’s worth it: The beauty of Tarte’s Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer is in its totally buildable finish. You can easily sheer this product out for a barely-there finish or pile it on as you please without fear of looking cakey, which is why Scibelli loves it so much. “It's super sheer and leaves a gorgeous dewy glow on the skin with very finely milled light-reflecting pigments,” he explains. Scibelli also shouts out its antioxidant-rich formulation, which helps skin look plumper and brighter with each wear. To keep mid-day greasiness at bay, this dewy-finish BB cream also contains Amazonian clay to absorb oil and mineral-based pigments to create a filter-esque blur.
Editor’s tip: For fuller coverage, this BB cream can be layered with a sponge, foundation brush, or your fingers. Allow the formula to set and dry before layering to prevent streaky results.
Key ingredients: titanium dioxide (5%), zinc oxide (5%), Amazonian clay, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, chamomile extract, mineral-based pigments | Finish: natural/demi-matte | Shades: 7
Fullest Coverage: One/Size Turn Up the Base Blurring Foundation
Why it’s worth it: If you’re a medium-to-full-coverage person, One/Size’s Turn Up the Base BBB Cream deserves a spot on your vanity. Though it’s a BB(B) cream by name, it provides the blemish-concealing properties you know and love from classic foundation formulas. Unlike dewier formulas on the market, this cream has a matte finish à la oil-absorbing Japanese white rose stem cells. Fear not, it doesn’t skimp on moisture—because, yes, oily skin still needs moisture, in part to curb oil production—thanks to its tag team of avocado oil and mango butter.
Editor’s tip: For the best no-pilling results, One/Size recommends using a water-based primer or moisturizer before applying this BB cream. We like One/Size’s Secure the Glow Tacky Hydrating Primer for a firm, long-lasting grip.
Key ingredients: avocado oil, mango butter, Japanese white rose stem cells | Finish: matte | Shades: 18
Best for Mature Skin: Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Why it’s worth it: Most BB and CC creams have the texture of tinted moisturizers, but the Moisture Surge CC Cream by Clinique feels more like a lightweight foundation. This oil- and fragrance-free CC cream color-corrects redness, dullness, and sallowness with its mix of soothing aloe vera extract, anti-inflammatory caffeine, and moisturizing squalane. It’s basically a tinted cocktail that diminishes the look of fine lines and discoloration, which is why Pollara is a big fan. “This lightweight formula provides just enough coverage to mask any imperfections,” she says. “Formulated with antioxidants, this product protects the skin and prevents signs of aging and skin damage.”
Editor’s tip: For lighter coverage, Clinique suggests spot-applying the CC Cream where skin looks red or dull. For fuller coverage, wear it as a skin-blurring tinted primer under your usual foundation.
Key ingredients: octinoxate (7.5%), octisalate (5%), titanium dioxide (5.2%), zinc oxide (3.2%), aloe vera extract, caffeine, squalane | Finish: natural/semi-dewy | Shades: 4
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between BB creams and CC creams?
BB and CC creams have many similarities: radiant finishes, moisturizing ingredients, and often, broad-spectrum sun protection, but they’re two different products. According to makeup artists Neil Scibelli, Brianna Pollara, and Tomy Rivero, CC creams are designed to color-correct (CC stands for "color correct," after all) discoloration, redness, and sallowness, while BB creams “are a form of a lighter-weight foundation with skin-care benefits, usually light in coverage for a barely-there, ‘no makeup’ look,” says Rivero. While BB creams are mainly for anyone who wants low-maintenance, dewy coverage, Scibelli says that CC creams are great for someone who's looking to neutralize redness, cover sunspots, or smooth uneven skin tone. “CC creams typically contain more pigment for buildable coverage,” he says.
"A BB cream, which usually stands for a beauty balm, is a multiuse product that acts as a primer, foundation, moisturizer, and sunscreen," explains Los Angeles-based makeup artist Brandy Allen. In addition to hydrating and evening skin tones, BB creams treat your skin to hydrating, brightening, blemish-eviscerating, and fine-line-filling ingredients like antioxidant vitamin C, according to Dorman.
How do I apply BB and CC creams?
As if BB creams and CC creams didn't have enough benefits, both are also extremely easy to apply. Both Allen and Dorman agree that you can use just about any of your favorite tools to smooth these effortless formulas onto your skin—even if said tool is your hand. "You can use a sponge, foundation brush, or your fingers, and gently dab the product for a natural, skin-like finish," says Allen.
Meet the experts
- Neil Scibelli, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Brielle Pollara, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Jamie Dorman, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Tomy Rivero, a bi-coastal makeup artist
- Brandy Allen, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best BB and CC creams, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and [TK experts you interviewed for the piece] to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Get back to basics with more of our favorite base makeup:
- Lock in Your Look With These Star-Status Face Primers
- The Undereye Concealers Allure Editors Swear By
- 19 Best Setting Powders for Shine-Free Makeup Looks
Now, watch Ariana Greenblatt's 10-minute everyday contour routine:
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