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Men’s BB Cream Complete Guide. Explains how to choose a BB cream, recommended brands, and how to use them!

Men's BB Cream Complete Guide. Explains how to choose a BB cream, recommended brands, and how to use them!

A dull complexion, blue whiskers, pores and dullness make you look tired. BB cream is a quick and easy way to improve such a “regrettable face. BB cream can be very reliable if used properly, but if chosen incorrectly, it can make you look white, thick, or less attractive than you expect. If you choose the wrong BB cream, it can make you look white, thick, or less impressive than you thought. In this article, we will delve into recommended brands by need, how to apply, how to remove, and frequently asked questions, while sorting out the points to keep in mind when selecting a men’s BB cream. The selection of products was made by the OTOKOMAE editorial staff.

Supervision
hair and makeup artistKasuya Yusuke

After working as an assistant, he became independent in 2007 and established Addict Case Inc. in 2011, a creator management company focusing on hair and makeup. Known for his work with many models, celebrities, and artists, both male and female, he is a talented hair and makeup artist who is attracting attention within the industry.

Do we really need to use BB creams?BB creams are the equipment to keep a minimum impression in an era of higher standards of cleanliness

The value of BB cream is not to transform your face into a different person, but to reduce the “cleanliness-impairing elements” such as blue whiskers, pores, dullness, and tiredness with a minimum of effort. The more mature a man is, the more he will benefit from the benefits of BB creams. Moreover, the more mature a man is, the greater the benefit. This is not just a matter of looking young to be popular. BB cream is not a luxury. It is not too much to say that BB cream is the minimum equipment to protect one’s impression in an age where the standard of cleanliness has risen.

[BB cream is a base makeup for “light conditioning.” subtitle=”What is BB cream anyway?”] BB cream is a base makeup that acts as a moisturizer and primer, and is used to naturally complement the skin. It was originally invented in Germany in the 1960s to protect delicate skin after surgical procedures while reducing the appearance of redness and uneven skin tone. CC cream stands for “Color Correcting,” and has a stronger color-correction connotation than BB cream. It is easier to understand if you think of it as BB if you want natural-looking skin, and CC if you want to clearly correct reddish or yellowish tints. Nowadays, there is a large difference in coverage, texture, and UV performance, and the desired finish is quite different even for the same BB cream.

References
1. Dr. med. Christine Schrammek Kosmetik, Blemish Balm
2. Luigi Rigano, Formula Anatomy Deciphered-BB Creams, Cosmetics & Toiletries, 2013
3. Luigi Rigano, The Anatomy of BB Creams, Global Cosmetic Industry, 2013

How to choose a BB cream 1First clarify which defects you want to cover the most


The first thing to sort out when choosing a BB cream is which defects you want to make less visible as a priority. The right BB cream will depend on whether you are concerned about a blue beard, pores or dullness, or whether you want to cover acne scars or redness. For example, the points to focus on are different for those who want to naturally blur the bluish tones around the mouth and those who want to make the entire face look even and even. Rather than choosing a BB cream that seems to have a good reputation, it is better to first identify the flaws that affect your facial impression, so that you will not make the mistake of buying the wrong one.

Yusuke Kasuya
There are various types of BB creams, such as beige, ochre, orange, and pink, and the effect they have on the skin depends on the color. It is a good idea to choose a color according to the effect you are looking for, such as orange or ochre to hide a blue beard or dark circles, beige to give a natural glow to the skin, or pink to improve blood color.

How to choose a BB cream 2Choose a color that blends naturally to the neck area

Once you have determined the flaws you want to cover, the next thing to look at is color. It is important not to make judgments based on the face alone; even if the color of a BB cream looks right on its own, if it is not well connected to the neck area, it is likely to appear too white or coated on its own. If you want to achieve a natural finish, priority should be given to blending the product with the neck area without discomfort, rather than to making the complexion look brighter. If you are unable to try testers, it is best to avoid bright colors, as they are less likely to fail and blend more easily into the skin when extended.

How to choose a BB cream 3Select a texture that stretches well, while also determining whether it is heavy and does not leave a sticky residue.

