We all have different skin types, therefore we all want different things from our makeup. That said, there's a lot we have in common; who doesn't want a quick, easy-to-apply base with added skincare benefits? With all of the BB and CC creams on the market today, there really is something for everyone - you just have to find it. Here are my top picks for each skin type.
1. Dry Skin:
I chose Maybelline's Dream Fresh 8-In-1 Beauty Balm with SPF 30. While this has been called out for its lack of coverage, I still think it's a wonderful BB cream pick. It does, in fact, have some coverage; it's just very light, fresh, and natural. It's perfect for dry skin because of the thin, slightly watery consistency - it's moisturising and won't cling to any dry patches. Plus, this works beautifully over a day cream for times when you need an extra boost of hydration. This only takes seconds to apply, but it creates a your-skin-but-better look that can really help brighten, even skin tone, and hide imperfections. It leaves a dewy (not greasy) finish. Not only does Dream Fresh BB Cream contain skin-protecting SPF, it's also free of oils and harsh ingredients. That's a must for dry skin, which can be extra sensitive and prone to irritation. When my face had been peeling and patchy with dryness and I couldn't even think about using foundation, this saved the day. The smooth texture glides over any problem areas. If you have severe redness, blemishes, or acne scarring, apply a little concealer over the BB cream for a perfected look.
Available: At drugstore and department stores across North America.
Shade Range: Currently, 5 shades are available. While that's not a huge selection, it's fairly easy to find something that works for your skintone as the coverage is light and natural.
2. Normal Skin:
My pick for normal skin is Stila's Stay All Day 10-in-1 Beauty Balm. You really can't beat a multi-tasker like this. This product has a thin consistency and applies really easily, allowing for a quick application in the morning before school or work. It leaves a soft, powder-like finish once it's set. The formula helps to perfect already good skin, by addressing common issues: it helps to reduce pore size, balance oil, control blemishes, and reduce wrinkle depth and appearance. Stila's Beauty Balm also features a complex that aids in reducing redness and irritation, so this should be easy on more sensitive skin. Just like the Maybelline cream, it's oil and paraben free, too. If your skin is already pretty balanced and normal, this should be great for perfecting it while keeping a natural, fresh look. Coverage is fairly minimal, so you'll need concealer to cover any major skin issues. That said, I definitely notice a difference when I apply this - and the skincare benefits make it a must-have.
Available: Directly from Stila, or at stores such as Sephora, Ulta, or Shopper's Drug Mart.
Shade Range: Unfortunately, this only comes in one shade. That said, it's extremely adaptable and the light/medium colour will work for many skin tones. However, those with very pale or dark skin may have issues with the product. That's probably the biggest downside of an otherwise wonderful base.
3. Combination Skin:
For those with combination skin, I chose Gosh CC Cream Illuminating Foundation. Don't let the confusing name fool you! You're probably thinking: So, is this a CC cream or a foundation? And illuminating - doesn't that mean oily, dewy, or glittery? In this case, I don't care what they call it - this product is my HG base. It's absolutely not greasy (it's actually oil-free and has a fairly thin, yet slightly creamy consistency) and I promise you that it's free of glitter or sparkles. The 'illuminating' aspect probably comes in with the way that it brightens your skin beautifully (it contains light-reflecting pigments), while being hydrating enough to use over dry patches, yet matte enough for oilier days. The wear-time is impressive (I get nearly 8 hours set with powder) and the coverage is awesome. I'd still call it light, but it's definitely buildable to medium and provides more coverage than a typical North American BB or CC cream. That's perfect, because those with oily patches often deal with issues like blemishes and acne scars, which can be difficult to cover with other bases sometimes. You'll probably still need a little concealer, but I can apply this with my fingers in under a minute and be good to go if I'm in a rush. It also contains SPF 10 for sun protection.
Available: Directly from Gosh, at Superdrug or Shopper's Drug Mart.
Shade Range: I'm so impressed! While this only comes in four different colours, each one is unique and adaptable. Also, their shade "Porcelain (01)" is much, much lighter than the palest shade in most ranges for BB and CC creams; if you've been having trouble finding something light enough, this might be just what you've been looking for.
4. Oily Skin:
What's better than a BB cream designed specifically for your skin type? If oiliness has made it difficult for you to wear BB or CC creams in the past (too dewy/moisturising, not enough coverage), Garnier's Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector for Combination to Oily Skin might be just what you're looking for. The consistency of this product is quite thin, and it has more of a gel feel - it's definitely not rich or creamy. That allows it to provide flattering, lightly hydrating coverage that works well on skin with blemishes or acne scars. The best part? This is the most pigmented BB cream I've ever tried - it's just as easy to apply and blend out as others, but you're left with buildable medium coverage that easily conceals redness and acne. Because the product is a BB cream, not a foundation, it looks much more natural and less heavy than typical bases designed for oily skin. It has an impressive wear time and doesn't fade throughout the day, even in high heat. It also helps to control oil, minimize pore size, and even skin tone. This is truly a miracle for product for those with super oily skin who still want to be able to grab something quickly, apply it within a couple minutes, and get a few added skincare benefits too.
Available: At drugstore and department stores across North America.
Shade Range: The BB Cream comes in two universal shades, light/medium and medium/dark. While having just two shades isn't ideal, most people will be able to make one work - it's those with very pale or dark skin who might have trouble getting a match. In that case, I'd recommend mixing in a lighter or darker BB cream to adjust the colour. With a formula as great as this one, it's worth it.
Hopefully you guys enjoyed this post and got a few ideas about new BB or CC creams to try! I know it can be discouraging when you're trying to find the right formula for your skin type, especially when you have to worry about getting a shade match on top of that. Look for formulas that are targeted specifically for your skin type, and keep checking back for new shade options - many brands will expand their shade range once they know that the product is selling.
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