Whether you just entered the world of makeup, or you’re a true beauty afficionado, you’ve likely heard of BB cream and CC cream. The alphabet formulations are perfect picks for days you want to wear minimal makeup and still look amazing, but they are not quite the same. What do they do? And what’s the difference between BB cream and CC cream? And which should you use for your skin concerns? We break it down for you.
What is BB cream?
BB cream is short for ‘beauty balm’ or ‘blemish balm’. BB creams were invented in Korea as a time-saver for the morning makeup routine, and have gained huge popularity in the past few years here in the UK. No wonder, since the multipurpose product combines makeup and skincare in one single formula. BB creams provide sheer coverage with added skin care benefits, like SPF and anti-oxidant. They are lighter than foundations, but heavier than tinted moisturizers. BB creams hydrate, illuminate, protect and mattify the skin. They lightly cover imperfections while caring for your skin.
How to use BB cream
BB creams are super versatile and is perfect to use on days you don’t want full coverage. Skip primer and moisturizer since your BB cream does all the work! To get the best results when using a BB cream, you can use either your fingers or a damp makeup blending sponge. All you have to do is dot a generous amount of BB cream on your face and spread it out evenly.
What is CC cream?
CC cream stands for colour correcting or complexion correcting. The multi-purpose creams are very versatile and neutralize any skin imperfections, like redness and dark spots. Instead of applying a colour correcting-concealer and foundation, your CC cream takes care of your colour correcting and coverage needs. CC creams generally offer more coverage than BB creams, plus they have a thicker and heavier formula.
How to use CC cream
First you cleanse and moisturize your skin. Now it’s time to grab your CC cream! Dot a decent amount of CC cream on your face and spread it evenly using your fingers or a damp makeup sponge. Do you want more coverage? Then apply another layer of CC cream.
What’s the difference between BB cream and CC cream?
There aren’t really a lot of differences between BB and CC creams. Both creams moisturize and protect your skin, plus they cover minor imperfections. The difference is that BB creams are aimed at preventing possible skin concerns, while CC creams correct a pale or red complexion and cover imperfections. Another difference is that CC creams have a lighter structure and therefore feel lighter on the skin than BB creams.
BB vs. CC cream: which is best for your skin type?
When determining whether you’re a BB or CC cream type, there is no right or wrong answer. It all boils down to preference. Based on your skin concerns, we help you out and tell you if you need a BB or CC cream.
- Oily skin: CC cream has a matte texture and is less likely to slip and slide on your skin.
- Redness: a green CC cream corrects your complexion in no time.
- Sensitive skin: both BB and CC creams are excellent choices. Choose a cream based on your preferences.
- Blemishes: BB cream since it has anti-oxidants that fight blemishes.
- Acne-prone skin: CC creams conceal your problem areas and the lightweight texture is not likely to cause breakouts.
- Healthy glow: BB creams even out your skin tone and give it a beautiful glow.
- Pigmentation: CC creams disguise colour differences.
- Anti-aging: Choose a cream that you love.
- Mature skin: Both creams are perfect for your skin, as long as the package has ‘anti-aging’ on it.
- Dry skin: BB creams often contain hydrating properties and is best for dry skin.
