It wasn’t too long ago that BB creams blew up on the beauty scene as the must-have item to stash in your makeup bag. Now they’re staples in all of our skin care arsenals. But don’t think that you have to break the bank to reap the many benefits of this little wonder product — drugstore BB creams have you covered.
What does BB cream do?
Considering the fact that beauty balms (that’s what the BB in BB cream stands for, by the way) are powerhouse multitaskers that can act as everything from a primer and concealer to a moisturizer and sunblock, we can’t say we’re surprised that these products quickly became a staple in many a gal’s beauty routine. Since they deliver sheer coverage, they’re perfect for those days when you don’t want to bother breaking out the foundation. Plus, many boast anti-aging agents so while you’re blurring imperfections, you’re nurturing your skin, too.
What ingredients do the best BB creams have in common?
Sunscreen is the most obvious ingredient to look out for since you need to protect your skin year round. You also want to watch out for moisturizing and anti-aging benefits, like retinol and antioxidants. Make sure your best BB cream pick has a matte formula so it’ll help cut down on shine.
Can you find the best BB creams at the drugstore?
There are many quality drugstore BB creams on the market that perform just as well — if not better — than their more expensive counterparts. And whether your skin is dry, combination or oily, there’s a best drugstore BB cream for you.
Here are the 9 best drugstore BB creams.
- Neutrogena
- Burt’s Bees
- NYX Professional Makeup
- CoverGirl
- Maybelline
- Physicians Formula
- L’Oréal Paris
- Garnier
- Rimmel London
We scoured drugstore BB cream user reviews to see which balms got beauty babes buzzing. Here are their top picks.
[ Next: 20 Drugstore Beauty Products Makeup Artists Love ]
TB Best Drugstore BB Cream
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Neutrogena
Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector, $8.99 at Target
Neutrogena has made a name for itself by delivering products with added skin benefits. Add this one to the list of the best drugstore BB creams because the tinted moisturizer is enriched with retinol to smooth texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. The blendable formula provides sheer, lightweight coverage fortified with SPF 20 to protect your skin from further damage.
aroudiaa from Target: "I love the SPF in it because I have sensitive skin, just put moisturizer before applying and you’re good to go. No need for foundation."
ebeb from Target: "LOVE THIS moisturizer!!! I have been looking for something with lighter coverage than even a BB or CC cream, and this perfectly fits the bill! It moisturizes well, offers sun protection, and offers just the right amount of coverage (which, as I prefer, is minimal). You can't tell I'm even wearing makeup, but it makes my skin look really nice AND it perfectly matches my skin tone. (I'm so sick of my jawline and neck being two radically different colors.) Will continue to buy this!"
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Burt's Bees
BB Cream With SPF 15, $14.99 at Ulta Beauty
This is one of the best drugstore BB cream that is a must for winter. It conceals, smooths and perfects complexions and boasts noni plant essence, renowned for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. So it’s basically like getting makeup, lotion and anti-aging cream all in one. Reviewers couldn’t stop raving about its moisturizing power.
Jess from Ulta Beauty: "Personally, I love it. Great moisturizer and adds just enough color. Very natural."
Audrey from Ulta Beauty: "This product looks like my skin and feels like it, too. It makes my skin look moisturized and healthy. And the color works well for lighter complexions."
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NYX Professional Makeup
BB Cream, $12.99 at Ulta Beauty
If coverage is a concern, look no further. NYX devotees praise this product's ability to hide every bump and blemish. But don't think the fact that this best drugstore BB cream can mask imperfections means it's cakey; users also love it for its lightweight, hydrating feel.
Alisha from Ulta Beauty: "I've recently switched to this BB cream and it's a million times better than the one I was using! Matches my skin perfectly and provides so much more coverage. I'm amazed at how great this product works."
Bree from Ulta Beauty: "Full coverage, lightweight, blends well. I have fair skin, sensitive and redness. I don't need a foundation on top of this because it has enough coverage."
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CoverGirl
Smoothers BB Cream, $6.19 at Target
Claiming to offer 12 skin benefits in one tube, this lightweight moisturizer offers sheer coverage, sun protection and more. Users love how natural it looks, without feeling like you're wearing makeup.
Rachelga from Ulta Beauty: "I love how natural this product looks. It doesn't provide heavy coverage but if you want something that helps moisturize your skin and evens out tone this is the product for you. Easy to match skintone and blend."
Bevy from Ulta Beauty: "Has a light clean feel, not heavy like most makeups. Not a heavy coverage just enough to even out your skin tone, has UV protection, and lasts all day. If you need heavy coverage this is not for you, but for most of us it's going to work well. Gives a nice natural look."
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Maybelline
Dream Fresh BB 8-In-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector, $8.99 at Ulta Beauty
Plagued by dark circles? Reviewers suggest reaching for this drugstore BB cream on mornings you haven't managed to get your beauty rest. According to them, this lightweight formula will hide all evidence of under eye circles.
