Best BB creams for oily skin to buy in 2024
Run, don’t walk! Offering “flawless coverage”, this La Roche-Posay BB cream is “amazing” for oily skin types.
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If you’re looking for an easy, one-and-done product to simplify your morning routine, you need to jump on the BB cream bandwagon (if you haven’t already).
“BB cream stands for ‘blemish balm’ or ‘beauty balm’. Depending what brand the product is from, it usually provides light foundation-like coverage,” Dr Yalda Jamali, who specialises in facial aesthetics and cosmetic dermatology, explains.
“Often brands include skincare ingredients such as glycerine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and even SPF to make it a multipurpose product.”
BB creams first became popular in South Korea, according to Dr Jamali, and it’s why you’ll see a lot of those K-Beauty brands on this list.
Keep on scrolling to see our top picks of the best BB creams for oily skin types, including one from La Roche-Posay that offers “flawless coverage”.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST BB CREAM FOR OILY SKIN
La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL BB Cream SPF50, $40.95 at Adore Beauty
La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL BB Cream SPF50
Why we love it: Super mattifying, great coverage and decent price point.
What to consider: Needs more shades to choose from.
Size: 30ml | Shade range: Two | Best for: All skin types, especially oily skin.
Tried And Tested By Marina Tatas, news.com.au Shopping Writer
I’m a big fan of skin tints, tinted sunscreens, BB creams, CC creams – all those sorts of easy-to-use products that slash the time it takes to get ready in the morning. I want sun protection, some level of coverage but most importantly, I want my skin to feel protected and hydrated.
That’s where the amazing La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL BB Cream comes in.
Putting this on for the first time, I was genuinely shocked by its flawless coverage. The tinted BB cream covers everything you need it to, while still feeling really lightweight on the skin and looking super natural.
To really put it to the test, I wore this BB cream to the gym multiple times – yes I’m that girl who wears a little makeup to the gym … because if you feel cute, you lift heavier.
I’m usually a big face sweater and this BB cream held up perfectly fine throughout all my workouts. It actually leaves a smooth and soft velvet finish to the skin, so I think this is a great pick if you normally have an oily skin type.
And the best part? It contains SPF 50, although I still always layer my everyday sunscreen underneath.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
BEST BB CREAM WITH SUNSCREEN
Missha M Perfect Cover B.B Cream SPF 42 PA+++ No. 23, $20.56 at iHerb
Missha M Perfect Cover B.B Cream SPF 42 PA+++ No. 23
Why we love it: Affordable price point for a skincare and makeup hybrid, plus it has plenty of great reviews.
What to consider: Can be hard to get your hands on.
Size: 50ml | Shade range: Seven | Best for: All skin types, especially oily skin
What You Need To Know
If you’ve always wanted to jump into the world of K-Beauty, what better way to start than with a BB cream that brings together makeup and skincare.
This BB cream is designed to brighten uneven skin tone, blur wrinkles and imperfections, all while providing excellent coverage for daily wear and helping to maintain skin’s hydration levels.
It offers UVA/UVB protection and it’s racked up almost 11,000 five-star ratings on iHerb, with countless customers calling it the “best BB cream” and their “new best friend”.
One five-star rating customer said “I have sensitive, oily and acne prone skin but this didn’t break me out … it feels lightweight and can be layered, texture is creamy and nice, not overly matte nor overly dewy, it’s a perfect middle.”
The Missha M Perfect Cover BB cream has also been doing the rounds of TikTok, where loads of creators are trying it out on camera, showing off its “flawless” finish.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
BEST KOREAN BB CREAM
Holika Holika Moisturizing Petit BB SPF 30 PA++, $9.63 at iHerb
Why we love it: Affordable price point and super moisturising and hydrating.
What to consider: The one universal shade will not suit everyone.
Size: 30ml | Shade range: One | Best for: All skin types
What You Need To Know
If you’re concerned about keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised – yep, even oily skin types need moisture and hydration – you may want to opt for a BB cream that treats those exact concerns.
Just like this one from the K-Beauty brand Holika Holika. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to treat the complexion and make it look smooth and totally glossy.
