Gouldylox Guide to BB Creams: Drugstore Edition (+ Giveaway!)

Purchased By Me Sent For Review

If there is one topic people stop to ask me (or write in about) it's BB Creams. At least twice a day, I'll get asked, "so what is the deal with these BB Creams?" The follow up question I get most often is, "Is there one that doesn't cost a fortune that you like?".

Of course there are! At your local CVS/Pharmacy (my favorite because of the Beauty Club rewards!) there are practically a dozen to chose from. But which one to select? I'm going to try to break them down for you so you can pick the right one. I'm going to say right now that I'm only talking about the ones that I have specific experience with. And because of that, I can only comment on the actual color of the lightest tone available. There are some holes in my coverage because they were not available on the shelves for me to purchase.

But first, let's discuss the basics. A BB Cream, which means Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm, is supposed to combine skin care with a pigmented foundation-like cream that gives you medium or more coverage. Oddly, most BBs aren't really the best choice for oilier skin. I have to assume that the blemish those brands are talking about are more likely to be sun-related spots, and not the American use, which usually means "zit".  It should also contain real skin care and usually an SPF. Many of the popular Asian brands give the skin a different look, almost like it's hyper-fresh or plastic-ish. The thought of a plastic face is only not palatable until you've tried it. Then you'll change your tune.

Hardcore BB Creams fans will tell you over and over that there aren't many that compare to the overseas greats. In some cases they are correct. But if you haven't tried those, are looking for something more than a tinted moisturizer and not as much as a foundation, then a BB Cream is what you want. How much with these cost you in a drugstore? At CVS/Pharmacy, you can expect to pay between $6.99 and $22.99. That's WAY less than most department store brands!

 Let's start by looking at the colors available in the Light to Medium tone. Many range from truly fair to slightly orange, so depending on your skin tone, one (or more) are sure to match. Notice, the ones that make a perfect circle of cream are the thinnest or most sheer of the bunch. The ones that keep their shape out of the tube are the thickest and offer the most coverage. The ones with a little shape and a little circle fall in the middle.

Next, let's look at the different qualities of each BB Cream to find the one that is right for you. Does it contain SPF? Does it contain any skincare? Is it available in your shade (or in a shade family that will work for you?) Will it give you a youthful, dewy finish? What kind of coverage does it have? Check out all of the answers below!

Pin either one of these charts for easy help when you are in the drugstore shopping or download them (by right clicking) and save them to your tablet, phone or computer for a handy shopping guide.

If you have oily skin, Garnier just released a BB Cream specifically for you! There really is a BB cream just for you -- you just have to find the right one.

Need some spring shopping money? CVS has a $50 gift card that might just have your name on it! Just tell me what your favorite BB Cream is in the comments. Get extra entries from the Rafflecopter below! Must be 18 to enter. No PO Boxes. US only. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Must know what's always in the banana stand.

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