Everything You Need To Know About BB and CC Creams
The emerging alphabet formations, BB and CC creams have made a mark in the beauty industry and may soon surpass tinted moisturizers and stand foundation formulas as skin smoothing and perfecting options. BB Creams, which originated in Asian areas are beauty or blemishing creams that have become increasingly popular over the last couple years here in the United States. CC Creams are color correcting formulas and are designed to address sallowness or redness on the skin.
The cream formula provides seamless coverage with the added benefit of skin protecting SPF and antioxidants. The list of benefits may depend on the brand you choose but what is consistent across brands is that BB Creams tend to be lighter than foundations but heavier than tinted moisturizers. While the ingredients in the creams are like the efficacy that would come with stand-alone serums, they may not always provide adequate sun protection even though the SPF is broad spectrum. The primary differences between the two is that BB cream’s hydrating formulas are ideal for dry skin while CC creams tend to be better for oily and acneic skin.
What Is the Difference Between BB and CC Creams
What makes BB creams attractive is they are phenomenal at concealing skin blemishes and minimizing the appearance of pores and wrinkles. BB creams are a balance between skincare and makeup and tend to have similar ingredients to serums and lotions. Some formulas even have the ability to make skin look younger.
CC Creams tend to be lighter on the skin and have a light fluffy feel and finish. While the creams are both typically marketed to address the appearance of the skin and each boast their own benefits, they are similar. Where the difference comes in is the formulation by brand. Clinique’s CC Cream, for example, is more opaque than many of the BB Creams. It is important that users do due diligence and read the ingredients. Some companies have gone to great lengths to create creams that not only provide coverage but also are categorized for specific skin types.
Top BB Creams of 2020:
- Maybelline New York Dream BB Fresh Cream - A pea size drop is all that is needed to minimize the size of pores. The formula is made of water and the gel-like texture leaves the skin feeling light and fresh all day.
- MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 - A rich formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acids to address dry thirsty skin. Available in a variety of shades and is medium to full coverage. The SPF 42 is a standout for this brand.
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB - A standout for acne prone skin. The pigments are shade adapting and blurs the look of blemishes, pores and pigmentation caused by acne. The cream also contains silica to absorb oil and keep the T-Zone in check.
Top CC Creams of 2020
- Lancome UV Expert Mineral CC Cream SPF 50 - Offers both intense hydration and sun-protection. The hydration is long-lasting, and the SPF 50 helps to shield the skin from aging free radicals UVB/ UVA rays and environmental pollution.
- Black Up Matifying Tinted Moisturizer - A tinted moisturizer with color correcting benefits. The product was created with darker skin tones in mind and balances out dark spots and other hyperpigmentation. The formula also helps to reduce excess oil on the skin.
- It Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ - A super popular full coverage foundation that is also infused with peptides, collagen and hyaluronic acid. The ingredients help to skin the skin a plumped-up and hydrated appearance.
Whether looking for something sheer to improve the appearance of the skin, address pigmentation or provide moisture, choosing between a BB and CC cream is a matter of personal preference. Both products have amazing benefits, ingredients and price vary by product line. It’s a good idea to try a few formulas to see which one works best for you.