The Holika Holika Moisturising Petit BB cream has over 4000 five-star ratings on iHerb, with happy customers noting it “goes on smoothly and looks like skin”, while another commented that it’s “light, blends well and leaves a smooth finish”.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT BB CREAM
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing BB-Gel BB Cream, $38 at Adore Beauty
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing BB-Gel BB Cream
Why we love it: Great product that brings the benefits of skincare and makeup together.
What to consider: There’s just one universal shade, although it does promise to adjust to everyone’s skin tone – so take from that what you will.
Size: 50ml | Shade range: One | Best for: All skin types
What You Need To Know
If you’re after a BB cream that feels exactly like a moisturiser, go for this option from Clinique. It offers oil-free hydration with natural coverage. You apply it like a moisturiser – not a foundation – and this product appears like a grey hue on the skin but then transforms to give you a naturally even complexion.
Five-star ratings customers include comments like it’s “not sticky or greasy” and “very lightweight”, while another noted it “feels like you are wearing nothing on skin but leaves an even clean complexion … perfect for everyday wear.”
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
BEST AFFORDABLE BB CREAM
Garnier BB Cream All-In-One Perfector Classic Light SPF 15, $8.99 at Amazon Australia
Garnier BB Cream All-In-One Perfector Classic Light SPF 15
Why we love it: This is the most affordable pick on our list.
What to consider: There’s only two shades to choose from – light and medium.
Size: 50ml | Shade range: Two | Best for: All skin types
Tried And Tested By Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
Garnier’s BB Cream was one of the first makeup products I ever bought as a teen so I was excited to try it again and see how it fared on my now 32-year-old skin. I wasn’t disappointed either – I really liked how it gave my skin a natural-looking glow and even skin tone from just a small amount of product.
It’s very light coverage but perfect if you want a little pick-me-up for your skin.
I just wish it came in more shades as the range is quite limited.
Tried and Tested By Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Editor
For everyday wear, I’m a big fan of BB and CC creams, skin tints and tinted moisturisers, and just generally anything that is lighter than foundation while still providing enough coverage to even out my skin tone and hide any redness I might have. And I’ve found Garnier’s SkinActive BB Cream perfect for this very purpose.
It goes on like a hydrating moisturiser, which you can blend easily with your fingertips. I love this as it’s quick and easy to do in the morning when I’m in a rush to get to work. It’s got a lovely light texture, honestly it feels like I’m not even wearing anything, allowing my skin to breathe and not get clogged up.
Most importantly, it provides good coverage that gives you that ‘your skin but better look’. For the price point, it’s now become a go-to for everyday wear.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
BEST AUSTRALIAN-MADE BB CREAM
Natio SPF15 Pure Mineral Skin Perfecting BB Cream, $14.99 at Amazon Australia
Natio SPF15 Pure Mineral Skin Perfecting BB Cream
Why we love it: This is an easy one-and-done product for those of us always in a rush in the morning.
What to consider: It may feel a little too light and dewy for people with really oily skin types.
Size: 50g | Shade range: Three | Best for: All skin types
Tried And Tested By Harriet Amurao, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I have incredibly dry skin and winter is when flakiness is the worst, so to really put this hydrating Natio BB cream to the test, I applied it to my face without any moisturiser.
The consistency is just right – not too light yet not too thick – I think it’s the perfect in between and it glides oh-so-effortlessly on my skin.
Upon application, I could see how even my skin appeared and the redness around my nose disappeared, which I assume is thanks to the green tea and camomile ingredients. The formula also contains of vitamin E, jojoba and shea butter, which might be what gave me a healthy, dewy and glowy finish that I absolutely loved.
The coverage is what surprised me the most. When I think of BB creams I think of little to no coverage. But this product actually seems to offer light to medium coverage which I believe is buildable for a full coverage finish.
Overall I would recommend this to those with dry skin and people who are looking for a solution to quick and easy everyday makeup. Not to mention, it’s incredibly affordable so I’d say it’s definitely worth a try!
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
BEST BB CREAM FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Bioderma Sensibio AR Anti-redness BB Cream for Sensitive Skin, $44.99 at Adore Beauty
Bioderma Sensibio AR Anti-redness BB Cream for Sensitive Skin
Why we love it: It’s a BB cream that’s formulated for sensitive skin in mind.
What to consider: Just one shade is available.
