So, have you ever wondered what the difference is between BB Cream vs CC cream? If you have, you’re not alone! Although both are great options when it comes to beach days or 5 minute makeup routines, there are a few key differences. So how do you find out which one is best for you? We’re here to help you figure that out!
What is BB cream?
Unlike a full coverage foundation, BB cream (or beauty balm) is a makeup product that typically provides light coverage when applied to the skin. BB creams are often formulated with different skincare benefits, including hydration, SPF, or oil control. They also come in a variety of formulations based on your skin type, ensuring almost anyone can find one that works for them. This product originally gained its popularity in South Korea, where minimal makeup and glowing skin are all the rage.
If you don’t like wearing heavy foundations on a daily basis or just want something quick to even skin tone, BB cream is a great option. BB creams are often much more sheer than your normal foundation, so you can get a more minimal and natural look in no time!
You might think “Wait, isn’t that the same thing as a tinted moisturizer?”, and although they are similar, they definitely aren’t the same. You could say that a BB cream is just a step up from a tinted moisturizer. This is because BB cream offers a little bit more coverage, given that tinted moisturizers are very thin and sheer. So if you’re trying to decide between the two, it’s totally dependent on what level of coverage you prefer!
How are you supposed to use BB cream?
Because BB creams are light in coverage, you can opt for using a sponge or your fingers to apply it. If you’re in a rush, squeezing a little bit onto your fingers and blending it onto your skin is a great time saver. On the other hand, if you have a little more time to spare in the mornings, a BB cream on a sponge can deliver a more seamless application.
Either way, be sure to blend the BB cream all the way down your neck to ensure you won’t have any lines of demarcation. And when you’re using your fingers, don’t forget to wash your hands first, especially if you have an acne prone skin! You don’t want to be spreading any bacteria that could result in breakouts or clogged pores.
If you choose to throw up a few more makeup products, it’s important to try not to go too heavy or dramatic. As we mentioned before, BB creams are pretty light in coverage and are meant to provide a natural, minimal look. So if you’re using other products that give the opposite effect, your makeup could end up looking a little overdone! So try to keep it light and natural for a more cohesive look.
Our favorite BB creams
If you’re looking for a quick, drugstore option, the Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream is a great option. Not only this bb cream is affordable, but it also contains 2% salicylic acid to prevent and treat any breakouts if you have an acne prone skin.
If you’re wanting to splurge and invest in a higher-end BB cream, try the Bobbi Brown BB Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 35. The sun protection in this bb cream is a huge plus for us, and the oil control is great for you, combination/oily skin gals out there.
What is CC Cream?
Now onto CC (color correcting/complexion corrector) cream. It usually has a bit more coverage than most BB cream because it’s used to correct skin tones prone to redness and dark spots. Because the coverage is higher, CC creams usually are thicker in formula and overall and heavier than BB cream. Don’t let this scare you though, the finish is still more natural than your average foundation! CC creams are also ideal for those of you with more mature skin because they help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are different types of CC creams based on what the needs of your skin are! If you deal with redness, a CC cream that has a green tint to it may be ideal for you. This is because green is the opposite of red on the color wheel, so having a green-tinted product is the best when it comes to neutralizing your redness. CC creams come in a variety of different tints, tones, and coverages, so there’s something for everyone.
CC creams also offer skincare benefits, just like BB creams! Some offer SPF, anti-aging ingredients, or shine control. If you’re trying to figure out if a CC or BB cream is best for you, we have a few tips. If you deal with acne marks, discolorations, rosacea, or anything that alters the natural color of your skin, a CC cream is probably best for you. However, if you’re just looking for something to even out your skin tone and give you a natural look, a BB cream may be up your alley!
How are you supposed to use a CC cream?
As we mentioned earlier, CC creams are usually on the thicker side compared to most BB creams. Because of this, you may find that a sponge or brush is best to apply it if you want a seamless finish. You should apply the same principles as when using a BB cream: be sure to blend it down your neck so that everything blends together!
If you wear other makeup products, you can afford to go a little more dramatic if you use a CC cream. Because they typically provide more coverage, there’s a more seamless and perfected base for other makeup to stick to. So if you like to look a little more glamorous on an everyday basis, a CC cream with heavier coverage might be perfect for you.
Our favorite CC creams
The Physicians Formula Super CC Cream with SPF 30
Is not only from the drugstore but also offers awesome skin benefits and medium coverage. It’s paraben and fragrance-free, so there’s a very minimal chance of skin irritation when using this product!
CC+ Cream Illumination with SPF 50+
If you want something with a bit more coverage and a lot more skincare benefits, the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream is a cult favorite. With SPF 50 and different formulations for dry and oily skin, you definitely can’t go wrong with this one!
FAQ
What is BB cream?
BB cream stands for beauty balm, which is a tinted moisturizer that can also have skincare benefits.
What is CC cream?
CC stands for color correcting/complexion corrector and what it does is help with redness or dark spots on your skin! They come in different formulas depending what you're looking to do.
Can I use BB cream instead of foundation?
Yes! BB cream is what you want to use if you’re looking for a more natural look. BB Cream usually has less coverage than what foundation would provide, but it does give skin tint that can even out your skin tone and make everything blend together seamlessly.
What is the difference between BB cream vs CC cream?
BB cream is what you want to use if you’re looking for something that evens out your skin complection but doesn’t have too much coverage. The formula is usually very light and offers a more natural finish than foundation would, so it won't feel heavy on the face.
CC creams are what you want to turn to if you’re looking to correct redness or dark spots. Because the coverage is higher, they usually are thicker in formula and overall and heavier than BB creams.
What does CC cream do?
CC creams are what you want to use if you’re looking for something that corrects your natural skin tone, such as redness or dark spots. Because the coverage is higher, they usually are thicker in formula and overall and heavier than BB creams.
What is the difference between CC cream and DD cream?
CC creams are what you want to use if you’re looking for something that corrects your natural skin tone, such as redness or dark spots. Because the coverage is higher, they usually are thicker in formula and overall and heavier than a BB cream.
DD cream (or ‘dynamic do-all’) is what you want to turn to if what you’re looking for is something that will cover all the bases. This means it's got the coverage of a foundation, but also has all the skincare benefits and SPF protection!
How do I apply Color Correcting cream?
As we mentioned earlier, CC creams are usually on the thicker side compared to most BB creams. Because of this, you may find that a sponge or brush is best to apply it if you want a seamless finish. You should apply the same principles as when using a BB cream: be sure to blend it down your neck so that everything blends together!
We hope that you found this article helpful in understanding the difference between a skin tint, CC, DD and BB cream. Now you can make an educated decision on which one is the right product for you! Let us know which one you prefer in the comments below! Be sure to subscribe so we can get your skin looking amazing with our tips and tricks!
