We’ve already picked what we consider to be the best foundations for oily skin, so we thought we’d do the same with the best BB cream for oily skin, in case you err more towards a beauty balm of a morning.
We know what you’re thinking, what actually is a BB cream and why would you ever choose it over a regular foundation or tinted moisturiser? Fear not, we’re here to help.
BB, or beauty balm, cream first became a beauty staple when the UK started to look to Korea for their beauty secrets and successes. The Koreans perfected a product that came originally from Germany and creator Dr Schrammek, made to be kind to skin after harsh facial treatments such as microdermabrasion or peels.
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Following its success with K-pop artists and other Korean stars, BB cream made its way back into the European mainstream market as a product that encompasses all the qualities of a moisturiser, sun-cream and foundation in one.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best BB creams for oily skin, whether it’s just your T-zone that shines or you’ve got a natural glow all over.
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£32 | Buy now from Debenhams
Why we love it: This multitasking formula is the dream for normal-oily skin and is both paraben and sulfate-free. Read our guide on clean beauty to discover why this is important.
Unlike many regular BB creams, this premium version uses ingredients designed to soften and smooth the skin, whilst also boosting hydration and improving the long-term glow (without the oily residue). Anyone looking to break their skincare and makeup base into one easy step should look no further than this product.
Buy now from Debenhams
£9 | Buy now from Amazon
Why we love it: Marketed as an ‘8-in-1’ BB cream that combines hydrating ingredients with those that will soften, brighten and keep your skin entirely oil-free, this BB cream is a must-have, particularly if you’re on a budget.
It includes SPF30 and doesn’t feature any heavy ingredients to damage your skin with daily wear, and it leaves skin feeling fresh and nourished.
Buy now from Amazon
Why we love it: Technically Bobbi Brown’s fantastic BB cream for oily skin is the most expensive, and the most luxurious, in this list, but we wanted to give a shout out to bareMinerals’ tinted gel. Gels, typically, help keep oily skin under control more than creams and it’s very common for products aimed at excess oil to come in gel form.
This gives bareMinerals’ gel all the benefits of both BB and CC creams; it covers all the bases, and as its name suggests, entirely rescues you from complexion nightmares. bareMinerals describes it as being perfect for ‘busy women or mums on the go’ because it encompasses so many products into one.
It will effortlessly hydrate, and work with your skin’s natural oils to leave a dewy and dreamy finish. It is also SPF30 to help protect from the sun’s harsh rays.
Buy now from bareMinerals
£9.99 | Buy now from Feelunique
Why we love it: This very fairly priced BB cream really helps keep your natural shine under control as it has mattifying qualities that reassuringly don’t dry out your skin.
As well as managing to effectively unify your complexion, it’s also a dream for covering any imperfections and concealing redness or blemishes. This product really does have it all with an added bonus of an SPF15 to help protect your newly naturally matte skin.
Buy now from Feelunique
£18.50 | Buy now from Clinique
Why we love it: This product comes in a gel formula as opposed to cream but it does almost exactly the same job. Clinique has ensured its BB gel will both hydrate and nourish the skin all whilst giving a slight tint of colour to give that much sought after minimal makeup-no-makeup look.
The product lasts up to eight hours and is a must-have for the oily skinned among us as it is proud to be absolutely oil-free.
Buy now from Clinique
Libby graduated from Bournemouth University with a degree in Multimedia Journalism. She’s worked as a researcher and writer for Heart Radio as well as a features writer for a Somerset newspaper. She’s since taken time out to travel, manage a hotel restaurant, do a lot of dog walking, and now works in London’s West End
