The conversation of foundation came up with couple of my closest friends recently. This spiraled into discussing the varying products and the different coverage options available. They didn’t realize the difference between a CC cream versus true foundation so ultimately they weren’t using the products correctly and in turn, the products weren’t meeting their expectations.
I’m sure many others aren’t familiar with the different types of products on the market either! To wipe away the confusion between the various types of products offered, I’m sharing the breakdown that I shared with them.
I’m categorizing products from tints to BB and CC creams to foundations but there is some overlap in certain products – for instance some foundations also include SPF but I wouldn’t skip true sunscreen when using them. I’m breaking products down by their main function and will callout where my favorites overlap!
Tints
In the time where skincare is taking precedence as is the more natural look, lightweight, tinted products have taken off. These products offer a more sheer coverage that’s essentially “your skin but better” with added skincare benefits.
Tinted Sunscreen
Tinted sunscreens provide SPF coverage while also giving some color for a “no makeup” makeup look. I apply these with my hands like I would a traditional facial sunscreen.
Personally, I apply a non-tinted sunscreen first – though it’s available in a tinted version as well – because my AM sunscreen also serves as my moisturizer. Then I mix Glow Screen and a blurring and moisturizing primer for a lightly tinted, glow. This is my holy grail makeup base. I use it for the perfect “no makeup” makeup look or as a base for tinted moisturizers or serums, BB or CC creams, and foundations. The only time I change this up is to add a heavier duty primer – in that case, I add that after the traditional sunscreen!
Tinted Primer
Tula’s Filter Primer has been a staple in my routine for years now! You can wear it alone or under makeup. This particular primer now comes without a tint as well in a few varying shades. It offers sheer coverage so I stick with the Sunrise shade (which was the original) even though I have very fair skin.
I also apply the tinted primer with my hands and mix it with Glow Screen as I mentioned above.
Tinted Moisturizer
Tinted moisturizers are just that – moisturizers with a tint. These offer lightweight coverage along with the added benefit of moisturizer. Like traditional moisturizer, I tend to apply with my fingers. For more coverage and a flawless finish, you can apply with a brush or makeup sponge.
I have recently started reaching for this Skin Treat and also love the Maracuja Tinted Hydrator (it was one of my top Tarte picks for the summer). It offers some coverage with a beautiful blurring effect and has an added bonus of SPF. I also always keep Bye Bye Foundation (or IT’s CC+ Cream) on hand. Bye Bye Foundation is considered a full coverage moisturizer; it has a thicker consistency than most tinted moisturizers and as the name implies, offers buildable coverage. I find it very similar to the CC+ Cream but you can find a comparison between the two products on Kathleen Jennings Beauty.
Tinted Serum
Tinted serums are newer to the market – and newer to me – but gaining popularity! They offer the lightest weight of the options and offer sheer to light-medium coverage. The Ilia Serum Skin Tint, Tula Serum Skin Tint and IT CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum all also offer SPF. Apply with your fingers for quick and easy coverage or use a brush or makeup sponge.
BB Cream & CC Cream
BB Cream
“Beauty balm” or “blemish balm” offers lightweight coverage and is ideal for concealing minor blemishes of imperfections. beyond offering a “no makeup” makeup look, BB balms are known for their skincare benefits. Oftentimes they hydrate, smooth and even offer SPF protection.
BB creams can also be applied with your fingers of using a brush or sponge.
CC Cream
“Color correcting” or “color control” creams followed in the footsteps of BB creams. They offer coverage and skincare benefits but also aim to color correct so they typically provide more coverage.
IT’s CC+ Cream has been a staple of mine for years. It has a thicker consistency with buildable to full coverage and SPF ranging from 40 to 50+. It is available for varying skin types and concerns so there really is a product for all preferences. I prefer the oil-free matte version but the original version is great for all skin types; there’s an illuminated version and a new “Nude Glow” option that offers lighter weight coverage.
Foundation
Foundation deserves a post all its own but in sum, they typically offer more coverage and longer wear time than skin tints or tinted moisturizers. Foundations are best applied with brushes or beauty sponges to create a flawless finish.
Lately I have been using and loving Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Foundation or Makeup Forever’s HD Skin Foundation for liquids. When using a powder foundation, I use Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Gem Powder Foundation.