Next to color, the texture of the BB cream is the most important thing to look for. A BB cream that is soft and stretchy is easy to spread evenly over the face and does not leave a thick, greasy feel. On the other hand, heavy and hard creams, even if they provide good coverage, tend to give the appearance of being applied too thickly. Moreover, even if the product is stretchy, if it is very sticky, it tends to sag or stick to the mask. To achieve a natural-looking finish, one should look not only for good coverage, but also for lightness, adhesiveness, and resistance to flaking.

Yusuke Kasuya
BB creams that should definitely be avoided are those that cause discomfort when applied to the skin. A BB cream that feels filmy or sticky on the skin is not good for the skin. Also, BB creams that are stretchy but too floppy are more likely to run or stick to the mask. It is difficult to determine this, but you can tell to some extent by pressing the back of your hand on the product after applying it to see how flaky it is.

How to choose a BB cream 4Determine what extra features suit your skin type and life situation

Even if the color and texture of a BB cream are right, if it does not suit your skin type and the situation in which you use it, you are likely to be less satisfied. People who are prone to sebum should choose a BB cream that can easily control shine, while those who spend a lot of time outdoors should prioritize a BB cream with UV performance and resistance to perspiration. On the other hand, for those who tend to dry out easily, a product designed too much to prevent sebum may lead to flakiness and makeup breakdown. In addition to the finish, you will be able to find the right one to choose if you look at your skin type and what functions you need for your daily life situation.

Yusuke Kasuya
Men secrete a large amount of sebum, so those with an anti-shine function will be especially useful. On the other hand, however, those with sebum-absorbing ingredients can easily dry out the skin, so men with dry or combination skin should be careful. If your skin is dry, it will be hard to apply makeup, so if you tend to have dry skin, you should also focus on your daily skin care.

With honest-based use reviews!12 BB creams recommended for men

uno Face Color Creator Natural


☑ Naturally covers blue whiskers and dark circles
☑ Non-oily design to prevent stickiness
☑ For BB cream beginners

uno is a classic Japanese men’s grooming brand that started with hair styling in 1992. The brand’s direction of making grooming an extension of everyday life, rather than something special, is directly reflected in its BB creams. Face Color Creator Natural is designed to easily and naturally cover dark circles and the blueness of beards. In addition to the blue beard natural coverage technology, it contains smooth powder that smoothes roughness of the skin, and is oriented toward enhancing a clean look while making the entire face look even, rather than strongly concealing too much. Moreover, it is non-oily, non-greasy, and easy to remove with a cleanser or soap, making it easy to use even for those who are not accustomed to using BB creams. It is suitable for those who want to give a natural look to their entire face, rather than those who want to thoroughly remove blue whiskers only.

Click here for details and purchase

Yusuke Kasuya
It’s very stretchy and thin, so it’s just right for BB cream beginners. As it blends into the skin, it changes from white to an orange-tinged beige color, so it seems to be good for those who want to improve their blood color or make dark circles less noticeable.

NULL BB Cream


☑ Ochre design that easily compensates for blue beards and dark circles
☑ More matte and easy to tighten facial impression
☑ Firm and complementary

NULL is a men’s cosmetic brand that offers everything from skincare to makeup under the slogan “Make every man beautiful. The brand is easy to understand, as it incorporates men’s makeup not as something special, but as a practical product for adjusting their concerns. What is strong about NULL BB cream is that it is designed to make easily noticeable noise, such as blue beards, dark circles, and redness, appear less noticeable, rather than to softly even out the entire face. The ochre-toned color tends to cancel out bluish tones, making the complexion look less tired. In addition, it not only applies color, but also tones pores and light irregularities, making it easy to tighten the overall impression of the face. This is a product that makes it easier to realize its complementary power, rather than a type that focuses on a thin, loose look. It is also recommended for those who like a matte texture finish with less shine. The design of this product is highly appreciated by men who are looking for a clear effect rather than a simple, easy-to-use product.

Click here for details and purchase.

Yusuke Kasuya
I was impressed with this orange-toned beige BB cream, which easily erased both my blue beard and dark circles. The texture is similar to a cream foundation and is easy to handle. This ochre is good for making skin look healthy. It may not suit those who are aiming for pale skin like Korean idols.

