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July 24, 2025

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When it comes to what you put on your face each morning, the BB cream vs foundation debate can really get under your skin.

It’s the classic choice between low-effort glow and full-face glam, and people tend to have strong feelings about it. Some swear by the easy, breezy vibe of a BB cream, while others wouldn’t dream of heading out without a proper layer of foundation.

So, which one actually deserves a spot in your routine? Let’s break it down.

Foundation on a makeup brush.
Whether you choose a BB cream or foundation depends a lot on what you need it for. Image: Canva

First up, what even is BB cream?

Short for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm”, BB cream is basically skincare and makeup in one. It’s lighter than foundation but still offers a bit of coverage. Think of it as your skin, but with a (really) subtle Instagram filter on it.

Many BB creams contain sun protection plus other ingredients to help skin feel moisturised and nourished rather than completely dried out, as some foundations are prone to doing.

What are the pros of BB cream?

What people don’t always realise is that BB creams are brilliant for days when your skin’s acting up. If you know that the last thing your skin needs is a heavy foundation, but you still want some coverage, a BB cream is a fantastic alternative.

Smiling woman wearing bb cream.
BB cream looks and feels lighter – great for a fresh, natural look. Image: Canva

The lighter coverage allows your skin to breathe, and the gentle formula is less likely to irritate. If your skin is having a dry day, a flaky day or just in a terrible mood, BB cream won’t cling the way foundation sometimes can.

And then there’s the cost benefits. BB cream is generally cheaper than foundation, with popular products like Rimmel’s SPF 15 BB Cream selling for around $15 and often spotted half price at supermarkets.

What isn’t it good for?

While BB cream is great for those days when you want a “no-makeup” look, it falls down when it comes to coverage.

If you’re dealing with spots, pigmentation or want a long-lasting finish that will see you through a 12-hour day, BB cream might leave you wanting more.

Another issue with BB cream is the colour factor. Many brands have limited shades when compared to the almost unlimited shades of foundations. So if you don’t fall into the fair-to-medium range, you could struggle to find the perfect shade for your skin tone.

Because foundation brings the drama. It’s buildable, comes in a huge range of shades and finishes and it gives you that polished, ready-for-anything look. If you’ve got an event, a day full of meetings or just want to feel more put together, foundation has your back.

Woman applying foundation.
Foundation comes in a huge range of colours and gives you more coverage. Image: Canva

But what are the downsides?

There’s a reason so many people dread foundation days. It can feel very heavy. For some, the end of the day can’t come fast enough to be able to take it off!

Foundation also takes more effort to blend, and if your base isn’t prepped properly, it’ll cling to dry patches or settle into those pesky fine lines around the eyes and mouth.

Plus, unlike a BB cream, which often comes with SPF built in, you may need to apply sunscreen before your foundation, which isn’t ideal when you’re rushing out the door. Layering sunscreen and foundation can leave you feeling a little sticky, too.

Foundation samples.
The heaviness of foundation has many reaching for a BB cream instead. Image: Canva

So, BB Cream vs foundation: when should you wear what?

If you’re heading to brunch, running errands or just want your skin to look a bit perkier, we suggest reaching for a BB cream.

For weddings, nights out or anything with flash photography, foundation’s your go-to. You can even layer the two, using BB cream as a base and touching up with foundation where you need extra coverage.

The best choice? Probably both. It just depends on the day.


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Tell us, what’s your preference between BB cream and foundation? Leave your thoughts below!

  • Is it not time that someone creates a formulation that does both? I love the benefits I have seen from Korean face care facial masks but on further research am finding the number of layers and products overwhelming. It would be great to combine more benefits in each product, foundation included. I have seen a few brands with promises but none yet backed by reviews that support their claims.


  • Since reading this article I have come across a number of TikTok reels about this cream and the amount of people promoting it. I discussed it with a friend the other day and she doesn’t think it would be good on my skin however I am keen to get a test sample and give it a try as it does sound great for summer when it is very hot and humid.


  • This was a great comparison against the two products. As much as i love the coverage and flawless look a foundation provides, it definitely does feel heavy and i want nothing more than to get it off my face as soon as possible! It’s like wearing a mask. BB is definitely much more comfortable but doesnt last as long .


