BB creams.
What do you think about ’em? I’ve been on a kick lately (MAC Lightful C has been my bae for a week or so), but ya know…sometimes a girl needs/wants a little more coverage, and sometimes (well, all the time) that same girl is also in a hurry. 🙂
And that’s how I figured out this makeup tip.
Basically, instead of applying a BB cream (or tinted moisturizer) first, and then applying a concealer on top of it, you can save a little time by blending a bit of your favorite concealer into your BB cream to create a magical brew.
Mixing the two together increases the opacity of the BB cream, which gives you more coverage.
I’ve been mixing MAC Lightful C in Medium Plus with a smidgen of MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC42. Then I buff MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural on top, and then spray a little MAC Fix+ all over my face.
The result is medium coverage with a natural-looking semi-matte finish. It’s what I’ve been wearing in my pics lately. 🙂
If you wanted to, I bet you could also bump up the coverage even more by playing with the ratio of Select Cover-Up to Lightful C.
If you decide to give this a whirl with different products, try mixing things with similar formulas and consistencies, like creams with creams, liquids with liquids, etc. I usually have better luck when I do that, and it’s why I blend MAC Select Color-Up with MAC Lightful C, because they both have similar consistencies and blend pretty well together.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Sittin’ here on my couch feeling stuffed to the gills. El Hub and I just got back from a yummy anniversary dinner. As of today, we’ve been married nine years, and I still haven’t killed him in his sleep yet. 🙂
Agata says
July 7th, 2015 at 10:01 pmHappy Anniversary Karen!
And your face looks flawless here! I will try that trick!
Karen says
July 8th, 2015 at 10:10 amThank you, Agata! I hope that your move wasn’t too rough.
Sheila says
July 7th, 2015 at 10:08 pmYour skin looks incredible in that photo! You look luminous.
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Vijaya says
July 7th, 2015 at 10:19 pmI usually use powder or liquid foundation and cream concealer, so this probably gives me a good excuse to shop for a new concealer.
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Kirsten says
July 8th, 2015 at 12:18 amHappy Anniversary! Thanks for the makeup tip!
Karen says
July 8th, 2015 at 10:10 amThank you, Kirsten! 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Lulle says
July 8th, 2015 at 12:30 amI have never converted to BB creams! They mean light coverage (well, except in Asia where they originated…), and when I want light coverage, I tend to go for powder foundations. It sounds like a great tip though, and it’s kind of the idea behind the Cover FX Drops!
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Karen says
July 8th, 2015 at 10:10 amI wish I could find a powder foundation that rocked my world! My skin is dry and it doesn’t always like them. 🙁
Kiss & Make-up says
July 8th, 2015 at 5:09 amThat’s a great tip, thanks, Karen! Happy anniversary!
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Karen says
July 8th, 2015 at 10:09 amThank you Melissa!
jenn says
July 8th, 2015 at 5:13 amLol Happy Anniversary! Not killing him in his sleep alone is something to celebrate 😉 Traveling to a new duty station with my family this week and looking to cut down on some makeup time. Thanks for the tips!
-a fellow tabby lover/cataholic
Karen says
July 8th, 2015 at 10:09 amIt’s so true though! I always joke with him that it’s only a matter of time, so sleep with one eye open, HAHA! Actually I wouldn’t stand a chance against Tabs. Tabs is El Hub’s protector. 😉
I hope that your traveling goes smoothly! When will you be settled in?
jenn says
July 8th, 2015 at 7:50 pmMy kitty loves my husband a smidge more than me too. She gives him hugs when she’s standing on something tall but I rarely get one… Jealous…. Probably couldn’t protect him though since she’s the tiniest cat I’ve ever had.
It will probably be a while before we’re settled but at least no more moves for a few years 🙂
Karen says
July 8th, 2015 at 9:06 pmWhat’s your kitty’s name? And how long have you had her? Tabs and I have been together for 9 years now!
jenn says
July 9th, 2015 at 1:10 amHer name’s Lexi (after the car I’ll never own lol) and she’ll be 9 in October 🙂
Jessica says
July 8th, 2015 at 6:14 amHappy anniversary!!
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Karen says
July 8th, 2015 at 10:08 amThanks, Jessica! XO
Ruchita says
July 8th, 2015 at 6:44 amGreat tip about mixing the BB cream and concealer! Also, happy anniversary! 🙂
Karen says
July 8th, 2015 at 10:08 amThanks, Ruchita (and kittehs!).
Oh, random kitty story: I kitty-sat my neighbor’s cat a couple weeks ago! He’s a floofy and sweet Manx mix and now I’m kind of obsessed with him. I keep wanting to ask if I can come over just to play with the cat but I think it might be weird, lol!
Anyway, I hope you’re having a nice week so far. What did you guys do for the Fourth?
