BB Cream vs Foundation vs Tinted Moisturizer Which One Is Right For You?

BB Cream vs Foundation vs Tinted Moisturizer – And The Difference Between BB and CC Cream

When it comes to your makeup routine, purchasing new products should be fun. But the only issue is to know which ones you really want. It’s especially challenging when you’re trying to decide between bunches of makeup products that seem similar. How can you know which to buy if you aren’t sure what the difference is? This problem tends to arise when dealing with foundation, BB cream, and tinted moisturizer; since they all serve similar purposes. But don’t be confused, they aren’t the same! But how to determine which one is right for you? Well, it’s actually about to become oh-so-simple. We’re breaking down exactly what each one does; plus, providing the best foundation, best BB cream, and best-tinted moisturizer picks, below. Here’s a guide to tinted moisturizer vs BB cream vs foundation and how they’re different.

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BB Cream vs Foundation vs Tinted Moisturizer

What Is Tinted Moisturizer?

Tinted moisturizers are basically exactly what they sound like! They’re moisturizers—with a tint. These lightweight lotions serve double duty by offering hydration along with just a hint of radiance or sheer coverage. They’re also the lightest option, with the least coverage, for your makeup base.

How To Use Tinted Moisturizer

One of the best things about tinted moisturizers is that they’re just as effortless to apply as they look. If you think it’s a tinted moisturizer kind of day (more on that next), start by getting your hands ready. (Your hands can be an amazing makeup tool, but only if they’re clean!) After washing your hands, dab a small amount of tinted moisturizer onto the centers of your cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. Blend outwards with your fingers and you’re done.

When To Use Tinted Moisturizer

A tinted moisturizer is a good pick on days when you don’t need a ton of coverage, but still want to look put together. Have you heard all the hype about “no makeup, makeup” looks? Use a tinted moisturizer to get in on the trend.

Best Tinted Moisturizer To Buy Now

If you are ready to add a tinted moisturizer to your makeup bag; here is the best pick.

The L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Luminous Serum Tint Tinted Moisturizer is formulated with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to provide moisture while giving skin a luminous glow. Meant for mature skin, this illuminating tinted moisturizer is non-comedogenic and lightweight; making it a pleasure to wear—alone or under your makeup. Pick your shade (from five possibilities) and smooth it on in whichever way you, please.

What Is Bb Cream?

You’ve most definitely heard friends and strangers alike discussing BB cream—and its many benefits; even if you haven’t picked up on what it actually is. But, it’s time to change that. The ever-rising popularity of BB cream doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, so you’ll want to be in the loop. BB creams another example of a Korean beauty trend that’s totally taken off. The “BB” in BB cream usually stands for beauty balm or blemish balm, and essentially, it’s the makeup that has skincare benefits. Those could be anything from SPF to hydration. Basically, they’re total multi-taskers! Now you can understand why they’re such a hit! While BB creams and tinted moisturizers can be quite similar; BB creams tend to offer a little more coverage and can provide skincare benefits besides moisture.

How To Use Bb Cream

As far as application goes, tinted moisturizers and BB creams aren’t too different. Wash your hands before using your fingers—or a brush, if you prefer—to apply BB cream all over your face. Use your tool of choice to blend, and then you’re free to move on to the rest of your makeup.

When To Use Bb Cream

Having a rough skin day and not sure wearing makeup will do you or your complexion any favors? Remember, your makeup can actually be good for your skin! Use a BB cream to provide a bit of coverage while taking care of your complexion. BB creams are also the perfect choice on days when you’re in a rush; since they can tackle multiple issues at the same time.

Tip: As warmer weather approaches; we can’t help but point out that a BB cream formulated with SPF is a prime pick for a beach day; if you just can’t bear to go makeup-free. (Of course, make sure you take additional sun protection measures; like limiting your time in the sun and wearing a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, as well.)

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Best BB Creams To Buy

Whether you’re looking to hide redness, fight the look of fatigue, or correct the appearance of your complexion, there’s a BB cream for you.

L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream: This BB cream’s your ticket to flawless-looking skin—without foundation. It’s formulated with beautifying beads, and encapsulated pigments infused in an ultra-light lotion with antioxidant vitamin E. This 4-in-1 BB cream primes to smooth skin’s texture correct skin for an even-looking complexion; hydrates for all-day moisture and perfects to hide imperfections. It’s available in four shades (fair, light, medium, and dark).

L’Oréal Paris Magic BB Anti-Redness: Have unwanted redness? Hop on the color-correcting bandwagon with this green-tinted BB cream; which transforms into a universal shade to help reduce the look of redness. This BB cream has four beautifying actions; It helps neutralize the look of redness, corrects skin color for an even-looking complexion, hydrates for long-lasting moisture, and perfects the appearance of your complexion.

L’Oréal Paris Magic BB Anti-Fatigue: Ready to finally look like you’re well-rested? This BB cream is formulated with color-transforming pigments infused in an ultra-light lotion; to help revive the look of a tired complexion, correct the look of your skin, hydrate, and be perfect.

What Is Foundation?

Chances are, you already know a thing or two about the foundation. You may even use it every day. As far as essential makeup basics go, the foundation is right up there with concealer and mascara—a.k.a. indispensable. The foundation comes in a multitude of forms, from powder to liquid to cream to compact; but in the end, they all have a similar job. When you smooth on a foundation, it should cover imperfections and even your skin tone. And when you’ve finished applying it, you’ll be all set with a base that’s ready for the rest of your makeup. Bring on the contour powder and blush. Unlike BB creams, foundations don’t typically offer any skincare benefits. Foundations do provide more coverage than both tinted moisturizers and BB creams.

