BB creams made their European debut in 2011 following their huge success in the Asian market, and quickly made an impact on the beauty world. But what is a BB cream? Some companies refer to them as Blemish Balms, others as Beauty Balms, but the general consensus is that they should provide moisturisation, SPF protection and sheer coverage alongside soothing and healing properties - preventing the need for numerous separate products.

The similarity to tinted moisturisers has been noted, but BB creams are designed to go one step further - with additions such as hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to regenerate skin. Originally created by dermatologists for patients who had gone through laser skin surgery, the idea is that they actually provide genuine benefits for the skin - as well as providing enough coverage to be used as either a foundation or a primer, depending upon your preference.

But, with so many on the market - which to try? Click through the pictures to see our top 10.

The first BB cream to launch in Europe, this one features SPF 15 protection as well as mineral pigments for a flawless finish. 

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One B.B. Blemish Balm Cream; £9.99. 

BB creams originated in Asia - so Dr. Jart's coveted Korean formulas caused much excitement when they launched in the UK in June 2012. He offers several different formulas, but we like the Regenerating Beauty Balm, which brightens and hydrates, as well as offering light-to-medium coverage and SPF 30 protection in an easy-to-apply formula. 

Dr Jart+ Regenerating Beauty Balm; £21. 

With separate formulations for dry, normal and oily skins, No7's offering has a nutrient-enriched formula to help prevent blemishes, as well as SPF 15 protection and a light, easy-to-apply texture. 

No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream; £12.95. 

Packed with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, the Estée Lauder offering aims to plump, moisturise and control excess oil, whilst offering sheer but long-lasting coverage and SPF 35 protection. Plus, a little goes a long way. 

Estée Lauder Daywear B.B Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme; £32. Available at

Great for fair skins, this lightweight formulation features white lupin to revitalise, ruby crystal to minimise fine lines and slow-release hyaluronic acid microspheres for plumping and resurfacing. Additionally, it has SPF 20 protection and is free of silicone, meaning dirt and bacteria won't get trapped beneath it. 

Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB SPF 20; £80. Available at

Aimed at improving skin's natural hydration, Smashbox's shine-minimising formula features SPF 35 protection and anti-ageing peptides, and is available in five shades that accomodate most skin tones.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35; £27

This mousse formulation is as light as air, but provides good coverage, an impressively matte finish and SPF 30 protection. Best of all, it covers blemishes better than most other lightweight formulations. 

Shu Uemura BB Under Base Mousse SPF 30; £29.

Dior's original Diorsnow BB cream was created for the Asian market, followed by a Hydra Life version for the UK, but their new formulation caters for rosier skin tones. Providing substantial coverage, in keeping with the original Asian BB creams, the three shades feature SPF 10 protection, hydrating properties and a formula which adapts to suit your skin tone. Perfect for English roses. 

Diorskin Nude BB Creme SPF 10; £30

Perfect for sensitive skin, this soothing BB cream includes La Roche Posay's thermal spring water and focuses on conditioning the skin as much as it does on providing coverage.Non-oily and creamy in texture, it also works well dabbed on as a light concealer. 

La Roche Posay Hydreane BB Cream; £15. 

Designed to be worn as a primer, MAC's Prep + Prime BB Balm works on retexturising skin whilst providing important UVA/UVB SPF 35 coverage. Layered under foundation it evens skin tone and gives your make-up extra lasting power.

MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 35; £22.