BB cream stands for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm.” It’s a hybrid product that blends skincare and make-up benefits, typically offering hydration, light-to-medium coverage, soothing ingredients and often sun protection in one formula.
Unlike foundation, which focuses primarily on coverage and finish, BB cream is about achieving a more natural look while caring for your skin. It smooths and evens out your complexion and adds a healthy-looking glow without the weight or feel of traditional base make-up.

One of the few disadvantages of BB cream is that it tends to come in fewer shades than foundation. However, because the coverage is typically more sheer and blendable, each shade can often adapt to a range of skin tones. It’s quicker to apply, too – you can use your fingers, a sponge or a make-up brush for BB cream for a more polished result.

You might also be wondering about the difference between BB cream vs CC cream. CC creams (short for “colour correctors”) also offer skincare benefits and are lighter than foundation, but they’re more targeted toward evening the skin complexion and minimising concerns like redness or hyperpigmentation. While CC creams can be layered under foundation for added colour correction, BB creams are a great all-in-one choice if you want hydration, glow and a more even skin tone in a single step.

BB creams and tinted moisturisers have a lot in common. Both offer a lightweight, breathable texture, sheer coverage and a natural finish. They’re ideal for days when you want your skin to look radiant and even, without the feel of full make-up.

So, is BB cream a tinted moisturiser, or is there a difference? While they feel similar on the skin, their formulas serve slightly different purposes. Tinted moisturisers focus mainly on hydration with a touch of colour – perfect for keeping skin soft and comfortable throughout the day. BB creams, however, tend to offer slightly more coverage – enough to visibly blur minor blemishes and even out tone. Thanks to their smoothing texture and skin-loving ingredients, BB creams can also be used as a primer, creating a more even canvas under foundation if you want to build coverage.

So, how do you choose between them? It all depends on your skin’s needs and the finish you’re looking for. Tinted moisturiser is hydrating, easy to wear and great for dry or sensitive skin. The trade-off is that coverage is very light, and most formulas don’t include extra skincare benefits like antioxidants or blurring ingredients. BB creams, on the other hand, offer more in terms of function, with light coverage to blur imperfections and skincare benefits built into the formula. That said, they may not be rich enough for very dry skin and could require layering with a moisturiser. Ultimately, it’s about finding the formula that suits your skin, your routine and your day.

One of the advantages of BB cream is how well it adapts to different skin types. Whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive or combination, there’s likely a formula that fits.

If you have oily or combination skin, look for a lightweight BB cream with a soft matte finish to help control shine while keeping your skin balanced. For dry skin, hydration is key – a more nourishing formula with a dewy finish can boost comfort and leave your complexion looking naturally luminous. Clarins’ Milky Boost Cream is a great option, offering buildable coverage with a creamy texture that helps soften and smooth the skin. If your skin needs even more hydration, a tinted moisturiser like the My Clarins RE-BOOST Tinted Hydra-Energizing Cream delivers a fresh, dewy finish with just the right hint of tint.

Those with sensitive skin should look for gentle, fragrance-free formulas, ideally dermatologically tested. All Clarins BB creams are developed with tolerance in mind, making them a reliable choice for everyday use.

BB cream fits easily into almost any skincare routine, making it a smart everyday choice. On fuller skincare days, it can be applied after your serum and moisturiser as the final step, bringing a hint of coverage and added care to finish your routine. If you’re keeping things minimal, it can also stand in for your day cream or light foundation. And when you want to build more coverage, it works well as a smoothing base under make-up, doubling up as a primer.

During warmer months, many swap out heavier foundation with a BB cream for summer, thanks to its breathable texture and multitasking benefits. Choosing a BB cream with SPF protection adds an extra layer of convenience, helping to even out your complexion while offering everyday defence against UV rays. Just remember to pair it with your usual sunscreen if you’re spending extended time outdoors. If you have very dry skin or you prefer a dewier texture, a tinted moisturiser with SPF can be a great alternative, offering hydration and glow in one effortless step.