SHISEIDO MEN Vibrant BB Moisturizer


☑ Naturally covers uneven coloration, bumps and blue whiskers
☑ Smooth and moisturizing
☑ For those who want to tone their entire face with elegance

SHISEIDO MEN is a line born from Shiseido’s 100 years of research into men’s skin. The line does not separate skincare and makeup, but focuses on how to naturally tone men’s skin. The Vibrant BB Moisturizer also makes this philosophy quite clear. It is characterized by its ability to both smooth and moisturize while naturally covering uneven coloration, uneven skin tone, and blue whiskers. Rather than strongly smoothing out blue whiskers and redness, it evens out color variations and pores on the face, and brings the skin itself toward a more beautiful appearance. Although it has a strong corrective power, the finish does not look heavier than it should because it does not overly emphasize the sense of coverage. It is better suited for those who want to calmly adjust the entire face, including pores and dullness, rather than those who want to strongly erase only blue whiskers.

Click here for details and purchase.

MISSHA M Pro Cover BB CreamMISSHA M Pro Cover BB Cream


☑ Waterproof & Mask Proof
☑ Smooth out pores and unevenness Smooths out pores and unevenness
☑ Contains 8 kinds of collagen and other moisturizing ingredients

MISSHA is one of the brands that have made Korean cosmetic base makeup widely popular in Japan. BB cream is one of the brand’s representative categories, and its strength lies not only in its lightweight, skincare-like feel, but also in its ability to make the entire skin look well-prepared. M Procover BB Cream is also quite straightforward in this direction. The good finish is supported by a formula that is waterproof, mask-proof, lightweight, and moisturizing at the same time, while building on a foundation of high coverage. Mineral powders with a good fit smooth out pores and unevenness, while moisturizing ingredients such as eight types of collagen, ceramide NP, and hyaluronic acid prevent the skin from looking merely heavily covered. In addition, the formula is resistant to sebum and perspiration, and is designed to resist dulling over time, making it easy to maintain the look you have created in the morning.

Click here for details and purchase.

THREE Smooth Operator High Performance Cream


☑ SPF50+ PA++++
☑ Pores and unevenness naturally Replenishes
☑ Water-proof formula that does not easily fall apart due to sebum or sweat

THREE is a brand that has been working on both holistic care that utilizes the knowledge of essential oil science and makeup that allows you to freely express your own personality. The brand’s strength lies in the direction of conditioning and presenting the skin’s natural ingredients, rather than concealing them. The design philosophy behind the Smooth Operator High Performance Cream is also fairly straightforward. At the core of the finish is a ” smooth fit veil formula ” that blends in as if it were disappearing, and three types of powder that correct unevenness. Rather than covering the skin with a thick film of color, the formula simultaneously evens out tone and color while smoothing out pores, unevenness, and dullness with light and texture. In addition, four types of pearls suppress dullness over time, while sebum-absorbing powder and a water-proof formula prevent breakdown. This product is suitable for those who want to lightly adjust the appearance of pores, light redness, and uneven skin tone on the entire face. While applying sunscreen, they also want to make their skin look good. They also want to avoid the feeling of heavy or thick coverage. This is one product that people like that can easily fall in love with.

Click here for details and purchase.

OBgE Natural Cover Lotion


☑ A bottle in between skincare and base
☑ Spreads foundation or BB cream
☑ Helps foundation or BB cream to spread ☑ Super light finish when used alone

OBgE is a makeup and skincare brand that is close to the skin. Natural Cover Lotion is also not a BB cream that hides the skin with color, but rather a product that first prepares the skin and makes it easier to blend with the base makeup that is layered afterward. In fact, while being a skincare item that can be used like a lotion or milky lotion, it can also be used as a base before makeup. Therefore, this product is not for those who want to conceal blue whiskers or redness by itself, but for those who do not like the heaviness of BB cream, those who are prone to dryness and a rough finish, and those who want to prepare the foundation of their skin first and then make it look natural. Since this is a skincare-oriented item, it can be removed with a regular face wash if used by itself.

Click here for details and purchase.

