The “your skin but better” and “no-makeup makeup look” beauty trends have been all the rage this past year. Especially with many of us working from home and generally just spending less time in public, we’ve been simplifying our makeup routines and gravitating towards more natural looks that enhance our natural beauty while trying to achieve glowy, youthful results. Now enter BB and CC creams, which have risen in popularity within the past decade. But what exactly are the differences between the two, which is better, and which product will work better for you?
The Basics
BB and CC Creams are basically a perfect marriage of tinted moisturizers and full-coverage foundations. Tinted moisturizers are everyday moisturizers with pigment and offer the sheerest option for coverage with hydration as the main goal. BB and CC creams, however, target skin imperfections and typically offer more coverage than a traditional tinted moisturizer, but less than a foundation which gives a more natural finish. Many major brands have developed both types of creams to offer an increasing amount of benefits to the skin, such as anti-aging properties and SPF.
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What is BB Cream?
BB creams originated from Asia where natural, dewy makeup is extremely popular, and they were widely used there before hitting the American market. BB stands for beauty balm or blemish balm and contains ingredients found in serums, pigments, moisturizers, and sunscreens combining multiple steps in a beauty/skincare routine into one product that targets multiple skin needs. BB creams are normally formulated with antioxidants. A BB cream is a great option for those who prefer a more natural look with a dewy finish while still giving semi-full coverage that is buildable.
What is CC Cream?
CC refers to color correction or concealer coverage formulated as a cream that targets skin discoloration and blotchiness more than a BB cream. The color-correcting qualities make this beauty product a favorite because it boasts an even complexion and promotes radiance. CC creams also offer hydration, anti-aging benefits and medium coverage.
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Which one’s for you?
If you are someone who wears minimal makeup or enjoys products that offer a natural finish, either option would be great for you. It also won’t hurt to keep either one (or both) in your stash for lazy days where you just need a pick-me-up. A CC cream is recommended for those who struggle with acne or scarring as it will offer more coverage and even the skin tone while still giving a natural finish. If acne isn’t a major skin concern, we recommend a BB cream since it’s lightweight, sheer, and won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles while promoting a dewy, glowing finish.
A nice aspect of BB and CC creams is the application process. Unlike foundations that are a thicker, more viscous formula, BB and CC creams can be applied with your fingers and they blend in beautifully and seamlessly. If you aren’t completely satisfied with the coverage, spot-concealing with a concealer after application will result in a full-coverage look minus the cakey-ness and heaviness of using foundation.
**Application tip: For a full-beat, you can substitute your everyday primer for a CC cream which will completely cancel out unevenness and redness giving you a flawless, airbrushed finish. Plus, using a CC cream will keep your face hydrated and glowing.
Ready to go au naturel?
Top-Rated BB Creams/Tinted Moisturizers
Top-Rated CC Creams
Do you already use BB/CC creams in your beauty routine? Which is your go-to? Let us know in the comments!
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