BB Creams : A Guide to Getting a Flawless Complexion

Lighter than a foundation and non-comedogenic (it won't block pores, OK?), BB creams are suited to all skin types so you'll easily find one that suits you. They tend to come in three shades, ranging from light to dark. If you're in doubt, choose a shade that's slightly lighter than your skin tone. If you have dry skin, opt for a moisturising cream, whereas oily skins suit a mattifying BB cream. Or, if you're not a fan of creamy textures, you can apply a powder. There are also anti-ageing variants for mature skin.

Make sure your skin is fully cleansed and well moisturised, particularly if you have dry skin. You can apply your BB cream using your finger, although using a brush or sponge will give you a more uniform finish. Start with a few dabs on the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin and then blend out towards the edge of your face. Use small, circular movements to work it in. The BB cream will adapt itself to your skin tone, covering blemishes to leave you with a smooth, even complexion.

If applying a BB cream doesn't hide your blemishes, don't fear, we've got a few more tricks up our sleeve. For blemishes or liver spots, apply a concealer before your BB cream, then finish with a dusting of powder to set the cream and get a smooth, matt look. For mature skin, use a BB cream as a primer before you apply foundation. Best to go for a BB cream with a lighter texture in that case. If you don't like foundation or have oily skin, you can always mix a tiny amount of foundation with your BB cream to get a smooth, flawless complexion.