[ speech_bubble type=”std” subtype=”L1″ icon=”https://otokomaeken.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/f3b2e419266a3e701732f99984b99e63.png” name= “Editor Mitsui]One aspect of BB cream is that it is difficult to adjust the amount of cream, but this one is a simple pleasure to use, as one push produces the optimum amount. It seems to be popular among Korean men, and is a hot seller at Olive Young in Seoul. Even men who think, “It’s impossible for a man to wear makeup…” I think this product is a good start for men who think that it’s impossible for men to wear makeup.[ /speech_bubble ]

La Roche-Posay UV Idea XL Protection BB


☑ SPF50+ PA++++
☑ Supports long UVA
☑ Designed for sensitive skin

La Roche-Posay is a dermacosmetic brand created in France in 1975. The brand has been working with skin experts to address various skin concerns, including sensitive skin, and its base makeup is designed to protect and tone the skin rather than to hide it. This philosophy is also evident in UV Idea XL Protection BB. In addition to SPF50+ and PA++++, the product is designed to protect against long UVA rays, which can easily cause blemishes and signs of aging, while also providing a BB function that naturally covers uneven coloring and light blemishes. Rather than smearing imperfections with a thick color film, it is designed to protect the skin from UV rays and atmospheric pollutants while brightening and evening out the entire skin with a glossy thin veil. In addition, the formula contains thermal water, has been tested with the cooperation of a dermatologist, is allergy tested, is acne resistant, fragrance free, and paraben free, making it an easy choice even for those with less-than-strong skin. It is a good match for those who are concerned about UV rays during the day and those who want to emphasize low skin burden in their base makeup.

Click here for details and purchase.

8 BB Creams for Men Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm


☑ SPF50
☑ Contains niacinamide
☑ Leaves skin feeling moisturized and shiny

Dr.Jart+ is a brand started in Seoul in 2005. Inspired by the blemish balm used in clinics, the brand started out by reinterpreting BB cream for home use, which combined skincare and makeup into one. Premium BB Beauty Balm is a direct result of this philosophy. The finish is supported by a moisturizing design based on niacinamide and glycerin, as well as a color-correcting function that makes skin tone look even. Rather than concealing the skin with a thick film, this product is designed to even out uneven skin tone and make the complexion look smoother, while leaving it moisturized and glowing. It is also SPF50, which provides a strong protection against UV rays. The formulation is designed to give the skin a slightly more radiant and beautiful complexion rather than a matte, tightening effect.

Click here for details and purchase.

THE FUTURE Color Change BB Cream


☑ Naturally covers blue beards, redness, and dark circles
☑ High adhesion. Highly adherent and does not stick to shirt collars
☑ Easy to remove with facial cleanser

THE FUTURE is a brand that offers BB cream, color change BB cream, concealer, etc., and proposes men’s makeup not as something “special” but as a way to manage daily impressions. The Future is a brand that proposes men’s makeup not as something special, but as a way to manage daily impressions. It is easy to see that the brand emphasizes ease of use and continuity as an extension of one’s personal grooming. The practicality of the BB cream is also very much in the foreground. The product features put forward are that it covers acne, acne scars, dark circles, blue whiskers, and redness in seconds without anyone noticing, and the exquisite beige color that blends easily with one’s skin tone. In other words, rather than being a type of product that uses powder to smooth out pores and unevenness, this product is strong in the direction of quickly adjusting uneven coloring and bluish tones to make the complexion itself look refreshed. Moreover, they adhere well to the skin, do not break easily, and do not stick to shirt collars, while being easy to remove with a regular cleanser. The reason why this product is so easy to incorporate into one’s morning appearance is because it is designed to be easy to handle. For this reason, this product is suitable for those who want to quickly correct blue whiskers, redness, and dark circles. They want a good coverage, but don’t want to be stressed out by the breakdown, color transfer, and difficulty of removing the product during the day. This is the product for those men.

Click here for details and purchase

Yusuke Kasuya
This product also has a strong orange tint, so be careful how much you use. The coverage is honestly low, but it blends easily with the skin and looks natural, so it is easy for men to use as well. If you want to hide acne or other blemishes, it is best to use this product in conjunction with a concealer from the same brand.