  • I used a BB cream a while ago but haven’t used one recently.
    They are good to use especially in summer in the warmer humid months as I find they aren’t as heavy as a traditional foundation and are more lightweight. BB creams are good for when you want to improve the look of your skin but don’t want to wear full make up. I used to use a Garnier one.


  • I haven’t found a good BB cream yet. They all seem to disappear and sink into the pores by midday. I prefer to moisturise, sunscreen, and wear foundation, adding primer and setter depending on the day. Also, for some reason, any BB cream I’ve tried is always too light or too dark, I have never found the right shade.


  • I use a BB cream during the day. Love that it’s easy to apply, contains an SPF and also a moisturiser. I only use foundation on special occasions and then very sparingly! I find it a little heavy. Unfortunately, I have pigmented skin which makes it really difficult to get an even coverage.


  • I’ve never been a big makeup fan and luckily have always had good skin. I prefer a BB cream or even just a tinted moisturiser for every day use. When I go out for a fancy night out, I’ll use foundation, but still stick to a fairly light layer.

    I really don’t like the trend of thick makeup, especially on young girls. I think a more natural look is so much better.


  • Great article! I have been using BB cream for years. My skin tends to be on the dry side so putting full strength foundation on top only adds to the dryness which is even more visible. Foundation makes my skin look cakey and flakey. With BB cream, it feels nourishing, absorbs nicely in the skin and doesn’t just sit on top unlike ordinary foundation makeup. BB cream for me!


  • This is a great article i never really knew all the benefits of using a bb cream or foundation. I didn’t even think about using a bb cream and foundation together too.
    I love good coverage though so my go to will still be my trusty foundation. But will look into getting a bb cream for those days that I want a more natural look


  • Foundation all the way baby!
    I haven’t used any used bb creams before but they just haven’t met up to standards I’ve had with foundation. I wish I only needed something light but my under eye bags and occasional blemishes are better under foundation. I like bb creams for my young teens starting out


  • I’ve always wondered what the difference was between foundation and BB cream. I’ve been using BB cream for years because it’s lighter but I didnt realise it can still be used when my skin is acting up but I still want some coverage. I’ll give it a go next time my skin is having a tissy.


  • I haven’t tried tinted moisturizers but want to do so to compare them to BB creams.


  • I find most ingredients in BB creams cause me to breakout. I just stick to foundation but they are getting very expensive now. I have started using a medium coverage one and just apply less of it.


  • I have found that now my skin is a little older BB Cream seems to sit better on my skin. I use it the same as a foundation and apply a primer first and top off with a little setting powder afterwards and then I am good to go. Its also cheaper and lasts longer.


  • I am yet to find a foundation that looks natural on me. I prefer BB creams for a more natural look while still offering some coverage.


  • I use both at different times – and tinted moisturiser too. As the article says, they all have their plus points and some are better than others for particular events. I mean, I’d never wear foundation to say a pool party, but if I don’t want to go barefaced, a tinted moisturiser or BB cream is good.


  • Wow, no wonder I never really got over board into make up. So much to think about so many more products. Way too confusing for me


  • I personally prefer foundation over BB cream because I like to have a little more coverage.
    Even on light coverage days I will opt for a light coverage foundation over a BB cream.

    I also want my base to last as long as possible throughout the day and I cant really achieve that with a BB cream. I end up just looking like ive run a marathon 😆


  • There are so many textures now, it’s really a matter of trying some. Some are too thick for me, and just sit on the skin, I love lighter lighter textures. Foundation for going out, and BB creams and lighter tints for work and everyday. I love Naked Sundays, Avene and Ultra Violette


  • I find that my skin texture and tone seems to change with the seasons and my cycle, so I tend to go through periods where foundation covers and sits better on my face and other times where something more nourishing and more sheer like a CC or BB cream is all I need. So I tend to switch between them all!


  • I love how BB cream works for other girlies but I’m yet to find one that properly settles on my skin. So many I’ve tried give me that piling look. And as mentioned here, the lack of colour range isn’t helpful. Using powder on top that is my colour ends up just as heavy as foundation. But I’m always open to trying new brands to see if it’s for me


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