How to Choose Between a BB Cream and a Foundation

Moisturize your face first thing in the morning, then apply a BB cream tailored to your skin type with your fingertips, blending into the jawline and around the nose. Keep the cream on all day, then remove with makeup remover and moisturize. The next day, do exactly the same, but instead, use a foundation that is tailored to your skin type and apply it either with your fingertips or with a brush. How well did each type of coverage last? Did it flake? Was it oily? And how does your skin feel now? Tight? Itchy? Spotty?

In some situations, where you need greater coverage and a flawless base - perhaps if you're going to a party, a foundation might be better. But in others, a light BB cream will be plenty to even out your skin tone and to cover blemishes.

Getting the Best Results From BB Creams and Foundations

Whether you prefer the way BB creams or foundations feel on your skin, there are a number of things you need to keep in mind when applying them.

When using a BB cream, to get the best results, it's still advised that you moisturize skin before applying - and for extra staying power, use a primer. You might also have to use a concealer underneath the BB cream in order to cover up spots or blemishes. You can't rely on a BB cream to give you ample SPF coverage, either - although most BB creams do contain an SPF, this SPF is nowhere near enough to adequately protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. If you want to use a BB cream before heading to the beach, for example, make sure you slather a sun cream onto your skin before applying it.

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Which is Best for Me?

If you like your coverage light, a BB cream might be for you. If you prefer your coverage a little heavier, a foundation is for you. Whichever you choose, make sure you look for a formulation that suits your skin type and always, always moisturize first - you'd be surprised at how much of a difference it could make!