RETOUCH BB Cream


☑ Natural Oak is suited for blue color correction
☑ Spreads smoothly and evenly

RETOUCH (RETOUCH is a brand created by influencer Eito Miyanaga. It began in the context of updating the grooming of adult men and has now expanded into a lifestyle brand that combines the functionality and sensibility required for urban living. The brand’s core strengths lie in its fresh, extendable texture and its color design that adjusts noise while leaving the skin feeling bare. Natural Ochre is the brand’s original color with a slight orange added to the natural color, which easily reduces the appearance of dark circles and blue whiskers due to its complementary color effect that cancels out blue.

Click here for details and purchase

Yusuke Kasuya
Because it is so stretchy and has good coverage, you should be careful about the amount you use. If you take too much, it tends to look like you’ve applied too much. Also, the light beige color improves skin tone, but the natural ochre color is better suited for concealing a blue beard. I thought it would be good to try mixing both.

HOLO BELL Sunblock Moisturizing BB


☑ Shiny skin finish without shine
☑ SPF40 PA+++
☑ Easy to remove with a facial cleanser

HOLO BELL is a men’s skincare brand founded in 2017. With an emphasis on making it easy for men, who tend to fall short on skincare, to continue using their products, the company has been creating products that can be easily incorporated into their daily lives, both in terms of ingredient design and comfort of use. Sunblock Moisturizing BB is also fairly straightforward in its approach. At the core of the finish is a formula that combines 27 moisturizing ingredients, including human ceramide and super hyaluronic acid, with shine suppressing ingredients. BB creams that are designed to suppress sebum tend to look cakey over time, but this product uses moisturizing ingredients to compensate for this, and aims to create a moisturized, glossy finish rather than a greasy, shiny finish. In addition, it is a non-chemical, UV absorber-free formulation with SPF40 and PA+++, and it is also designed to prevent white casts, which is a feature that should not be overlooked. This product is therefore suited to those who want to create the impression of skin that is less prone to dryness and visibility, while also correcting light redness, pore size, and dullness, rather than strongly concealing blue whiskers and acne scars in a single spot. If the formula is too matte, the skin tends to look dry, but if it is too moisturizing, it can also look shiny. For this type of skin, this is one product that is easy to find the perfect balance. While it does not easily come off with perspiration, it can be easily removed with a cleanser, making it easy to use on a daily basis.

Click here for details and purchase.

12 BB Creams for Men with a Matte FinishLUWONT Base Cream


☑ Naturally covers uneven color, pores and dullness
☑ Matte finish
☑ Easy to remove with a cleanser or soap

LUWONT is a men’s cosmetic brand launched by TBC. Based on TBC’s knowledge and experience in dealing with skin since its establishment, the brand aims to bring out the cleanliness of the skin in a natural way by addressing the concerns of today’s businessmen. Even the name of the brand reflects the idea that it caters to those who “desire” a “natural” change. The base cream is also fairly straightforward in its philosophy. It is characterized by its heavy texture and the feeling of being applied to the skin. It adheres strongly to the skin, and because it also creates a matte finish, it is suited to those who place importance on resistance to sagging. Although the product contains moisturizing ingredients such as ceramide, it was a little dry a few minutes after application, so be sure to moisturize adequately with a skincare product.

Click here for details and purchase

Yusuke Kasuya
If you are a beginner, it is recommended to use a sponge to apply a thin layer of BB cream.

Learn from a professional hair and makeup artist!11 steps to apply BB cream without fail

Even if you get the BB cream that is perfect for you, if you don’t master the correct application method, the result tends to be subtle. We asked Ms. Kasuya, a professional makeup artist, to give us a lecture on how to apply BB cream easily and beautifully, even for beginners.

Yusuke Kasuya
Men tend to put on too much product in an attempt to cover too much of their face. This is not a good idea if you want to avoid being caught in the act. It is better to apply a small amount at a time and add more when you run short, to achieve a more natural look and to minimize mistakes. In addition, applying a thicker layer on high areas such as the nose and a thinner layer on low areas such as the cheeks will avoid the appearance of a flat face. By being conscious of the three-dimensional effect of the face and changing the thickness of the application according to the area, you can achieve an even more natural finish.

