BB Creams (BB stands for beauty balm or blemish balm) are becoming more popular across the United States, leaving many people to question how, or even if, they are any different from Tinted Moisturizer. The short answer is that yes, BB Cream and Tinted Moisturizer are similar products designed to create similar results, but they act very differently. Keep reading to find out how they differ.
BB Cream is much thicker than Tinted Moisturizer. It is designed to hydrate and heal as well as covering over blemishes. Tinted Moisturizer’s main job is to provide hydration, as the name implies, and any other benefits are strictly secondary. It does provide minimal coverage of blemishes, but BB Cream offers light to medium coverage.
Tinted Moisturizer offers some sun protection, though usually no more than SPF 15. BB Cream is much more protective, starting as SPF 30 and going up to 40 or even more. In addition to sun protection, BB Creams come with anti-aging benefits. It is very rare for any Tinted Moisturizer to have anti-aging benefits.
BB Cream works as a foundation and primer plus a moisturizer, so with one application you are ready to head out the door. Some reviewers do report, however, that the BB Creams they have tried do not provide the same coverage as separate application of foundation and primer. This makes it good for running a few errands or making a quick dash out the door, but isn’t their preferred choice when trying to look their best.
BB Cream can be counted on to stay unfaded throughout a long day. Tinted Moisturizer oxidizes fairly quickly, resulting in short wear times. BB Cream, on the other hand, often stays strong for 8 hours or even longer.
BB Cream was developed in Germany and remains very popular in Europe and Asia. It has only recently begun to catch on in the United States. Because of this, it is only available through select high end brands. This currently makes it rather expensive for American consumers. In Asia, BB Cream is available at low prices, a trend that will hopefully carry across into North America once the drug store brands catch up and BB Cream becomes widely available in generic brands.
Tinted Moisturizer is one of the more expensive skin care products available, often costing more than a genuine foundation. Because it is not a new product, it is doubtful that there will be a significant reduction in price at this point.
BB Creams provide more protection than Tinted Moisturizer, acting as a sun block, primer, and anti-aging cream with the additional benefit of blemish coverage as well as healing properties. Tinted Moisturizer looks very similar when first applied, but has none of the healing properties or the staying power of BB Cream.