Sometimes, summer heat and makeup just aren’t a vibe - especially after all these months of being makeup free. But, if you did spend your lockdown(s) working on your makeup skills, you may have stumbled upon one of our favourite makeup trends of the year so far... a minimalistic base!
So, let's talk about tinted moisturisers, BB creams and CC creams - the perfect products for mastering this much-loved makeup look.
What's The Difference Between Tinted Moisturisers, BB Creams and CC Creams?
From the outside, these three products are all pretty much the same thing. But, if we dig a little deeper and get a little more technical, there are some minor differences…
- Tinted moisturisers - They do exactly what it sounds like they do. They hydrate your skin and give it a subtle tint to smooth out skin tone and texture.
- BB creams - These usually contain vitamins for your face and include a good SPF. They also add slight coverage to your skin.
- CC (colour correcting) creams - These often even out a complexion with a very very light coverage, whilst also providing your skin with the goodness it needs.
So, on those makeup free days we all love (and often need from time to time), what are your best options for subtle coverage that also offers serious skincare benefits?
NYX - Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil
First off, we couldn't talk about a strong, yet subtle base and not mention NYX. The brand’s foundation game has been on the rise for a while, and one that’s great for a light, hydrating look is theBare With Me Tinted Skin Veil.
This BB cream comes in a squeezy tube for easy application, that you can master with your fingers, a sponge or a brush. Providing up to eight hours of hydration, this skin-loving cream is infused with aloe and cucumber extracts which soothes and create a perfect barely there makeup look. This product unfortunately doesn’t include SPF though, so we highly recommend using one before applying (Don’t have an SPF already? These are some of our favourite SPFs for your face!). However, at only £10 for a 27ml tube, you cannot go wrong!
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream
Next up is a CC cream. It’s a little higher in price but you'll soon see why…Clinique is the Queen of looking after skin and therefore I trust everything they release. And I love the Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream, which colour corrects your skin and evens out skin tone to create a smooth flawless complexion. It rebalances and moisturises too, allowing for longer and more comfortable wear throughout the day.
The experts at Clinique know that each individual's skin undertones change depending on multiple different factors, so this CC cream adapts to these changes too. An oil-free cream, this product is super hydrating and therefore great for all skin types. Oh, and it’s SPF 30 too, making it perfect for summery days. Not bad for £31 for a 40ml squeezy tube!Revolution Pro CC Perfecting Skin Tint
Next up is a very affordable option from Revolution Pro. In four varied shades, the CC Perfecting Skin Tintwill help you to achieve an effortless look that is subtle and natural.
Do not be put off by the cream’s shade when first exposed… Its small micro-encapsulated pigments burst on contact with the skin and turn to a foundation shade to perfectly match you. Infused with vitamin E, this tint reduces UV damage and helps with inflammation and redness too. We’d say this makes it yet another ideal option for wearing out in the summer sun! We also love that it’s only £13 for a 40ml tube!
REN Clean Skincare Satin Perfection BB Cream
REN is fast becoming one of the greatest skincare brands of all time. The brand is truly one to trust and follow closely for all your skincare concerns. With a huge range of products to choose from, each is tailored by experts to help you battle your skin concerns.
With SPF 15, theREN Clean Skincare Satin Perfection BB Cream is another of our favourite lightweight coverage solutions! This BB cream is silicone free, which is perfect for combination and oily skin types, and it offers a smooth satin finish. That’s not where its benefits end though, no… This multi-function cream also aids in correcting imperfections, protecting against UV damage, toning and firming natural face contours, boosting radiance for a gorgeous summer glow and leaving you with smooth flawless skin.
It may be a little more expensive than the previous option, but you do get an extra 10ml. A 50ml squeeze tube for £31!These creams are all a great alternative to foundation if you prefer a lighter base during the heat. However, if you’d rather opt for a more full foundation look, have a read of our five best foundations for the summer months!