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How to Use BB Cream: Step-By-Step Guide & Top Product Picks

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Read about BB creams, your ultimate multitasking beauty hero! From hydrating and brightening to providing flawless coverage with SPF protection, these skin-loving wonders simplify your routine while keeping you radiant.
How to Use BB Cream: Step-By-Step Guide & Top Product Picks

There we said it: Foundation does get a bad rep for making your face look dry and cakey. But we all deserve a good skin day without looking overdone. Enter: BB cream. Ideal for those who are not seeking the perfect porcelain skin but a natural, dewy finish that conceals spots to an extent – enough to still embrace their freckles. We call it a beauty powerhouse because it’s a classic example of a bevy of benefits rolled into one tube.

Fun fact: The BB cream was first developed in Germany as a substitute coverage cream for foundation to be used by patients who had undergone intense skin treatments and needed a formula that wouldn’t further irritate their skin. Post that it has remained a mainstay beauty product. Read on to hop on the BB bandwagon.

What Is A BB Cream

BB cream, short for ‘blemish base’ or ‘blemish balm’ is an alternative to heavy-duty foundation that provides a light skin coverage. Here’s why it’s a multipurpose product: It offers a makeup base like a primer, hydrates your skin like your moisturiser, conceals small spots like a concealer, soothes inflamed skin like your day cream, protects against sun damage like your sunscreen and overall livens up dull complexion. What we’re basically saying is that you can toss away your foundation, concealer, moisturiser and sunscreen and still manage to look gorgeous with the one-and-done BB cream. P.S. Remember this the next time you are asked the ‘stranded on an island with just three things to take’ question.

Benefits Of Using BB Cream

If effortless beauty is more your vibe, BB cream is your new best friend. Skincare and makeup had a smart baby, let's be honest, moisturising, evening out the skin tone, and providing you with that lit-from-within glow. Ready to learn how to use BB cream for a super-smooth finish? First, it's a time-saver. No layers of primer, foundation, and SPF necessary BB cream cover all that. Unsure how to put BB cream on? Dot it on and blend with your fingers or a sponge for a natural, dewy finish.

Need light coverage without clogging pores? BB cream's got your back. If you've been wondering, “How do I put on BB cream?” no worries! A little bit goes a long way, so begin with a small amount and layer up. And the good news? It's great for daily wear. If you're curious about how to wear BB cream in a casual setting, simply set it with powder or let your skin breathe.

Tips For Applying BB Cream

Desire that radiant, effortless sheen? It's simpler than you imagine to master how to apply BB cream. First things first, less is more. If you're asking yourself how to use BB cream, begin with a pea-sized amount and dot it all over your face. How do I use BB cream for a natural finish? Blend it out using your fingers for warmth or a damp sponge for a smooth finish.

For long-lasting wear, set it with a light dusting of powder. If you’re curious how to wear BB cream for a dewy vibe, skip the powder and let your skin shine.

When To Use A BB Cream

When you are looking for a natural-looking coverage to even out your skin tone and a tinted glow to perk up your complexion, reach out for the BB cream. It’s especially perfect for times when you don’t want your face to feel weighed down by a thick foundation.

How To Use A BB Cream

Step 1: Squeeze a minuscule drop (think: pea-sized) of BB cream onto the back of your hand. Don't overdo it less is more!

Step 2: Using your ring finger, very lightly tap into that teeny little pool of magic and dot it in a strategic way across your face forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Keep it to a minimum for that fresh, barely-there glow.

Step 3: Time to blend! Pick up a wet makeup sponge and, beginning on your forehead, gently buff the cream outwards. Imagine feather-light strokes gliding towards your cheeks, nose, and chin for that smooth, second-skin finish.

Step 4: Admire your naturally radiant base, then go ahead and layer on the rest of your makeup magic whether it’s a swipe of mascara, a touch of blush, or a bold lip. And voilà! You’re ready to take on the day with an effortlessly flawless face.

Best BB Creams

Finding a formula that works for your skin can be a task. Here’s a list of our favourite picks organized by skin types and tones.

