Difference Between Primer vs Foundation vs BB Cream

The evolution of the beauty industry is such an interesting concept. As long as people have been around, makeup has always been available. Some of the most ancient cosmetics products include kohl and henna which are still popular today. The trends have, however, changed to include more products that are more advanced and cater to all skin types. There are now a million makeup products available. Among these include primers, foundations and BB creams.

What is a Primer? 

This is a product applied on the face to create an ideal canvas to hold onto any makeup that may be used. There are different types of primers including mattifying, hydrating, blurring and luminizing. While the availability of a wide variety is a great thing, it can be confusing for people to figure the primer that works on their skin. Primers are available in the form of an acid-based facial serum, silicone-based primer, sunscreen or a hyaluronic based primer. 

Primers brighten the skin, blur pores, keep makeup in place, add moisture and fade fine lines. For these products to be effective, it is important to let the primer dry for about 1 minute before layering other products. 

Although some people swear by primers, others find it an unnecessary makeup step. It is, however, important to research on your skin type and find one that works for your skin. 

What is a Foundation?

This is a powder or liquid makeup product applied on the face to create a uniform and even tone. It is sometimes used to change the natural skin tone, cover flaws, moisturize, act as a sunscreen or base layer for other cosmetic products. Although is it commonly applied on the face, it can be applied to the body, in which case it is referred to as body makeup or body painting. 

Foundations are available in sheer, light, medium or full coverage and can be applied with the use of a sponge, airbrush, sponge or fingers. The formulation of foundations also differs, ranging from oil-based shakers, powder-based, alcohol-based, oil and emollient-based, mineral-based, silicone-based and water-based makeup. 

What is a BB cream?

This a light-weight and breathable cream that is a mix of moisturizer, SPF, primer, skin treatment, concealer and foundation. It is placed between a foundation and a moisturizer. It has many benefits to the skin including improving the appearance of the skin, improving skin brightness and elasticity, fight against premature ageing, moisturizing the skin and evening out the skin. 

It can be used as the initial product before layering out other products or a standalone product. It is also a perfect travel skincare as it can replace multiple make up products. 

Similarities between primer vs foundation vs BB cream

• All are makeup products that provide amazing benefits to the skin

Differences between primer vs foundation vs BB cream

Definition

Primer refers to a product applied on the face to create an ideal canvas to hold onto any makeup that may be used. On the other hand, foundation refers to a powder or liquid makeup product applied on the face to create a uniform and even tone. BB Cream can be defined as a lightweight and breathable cream that is a mix of moisturizer, SPF, primer, skin treatment, concealer and foundation. 

Benefits

While the benefits of primers include brightening the skin, blurring pores, keeping makeup in place, adding moisture and fading fine lines, the benefits of a foundation include changing the natural skin tone, covering flaws, moisturizing, acting as a sunscreen or base layer for other cosmetic products. BB creams have skin benefits including improving the appearance of the skin, improving skin brightness and elasticity, fight against premature ageing, moisturizing the skin and evening out the skin. 

Usage

Primers are used before the application of any other makeup products while foundations are used after primers or as a standalone product. BB creams are used before layering out other products or a standalone product. 

Primer vs Foundation vs BB cream: Comparison Table

Summary of primer vs foundation vs BB cream

While primers, foundations and BB creams have different skin benefits, care should be taken when choosing a product to use. This is because different skin types have different product needs, and what may work for one person may not work for another. Despite this, these three products have revolutionized the makeup industry.  

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