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What exactly is the difference between BB and CC cream?

What exactly is the difference between BB and CC cream?

How BB and CC creams are all the rage when seeking a light-version of foundation… but what exactly are the differences between the two?

BB Cream

BB cream, “beauty or blemish balm”, is basically a heavier tinted-moisturizer.  Its main purpose is to hydrate your skin while providing some coverage and possibly SPF protection for your skin. A BB cream is a great alternative to a thick foundation when you’re hitting the gym, or a quick trip to the grocery store… it’s light and airy composition allows your skin to breathe and avoid the breakouts you risk with pore-clogging makeup. BB creams can also multitask by providing various skincare treatments.

CC Cream

On the flip side, you have the option of a CC cream, or “color correcting” cream. In addition to providing light hydration, coverage and sunscreen, a CC cream has the added value of evening-out your skin tone. CC cream targets color-correcting, which can help if you have dark spots or redness. It is also thicker than a BB cream, to better conceal imperfections.

CC creams range in color to counteract natural discoloration in the skin. For redness, pair up with a CC cream that is green or yellow; pink or peach CC creams are generally used to combat dull purply skin, or dark grey eyes. Sometimes a CC cream is used as a primer to color correct under your foundation.

BB and CC creams range in benefits, and each offers different skincare solutions. Some creams repair dry skin while others tackle bigger issues like acne or anti-aging. Either way, they heal and improve your skin. You may notice recovery of your skin in the weeks and months after wearing a BB or CC cream. This is quite the advantage to a tinted moisturizer, which only provides hydration and SPF.

DD Cream

If BB and CC creams weren’t enough to confuse you… bring out the DD creams! DD cream, or “Dynamic Duo” cream is the latest on the market, which is said to have the benefits of both BB and CC creams. Basically, this version claims to protect, restore and color-correct skin while providing coverage.

 Check out this helpful chart when trying to differentiate the three:

When deciding on a correcting cream, in my opinion, make your makeup work for you!! Unless your skin is relatively even and doesn’t need much repair (talking to my younger clients), choose a BB or CC cream with additional benefits such as brightening, oil-control, or acne treatments. Remember to purchase makeup that is formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates. I’ve listed a few options below, but every brand has their own version of BB creams, with a variety of correcting properties. It can be overwhelming, so the best way to decide is to head to a Sephora with a friend and actually try them all on! This will make it easier to determine which color, coverage and texture is best for you.

Tarte promises “smooth, youthful-looking skin” with this BB cream

BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $14

Clinique offers a CC cream “for glowing skin that moisturizes, perfects, and protects with SPF.” Which also offers a solution for dullness and uneven skin tone.

Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $39

Don’t forget daily sunscreen protection and coverage for your man!

DTRT Get Ready BB SPF 50+, $24

For the best BB cream, (CC or DD cream…), identify your skincare needs and compare products by brand, as products vary across the industry. Reach out to me here for the best makeup or skincare products, and I will help you decide which are the most valuable for your skin!

Written by Nicole Miller