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There aren’t many rules when it comes to makeup; people are encouraged to try the products that catch their eyes and match their look. While makeup can be a very liberating and transformative tool, there are certain products that don’t live up to the hype around them. For Nicole Moleti, who is a makeup artist for Laura Mercier Cosmetics, she says that people should avoid using BB cream at all costs.
This product is sought out by those who want a minimal, natural-looking coverage from their foundation and SPF protection, but Moleti says that most people don’t fully understand what the BB cream does. “As a working makeup artist, at least once a day, a client will say to me ‘I don’t want a foundation — I just want a BB cream,'” she explains to POPSUGAR. “I will then explain to her that a BB cream is, in fact, a foundation. It can be used as a primer under a foundation or as an actual foundation. Either way, it serves to provide moderate to heavy coverage and is meant to be applied all over the face to even out skin tone and hide imperfections, as most traditional foundations do.”
Despite its popular reputation, Moleti insists that BB cream is a product that dries out the skin and does the opposite of what it promises.
"Whoever came up with the marketing scheme that is the BB cream is a genius. He or she has convinced women across the globe that this is the product for them," she explains. "Hidden behind the promise of a high level of SPF, there lies a product that is meant to provide heavy matte coverage leaving skin lifeless, dull, and without an ounce of color."
So, if you've noticed that your BB cream is drying out your skin, Moleti says that this type of foundation isn't for you. "It is not for any person, really, unless they are extremely oily and acne-prone," she says.
Instead, Moleti suggests taking the time to prep the skin with a moisturizer and primer to get these desired effects from your foundation. But, if full-coverage is what you're after, then Moleti says a tinted moisturizer or CC cream is for you.
"Those who seek natural coverage should follow those steps with a tinted moisturizer. This step evens out skin tone and provides a light coverage and sunscreen," she explains. "If it is more coverage that you need, then a CC cream is the way to go. CC stands for 'color correction,' and these products are better suited for most skin types as they are dewy and hydrating and cover imperfections impeccably."
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+Illumination Cream With Spf 50+ ($38)
Moleti prefers IT Cosmetics' Your Skin But Better formula, which offers full-coverage, SPF 50+, intense hydration, and skin enhancing illuminators.
"My personal favorite is the IT Cosmetics CC Cream. It is a miraculous product that will change your life. This product also claims to provide serum, moisturizer, and primer, but I think it best to do those steps separately to be sure that your skin is treated and primed perfectly," she says.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($45)
If a tinted moisturizer is more your speed, Moleti says that Laura Mercer's Tinted Moisturizer will help your skin "look like a better version of itself." It provides sheer-coverage to deliver a healthy no-makeup look and a natural dewy finish.
Do you prefer BB cream to traditional foundation? Will you be using CC cream or a tinted moisturizer instead? Let us know in the comments below!
[Photos: Shutterstock]
