The base is the most vital step in face makeup. There are many options available when looking for base makeup products. Finding the ideal mate can be challenging at times. So, things become quite complex. A few years ago, BB cream was introduced, but it has since retained a significant market share. Therefore, if you’ve heard of or used BB cream but are unsure about how it differs from foundation, read on. Here we are t o assist you understand BB cream vs. foundation and which is ideal for you.
In this Article:
- What is BB cream?
- What is Foundation?
- What is the difference between BB cream and foundation?
- Which is better: BB cream or foundation: which should you go for then?
- How to use BB cream?
- How to apply foundation?
What is BB cream?
BB cream or “Beauty Balm” or “Blemish Balm” cream is all in one type of product. It can act as a spf, moisturizer, primar, and concealer. It evens out the skin tone and gives multiple other skin benefits. While giving you that perfect look it nourishes the skin and offers SPF protection. As a multitasker cream it keeps your skin hydrated, moisturized, protects from free radical damage and keeps it healthy. Though BB cream offers moisture but it is different from moisturizer as it evens out the skin tone and provides cover.
What is foundation?
Foundation is available from generations and like its name it basically gives the foundation to your makeup. It is something which lasts all day and gives you airbrushed looking makeup by providing cover to acne mark, blemishes, redness, large pores and dark circles. It basically even out your skin and gives a long lasting effect.
Foundations are available in many different shades and tones varied from lighter to dark cocoa. Foundations are also available in a variety of coverage options like light to medium coverage, Medium to full coverage. If you choose light to medium coverage it will give luminous finish while medium to full coverage gives velvety semi-matte finish.
L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation is good for light coverage and Valentino 24 Hour Wear Liquid Foundation is good for full coverage.
What is the difference between BB cream and foundation?
BB cream VS foundation difference:-
The main difference between BB cream and foundation is coverage. BB cream provides your skin light coverage with other benefits like moisture, SPF protection and improves overall skin’s brightness. While foundation provides coverage with its main job is to hide type of imperfections on skin. The coverage by foundation is thicker and covers major scars and blemishes.
BB cream can even out the skin tone and deeply hydrating and protecting your skin. It’s more like a skin care product which provides light coverage. BB creams are available in general color ranges dark, medium and fair. While foundations come in a variety of shades that can match to very specific skin tones. Overall all the BB creams have SPF while many foundations do not have. So if you are wearing foundation you may have to wear both foundation and SPF for skin protection.
Which is better: BB cream or foundation: which should you go for then?
BB cream and foundation both are very useful products. BB cream gives extra benefits with light coverage and good for long run or daily use. If you want added coverage then go for foundation. Both have different qualities so choosing between them is not possible. You can use both depending upon your need and occasion.
When it comes to beauty products it’s good to invest in a wardrobe of bases like we do for lipsticks. Because someday we might want something easy and quick coverage to the skin so you can go for BB cream. While on some other days you want to completely hide imperfections and evening out skin tone you can go for foundation. So it completely depends on your needs and skin goals.
How to use BB cream?
Though BB cream has many skin benefits you should not substitute your skincare routine with BB cream. You can apply your usual skin products. Then wait until each layer is dry and absorbed. After that, stipple your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin with BB cream. Next blend it altogether using fingers, or foundation brush or a damp sponge. Massage the cream in circular motion. If you don’t have any specific skincare routine you can directly apply the BB cream as it is all in one cream.
After applying BB cream you can use compact, little lipstick and eye makeup. And voila! you are all set to rock the world.t
If you have oily skin or sensitive skin choose oil free or oil controlling BB cream with matte finish. BB creams also come for combination skin which can work for mattifying your T-zone without drying out the rest of your face. While purchasing BB for oily or combination skin ensure it is oil free and contains hyaluronic acid or salicylic acid. If you want added coverage with BB cream you can use foundation and some concealer.
How to apply foundation?
While applying foundation you need to work more precisely. Before applying foundation you need to use other products like moisturizer, SPF, Lets see step by step guide to apply foundation.
- First cleanse your face & neck properly.
- Apply toner and then moisturizer.
- And then apply primer
- Stipple your face and neck with foundation start from forehead to down the line.
- Spread the dots of foundation evenly using fingertips or foundation brush or damp sponge.
- You may need another layer of foundation before makeup so wait until the first layer settles on skin. Then if needed apply a second layer of foundation. You need a second layer or not is all dependent on the requirement of the coverage you want.
When can you use foundation?
- If you love to do heavy makeup daily you can use foundation regularly
- On occasions
- When you need some extra coverage or having bad skin day
- When you want a flawless skin with perfectly even skin tone
The Bottom Line:
- BB cream is a skin care product with light coverage and many other skin benefits. Like nourishment to skin, SPF protection, good for acne prone skin.
- Foundation is mainly used in makeup for base so its more like a makeup product. It offers more coverage. It hides large pores, blemishes, dark circles.
- BB cream available in basic shades light, medium and dark
- Foundation comes in many different shades which can match to your specific skin tone.
Frequently asked questions?
1. Is it good to use BB cream daily?
Yes, one can use BB cream daily. BB cream is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, SPF, and hydrating properties. All of these ingredients keep your skin healthy and nourished while providing you light coverage to your skin. BB cream can make your skin tone even which gives you a makeup-like look.
2. Are BB creams safe?
There are no potential side effects of BB cream as they are made up with skin care formulas. BB cream contains SPF, hydrating properties rich in vitamins. Before directly applying BB cream to your face we will recommend to take a patch test before. For dry skin types the moisturizing effects may not work. Also while buying BB cream go through the ingredients and try to avoid harsh ones like oxybenzone, or artificial fragrances, phthalates.
3. Can you wear foundation if you have oily acne prone skin or sensitive skin?
If you have oily or acne prone skin you can go for a water based foundation. It will make your skin glow. Take a patch test before directly applying the foundation on your face.
Image Credit: Image by Valuavitaly on Freepik
