The Difference Between BB Cream and Tinted Moisturizer

Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s almost time to swap your heavy foundation for lighter coverage, courtesy of BB cream or tinted moisturizer. Don’t know the differences between them? Don’t fret. We’re giving you the scoop, ahead!

Leave it to the beauty companies to have so many different coverage options in addition to foundation. From tinted moisturizers to BB and CC creams—heck, even DD creams are thing!—it’s seriously hard to keep track of all that’s out there, much less why we should pick one over the other. To help shed some light (and guide your future purchases), we’re discussing the differences between BB cream and tinted moisturizer, below!

BB CREAM

You’re probably familiar with BB cream, but did you know that it’s short for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm”? These all-in-one products—which originated in Korea before landing Stateside—usually offer a combination SPF protection, anti-aging, and skin-soothing formulas. What’s more? These multi-taskers help conceal blemishes and imperfections in a pinch, while priming and moisturizing the skin at the same time.

To recap: BB cream can offer the benefits of a moisturizer, anti-aging cream, sunscreen, primer, and foundation in one product. The main drawback, however, is that most BB creams aren’t formulated with enough broad-spectrum sunscreen to provide adequate sun protection. As such, don’t swap out your daily sunscreen use in favor of BB cream.

Haven't tried a BB cream yet but want to give one a go? Try L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream, $10.95 MSRP; Maybelline Dream Bronze BB, $8.99 MSRP; or Kiehl’s BB Cream, $37 MSRP.

TINTED MOISTURIZER

Tinted moisturizer is, in essence, exactly what it sounds like—a moisturizing cream that boasts a slight tint to it. They’re quickly becoming the product of choice for women looking for an alternative to their thick foundation. The upside to tinted moisturizers is that they offer barely-there coverage with a lightweight feel, evening out your skin’s tone with a gorgeous dewiness. However, due to the lighter coverage, tinted moisturizer may not completely hide blemishes and imperfections.

THE DIFFERENCES

BB cream and tinted moisturizers share many similarities. They both offer lighter coverage than foundation, come in a number of shades, and are suitable for all skin types. No wonder some people can’t tell them apart! There are, however, some differences worth noting.

Consistency: In terms of consistency, BB cream is typically heavier than tinted moisturizer. If you’re looking for minimal coverage—think: a no-makeup makeup look—reach for a tinted moisturizer over a BB cream.

Hold: This of course depends on the brand, however, we have found that most BB creams—that also have built-in primer can offer better staying power compared to tinted moisturizer.

Ingredients: As for the ingredients, many tinted moisturizers don’t offer anti-aging ingredients in their formulations, whereas a handful of BB creams do. What’s more, the level of SPF in tinted moisturizer is usually lower than what can be found in BB cream.  

Price: Both BB cream and tinted moisturizer are offered in a wide range of price points.

Moral of the story? Reach for a tinted moisturizer if you’re looking to even out the appearance of your skin’s tone while hydrating it at the same time. If you’re looking for something a little extra—think: anti-aging, primer, better coverage over imperfections, etc.—go for the BB cream instead. 

So, you’ve got the difference between BB cream and tinted moisturizer down pat. Don’t lose momentum! Discover the difference between BB and CC cream! 

What's more, our friends over at Makeup.com detail the differences between BB cream and foundation to make your choice even easier!