Korean beauty has given us a plethora of innovative skincare and makeup products, but one staple that stands out is the best Korean BB cream. These multi-tasking formulas provide sheer to medium coverage while tackling various skin concerns like sun protection, hydration, and complexion enhancement. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect BB cream for your needs.
Here’s a rundown of what to look for in the best Korean BB creams: SPF value and PA+ ratings, coverage, skin type compatibility, and price. The top 10 list below showcases some of the most popular and highly-rated options, including MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream, SKIN79 Gold BB Super Plus Beblesh Balm, Holika Holika Pore Clearing Petit BB Cream, purlisse BB Tinted Moisturizer Cream, IPKN Moist and Firm BB Cream, Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm, EVERGLAM BB Cream Skin Perfector, and Dr.
G Gowoonsesang Perfect Pore BB Cream. When it comes to finding the right BB cream for your skin type, consider factors like shade, coverage level, and ingredients that cater to your specific concerns. While BB creams can be used as a standalone product, they’re often designed to work in conjunction with other skincare products or makeup.
What Are BB Creams?
If you’re well-versed in the world of makeup, feel free to jump straight to our curated list of top Korean BB Creams. For those who may be new to the concept, let’s start from the beginning.
Blemish Balm or Blemish Base cream – more commonly known as BB Cream – is a multi-tasking product that not only nourishes and protects your skin but also provides blemish coverage and light concealing properties.
By combining the benefits of moisturizers, sunscreens, and foundation/concealer creams, BB Creams offer an even-toned complexion.
Korean BB Creams take this concept to new heights by incorporating high SPF and PA+ protection. While this feature is no longer exclusive to Korean BB Creams, their popularity stems from the use of improved formulas that harness natural extracts to deliver better coverage and a flawless finish.
What to Look for in the Best Korean BB Creams?
When it comes to Korean BB Creams, understanding your skin’s unique needs is crucial. While these products share similarities with traditional skincare routines, they’re designed to be tailored to individual skin types, concerns, and environments. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or a combination of both, there’s a carefully crafted formula waiting for you.
SPF Value and PA+ Ratings
Korean beauty products, particularly BB creams, stand out for their exceptional sun protection capabilities. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and Physical Filter (PA) ratings ensure the skin is safeguarded against UVB and UVA rays, respectively. While a higher SPF rating permits extended exposure to sunlight, the PA+ system, originating from Japan, provides an added layer of protection as denoted by the increasing number of ‘+’ symbols.
A product boasting a high SPF rating combined with a PA+++ designation would be ideal for those prioritizing sun damage prevention. For individuals spending most of their time indoors, a lower SPF/PA rating might not be a concern. However, it’s essential to note that the arbitrary nature of PA+ ratings, with brands offering no justification for their ‘+” usage, may lead to confusion when selecting a suitable Korean BB cream.
Coverage
When selecting a BB cream, consider the base formula’s heaviness. Heavier bases often provide sun protection, hydration, and other benefits, while also offering medium to light blemish coverage. In contrast, lighter formulas tend to have higher coverage levels for easier blending with makeup or wear alone as a standalone product. For those seeking a makeup-free, skin-hydrating experience, the heavier formula is likely the better choice.
Conversely, if you’re looking to use your BB cream as a layer of makeup, the lighter formula will provide more versatility. The texture of the cream itself can also serve as an indicator of its compatibility with other cosmetics or ability to be used independently. Ultimately, both types of formulas offer some level of coverage and a wealth of skincare benefits.
Skin Type Compatibility
When it comes to finding the right BB cream, understanding how different skin types respond to various formulas is crucial. Some BB creams are designed specifically for dry and combination skin, while others are tailored to oily skin or provide a general-purpose solution. To avoid any adverse reactions like acne or rashes, it’s essential to carefully read the ingredient list and intended use before making a purchase.
This ensures you’re getting a product that suits your unique skin type and needs.
The Finishing Touch
When it comes to choosing the right Korean BB Cream, it’s essential to consider the level of finish you desire. Do you prefer a matte and powdery texture for everyday use during the day? Or perhaps a soft and dewy look that’s perfect for summer? Maybe you’re after a glossy and radiant finish for evening events or nights out on the town. Alternatively, are you looking for a BB Cream that provides long-lasting hydration and moisture throughout the day?
