10 Best BB Creams for Dry Skin 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed
If you're looking for a lightweight solution to keep your skin looking matte but also dewy and glowing, read on! BB creams have been a makeup bag staple for a long while. If you're specifically searching for a good one that works on dry, sensitive, ageing, or acne-prone skin, this is the article for you. BB creams infused with highly nourishing and hydrating ingredients are plentiful online, but our buying guide explains how to choose yours in a few simple steps.
Brands like Garnier, Bobbi Brown and Korean faves like Dr Jart offer luxurious, moisturising BB creams which tackle winter dryness, dehydration and flaky skin beautifully. But which is the best? Read on to see our top 10 recommendations from Amazon, John Lewis and highstreet drugstores, ranked according to value for money, beneficial ingredients and their overall effect on your complexion. Ready, steady, glow!
Quick List - Top BB Creams for Dry Skin
As a professional make-up artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all her clients she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.
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With Specialist Advice From Makeup Artist Marie Dancer
As a professional make-up artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all of her clients, she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.
Find out more about Marie and what are her favourite makeup products are through her Instagram! She even shares some industry tips on makeup application too. And if you're interested in getting your makeup done by Marie you can contact her via her email found at the top of her page.
How to Choose a BB Cream for Dry Skin in the UK - Buying Guide
Here are our tips on choosing the best possible BB cream for dry skin this year. By narrowing down just a few key factors, we're sure you can identify exactly what it is that makes one particular product ideal for your skin's unique requirements. Let's go!
Pick a BB Cream That Features Beneficial Ingredients Designed to Replenish Moisture
If you have dry skin, one good shopping tip is to spot additional ingredients which will replenish lost water as you add a light layer of BB cream to your skin. Here are our recommendations.
Always Look for Common Humectants Like Glycerin and Silicones
Most BB creams designed for dry skin contain the 'standard' humectants featured in most types of skincare products, such as glycerin, squalene, butylene glycol, arbutin and silicones like dimethicone.
All of these ingredients essentially enhance your skin's ability to retain moisture, so if your skin is dry or even combination, they'll be ideal. However, some people find these to be too drying in the long term, so you'll have to experiment and discover what works for you.
BB creams are designed to mimic the natural skin so they will generally give a sheer, satin finish. The benefit of using a BB cream versus a foundation is the abundance of skincare benefits, particularly brilliant for dry skin.
Some BB creams also act as an all-in-one including a serum and primer which is perfect if you're on a budget. Look for claims of hydration - some 24hrs! This is thanks to the high quantity of glycerin in the formula.
Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Give a Plumping, Dewy Effect Whilst Hydrating
Next up are two top-trending skincare additions being used in everything from serums to makeup products. First, we'd recommend scanning your BB cream label for Vitamin C, a buzz-ingredient that can help heal damaged skin, plump fine lines, and aid your skin's natural regeneration process.
There's also hyaluronic acid (noted on ingredients lists as 'sodium hyaluronate'), another beneficial addition to any BB cream. It helps skin hold 1,000 times its weight in water and gives a plumping, dewy effect.
Skin is the largest organ that requires water nourishment to remain healthy inside and out, making a water-based product ultimately the most effective for all skin types. Look out for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid - don't let the acid put you off, it really acts as a drink of water for your skin. Very effective if you are dry or dehydrated.
Camellia Seed Oil and Cucumber Hydrate and Soothe Sensitive Dry Skin
You can always rely on nature to provide valuable skincare saviours! Plant-based hydration such as coconut or camellia seed oil are excellent ingredients, as they protect skin from becoming overly dry by helping the cells hold onto moisture that they would ordinarily lose. Camellia seed oil is also an anti-inflammatory and boasts anti-ageing polyphenol antioxidants.
Another beneficial addition to a BB cream for dry skin is cucumber extract. Since this healing plant is packed full of water, it will drench your skin and enhance the brightness of your complexion. It's also soothing and cooling for sensitive skin types.
Other effective and nourishing plant-derived oils such as squalane and rosehip are prevalent in BB creams. Often oils are included to give a luminosity to the skin creating a healthy, dewy glow.
For sensitive skin, a mineral-based product would be a safer choice, but ultimately everyone's skin reacts differently so if you're unsure ask for a sample from a counter. If you have particularly acne-prone skin opt for a non-comedogenic, oil-free formula that will remain rich in hydration just without the shine.
Make Sure You Pick a BB Cream in a Shade That Matches Your Complexion
When we compare them to foundations, BB creams tend not to be available in a very impressive range of skin tones. Luckily, however, the diversity and variety of shades are becoming wider and wider, with big cosmetics companies going out of their way to create colour ranges that suit more people.
