When it comes to base makeup, you have plenty of options for almost every skin type to achieve an ideal skin finish. BB cream and foundation are probably the most used base products for perfecting the complexion. Both products are designed to give you the best-looking skin, but they are different in some ways.
But which one does what, and which should you use for flawless-looking skin? The answer lies in comparing BB cream vs foundation to understand what each can do and which is right for your skin.
What Is BB Cream?
BB cream is an acronym for ‘Blemish Balm,’ a versatile combination of products designed to create a more even skin tone, hide imperfections (scars, pimples, redness), and moisturize dry skin. It claims to be a moisturizer, sunblock, primer, and concealer all in one and has a variety of anti-aging, anti-acne, whitening, pore tightening, and brightening properties.
This hybrid product allows women to care for their skin while concealing imperfections. BB cream aims to give a lighter coverage than foundation and comes with the added benefit of helping breakout-prone skin.
What is Foundation?
Foundation is a base product that is thicker in consistency than BB cream and offers superior skin coverage. It is the classic go-to option for those looking to create even-toned skin while covering blemishes.
Unlike BB cream, it comes in the widest range of shades and levels of coverage, from lighter to full. If you want a base product that lasts all day long or you have discolored skin that needs maximum coverage, the foundation is the right choice for you.
BB cream vs foundation: A Quick Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences between BB cream and foundation, helping you choose the right product based on your preferences and needs:
| Feature | BB Cream | Foundation |
| Texture | Liquid or creamy | Varied – liquid, cream, or powder |
| Coverage | Light to medium, for a natural look | Light to full, offering more coverage options |
| Shade Range | Limited | Wide range of shades available |
| Consistency | Thin and light | Thick and heavy |
| Finish | Dewy or satin finish | Dewy, matte, satin and sheer |
| Purpose | Even out skin tone | Even out skin tone while covering skin imperfections |
| When to Use | Everyday wear, casual outings, or minimal makeup days | Special occasions, events, or when a polished look is desired |
BB cream vs foundation: Difference between BB cream and foundation
BB cream and foundation differ in many ways, and the choice between them comes down to your skincare preferences. Here are some main differences between these two beloved face products of beauty mavens so you can identify which suits you best for your glow-up agenda.
Formulation:
BB creams often contain skincare ingredients like antioxidants and vitamins, which provide skin care. On the other hand, foundation doesn’t have such ingredients, but some contain hydrating ingredients.
Coverage
BB creams offer sheer coverage as compared to foundation. It is typically light but can even out your skin tone without a heavy texture. However, it won’t cover major blemishes. On the flip side, foundation offers a wide range of coverage options, from sheer to full coverage. Plus, it offers a wide range of contouring options for balancing out skin tone.
Shade options
BB creams come in a limited range of shades. Unlike foundation, they don’t accommodate the diversity of skin tones. Foundation is typically available in a wide range of shades.
Finish
From satin to dewy to matte, foundations come in various finishes. In comparison, BB creams are available in dewy and satin finish.
SPF protection
BB creams offer skincare benefits as they contain SPF to keep your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, while foundations don’t provide SPF protection.
Skin tones
Foundations come in a rainbow of skin tones.BB creams don’t cater to the needs of all skin types, as they have a limited range of skin tones. Fair, medium, and dark color ranges are usually available for BB cream, making it difficult for women with dark or exceptionally fair skin to find the one that matches their skin tone.
Blemish-covering:
BB creams can conceal blemishes and even fight against them due to the ingredients, such as antioxidants. In comparison, foundations can do more than blemish-covering. With hiding blemishes, it can cover redness, dark circles, and other imperfections for an evened-out complexion.
Skincare benefits:
BB creams have many additives like SPF, minerals, and antioxidative vitamins for skin brightening and combating skin issues. However, foundation formulas don’t contain such additives that offer skincare benefits.
BB Cream or Foundation: Which Should You Choose?
There is no need to pick one between these two complexion products as it depends on the look you prefer, your routine, and your skin goals. If you are always on the go and want a quick face product or prefer something that benefits your skin and gives you a more natural look, go for a BB cream.
However, if you’re aiming for flawless skin or maximum coverage, the foundation does better than BB cream. The safest bet is to have both in your beauty box because different needs call for different products.
Conclusion
BB cream and foundation are used to even out skin tones and cover imperfections. The main difference between these two complexion products is their formulations and coverage levels. If you want plenty of finishes and shades or your primary concern is full coverage to hide all kinds of imperfections, foundation can be your best ally.
In contrast, BB creams are ideal for light coverage and natural-looking skin. Knowing your preferences and skin type can help you decide which base is your best match and create the look you want.
In this BB cream vs foundation debate, which one is the best complexion product? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
BB cream vs. CC Cream vs. Foundation?
BB cream offers sheer coverage, while CC cream aims to color correct. In comparison, foundation provides maximum coverage and gives the illusion of a clear complexion.
What does cc cream stand for?
CC cream stands for color correcting or complexion corrector.
Can I use BB cream instead of foundation?
Yes, BB cream can be used as an alternative to foundation, offering a sheer, dewy coverage with added skincare benefits for a natural look. The choice between BB cream and foundation depends on personal preference and desired coverage.
Is BB cream better than foundation?
Foundation is ahead of BB cream when it comes to covering up blemishes completely and giving a polished look. Unlike BB creams, it does not provide any benefit to the skin.
Are BB creams good for acne-prone skin?
BB cream formula contains soothing minerals that are beneficial for acne-prone skin. Some heavy BB creams can clog pores. Choose the best BB cream for acne-prone skin, like Maybelline’s Dream Pure BB Cream.