BB Creams For Different Skin Types

1. BB cream for oily skin type: Oshea Herbals 9-In-1 Mattifying Instant Glow BB Cream

Oshea Herbals 9-In-1 Mattifying Instant Glow BB Cream - 001 Ivory Fair
★ 4.2 (15)
Oshea Herbals
9-In-1 Mattifying Instant Glow BB Cream - 001 Ivory Fair
30g
₹244  ₹325  25% off
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Knock three steps out in one during your makeup routine with the Oshea Herbals 9-In-1 Mattifying Instant Glow BB Cream. It offers buildable coverage, 24-hour hydration and sun defence while simultaneously imparting a natural radiance. Not only that, it promises a matte finish which makes it perfect for anyone looking for a non-greasy formula that won’t cause breakouts. Definitely considering switching from your regular foundation to this.

2. BB cream for combination skin type: SUGAR Goddess Of Flawless SPF30+ BB Cream

SUGAR Goddess Of Flawless BB Cream-Long Lasting, Lightweight - 07 Vanilla Latte (Fair)
★ 4.3 (2427)
SUGAR
Goddess Of Flawless BB Cream-Long Lasting, Lightweight - 07 Vanilla Latte (Fair)
25ml
₹419  ₹699  40% off
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Seeking a dual-action formula that is mattifying and hydrating? SUGAR Goddess Of Flawless SPF30+ BB Cream fits the bill perfectly. It’s a perfect match for combination skin types who need an extra hand to achieve sheer, long-lasting coverage. Free from parabens and mineral oil, it sinks into the skin to instantly even out skin tone whilst hydrating any dry patches. Plus, it won’t let the UVA/UVB rays sneak into your skin thanks to its SP-infused formula.

3. BB cream for dry skin type: The Derma Co 2% Niacinamide Hydrating BB Cream With 1% Hyaluronic Acid & Aquaxyl - 01 Ivory

The Derma Co 2% Niacinamide Hydrating BB Cream With 1% Hyaluronic Acid & Aquaxyl - 01 Ivory
★ 3.8 (1972)
The Derma Co
2% Niacinamide Hydrating BB Cream With 1% Hyaluronic Acid & Aquaxyl - 01 Ivory
30 g
₹359  ₹399  10% off
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If dryness is making you second-guess BB creams, think again! Derma Co 2% Niacinamide Hydrating BB Cream is the perfect combination of skincare and makeup, leaving you with a flawless finish with skin-friendly advantages. With the power of Niacinamide, it illuminates, evens out tone, and gets rid of dark spots without the redness. Hyaluronic Acid and Aquaxyl keep skin hydrated, healthy, and radiant. With SPF 30 and three stunning shades, this beauty staple moisturises, guards, and enhances.

4. BB cream for sensitive skin type: Thank You Farmer Korean CC Cream SPF30 PA++ - with Niacinamide, 3-in-1 Primer, Skin Tint & Sunscreen

Thank You Farmer Korean CC Cream SPF30 PA++ - with Niacinamide, 3-in-1 Primer, Skin Tint & Sunscreen
★ 3.7 (29)
Thank You Farmer
Korean CC Cream SPF30 PA++ - with Niacinamide, 3-in-1 Primer, Skin Tint & Sunscreen
40ml
₹2719 
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Although the packaging doesn't shout "sensitive skin hero," Thank You Farmer Korean CC Cream is an under-the-radar gem for sensitive skin types. Why, you ask? Topped with micro-pearls, it hits the light at just the right angle, creating a soft, lit-from-within glow. Hydrating to the core, it makes your skin wonderfully plump and dewy. The dream team Vitamin E and shea butter spells magic for a shiny, youthful look, and Niacinamide intervenes to brighten and diminish unwanted dark spots. And Adenosine, the best-kept secret to ironing out fine lines and enhancing that radiance from within. The end result? A fresh, blemish-free complexion that adores your skin as much as you do!

5. BB cream for normal skin type: Garnier Skin Naturals BB Cream SPF 24/PA+++

Garnier Skin Naturals Vitamin C BB Cream SPF 24/PA+++
★ 4.3 (14870)
Garnier
Skin Naturals Vitamin C BB Cream SPF 24/PA+++
30g
₹275 
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If you’re heading out bare-faced and need just that subtle hit of coverage, you can absolutely count on the Garnier Skin Naturals BB Cream SPF 24/PA+++. Why? Just a teeny-tiny bit of this cream works at moisturising, protecting, brightening and clarifying your skin in a jiffy. While it evens out skin tone, it also contains minerals that combat dullness induced by free radical damage – this means glowy skin in the long run.