When shopping for a BB cream for dry skin, take the time to check the colour range your product is available in. The broader the range of skin tones it has, the more likely you'll find a BB cream that is not only moisturising and refreshing for dehydrated skin but also matches your colouring beautifully. This will also ensure you can cover up any redness that typically goes hand-in-hand with dry skin.
Preference comes into play along with the condition of your natural skin. If redness is an issue pick a neutral to golden tone to balance the colour. If you have pigmentation or darkness around the forehead or mouth area, going for a colour closest to the deepest area will even out the skin whilst giving the most coverage.
Some BB creams will come in one universal shade that adapts to your skin tone, a great option if you can't find your perfect match.
Choose a BB Cream With a Sun Protection Factor that Suits Your Skin
One of the great things about BB creams is that they often offer sun protection. If you have dark skin, a BB cream with an SPF of 15 should suffice – though, of course, using higher factors is no bad thing and will keep your skin even safer from harmful UVA and UVB rays. For mid-toned skin, a BB cream containing up to factor 20 will work well.
Those with very fair skin, or anyone extra-keen to protect skin from the premature ageing caused by sun damage, should choose a BB cream with an SPF of 30 or 35. A higher factor will also mean you don't have to worry about using any other facial sun protection, meaning fewer products to buy and less money spent. The last thing naturally dry skin needs is sun damage, so stay protected!
BB creams are infused with antioxidants, brightening agents, acids, and broad-spectrum SPF to treat the skin while giving it a fresh, even glow. Even on a cloudy day ultraviolet rays will penetrate the skin and create invisible damage such as ageing.
By opting for a higher SPF will reduce your chance of sunspots, fine lines and dry skin. For those who suffer from sensitive skin or skin conditions such as melasma or rosacea you will want to look for a high factor or if not possible, layer an additional SPF.
10 Best BB Creams for Dry Skin in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | L'Oreal Paris Glam Nude BB Cream | | Fresh Glow With Perfect Full Coverage | |
2 | bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream | | Nourishing Natural and Diverse Coverage | |
3 | Lancôme Hyrda Zen BB Cream | | Illuminate & Hydrate | |
4 | Bobbi Brown SPF 35 BB Cream | | Lighter than Air Coverage in Every Shade | |
5 | Olay Total Effects Touch of Foundation BB Cream | | Glow-Giving Bestseller | |
6 | REN Satin Perfection BB Cream | | For a Flawless Skin Finish | |
7 | Garnier Skin Active Classic BB Cream | | 24-Hour Hydration | |
8 | Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream | | Affordable 8-In-1 Skin Magic | |
9 | Shisheido Perfect Hydrating BB Cream | | A Luxe Way to Conceal Pores and Minimise Imperfections | |
10 | Dr. Jart Rejuvenating Beauty Balm | | Plant-Powered K-Beauty With a High SPF |
Fresh Glow With Perfect Full Coverage
This exceptional product appears white when you first apply it, but the bubbles of colour burst as you massage it into your skin, offering great coverage. Plus, it's ideal for drier skin types as it contains additional active moisturising ingredients such as glycerin and butylene glycol for a silky-soft feeling that lasts all day.
This purse-friendly makeup-bag essential takes our top spot for many reasons, not least because it begins as a blissfully quenching moisturiser and morphs on your skin into a glamorous looking foundation with plenty of glow. Perfect!
bareMineralsComplexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
Nourishing Natural and Diverse Coverage
To mask and treat the signs of stress that can take their toll on your skin, use this gorgeous, feather-light BB cream. It melts into your cheeks, chin and forehead, brightening and hydrating thanks to the coconut and glycerin.
BareMinerals is a brand known for its top quality, natural, and cruelty-free ingredients that produce a pleasant smell and dreamy texture, and this Complexion Rescue BB cream is no exception. A wide range of shades are available, for all ethnicities and tones.
Illuminate & Hydrate
This has all the qualities of an effective BB cream. It is lighter than a standard foundation and has plenty of hydrating skincare benefits thanks to the hyaluronic acid. Soothing to skin, the light, melting texture boosts glow and is perfect as a makeup base or when worn alone.
Using mineral pigments, this gorgeous balm provides a satin-smooth, even coverage that can last up to 24-hours looking supple and feeling comfortably light. Choose from 3 shades; Light, medium and dark.
Lighter than Air Coverage in Every Shade
Bobbi Brown's BB cream provides an SPF of 35, so it guarantees you excellent protection from the sun's potentially dangerous UVA and UVB rays. It works for both sensitive, mature, and anything in between. It also covers blemishes and dark shadows easily and features hydrating and soothing cucumber extract.
