The ultimate skin makeup guide: BB, CC, and DD creams + everything in between

skin-makeup-guide
Photography by Peter Stigter

If you’ve ever found yourself confused and overwhelmed in the makeup aisle of a drugstore while trying to decipher the various products on the shelves, you’re not alone. There are so many different products and categories on the market that are designed with specific purposes and are available in a variety of formulas, making the process of choosing the right makeup to achieve radiant skin kind of overwhelming.

From foundation to BB, CC and everything in between, this glossary can act as your full face makeup guide to help you understand which product does what, when you should use it and how to pick the right ones for your skin.

Foundation
Foundation isn’t meant to be a mask; it should just be a better version of your skin. Foundations are usually highly pigmented and offer coverage to even out skin tone and hide breakouts, to create a luminous skin base for virtually any makeup look.

The myriad of formulas, formats and finishes available (not to mention application techniques) means there’s a foundation appropriate for every complexions and lifestyles.

“There are so many options with foundations now, so it’s best to really consider what you are hoping your foundation will do for you. Pick one based on your skin type, how much coverage you need, and [your] lifestyle,” explains Grace Lee, Lead Makeup Artist for Maybelline New York Canada.

Once you’ve found your perfect pick, “the best way to apply foundation is to start down the T-zone of the face and blend out toward your ears. Always make sure to blend the foundation down the jawline to your neck so you don’t end up with a visible colour line. You can use a sponge, fingers or a foundation brush, just make sure to blend!”

Tinted Moisturizer
If the thought of foundation feels constricting, a tinted moisturizer is a more lightweight option and provides a touch of sheer colour along with the hydrating benefits of your favourite moisturizer. It’s a great option if you don’t require full coverage for problem areas or dislike wearing makeup.

“Pick the qualities that you are looking for in a moisturizer, and then test it to make sure you are happy with the amount of tint that’s added to it,” suggests Lee.

Primer
Chances are, you’ve had days where you started off with your makeup in place and by the end of the day it’s worn off or you’ve sweated through it. Primer creates a smooth, bright canvas for your makeup and helps it go on easily as well as prevents it from turning cakey.

“Choose a primer based on your main skin concern. If you have really oily skin, you want one that helps with oil control and pore minimizing. If you have excessive red or yellow tones, you want a colour-correcting primer. If you don’t have any main issues, you can choose an illuminating primer, or one that helps your foundation last longer,” says Toronto-based makeup artist Olivia Colacci (Plutino Group).

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