SHOP ELLIS JAMES MAKEUP BAGS ON AMAZON

Tinted Moisturizer vs BB Cream: What Is the Difference Between BB Cream and Tinted Moisturizer

Published Categorized as Beauty Tips

Primers, concealers, bronzers, highlighters, foundations, and what not, the makeup industry keeps making better products every day. Included amongst these are BB creams and tinted moisturizers, which are often confused by many as one. If you really want to know what all this hype surrounding the tinted moisturizer vs BB cream debate is, we have you covered.

Hi beautiful! Just to let you know, we earn a modest commission off of purchases made through Amazon affiliate links on this page. Don't worry, it's of no extra cost to you. We love the products we recommend in this post, and we hope you do, too!

With so many products springing up every day, it has become convenient for you to look presentable, but this doesn’t come without effort.

Firstly, you have to do good research on what each product is providing for you. Not only that but you also have to know what’s particular about the product you want to use.

Besides this, you even have to know if it suits you or not. For example, is it good for your skin type? For your skin tone? Does it go well with your daily makeup routine?

Table of Contents

MISSHA M PERFECT COVER BB CREAM #21 SPF 42 PA+++, Multi-Function, High Coverage Makeup to help infuse moisture for firmer-looking skin with reduction in appearance of fine lines 50ml-Lightweight

Tinted Moisturizer vs BB Cream: Which Is Better BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer?

Both tinted moisturizers and BB creams vary a lot from each other, despite what most people think. BB creams and tinted moisturizers serve the same purpose of laying down a base but they also have very different characteristics and purposes.

We will now delve into more about the two, checking out the differences between them that are worth noting.

Let’s begin the bb cream vs moisturizer comparisons.

BB Cream vs Tinted Moisturizer: Formula

Both BB cream and tinted moisturizer aim to give you a more even skin tone that provides coverage.

The ingredients of a tinted moisturizer do not necessarily have anti-aging properties. They just typically include everything you would expect from any regular moisturizer to have. A tinted moisturizer is a moisturizer with a color or tint, hence the name.

On the other hand, BB cream proves to be an all-rounder in this regard. A BB cream packs SPF, anti-aging ingredients, and a primer, all in one.

Since BB creams help you skip the step of applying a primer, it is a good makeup to minimize your pores and give you a fresher look, just on its own.

Garnier SkinActive BB Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer, Light/Medium, 2.5 Ounce

Try it yourself: Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream

Buy on Amazon

BB Cream vs Tinted Moisturiser: Coverage

If you are looking for minimal coverage, let’s say a no-makeup look, then a tinted moisturizer should be your go-to product. Since a tinted moisturizer is primarily a moisturizer rather than a base makeup product, it gives sheerer coverage. This helps give you younger-looking skin and leaves a dewy finish.

Tinted moisturizers are super lightweight and, as mentioned, barely have any coverage. Thus, they are great to apply on if you want to achieve an even skin tone while carrying a casual look.

On the contrary, BB creams offer better coverage than tinted moisturizers. BB Creams spread out evenly on the skin and help to tone down your blemishes. It’s effortless to do so because BB cream can prime as well as conceal your skin, all at the same time.

Beauty Balms or BB creams offer lesser coverage than foundation and also seem to appear lighter in weight. This makes them more preferable to use if you have to attend an important meeting or go out on a lunch date.

Tinted Moisturizer vs.BB Cream: Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

Before getting together a makeup routine, it is essential for you to set a proper skincare procedure.

Do note that if your skincare practice does not start with non comedogenic sunscreen, then let’s stop right there.

As the environment around us continues to worsen, it becomes essential to take specific safety measures against it. Using sunscreen is one of them.

This is where the tinted moisturizer has a drawback. Most tinted moisturizers do not come with SPF or tend to have lower SPF values than what BB creams offer. The elta MD tinted moisturizer has UV protection in its formula, if you’re looking for a tinted sunscreen with SPF.

That being said, although your BB cream might have SPF, it is still vital to apply sunscreen before you start with your daily makeup routine.

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid for Dry Skin, Broad-Spectrum SPF 40, Fragrance-Free, Dermatologist-Recommended, 1.7 oz

Best Tinted Moisturizer: Elta Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen

Buy on Amazon

Tinted Moisturizer vs BB Cream: Consistency

Since tinted moisturizers give minimal to no coverage, they tend to be less consistent as compared to BB creams. All you just have to do is rub it into your skin gently as you would do with any moisturizer.

BB creams have a thinner consistency than foundation products. They blend in well with a beauty blender or just by using your fingertips in circular motion.

BEAUTYBLENDER ORIGINAL PINK Makeup Sponge for Foundations, Powders & Creams. Vegan, Cruelty Free and Made in the USA
Buy on Amazon

While putting on BB cream, you have to be careful to make sure that there is no excessive product. Any product that is left on the skin or creases will give the face a cakey makeup appearance instead of a flawless finish.

Tinted Moisturizer vs BB Cream: Hydration

What is the sole purpose of a moisturizer? To hydrate! This is where the tinted moisturizer gains extra points in the tinted moisturizer vs BB cream face-off.

Tinted moisturizers do not only give you a fresh look, but they also lock in moisture, which adds dewiness to the skin.

On the other hand, when using BB creams, it is a must to apply moisturizer before you put it on.