BB Creams For Different Skin Tones

1. BB cream for dusky skin tone: Mamaearth Glow Serum BB Cream

Mamaearth Glow Serum BB Cream
★ 3.9 (1588)
Mamaearth
Glow Serum BB Cream
25 g
₹306  ₹329  7% off
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Unlike its other peers, the Mamaearth Glow Serum BB Cream is a do-it-all wonder doesn't only color your skin; it moisturises, covers up, and guards against the sun with SPF 30. Packed with Vitamin C for radiance and Turmeric for a natural, warm glow, it makes your skin shine and even-toned. Its serum-textured formula glides in effortlessly no cakiness, no hassle. Lightweight but super-nourishing, it's your go-to everyday glow-up, anywhere, anytime.

2. BB cream for wheatish skin tone: Nykaa SKINgenius BB Cream SPF30 - Spiced Cinnamon 04

Nykaa Skingenius All in One BB Cream + Skin Tint - Soft Beige - 02
★ 3.7 (16415)
Nykaa Cosmetics
Nykaa Skingenius All in One BB Cream + Skin Tint - Soft Beige - 02
30g
₹175  ₹349  50% off
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How about a BB cream for your skin that corrects, hydrates, repairs, and protect, you get the gist? Sure, sounds like a dream but we’ve found the one that has fulfilled these demands reasonably well! Nykaa SKINgenius BB Cream SPF30 tailored for medium skin tone is a multi-function cream that saves your skin from sun damage, evens out your complexion, moisturises, slows ageing and imparts an unmissable glow. Plus, it’s enriched with nourishing extracts of Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Cucumber and Jojoba and still feels absolutely weightless.

3. BB cream for fair skin tone: L.A. Girl HD PRO BB Cream - Light

L.A. Girl HD PRO BB Cream - Light
★ 4.3 (1132)
L.A. Girl
HD PRO BB Cream - Light
30ml
₹680  ₹850  20% off
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Do you know what would be better than a mere BB cream? A colour-correcting formula that is also replete with anti-ageing ingredients to gradually knock years off your face with every use. The L.A. Girl HD PRO BB Cream a skin-perfecting phenomenon that primes, moisturises, and smooths out your skin in one effortless step. Formulated with Vitamins B3, C, and E, it feeds your skin while imparting a smooth, lightweight finish. In eight versatile shades, it's your key to a glowing, flawless complexion.

Key Takeaways

BB creams are the ultimate combination of makeup and skincare, providing you with that effortless, lit-from-within glow without all the effort. Whether you require hydration, coverage, or protection from the sun, these do-it-all products have your back literally! So, whether you're running out the door or rocking a no-makeup makeup look, a great BB cream is your beauty bestie.

FAQs On BB Creams

  1. What is the use of BB cream

    BB cream is like a makeup base that also offers skincare benefits, such as hydration, SPF protection, and glow. If you don’t want to weigh down your face with multiple products, such as primer, foundation, concealer, moisturiser and sunscreen, you can simply opt for the lightweight alternative – BB cream. A few BB creams also go the extra mile and help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, minimise pores, combat ageing, and impart a natural glow. You can apply it as your makeup base before the primer or even use it as a standalone product.

  2. Recommend BB creams for different skin concerns.

    1. BB cream for anti-ageing benefits: Dermafique Age Defying BB Crème
    2. BB cream for wrinkles: Olay Total Effects 7 In One Touch Of Foundation BB Cream Day SPF 15
    3. BB cream for dullness: MARS Lightweight BB Cream Foundation
  3. I am currently dealing with acne and pimples on my skin so I would like to take a break from heavy foundations. Kindly suggest the best BB creams for acne-prone skin.

    1. Inveda BB Cream 8 In 1 With Magnolia & Almond SPF 20
    2. Colorbar Perfect Match BB Cream
    3. Blue Heaven BB Cream
  4. What are the best BB creams for oily skin?

    1. Colorbar Perfect Match BB Balm SPF 20
    2. Pilgrim BB Cream with SPF 50 PA++++ Instant Spot Coverage
    3. Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF42/PA+++ [No.25]
  5. Recommend the best BB creams for dry skin.

    1. GLAM21 Color Match BB Foundation SPF 15
    2. Coloressence True Tone BB Cream
    3. L.A. Girl HD PRO BB Cream
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