Combining skincare and make-up, BB creams are the beauty products du jour.

The ‘beauty miracles’ boast a multitude of functions - protecting the skin from sun, while moisturising, nourishing and restoring, camouflaging imperfections and prevention of skin ageing.

Originating from Asia, BB stands for Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm. It is a make-up bag staple for Korean girls because it promises natural-looking skin coverage.

New versions have been created for western complexions, and they have caused as much of a stir as their Asian counterparts.

Protecting from the sun with its SPF 15 whilst simultaneously minimizing pores and fine lines, Origins’ age-defense tinted moisturizer with white tea (£27, www.origins.co.uk) is the ultimate multitasker in skincare.

And Clinique offers a wonderfully hydrating Age-defense BB Cream (£25, www.clinique.co.uk) that expertly hides imperfections. Plus, it provides excellent coverage from the sun with SPF 30.

Mac’s Prep + Prime Beauty Balm SPF 35 (£21, www.maccosmetics.co.uk) adds optical effects that illuminate the skin and blurs out fine lines.

Garnier’s Miracle Skin Perfector (£9.99, www.boots.co.uk) offers a slightly more affordable option that gives an instant glow.