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How To Use Foundation

Laying down your foundation may seem like an obvious first step, but first, you’ll need to prime your face. Use a primer that matches the finish of your foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer, and smooth on a thin layer. Now you won’t have to worry about your foundation wearing away halfway through the day! After priming, apply a small amount of foundation to a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender. Use a combination of dabbing and rolling motions to blend the product onto your skin for the smoothest, most uniform application.

When To Use Foundation

If you need a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer or BB cream can provide; the foundation will be your friend. Whether it’s a special occasion and you want your skin to look extra flawless or you simply need to disguise a blemish, the foundation has it covered.

Best Foundations To Buy

The same foundation won’t work for everyone, and that’s not an issue. You aren’t obligated to use your friend’s fave, you can find what works for you. And thankfully, there’s an option for everyone; whether you’re seeking full coverage or a radiant finish—or something else.

If you want a perfect match…try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Super Blendable Makeup.

Struggling to find your makeup match is an all too common problem. If you can relate, you’ll be interested in this liquid foundation, which is available in a wide array of skin tone-matching shades.

If you want a natural look…try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Cushion Foundation.

Not every foundation makes you look like you’re wearing makeup. This cushion compact is buildable, with a luminous finish that will make you understand why cushion compacts are so popular. And of course, it doesn’t hurt that the compact and applicator puff duo makes it ideal for on-the-go use.

If you want a matte finish…try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation.

Need to fend off shine without looking lifeless? This long-lasting, oil-free formula has an air-light texture, and medium coverage, and offers a demi-matte finish that’s never dull or flat.

If you want a glow…try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation.

Dewy skin is in! The long-lasting formula of this foundation has an air-light texture, and medium coverage, and offers a radiant finish that’s never greasy.

Read: Setting Spray Vs. Setting Powder

If you want full coverage…try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation.

If you have something to hide, this long-lasting formula has a natural finish and can be used to cover everything from breakouts to tattoos.

What Is CC Cream?

Generally, CC cream usually stands for color correcting cream or complexion corrector cream. Like BB cream, CC creams typically serve multiple purposes. However, unlike BB cream, CC cream usually provides a little more coverage to disguise imperfections like dark spots or redness. Because CC creams offer more coverage than BB creams, they tend to have thicker, heavier formulas. CC cream is often formulated for aging skin that may need more coverage to help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Think about how the color corrector works and you’ll get the gist of CC cream; It neutralizes the appearance of imperfections by utilizing colors opposite each other on the color wheel (i.e. green cancels out red). Instead of having to use a separate color-correcting concealer and foundation; you can take care of all your color-correcting and coverage needs with one product—CC cream. And depending on which CC cream you decide to use, it may also be able to help brighten the appearance of your skin or offer sun protection.

How To Use CC Cream

Start by working your way through your daily skincare routine, cleansing, and moisturizing first. Then, you’re ready to move on. CC cream is a liquid product, just like BB cream; so, you can either apply it with your fingers or with a makeup blender. The choice is up to you! Blending is crucial either way in order to achieve a seamless finish. So whether you decide to apply CC cream with your hands or a makeup blender; smooth it onto your face in circular motions and build coverage as needed.

When To Use CC Cream

Similar to BB cream, CC cream is useful on days when you don’t want to wear a ton of makeup, or pressed for time and don’t want to work your way through complicated skincare and makeup routine. Still, CC cream does offer more coverage than BB cream; so if you do have any imperfections you’re looking to keep undercover, then CC cream is the better option. Use CC cream on days when you’d normally wear foundation and reap the added skincare benefits that CC cream can provide. Look for a CC cream that’s formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen; so that you can cut out another step in your daily beauty routine.

How To Choose A CC Cream

When choosing a CC cream, look for a formula that’s both lightweight and nourishing to the skin. Most CC creams are available in multiple shades, so you’ll want to choose the shade that’s closest to your own skin tone. Use your CC cream of choice in conjunction with the L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Radiance Cheek Duo, which you can apply with a fluffy makeup brush to highlight and add depth and dimension to your cheeks. Finish with a touch of mascara to pull everything together and you’re good to go for the day; so low maintenance and so pretty!

Foundation Vs BB And CC Cream

At this point, it’s safe to say you’re well-versed in the differences between BB cream and CC cream. But you may still be wondering whether it’s a good idea to swap out your go-to foundation for one of these complexion products. The answer really depends on your skin type and skin tone, as well as the look you’re going for. If you have dry skin that’s very uneven in tone or texture; you may want to reach for a foundation over a BB or CC cream because the foundation provides more coverage. If you’re having a good skin day and are trying to rock the no-makeup, makeup look, then use a BB or CC cream.

One definite benefit of the foundation that it often comes in a wider variety of shades in comparison to BB and CC creams. many of which come in just three to four shades that are intended to work for a range of skin tones. So, if you tend to have trouble matching products to your skin tone; the foundation will definitely give you more shade options. For example, the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Super Blendable Makeup comes in more than 40 different shades; meaning you’ll be much more likely to find an option that matches your skin tone. Whatever you do choose—BB, CC, or foundation—all three options applied the same way; to clean, and moisturize skin before being blended out.

Now you know the difference between BB Cream vs Foundation vs Tinted Moisturizer; You officially too understand the difference between BB cream and CC cream, and now you know when (and how) to use each one for the best end result. choose what suit you need.