Size: 40ml | Shade range: One | Best for: All skin types, especially sensitive skin
What You Need To Know
If you’v got sensitive skin and are looking for an easy product to even out our skin tone, control redness and boost radiance, this is the BB cream for you.
Think of it as a moisturiser and makeup base in one – it’s got a super soothing and gentle formula, with sheer-to-light coverage for those with a lighter skin tone.
It’s racked up an average rating of 4.5 out of five on the Adore Beauty website, with five-star rating customers noting it’s “great for everyday use” as it “feels super lightweight” with “perfect coverage”.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
BEST BB CREAM FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN
Esmi Mineral BB Cream, $50 at Esmi Skin Minerals
Esmi Skin Minerals Mineral BB Cream
Why we love it: This lightweight BB cream is packed with skin-loving ingredients.
What to consider: One of the more pricier picks on our list.
Size: 50ml | Shade range: Three | Best for: All skin types
What You Need To Know
Skincare and makeup become one in this fabulous BB cream from Australian-made brand Esmi Skin Minerals.
Ideal for all skin types, this lightweight BB cream hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid, evens out skin tones, minimises the appearance of imperfections, all while providing SPF15.
The coverage is light but enough for everyday wear. It’s also paraben free, cruelty free and vegan.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A BB CREAM FOR OILY SKIN
When choosing BB creams for oily skin to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Budget: If it’s something you know you’re going to be using everyday (as BB creams were intended), think about how much you want to spend. You can easily find BB creams at an affordable price point – we’re talking under $15 – or you can spend a little more for a more premium brand. Both sides of the spectrum hold super positive customer reviews, so the choice is ultimately yours.
Your skin type: If you have very dry skin or dehydrated skin, the picks on our list may not be right for you. One of the most common questions about BB cream is whether you can use one if you have oily skin. If you have oily and acne prone skin, Dr Jamali recommends using oil-free products, including oil-free BB creams like this one from Garnier.
Shade range: Unfortunately, BB creams don’t usually come in a wide range of shades. This mans a lot of products on this list aren’t inclusive.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of products available, it’s impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best BB cream for oily skin, we tested a few of the most popular products from well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best BB cream for oily skin, from premium to budget, to help you find the right one for you.
We also asked for expert advice from Dr Jamali and Amy Hanneman, a makeup artist with over a decade of experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A BB CREAM?
“Being so lightweight, BB cream is suitable for everyday use as opposed to a full coverage foundation,” Amy told news.com.au.
Given how hydrating they are, they’re a great product to wear throughout the cooler months, she added.
BB creams can be very “breathable” on the skin, and depending on the brand, they can also feature skincare properties with unique benefits like “hydration, antioxidants and sun protection”, Dr Jannali also said.
Keep in mind that just using BB cream with sunscreen already formulated into it is not enough sun protection.
“We are not able to rely on the SPF in BB creams if the correct amount isn’t applied and then reapplied during the day,” Dr Jamali told news.com.au.
DO YOU NEED TO USE A PRIMER BEFORE BB CREAM?
Unlike foundation it’s “not necessary” to apply primer before BB cream, Amy confirmed.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO APPLY A BB CREAM?
According to Amy, you can apply a BB cream in whatever way you feel most comfortable – your clean hands, a foundation brush or a beauty sponge.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO REMOVE A BB CREAM AT THE END OF THE DAY?
Treat your BB cream like any other makeup product – make sure you are double cleansing at the end of the day, starting with a micellar water or a cleansing oil or balm.
Dr Yalda Jamali
Dr Yalda Jamali (MBChB) is a qualified doctor specialising in non-invasive medical cosmetic treatments. She graduated from the University of Manchester, UK with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and holds a postgraduate Level 7 Certificate in Injectables for Aesthetic Medicine and a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology and her masters in Clinical Dermatology. She is passionate about skin health and provides tailored skin care regimes to suit individual concerns.
Amy Hanneman
Amy Hanneman is a professional makeup artist who has worked in the beauty industry for 10 years, specialising in both bridal and editorial makeup. She got her start in the industry after completing a diploma of specialist makeup in 2013 and has worked with brands like STAX, Meshki and at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. Amy enjoys the vast variety between bridal and editorial makeup as they both offer something completely different to her creativity and client base.
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