Like many beauty game-changers, BB cream was born in South Korea. The letters were originally an abbreviation for ‘blemish balm’, but are now widely recognised as standing for ‘beauty balm’. Winter is usually the time we hail the return of full-coverage foundation, but things feel different this year. All that time we spent getting to know our bare faces has made us more inclined to embrace a lighter, more breathable base: the kind that illuminates and unifies without feeling like a mask. If you, like us, are edging towards a more low-maintenance beauty look, it's time to return to BB cream.

BB Cream | 12+ Top BB Creams for All Skin Types - ELLE Best BB Cream | 12+ Top BB Creams for All Skin Types - ELLE

But what is a BB cream, exactly? It might masquerade as something buzzier and more exciting, but it’s essentially tinted moisturiser, souped up with good-for-skin bonuses like pollution-shielding extracts, moisture-grabbing humectants and that all-important SPF. The best ones out there will unify your skin tone and keep you hydrated, meaning you can streamline your routine while still looking put-together and pleasingly glowy.