Ruchita says
July 8th, 2015 at 11:14 amAww, the neighbor kitty sounds adorable! I would totally set up a play date if someone wanted to hang out with my kitties. 🙂
I have a kitty story for you as well: When we were in Athens we saw lot of stray kitties around the Acroplis area. We stopped to pet some of the friendly ones when a guy came by on a bicycle. Suddenly the cats we were petting ran off after him and then other cats literally started coming out of the woodwork to run after the guy.
We followed them and saw that this kind gentleman brings them food and water. I was really sad about seeing so many strays, but it made me feel better knowing that they get fed. I even got a little teary eyed over the situation.
Anyway, I am bringing cat treats with me next time we go on vacation. 🙂
Our Fourth was pretty low key – just had some people over for food and drinks. Of course the cats hated all the fireworks, but they got lots of treats and cuddles to make up for it!
Katie says
July 8th, 2015 at 7:35 amEchoing comments above saying your skin has been looking luminous and fabulous from this combo, Karen!
I use the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer to even out skin tone/rid redness, then I buff the Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer into hyperpigmentation, persistent zit scars, and deeper redness around the nose with a small, dome-shaped (eyeshadow) brush. I’m content with the concealing results, but I want to step it up: what’ll be the differences in coverage if I try Karen’s mixing technique in the “affected” areas with my hands vs buffing the mix with something like a Beauty Blender (the original or the mini? I’ve never tried either)? Preemptive thanks to anyone that can offer their opinion 🙂
Katie says
July 8th, 2015 at 7:36 amAnd happy anniversary, Karen and El Hub!!! I hope Tabs didn’t interfere (too much).
Karen says
July 8th, 2015 at 10:06 amHi Katie,
Thank you! 🙂
OK, so…I’ve used NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer and loooove it. Great choice. I think the difference will be in coverage; if you use fingers to apply and pat, you’ll get more of a full coverage. Blending with a wet BeautyBlender will lift a tiny bit of product off, so it’ll sheer out every so slightly.
Does that make sense? Let me know if you have any Qs. 🙂
And gals, please feel free to chime in!
Laarni says
July 8th, 2015 at 7:50 amYou just enabled me! YAY! Thanks for the tip! And wow, happy wedding anniversary!!! more to come!
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Karen says
July 8th, 2015 at 10:03 amHi Laarni,
That’s what I’m here for, lol!
Let me know how it goes. 🙂
Kwmechelle says
July 8th, 2015 at 9:12 amHappy (belated) anniversary! I actually don’t wear foundation or tinted moisturizer or bb cream (and I call myself makeup lover/hoarder) but this is a good tip to know on those special occasions when I want to take it up a notch. 🙂
Karen says
July 8th, 2015 at 10:02 amThank you, friend!
Um, your skin is amazing. If you can get away with skipping face makeup, you might as well! So do you just use setting powder and that’s it?
Kwmechelle says
July 8th, 2015 at 10:47 amAwww, thanks dude! I wear under eye concealer topped off with a translucent setting powder. Makes a world of difference & helps me fake the funk
Ashleigh says
July 8th, 2015 at 11:52 amHappy Belated Anniversary! You look radiant with that combination. BB creams are my favorite.
As my Grandma always said… divorce? Never crossed her mind. Murder? Frequently! 😉
Tatiana says
July 8th, 2015 at 12:19 pmHappy Anniversary! Your skin looks glowing (as in healthy and perfect) in the photos! I need to try this trick because I’m loving MAC Lightful C. Wonder if it would mix well with MAC Pro Longwear concealer.
Iris says
July 8th, 2015 at 1:27 pmHappy anniversary!
Leticia (Thee Limited Edition) says
July 8th, 2015 at 2:12 pmWhat an awesome tip!! I am always looking to save a little time!!
Fancie says
July 8th, 2015 at 2:22 pmThis is a fabulous idea! I’m gonna try it!
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Stefi says
July 8th, 2015 at 2:38 pmHey Karen!
First of all, happy anniversary, wow 9 years, so lovely! <3
Secondly, your tip is amazing! I always thought of doing this the other way around as in thinning out a foundation with some cream but never this way around, definitely putting this to a test, thanks for your genius creation!
Love,
Stefi
Trude says
July 8th, 2015 at 3:10 pmHappy anniversary!! Love this on you, it’s brightening with some matte to it. May have to try that, my fave has been It Cosmetics’ CC cream because it’s basically foundation with all the good stuff in it! 🙂
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Jan says
July 8th, 2015 at 5:14 pmI’m liking the CoverFX drops to add coverage to my cc cream and other light coverage products.
Jan
Candace says
July 9th, 2015 at 9:04 amI never comment but I had to cause you used one of my FAVE tricks and you look SO gorgeous Karen! Bonus? My anniversary is today, July 9th 🙂 We’ve been married 10 years and I haven’t killed my hubby yet either lol!!! You totally had me cryin with that comment lol Congrats to you!
ericca says
July 10th, 2015 at 11:28 amI have been doing this with my Iman BB cream and Mac select cover up and I love it. A little coverage, the concealer takes away the horribleness that shall not be named from under my eyes and i feel fresh and light. love it