Failure to moisturize beforehand results in dry, patchy skin. BB creams take in moisture from the skin while setting in, so applying a moisturizer is a step you can never miss.

If you’re asking is BB cream or tinted moisturizer for oily skin better, it depends on the product. Some BB creams are formulated for oily skin, and some tinted moisturizers are as well. Make sure to check the label!

BB Cream vs Tinted Moisturizer: Concealing Powers

BB cream, sometimes called the “blemish balm” cream, has amazing concealing powers. As its name suggests, BB creams work wonders to hide dark spots and cover blemishes. Definitely not as good as a concealer, but surely well enough for you to look presentable for any lunch or meeting.

On the other end of the spectrum, when using a tinted moisturizer, you have to follow it up with concealers and color correctors. This will help hide your spots, acne scars, blemishes, pigmentation, and dark circles.

BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer: Price

The best part about both the products is that they come in a wide range regarding pricing.

Both are available in drugstore brands or even in high-end brands.

This makes it easier for you to invest in a product while staying within a budget and getting the desired results.

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 for Dry Skin, Dermatologist-Recommended Mineral-Based Zinc Oxide Formula, 1. 7 oz

FAQ: BB Cream vs Tinted Moisturizer

What is the difference between BB Cream CC Cream and tinted moisturizer?

BB cream stands for “beauty/blemish balm” cream and has skincare properties. CC cream stands for “color correcting” cream, which makes skin tone more even. Tinted moisturizers are moisturizers with a hint of color, but a moisturizer nonetheless.
For the ultimate guide on best CC creams, click the link.

Can I use BB cream instead of moisturizer?

The answer is generally no. Moisturizer has a specific purpose: moisturizing your skin. It’s not necessarily a makeup product, unless you go for a tinted moisturizer. BB Cream is a makeup base that has skincare capabilities, but skincare isn’t its primary focus: it is to act as a smoothening base. Still, BB cream is different from foundation, so don’t confuse the two.

Can you use tinted moisturizer instead of foundation? Is it better to use tinted moisturizer or foundation?

If you only want a sheer base that looks more natural, you can. Foundation is used for coverage. Tinted moisturizers are if you want just a hint of color.
There is no better option strictly, it depends on what you need from the product!

Can I wear tinted moisturizer alone?

Yes, but be aware that it is a thin layer! Don’t expect it to behave like foundation.

How do you apply tinted moisturizer?

If you think you need to apply this with a sponge or brushes, worry not! Apply the product directly using your fingertips. Use the warmth of your hands to warm up the moisturizer and blend until you can’t see streaks!
If you’re a visual learner, check out this tutorial.

Is tinted moisturizer better than foundation? Is BB cream or tinted moisturizer better?

It all depends on what you need out of the products that you’re using. They all serve different purposes!

Are tinted moisturizers bad for your skin?

Nope! Find the right tinted moisturizer for you and you shouldn’t experience any breakouts or problems. You can also check out our post on: Is Primer Bad for your Skin

Is it OK to use BB cream everyday?

As long as you clean and wash your face afterwards. Any product that you apply on your face will have to be rinsed off after a certain period of time, and the BB cream is no different.

Is bb cream a moisturizer?

Although some BB creams have hydrating and moisturizing abilities, it isn’t a moisturizer.

Is tinted moisturizer good for your skin?

Tinted moisturizer helps hydrate and moisturize skin, so it is good for you. Always check the ingredients to see if there is anything you’re allergic to or if there’s something your body won’t agree with.

Is tinted moisturizer bad for skin?

As with many things, moderation and cleanliness are key. Make sure to give your skin breaks and to cleanse any product from your face. Check the ingredients to see which ones aren’t good for your skin’s need particularly.

Are bb creams good for your skin?

Generally speaking because of the good skincare ingredients in a BB cream, it is good for your skin.

Final Showdown of Tinted Moisturizer vs BB Cream: What Is the Difference Between BB Cream and Tinted Moisturizer?

Several products spring up every day that help you make your skin not only look better but also feel better. Tinted moisturizers and BB creams are two such favorite products.

So, tinted moisturizer or bb cream? Both of them come in a variety of shades that makes it easier for you to choose for your skin tone. They have varying options for skin type as well including oily, combination, and dry.

So, you can choose whatever suits you, which further helps you narrow down your choices.

At the end of the day, you make a selection of the product that suits your skin and your lifestyle. That means the product should be in accordance with how and where you are going to use it.

To achieve a very natural and light look, tinted moisturizers work well. However, if you want to go a little over the top and make your look a bit fancy, then BB creams are a better choice.

Check out related posts on the blog:

Any more questions? Feel free to ask us!

By Ellis James

We design luxuriously glamorous bags, organizers and life essentials for you. At Ellis James Designs, it’s all about YOU. Your bag, Your way. Our exclusive designs are timeless, indulgent and most importantly inspired by you. What will be your first Ellis James Design?

2 comments

  1. Oh no, do you get the same results when you wear just plain SPF or is it always makeup with SPF?

  2. I can’t wear any SPF in my makeup without getting a rash and rarely fins any tinted moisturisers or BB creams that don’t contain any. It’s so annoying because I find tinted moisturisers are exactly the kind of thing I like for daily wear x

    Sophie
    glowsteady

Comments are closed.