With the rising popularity of BB creams in both department stores and drugstores, you have to ask, What’s the big deal? A BB cream (short for Blemish Balm) lies somewhere between foundation and tinted moisturizer, claiming to be an all-in-one product for hydration, protection, priming, concealing, and even treatment. With promises like this, it’s no wonder everyone’s going crazy for BB!

So many different BB creams have hit the market, so which is going to be right for you? We’re here to help!

1. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

About: This Sephora exclusive touts buildable coverage that evens out your skin tone and creates a flowing effect using light-reflecting emollients and pearl pigments. $39.00 USD.

Selection: It is sold in 5 shades, Fair, Light, Light/Medium, Medium, and Dark.

Love: This product offers more SPF protection than many of its competitors. Also, it’s cruelty-free!

Hate: “Dark” is the deepest shade offered, and it isn’t very dark at all. Additionally, there are mixed reviews about the product’s tint (too orange, too yellow?) so I recommend testing in-stores. See more!

2. Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++

About: This high SPF one-step balm claims to perfect the skin while protecting it from harsh environmental factors. Currently, it is the highest rated BB cream on Sephora, next to Jart+’s very own Black Label Detox Beauty Balm. This product is free of sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, and triclosan. $39.00 USD.

Selection: This only comes in one shade, which claims to be a self-adjusting, universal shade.

Love: Dries on the skin quickly and offers the “no-makeup makeup look.”

Hate:  Since it has higher SPF, some claim it’s oilier than others. Also, it’s not paraben-free. See more!

3. Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30

About: Lightweight and oil-free, this BB cream boasts anti-aging antioxidants that will reduce the look of fine lines, to leave the skin looking dewy and never oily. $37.00 USD.

Selection: 3 shades: 01 very fair (pink undertone), 02 very fair to moderately fair (golden undertone), 03 moderately fair to medium (golden undertone)

Love: It’s lightweight and the majority of users say it has a natural-looking finish.

Hate:  Limited selection with only one pink undertone shade, and only offers up to medium color. See more!

 4. Lancôme RÉNERGIE ÉCLAT MULTI-LIFT Multi-Action Tinted Skincare Illuminate

About: This high-nd BB cream claims to be more than a BB cream. It claims to moisturize, lift, illuminate, and instantly even your skin tone. $75.00 USD.

Selection: Shade 1, Sand (for fair/rosy skin, tones down redness), Shade 2, Golden (for fair/beige skin, neutrilizes), Shade 3, Bronze 1 (for golden/beige skin, illuminates olive tones), Shade 4, Bronze 2 (for golden/dark skin, awakens grey tones)

Love it: Lightweight, sheer coverage.

Hate it:  High price point and slightly oily. Reviewers debate the “lifting” and “firming” claims. See more!

5. Boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++

About: This oil-free cream is designed to repair skin damage and protect the skin from future damage while it hydrating, firming and soothing the skin. $38.00 USD.

Selection: Similar to the Jart+ BB cream, this product offers one shade that is a self-adjusting, universal color.

Love it: The majority of users say it is lightweight and natural looking

Hate it:  Many fair-skinned beauties claim that the “universal” shade is not so universal. See more!

6. Dr. Brandt Flexitone™ BB Cream

About: Dr. Brandt Flexitone is free of the same chemicals that Jart+ has done away with, but this product is also paraben-free! $39.00 USD.

Selection: One universal shade that claims to adjust to not only skin tone, but also various textures and skin types.

Love it/Hate it: The jury is still out on this cream! With only a few dozen reviews, there doesn’t seem to be much of a consensus on the product’s attributes. See more!

What BB creams have you tried? Do you love BB, or would you rather stick with regular foundation? Leave us a comment and share your thoughts!

Reader submission by Kelsey Reddick
Visit her blog, The Girl Talks.