Actually, it is recommended for BB cream beginners!Use a sponge for an easy, clean and natural finish!

For a better finish, I recommend using a makeup sponge. Using a sponge will not only improve the adhesion of the product, but it will also absorb excess BB cream, making the product look thicker and less prone to sagging. Sponges are inexpensive and can be used repeatedly as long as they are washed.

Makeup Sponge Search

Yusuke Kasuya
I recommend using a sponge for men who are not used to makeup. It is more natural than applying by hand. It’s also very convenient to have one of these.

Questions about BB cream answered!Q&A

Q. Can I use BB cream every day?There is no problem using it every day. However, do not mess with the removal and moisturizing process.

There is nothing wrong with using BB cream every day. In fact, many people incorporate it as an extension of their daily grooming. However, it is not the “use” itself that is likely to cause problems, but rather the lack of removal or lack of moisturizing. In particular, water-proof and high-density types are sometimes difficult to remove with just a face wash. On days when cleansing is necessary, remove the makeup properly, and after washing your face, moisturize with toner and milky lotion. As long as these basics are kept in mind, the risk of skin problems is fairly easy to minimize even with daily use.

Q. I will be having an outdoor barbecue. if I apply BB cream, do I need sunscreen?If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you should use sunscreen with it.

No. Although many BB creams contain UV protection, you need to apply a good amount to get the protection that is indicated on the label. In reality, it is easy to apply too little to achieve a natural look, and sweat and sebum can easily cause it to fall off. Therefore, for outdoor leisure activities, sunscreen should be applied first, followed by a layer of BB cream. The order is: skincare, sunscreen, then BB cream. It is safer to separate the role of BB cream as a complexion enhancer and sunscreen as a foundation for UV protection.

Q. What should I do if I apply BB cream too thickly?Remove excess with a sponge or tissue and reapply thinly if necessary

If you have applied too thickly, you should not try to cover it up by applying more on top. First, lightly press down with a tissue to remove the excess BB cream on the surface. After that, blend it in with a sponge so that it blurs the thickness and borders. If the BB cream is still too heavy, it is better to start with an insufficient amount and apply a little more where necessary to avoid mistakes.

Q. I don't want people to notice that I'm wearing BB cream. What should I do?If you don't miss three things: color, amount, and application area, you'll be fairly unnoticeable.

The cause of being easily noticed is usually one of the following: either the color is too light, the amount is too much, or the face alone is applied too neatly. First, you want to choose a color that blends in with the neck area, not just the face. Second, the amount should be spread in small amounts, not applied all at once. In addition, rather than applying it evenly to the cheeks and face line, it is better to apply a thin layer around the area of concern for a more natural look. If you use a tissue or sponge to remove excess product, you can easily reduce the feeling of applying too much.

Q. I want to make my acne and pimples less noticeable, should I not apply BB cream?It's not always better not to apply, but don't apply a thick layer on highly inflamed areas

The use of BB cream itself is not an immediate NG. It is more likely to calm the overall impression of the face, if only to correct light redness and uneven coloration. However, avoid applying a thick layer over acne that is highly inflamed or pimples that are painful to the touch. Friction tends to aggravate them, and layering color on top of uneven surfaces can make them look unnatural. If you do use this product, keep the entire face thin and apply only a very small amount to the areas of concern. It is also important to properly remove the product and moisturize after application. Rather than trying to cover up pimples, it is better to use the product with the idea of first adjusting the redness and the overall impression of the face.

Q. What is the difference between a BB cream that comes off with just a cleanser and one that requires cleansing?The difference lies in the amount of oily ingredients and their adhesion to the skin.

The main difference lies in the amount of oily ingredients and their ability to stay on the skin. The more water-proof, high-density, and high SPF BB creams are more resistant to sweat and sebum, but they are also harder to remove with a facial cleanser alone and often require cleansing. On the other hand, products that are clearly labeled ” soap-off ” or ” can be removed with a facial cleanser ” can be used easily, but often provide only modest coverage.

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