As with all Bobbi's products, this BB cream comes in a wide range of shades and is splendidly silky and liquid, so only a dab or two is needed to smooth comfortably over your entire face.
Glow-Giving Bestseller
This popular product is one of the internet's favourites – and with good reason too! It contains a broad-spectrum sun protection factor of 15, so your skin is protected from the sun's damage and also packs in vitamin-rich niacinamide, antioxidants, and hydrating glycerin.
Rather than a moisturising BB cream, it's a glorious blend of a moisturiser and a foundation. You never need fear the cracking and caking of standard makeup coverage, as you can create a moist, dewy appearance as you conceal flaws.
For a Flawless Skin Finish
This BB cream from 'clean' beauty company REN is completely free from silicones and other chemical nasties and promises to delivery a satin-soft finish as well as an anti-ageing effect. With a sun protection factor of 15, it also protects you from UVA and UVB damage.
Your skin will appear glowing and luminous with just a delicate layer of this super-light, liquid formula, and with prolonged use, you'll notice your skin feels and looks more hydrated from day to day.
24-Hour Hydration
A high-street favourite that should barely make a dent in your beauty budget, this BB cream from Garnier conceals redness and smooths over fine lines. It'll even out your skin tone in a light layer whilst hydrating for 24-hours with classic glycerin and added vitamin C.
Not forgetting its makeup benefits either, as it smooths the appearance of the skin, corrects any dry redness and conceals dark circles, all in a creamy formula that glides seamlessly over dry skin.
Affordable 8-In-1 Skin Magic
When it comes to makeup for dry skin, Maybelline truly knows what's up. Described as a 'one-step wonder for great skin', this beauty balm is both effective and affordable.
One downside of the product is it's only available in one shade; light. Although Maybelline does offer slight variants on the product - 'bronze' and 'pure' - the shades still aren't super diverse.
A Luxe Way to Conceal Pores and Minimise Imperfections
For a vibrance and glow that is noticeable from the first use, try this multi-functional product which contains hydrating glycerin and rose apple leaf, and antioxidant-rich thiotaurine. It has a sun protection factor of 30 too!
This product's downside is probably the price tag, which is somewhat on the high side for such a slim little tube. However, the consistency is lovely and light, and there's no denying it's effective at both protecting and immediately brightening dull dry skin.
Plant-Powered K-Beauty With a High SPF
Well worth the hype that surrounds it, this plant-powered BB cream from trending Korean beauty brand Dr Jart is an amazing product that absorbs beautifully into the skin. It'll last well since each dab is nice and rich and spreads evenly. It also contains a high SPF of 35.
Unfortunately, it doesn't come in a wide range of shades and claims to have whitening properties – suggesting it's exclusively suitable for pale skin types prone to age spots or redness.
What Is a BB Cream?
BB creams have been around for quite a while, but not everyone is totally au fait about how they work and what they do. 'BB' stands for beauty balm (or sometimes blemish balm), and ultimately these products act as a tinted moisturiser.
They're incredibly lightweight compared to a foundation and aimed at hydrating and protecting your skin, rather than only providing coverage of dark circles and blemishes like foundations.
Essentially, BB creams are a hybrid product that acts as makeup but have benefits for your skin. For example, they may offer sun protection, antioxidants, extra hydrating ingredients or glow-giving properties. They're an excellent option for those days when you want light coverage without leaving your skin entirely bare.
Marie's Advice on Prepping Dry Skin for Makeup Application
"Dry skin requires extra layers of hydration as the skin absorbs quicker than it can replenish. Using a strong skincare routine underneath will ensure your skin looks and feels its best before make-up application. Think of a BB cream the same way you would think about your foundation - you still need to prep underneath."
Create a Nourishing Routine for Dry Skin
Time to sort out the rest of your regime! By choosing moisturising and hydrating products with the right ingredients, you'll be able to tailor your routine and give your dry skin exactly what it needs to stay nourished and healthy. Find our suggestions below!
Summary
With our helpful buying guide in mind, you can now jet off to your favourite eCommerce sites in search of ingredients that fit your needs and consistencies that will best suit your skin. Or simply pick your favourite among our selection and head straight to the checkout! Hello flawless, head-turning skin.
Author: Annie Hopkins
Buying Guide Reviewed by Marie Dancer
Top 5 BB Creams for Dry Skin
No. 1: L'Oreal Paris｜Glam Nude BB Cream
No. 2: bareMinerals｜Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
No. 3: Lancôme｜Hyrda Zen BB Cream
No. 4: Bobbi Brown｜SPF 35 BB Cream
No. 5: Olay｜Total Effects Touch of Foundation BB Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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