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Crank Up the Coverage of Your Favorite BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer With This Time Saving Tip

July 7th, 2015 by Karen 38 Comments

mac lightful c

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. 🙂

mac lightful c

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. 🙂

Crank Up the Coverage of Your Favorite BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer With This Time Saving Tip / Originally published July 7th, 2015

There are 38 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup Tips/How To

The products in this entry were provided by the manufacturer for consideration. For information about my posting policy, please see my Disclaimer.

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Comments

  1. Agata says

    July 7th, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    Happy Anniversary Karen!

    And your face looks flawless here! I will try that trick!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 8th, 2015 at 10:10 am

      Thank you, Agata! I hope that your move wasn’t too rough.

      Reply
  2. Sheila says

    July 7th, 2015 at 10:08 pm

    Your skin looks incredible in that photo! You look luminous.
    Sheila recently posted … Men’s care review: L’Occitane en Provence Cedrat Global Face Gel and Cedrat Shaving Gel

    Reply
  3. Vijaya says

    July 7th, 2015 at 10:19 pm

    I usually use powder or liquid foundation and cream concealer, so this probably gives me a good excuse to shop for a new concealer.
    Vijaya recently posted … All Hail The Queen by Butter London

    Reply
  4. Kirsten says

    July 8th, 2015 at 12:18 am

    Happy Anniversary! Thanks for the makeup tip!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 8th, 2015 at 10:10 am

      Thank you, Kirsten! 🙂 Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
  5. Lulle says

    July 8th, 2015 at 12:30 am

    I 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!
    Lulle recently posted … Summer essentials: 10 best budget lipsticks and lipglosses

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 8th, 2015 at 10:10 am

      I wish I could find a powder foundation that rocked my world! My skin is dry and it doesn’t always like them. 🙁

      Reply
  6. Kiss & Make-up says

    July 8th, 2015 at 5:09 am

    That’s a great tip, thanks, Karen! Happy anniversary!
    Kiss & Make-up recently posted … Review | Valeur Absolue Vitalité parfum

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 8th, 2015 at 10:09 am

      Thank you Melissa!

      Reply
  7. jenn says

    July 8th, 2015 at 5:13 am

    Lol 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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 8th, 2015 at 10:09 am

      It’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?

      Reply
      • jenn says

        July 8th, 2015 at 7:50 pm

        My 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 🙂

        Reply
        • Karen says

          July 8th, 2015 at 9:06 pm

          What’s your kitty’s name? And how long have you had her? Tabs and I have been together for 9 years now!

          Reply
          • jenn says

            July 9th, 2015 at 1:10 am

            Her name’s Lexi (after the car I’ll never own lol) and she’ll be 9 in October 🙂

  8. Jessica says

    July 8th, 2015 at 6:14 am

    Happy anniversary!!
    Jessica recently posted … Dear God

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 8th, 2015 at 10:08 am

      Thanks, Jessica! XO

      Reply
  9. Ruchita says

    July 8th, 2015 at 6:44 am

    Great tip about mixing the BB cream and concealer! Also, happy anniversary! 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 8th, 2015 at 10:08 am

      Thanks, 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?

      Reply
      • Ruchita says

        July 8th, 2015 at 11:14 am

        Aww, 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!

        Reply
  10. Katie says

    July 8th, 2015 at 7:35 am

    Echoing 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 🙂

    Reply
    • Katie says

      July 8th, 2015 at 7:36 am

      And happy anniversary, Karen and El Hub!!! I hope Tabs didn’t interfere (too much).

      Reply
    • Karen says

      July 8th, 2015 at 10:06 am

      Hi 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!

      Reply
  11. Laarni says

    July 8th, 2015 at 7:50 am

    You just enabled me! YAY! Thanks for the tip! And wow, happy wedding anniversary!!! more to come!
    Laarni recently posted … New: Sigma Beauty SigmaTech Essential Set

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 8th, 2015 at 10:03 am

      Hi Laarni,

      That’s what I’m here for, lol!

      Let me know how it goes. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Kwmechelle says

    July 8th, 2015 at 9:12 am

    Happy (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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 8th, 2015 at 10:02 am

      Thank 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?

      Reply
  13. Kwmechelle says

    July 8th, 2015 at 10:47 am

    Awww, thanks dude! I wear under eye concealer topped off with a translucent setting powder. Makes a world of difference & helps me fake the funk

    Reply
  14. Ashleigh says

    July 8th, 2015 at 11:52 am

    Happy 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! 😉

    Reply
  15. Tatiana says

    July 8th, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    Happy 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.

    Reply
  16. Iris says

    July 8th, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    Happy anniversary!

    Reply
  17. Leticia (Thee Limited Edition) says

    July 8th, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    What an awesome tip!! I am always looking to save a little time!!

    Reply
  18. Fancie says

    July 8th, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    This is a fabulous idea! I’m gonna try it!
    Fancie recently posted … New CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipsticks!

    Reply
  19. Stefi says

    July 8th, 2015 at 2:38 pm

    Hey 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

    Reply
  20. Trude says

    July 8th, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    Happy 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! 🙂
    Trude recently posted … July Desktop Background

    Reply
  21. Jan says

    July 8th, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    I’m liking the CoverFX drops to add coverage to my cc cream and other light coverage products.

    Jan

    Reply
  22. Candace says

    July 9th, 2015 at 9:04 am

    I 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!

    Reply
  23. ericca says

    July 10th, 2015 at 11:28 am

    I 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

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my three-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my kitty supermodel cat (Tabs).

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