The best BB creams for your skin type

Somewhere between a moisturiser and foundation, but with the potential for lots of added benefits, BB creams are a great way to get a little lightweight coverage while addressing common concerns like acne, rosacea and pigmentation. Still, with so many to choose from, it can be tricky to find your perfect match, but this is where a little advice from beauty editor Leigh van den Berg comes in.

If you like to keep things simple

If your skin doesn’t have any special areas of concern, van den Berg says you’ll have lots of great BB Creams to choose from. “Just look out for something that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, a decent SPF and is available in a shade that suits your skin tone,” she says. A great tip as we head into summer? “Due to a BB creams’ lightweight nature, you can get away with choosing a shade that’s slightly darker than your foundation and sheer it out with a sponge to create a healthy-looking glow.”

If you’re oily-skinned

Due to their lightweight nature, most BB creams are suitable for all skin types. "However, those with oilier or acne-prone skin types will do best with oil-free formulations that have a matte finish," says van den Berg. “If you’re struggling with spots, look out for something like Garnier’s Pure Active BB cream that contains salicylic acid. It can penetrate deep into your pores, keeping them clean and clear from the inside out.”

If you’re the sensitive type 

Anyone with sensitive skin prone to redness will know the dilemma of wanting to cover up, but not trigger an inflammatory response that’ll make things worse. “If this is you, you’ll appreciate Bioderma’s Sensibio BB,” says van den Berg. “It contains a complex that helps inhibit the widening of those tiny blood vessels that cause redness and rosacea. It’s also free of potential irritants and contains super-soothing ingredients like allantoin.”

If you’re pigmentation prone 

"Anyone waging a war on pigmentation needs to be wearing a high sun protection factor (SPF) every time they step outside," says van den Berg. “There are many BB creams that veer more towards being a sunscreen with a tint than anything else - they’re ideal for anyone in the process of treating their pigmentation or wanting to prevent a reoccurrence. You’ll get that high SPF you’re after plus a little coverage to even out your skin. Win-win!” 

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com