The answers to these questions will help guide your decision-making process and ultimately lead you to the ideal Korean BB Cream for your skin type and preferences.
Price
When it comes to choosing the perfect Korean BB cream, price is another crucial consideration. While budget may not be a concern for all, many of us are on a tight leash when it comes to skincare expenses. Fortunately, our curated list of top-rated Korean BB creams offers an array of affordable options that cater to different budgets. With this in mind, let’s dive into the best Korean BB creams money can buy, taking into account both quality and value for your hard-earned cash.
Top 10 Best Korean BB Creams 2024
MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream #27 SPF 42 PA+++
MISSHA M’s Perfect Cover BB Cream formula number 27 stands out as a top recommendation among Korean skincare brands. This lightweight cream provides flawless coverage that seamlessly blends with other makeup products, while also addressing various skin concerns. Its formula combines plant extracts and oils to achieve an even skin tone, ceramides to strengthen skin cells, hyaluronic acid to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, and Gatuline for anti-aging benefits.
With a mildly fragrant scent featuring notes of Chamomile and Rosemary, this BB cream is perfect for outdoor wear and summer, offering excellent protection against UVA and UVB rays. While it provides good to medium coverage, it’s best used in combination with other cosmetics. If you’re struggling to find the ideal shade, consider combining it with formulas #23 or #21 to achieve a yellow-toned match.
Overall, MISSHA M’s Perfect Cover BB Cream offers a soft, dewy, and moisturizing finish that’s recommended for dry and combination skin types.
SKIN79 Gold BB Super Plus Beblesh Balm, SPF30 PA++
We’re big fans of the SKIN79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm Original Gold BB Cream, particularly when it comes to achieving a natural matte finish that lasts all day. While its thick texture and heavy formula set it apart from other options, this BB cream truly shines in its ability to provide excellent blemish coverage.
One unique feature of this product is the inclusion of Arbutin, which inhibits the growth of melanin cells responsible for skin pigmentation, resulting in brighter, more even-toned skin over time. Additionally, Niacinamide helps improve skin conditions like acne by controlling sebum activity and reducing inflammation.
As its primary focus is on skin whitening, this BB cream has a slight grey undertone that leaves the skin appearing one to two shades lighter – making it particularly well-suited for those with pale skin. After application, allow a few minutes for the pasty gray tint to settle in before revealing a clear and bright skin tone. This product is perfect for women over 30 who are looking for anti-aging and anti-wrinkling benefits that can be achieved through consistent and long-term use.
A few pro tips include using it as a standalone cream or makeup, applying it overnight and washing your face with water the next morning for a bright complexion all day. The finish is mildly dewy and matte, making it suitable for dry and combination skin types. For oily skin, be sure to use sparingly.
Some key pros of this BB cream include its good formula for problem-prone skin, long-lasting matte finish that provides at least 8 hours of comfortable coverage, gel-like consistency that blends well with other cosmetics, fresh scent, and ability to be worn year-round. However, some cons to consider are the limited range of suitable skin tones (pale and light), a slightly greasy texture that may stain clothing, and room for improvement in packaging.
MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream #21 SPF 42 PA+++
MISSHA’s M Perfect Cover BB Cream number 21 stands out for its natural, dewy finish that complements darker skin tones. This formula caters to those with acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, offering long-lasting coverage without oxidizing excessively. Although marketed as a dewy and matte finish, this cream delivers a glossy finish that mirrors one’s natural skin tone. While it doesn’t control oil secretion, it blends seamlessly into makeup for all-day wear.
The MISSHA M range is available in five shades – #13, #21, #27, #31 – allowing for custom blending to achieve the perfect match. Pro tips include setting with powder for a slightly matte finish or combining with primer and powder for oily skin. This cream boasts a dewy finish, making it suitable for dry and combination skin types. Notable pros include its reasonable price point, long-lasting wear, seamless blending, and top-tier SPF and PA+ ratings.
However, some users may experience irritation due to the chamomile fragrance or notice leaks onto clothing and other products.