Surflove123 from Ulta Beauty: "I have pretty bad dark circles, but I also have an extremely dry and sensitive under eye area. I have tried many concealers, high-end and low-end and by the end of the day my skin just gets flaky and irritated, and taking it off feels like I'm removing a layer of my skin, just worsening my dark circles. However, I always find myself returning to this product because it's the ONLY product that doesn't have that effect! NEVER GOING BACK. If you are looking for just a little light, natural coverage to cover up dark circles, this product is perfect."
Irene from Ulta Beauty: "I have been using this product for a couple years now and I love it. I have a hard time finding makeup that matches my skin tone and this is just perfect and light for everyday."
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Physicians Formula
Super All-In-1 Beauty Balm Cream, $14.99 at Ulta Beauty
This best drugstore BB cream has won a place in reviewers' hearts because it primes, brightens, conceals and provides sun protection — all for under $15. Moreover, most users claim this multitasker has helped improve problem areas with regular use.
Cokezeroqueen from Ulta Beauty: "After receiving and emptying two samples, I sprung for the full size because my skin loves this BB. It has gotten clearer, softer and overall better looking since I began using. I have normal, acne-prone skin that does not do well under layers and layers of product. This combines sunscreen, moisturizer and primer all in one with just the right amount of coverage for me to wear to work."
WalkinDasher from Ulta Beauty: "It feels like a primer going on and I LOVE that it replaces the need for a moisturizer, sunscreen and primer. I HATE all those layers! It was quick, easy and felt like a dream! The time I saved made me feel like I could do the 3 minute make challenge!"
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Ulta
With almost 1000 reviews on Ulta.com, this house brand is a perennial best seller. And no wonder; it's sheer, moisturizing, oil-free and has a sun protection factor of 20.
BB Cream Beauty Balm SPF 20, $14 at Ulta
KissArmy from Ulta: "This is nice and lightweight. I usually do not like wearing foundation because it feels "heavy" but this is nice and light and makes my skin look great."
Beauty and a Beat from Ulta: "Impressed with the value especially at this price point. Great coverage and feels lightweight on my skin. Totally evened out my skin on the first application."
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L'Oréal Paris
Studio Secrets Magic Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream, $10.99 at Ulta Beauty
There's a reason this best drugstore BB Cream has been around for years: users love it. Encapsulated pigments instantly transform to your skin's perfect shade like — you guessed it — magic. Loaded with antioxidants, this BB helps hydrate and perfect skin for a flawless finish.
Ceci from Ulta Beauty: "Coverage is great for a BB cream! Don't be alarmed over the white color when you squeeze it out, it blends into your skin as soon as you start applying it. It's also easier to blend than foundation so it's absolutely perfect when you're trying to get ready quickly."
Katie from Ulta Beauty: "For a cheap BB cream, the coverage is amazing! I've used a bunch of different brands costing $30+ but always come back to this one."
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CoverGirl
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Garnier
Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream: Combination to Oily Skin, $12.99 at Ulta Beauty
Dealing with combination skin can be a total drag, since oily and dry skin often calls for the use of different products. Garnier promises to simplify your beauty routine with this BB cream that is made for those who have both patchy and oily complexions. Users are also fans of the fact that it helped improve the overall quality of their complexions.
Vnorm from Ulta Beauty: "I wore this BB cream a few years ago during the summer and decided to repurchase since I'm going on a cruise. I love the creamy texture and the fact that it has SPF! It's so easy to apply and perfectly evens out my skin tone. Basically it does everything a BB cream is supposed to and I plan on wearing it all spring and summer."
Kl1006 from Ulta Beauty: "I cannot say enough good things about this product. I've stopped using regular foundation altogether, and instead just use this every day. It stays matte throughout the day (and I have pretty oily skin), and gives AMAZING coverage for a BB cream. I have quite dark circles and a bit of hyperpigmentation from acne, and this does really well in covering both."
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Revlon
If you're seeking to create an I-woke-up-like-this look, Revlon's BB cream might fool everyone into thinking you have naturally radiant skin. Reviewers appreciate the naturally flawless finish that this product lends their skin and recommend it as the perfect alternative to ultra-heavy foundations.
Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream Skin Perfector, $11.99 at Ulta
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Rimmel London
BB Cream, $3.99 at Walgreens
Need to temper an oily T-zone? Then you might want to reach for this favorite drugstore BB cream among reviewers, who adore the long-lasting matte finish this Rimmel product provides.
Becca from Ulta Beauty: "I have been wanting to try BB cream for awhile now, and I'm so glad I picked this up! I have dry skin in the morning but as the day goes on, I get a bit oily, and this is so perfect. It brightens in the right areas and keeps me pretty matte without being too heavy. The first day I wore it I got so many compliments on how I looked like I was glowing - the girls at work thought I met a cute guy. This is light enough but has excellent coverage and I'm going to be buying this again and again."
Lauren from Ulta Beauty: "I purchased this the other day and was quite pleased with how it turned out. It brightened my face and covered blemishes; which was absolutely great! It's perfect for a natural makeup look or a sick day even!"
