BB Cream vs Foundation

Over the past few years, skincare routines and pro make up skills can be learned by anyone with the numerous videos and articles online. From full-face coverage to "no makeup" makeup look, the use of cosmetics may vary, but everyone wants to look "on point". 

 

With the influence of Korean glam often displayed by famous Kpop idols and Kdrama actors and actresses, it appears that the everyday "glass look" can be easier achieved by the help of a famous cosmetic product-- the BB Cream.

 

However, in a full-faced coverage look, the foundation, which has always been used as one of the base products of makeup, is still as widely used as ever.

 

So, how exactly are they different?

 

First of all, let's talk about what the "BB" means. It can mean beauty balm, blemish balm, or blemish base-- it mostly depends on who you ask. The most accurate may be the beauty balm because of its function.

 

For a little history, the BB cream was invented in Germany in the 1960s by Dr. Christine Shrammek as a temporary fix for her patients who recently underwent a peal or microabrasion. Since the foundation can have a harsh or irritating effect on a patient after a treatment, she invented something that can provide coverage while being kind to the skin. The BB cream's image really took off after South Korea has perfected the formula and spread its influence to other countries and continents.

 

The BB cream no longer just applies to post-treatment sensitive skin but to everyday make up look. It can serve as a blemish coverage, moisturizer, and sunscreen at the same time. It basically combines the uses of different beauty products. Other brands also offer extra shine or blemish correction depending on ingredients. 

 

Though it is quite similar to a foundation, they are different in terms of coverage, finish, and tone. The foundation has a full face coverage which pretty much conceals more imperfection on the face compared to the light coverage of the BB cream. However, heavy coverage can sometimes have a cakey effect if not blended well. The finish of foundation may be in between dewy to matte while BB cream has a more natural to dewy effect. The added bonus of a BB cream is that it can moisturize and hydrate as well as protect from the sun. 

 

If on a normal day, you do not prefer a full face makeup or you simply do not want heavier coverage, you can achieve a glowing look with added benefits with just a simple BB cream. You can spread it through your fingers or a damp sponge, and it slips and blends easily to your skin with a seamless finish.