SKIN79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm (Pink), SPF30 PA++
The SKIN79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm Pink BB Cream is a standout product that has won our hearts. Its unique formula offers a trifecta of benefits: blemish coverage, skin whitening, and anti-aging properties. This triple threat is specifically designed for individuals with oily skin, pores, acne breakouts, and scars. Compared to its counterpart, the SKIN79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm Gold BB Cream, this version boasts a lighter texture that provides sheerer coverage.
It’s also an excellent choice when layered with other creams to build up your desired level of coverage. One of its greatest strengths is its adaptability – it adjusts to your natural skin tone once settled, making it perfect for beige to pale skin tones. The medium-to-light coverage leaves a smooth and natural finish that effectively conceals splotchy red spots. Additionally, its active ingredients work wonders by controlling sebum secretion and regulating pore appearance.
For optimal results, we recommend mixing it with a little foundation cream before application and dabbing it on with your fingers to avoid an overly cakey look. The end result? A natural finish that’s neither too dewy nor too matte. We highly recommend this Korean BB Cream to those with oily and combination skin.
Holika Holika Pore Clearing Petit BB Cream
The Holika Holika Petit BB Cream is a standout product that offers a range of benefits. Its unique formulas cater to different skin types, providing a natural-looking finish and medium to light coverage. The five variations – Aqua, Bouncing, Clearing, Moisturizing, and Shimmering – each offer a distinct advantage, from brightening the complexion to controlling sebum secretion. These formulas are neither too heavy nor too light in texture, leaving a soothing effect on the skin upon application.
Additionally, they have a mild fragrance that fades within an hour. This fuss-free product is lightweight, easy to apply, and can be worn all day without compromising its performance. It provides decent coverage for up to 16 hours, nourishes the skin, heals acne, lightens scars, and works on dark circles. Moreover, it offers ample protection from sun damage, making it a great addition to any daily skincare routine.
While some may find the different undertones across the five formulas a drawback, the product’s ability to cater to all skin types, including oily, dry, combination, and acne-prone skin, makes up for this. The only potential drawbacks are the presence of parabens in some formulas and the need to use it in conjunction with other products for optimal results.
Nonetheless, the Holika Holika Petit BB Cream remains a great option for those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use product that delivers on its promises.
purlisse BB Tinted Moisturizer Cream SPF 30
Purlisse BB Tinted Moisturizer Cream has earned our admiration due to its commitment to using all natural ingredients, cruelty-free testing, and Asian herbal extracts in its formula. Although it’s not a Korean brand itself, the company is led by a Korean CEO who brings a deep understanding of traditional Korean cosmetics practices to the table. This unique blend of moisturizer and blemish balm provides medium coverage while also offering the benefits of a moisturizer and foundation.
With 8 different shades catering to various skin tones, this product is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The formula is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, oil-free, and vegan-friendly. One of its standout features is that it doesn’t oxidize, ensuring the color stays true once absorbed. For a flawless finish, we recommend setting it in with a mineral powder. This product excels at providing a natural-looking base for makeup, making it an excellent choice for daily use.
With good customer service and a wide range of shades to choose from, Purlisse has established itself as a reliable brand in the world of cosmetics.
IPKN Moist and Firm BB Cream SPF 45
IPKN’s Moist and Firm BB Cream stands out as the best Korean option for skin nourishment, healing, and rejuvenation. This gel-like formula excels at moisturizing and keeping skin hydrated for extended periods. One of its key benefits is promoting collagen growth, which helps reinforce and restore the skin’s natural barriers against inflammation, dryness, and sensitivity.
The addition of ceramides and Vitamin E further enhances its ability to heal damaged skin cells and provide all-day UV protection with SPF 45. The BB Cream comes in five shades, catering to a range of skin tones from medium tan to fair. Its smooth application allows it to be easily absorbed into the skin, providing sheer to light coverage that improves texture and appearance immediately.
While its coverage may only last for a few hours (2-4 hours), the product’s health benefits continue to work round the clock. When using this BB Cream, our pro tip is to set it with a finishing powder to avoid an oily look. The finish is dewy and glossy, making it suitable for all skin types except those with sensitive skin. If you do experience sensitivity, we recommend avoiding this product.
Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45
The Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm stands out for its commitment to providing comprehensive skincare benefits. One of its most notable features is its use of Titanium-dioxide, which provides an impressive SPF 45. This means that the formula is incredibly safe for the skin, with micro particles that sit lightly on the surface and don’t penetrate the dermal barrier, offering excellent UV protection.
Additionally, the product employs Zinc Oxide as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent, rather than relying on sulfates and phthalates. Arbutin is also incorporated into the formula. This five-in-one cream not only protects and heals but also moisturizes, rejuvenates, and enhances skin appearance. Its lightweight texture is smooth to apply, providing medium to high coverage with a dewy, slightly glossy finish that can be worn without additional makeup.
The product boasts excellent staying power, requiring minimal reapplication. Tips for getting the most out of this product include mixing different shades (medium deep and light) to achieve the perfect match for your skin tone. For those with oily skin, setting it with a generous dusting of powder can help extend wear time. While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the pump’s design and potential flashback issues in certain lighting conditions, the Dr.
Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm is a strong contender overall.
EVERGLAM BB Cream Skin Perfector SPF 30
EVERGLAM’s BB Cream Skin Perfector with SPF 30 is a standout product that has earned our admiration. This well-regarded Korean brand is slowly making its mark on the American market, and for good reason. The cream itself boasts a lightweight, creamy texture that glides effortlessly onto the skin, providing medium to high coverage. The addition of zinc oxide as an antioxidant helps to reduce acne breakouts and scarring.
While it can be used alone, this BB cream shines when paired with other products in your skincare routine. A small dollop is all you need to cover your entire face, making it a convenient and efficient addition to your daily regimen. Long-term use is recommended to see significant improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. This product truly excels at providing coverage for a range of concerns, including sun spots, acne scars, redness, dark circles, and fine lines.
The result is a natural-looking finish that requires minimal additional makeup. For optimal results, we recommend using it in conjunction with a moisturizer if you have dry skin.
Dr.G Gowoonsesang Perfect Pore BB Cream SPF 30 PA++
The Dr. G. Gowoonsesang BB Cream range offers a unique solution for those with darker skin tones, providing a natural-looking finish that caters to individual skin types. The brand’s commitment to using all-natural ingredients, such as cabbage extracts, lime tree water, and Rosehip oil, sets it apart from other products on the market. The creams themselves are incredibly lightweight and easy to apply, making them perfect for daily use.
While they do provide light to medium coverage, they’re best paired with a concealer or tinted foundation for enhanced results. One key feature to keep in mind is that the product oxidizes over time, gradually deepening your skin tone by one to two shades. This means it’s essential to blend carefully when combining with other makeup products. To get the most out of this BB Cream, consider using a blender to apply it more efficiently and mixing it with other products to boost coverage.
Setting the finish with a face mist or spray can help extend wear time during warmer months, while skipping moisturizer and applying it over an oil-free serum in colder weather can result in a flawless finish. With its matte finish and ability to control sebum production, this product is ideal for those with oily skin. However, it’s essential to choose the correct formula, as using the wrong one could lead to breakouts.
The Pore+ variant is not recommended for dry skin or sensitive noses due to its strong scent. Overall, Dr. G. Gowoonsesang’s BB Creams offer a wide range of benefits, including sebum control, color correction, and excellent coverage for medium to dark skin tones.
Guide to Buying the Best Korean BB Cream
With a solid understanding of what BB creams are, why Korean options stand out, and the top ten products available online, let’s dive deeper into the world of BB cream usage, application, and benefits. This in-depth look will help you make informed decisions about how to incorporate these versatile products into your daily skincare routine.
What Kind of BB Cream Is Best for My Skin Type?
When it comes to choosing the right BB Cream for your skin type, there are several factors to consider. For those with oily skin, a matte finish with a thick texture and natural extracts is ideal. Normal skin can benefit from moisturizing and brightening/skin whitening formulas. Dry skin requires a dewy finish formula with a gel-like or light creamy consistency. As we age, look for BB Creams containing antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to provide an added layer of protection.
If you’re concerned about pigment correction, seek out high SPF and PF ratings in formulas featuring melanin-arresting agents like Arbutin. Finally, sensitive skin demands non-comedogenic, unscented, oil-free formulas with natural ingredients to minimize irritation.
What Shade of BB Cream Is Best for Me?
