With so many options on the beauty shelves, how do you know whether a BB cream or foundation will help you achieve your best skin and makeup look? Both are formulated to perfect your complexion, but they offer different levels of coverage. They also offer a multitude of options for skin types as well as numerous shades to match your skin tone as closely as possible. Let’s breakdown the benefits of BB creams and foundations and illustrate when to use which product and if there is an appropriate time to use both for the best look.
What Does It Stand For?
First, you may be asking what the “BB” in BB cream stands for. Drum roll please … The answer is “Beauty Balm.” BB creams are a lighter option for the first step of makeup application. They are typically sheer and aim to lightly even skin tone. BB creams work best on those who want light coverage and don’t need to cover pimples, dark circles or other discolorations.
On the other hand, foundation provides maximum coverage. Of course, different brands will offer different levels of coverage. But, for the most part, foundation is heavier than BB cream and is more effective at covering pesky blemishes as well as dealing with skin discoloration and other skin concerns. The end result is an airbrushed look with foundation as opposed to a more natural look with BB cream.
BB Versus CC
Also, not to further confuse you, but CC cream is another product you should know about. The “CC” in CC cream stands for “Color Correcting.” CC cream is similar to BB cream in that offers lighter coverage than foundation, but it helps color correct skin and can include sun protection.
Guidelines To Help You Choose
Back to our main debate: BB cream or foundation. There are some basic guidelines that can help you decide when to choose what product. For everyday use, BB cream is likely the right amount of coverage. If you’re prepping for work or just running errands, a light layer of BB cream will give you the made up look you want without being too heavy.
However, if you are heading out for a night out on the town or taking professional pictures for your holiday card, foundation is the right choice. It will help your skin look flawless to match with your perfectly polished look. Plus, your makeup will photograph better. But don’t be too heavy handed with countour, as that can show through in pictures.
Your Multitasking Makeup Friend
Many people like to use BB cream as a primer. Because of its light coverage, it can multitask as a moisturizer, skin toner and even sunscreen making it the perfect first step in your makeup routine. Layer on top powder, blush an eyeshadow and you’re ready to go.
Another multitasking benefit of BB cream is that many include helpful skin ingredients such as anti-redness formulations, antioxidants and anti-aging elements. BB creams are ahead of the game when it comes to providing goodness for your skin, but many brands that produce foundations are starting to take note.
Shades And Countour
Where foundation has BB cream beat is in the intensity of the coverage and the range of shades available. BB cream is akin to a tinted moisturizer whereas foundation (from inclusive brands at least) will have a tone to match most skin shades. If a brand only offers four or five shades of foundation, they aren’t a serious cosmetics producer.
Because of the heavier coverage and typically heavier consistency, many people falsely believe that wearing foundation is not advised for oily skin. These people believe it causes or worsens acne. However, there are many products on the market specifically designed for acne-prone or oily skin that may actually correct the skin issue while providing the perfect level of coverage.
When looking to achieve a contoured look on the skin, foundation is the winner. Combining several closely related shades to define the cheekbones, nose and chin can only be achieved with foundation. BB cream has neither the coverage intensity or the shade range to achieve this.
And The Winner Is …
In conclusion, the answer to this beauty battle really depends on what type of coverage you need. If light coverage is your jam, choose BB cream. If you want to cover imperfections resulting in a more polished, flawless look, grab the foundation from your makeup bag. In reality, you should own both types of products. You won’t be using both at the same time as the need for one negates the other. But depending on the day, the event and the look you’re trying to achieve, both BB creams and foundations have a place in your makeup arsenal.
What’s your favorite BB cream or foundation? Which do you find yourself using more often? Have you found that foundation exacerbates skin concerns? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Recommended Products
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Relief Cream
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream Fragrance-Free
Check out the TopCashback offers available for these products. Shop as you normally would online and get paid by TopCashback. It’s free and easy to create an account. Plus, it’s a great way to get paid for your beauty obsession!
Beauty In Check utilizes some affiliate links that may generate a small commission from clicks that result in a purchase.
You May Also Like …
- Difference Between Serum And Moisturizer: A Beauty Battle
With the sheer volume of skincare products on the market, it can be difficult to decipher which one to use. One of the most confusing choices is when to use a serum versus a moisturizer and is there ever a time to use both? - Nail Salon Gel Nails Versus Essie Nails At Home: A Beauty Battle
Can a DIY nail polish really be an effective alternative to a salon gel manicure? Essie Gel Couture aims to disrupt the gel manicure game by offering an at-home option that is just as good as its salon counterpart. - BB And CC Creams Versus Foundation: A Beauty Battle
With so many options on the beauty shelves, how do you know whether a BB cream or foundation will help you achieve your best skin and makeup look?