BB creams are often limited to just a few shades and tints, making it crucial to find one that harmoniously matches your face and neck tone. A wrist swatch can be misleading, so instead, apply a small amount directly to your skin or blend a combination of colors to achieve the perfect hue. For further customization, consider layering with color correctors, concealers, and tinted foundations to lighten or darken the shade as needed.
When testing the color, it’s essential to observe how it looks in natural daylight as well as under artificial lighting conditions, which can greatly impact how light reflects off your skin. Ultimately, choose a shade that suits your needs based on the intended usage.
Why Can’t I Just Use a BB Cream as a Standalone Product?
While BB creams can be incredibly effective on their own, they’re often even more potent when paired with other cosmetics. By combining them with products like concealers, CC creams, foundations, primers, and moisturizers, you can unlock a range of benefits that go beyond just sheer coverage. For instance, specialized primers can help your BB cream last longer, while hydrating moisturizers can enhance its nourishing properties.
Some BB creams even have the added benefit of deep conditioning or total coverage, making them an excellent choice for addressing specific skin concerns. That being said, there are also standalone BB creams designed to tackle specific skincare issues, like dryness or discoloration. The key is to understand how each product can be used strategically to achieve the desired outcome.
In general, BB creams tend to work best as part of a multi-step routine, where you apply them after your primer and before your concealers, color correctors, or foundation creams.
How Should I Prep My Skin Before Using a BB Cream?
To begin, thoroughly cleanse your skin using a gentle facial cleanser to remove any existing products. This will help create a smooth canvas for the rest of your skincare and makeup routine. Next, use a foaming facial cleanser to deeply clean pores and leave your skin feeling refreshed. Gently pat dry with a soft towel to remove excess moisture. Once your skin is prepped, apply a hydrating moisturizer and allow it to fully absorb before moving on.
This step is crucial in keeping your skin healthy and receptive to the products that follow. Following this, apply a primer to create a protective barrier between your skin and the makeup that’s yet to come. While a Blur Cream can serve as an alternative, a dedicated primer provides extra insurance against the potentially harsh chemicals found in some cosmetics. With your skin now primed and prepped, you’re ready to move forward with the application of a BB Cream.
What’s the Best Way to Apply BB Cream?
To achieve flawless, even coverage, start by applying a pea-sized dollop of BB Cream to your fingertips. Gently tap tiny dots all over your complexion, allowing the product to settle slightly before gently patting it into place with your fingertips or a clean makeup blender for added coverage. Some formulas may require only a single layer, while others demand an extra coat for maximum coverage; simply add more cream as needed to target specific areas.
Once applied, allow the BB Cream to settle in for a few minutes before moving on to other products. If using alone, skip this step and proceed with your usual routine. For those looking to enhance their base, follow up with a CC Cream, concealer, moisturizer, or foundation as desired. For oily skin types, consider an alternative application method: spritz a facial sponge with a light mist before adding a drop of BB Cream. This allows for smooth, even coverage without exacerbating oiliness.
A popular YouTube tutorial showcases 7 innovative ways to wear BB Creams.
What Are the Advantages of Using BB Creams?
BB Creams offer a trifecta of benefits: they’re time-efficient, easy to apply, and provide a fresh, natural-looking complexion without the need for additional makeup. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for busy individuals who want to streamline their beauty routine. For instance, when traveling, a BB Cream can simplify your skincare and makeup regimen, allowing you to focus on more pressing matters.
Not only do BB Creams serve as a multi-tasking solution, but they also cater to specific skin concerns. Those with acne-prone skin will appreciate how some formulas soothe and calm the skin while concealing blemishes. High SPF BB Creams even eliminate the need for separate sunscreen application. When it comes to special occasions or events where cameras will be snapping away, a matte finish BB Cream is ideal.
Not only does it provide a smooth, even base, but it also helps create a radiant complexion that shines under flashlights. BB Creams are not only practical but also budget-friendly in the long run. By simplifying your beauty routine and reducing product usage, you’ll be surprised at how much money you can save.
In addition to their many benefits, advanced BB Cream formulas have taken things to the next level by incorporating additional features like anti-aging properties, pore minimization, skin texture enhancement, and more. These multitasking creams are a must-have in your beauty arsenal.
