When it comes to creating the perfect makeup look, mastering the right base is key, from adding a primer to set the base, to using foundation and concealer to create a flawless complexion.
Over the past few seasons, BB creams and CC creams have entered the beauty industry as the new beauty tools on the block and have gained popularity in the beauty world, appearing on many trendy lists. But what are they and what’s the BB cream vs. CC cream difference? Well, let’s find out.
What Is BB Cream?
BB cream stands for blemish balm. It also stands for blemish base and beauty balm. It was created and formulated in the 1960s in Germany but only became available to consumers later one.
BB creams were launched in South Korea and Japanese markets from 1985 and were launched in Western markets from 2012.
BB cream is like a cross between a tinted cream and a foundation. If anything, it works as an ‘all in one’ facial base product, as it’s a combination of tinted cream, foundation, primer, sunscreen, serum, and moisturizer. Most importantly, it works effectively to even out skin tone, cover up blemishes and smooth out your complexion.
Even though a lot of BB creams available on the beauty market are tested on animals and/or contain animal ingredients, it is possible to find cruelty-free and/or vegan BB creams.
What Is CC Cream?
CC cream is color correcting or color control cream. It works to reduce the appearance of redness, dullness and uneven skin tone. Similar to BB creams, CC creams work as a tinted moisturizer and can be used as an all-in-one facial base, and they can protect your complexion from the sun’s UV rays as they contain SPF.
Also, like BB creams, CC creams have gained a lot of popularity in East Asia and the West.
BB Cream vs. CC Cream: What Are the Key Differences?
Even though BB creams and CC creams are very similar, the main difference between a BB cream and a CC cream is that BB creams work to cover blemishes, while CC creams work to color correct your skin tone.
BB creams cover imperfections, and they are much lighter than a foundation but heavier than a tinted moisturizer, meaning that they provide sheer and light coverage. So to put it simply, a BB cream is like a lighter version of a foundation, but with added skincare benefits such as antioxidants – which fight against the signs of anti-aging – and SPF.
But there are many foundation products out there that are formulated with added skincare benefits. Also, even though many BB creams contain SPF, this is not always adequate concerning the amount of sun protection that you will receive, so make sure you still use sunscreen.
A CC cream works as a color correction, working to reduce redness and sallowness. Because of their purpose, CC creams are usually a bit lighter than BB creams, and they tend to leave a more luminous finish on the face.
However, CC cream coverage varies between products and brands, depending on the formulation. Coverage can leave an opaque finish or a sheer finish.
Regardless of the differences between the two, some beauty experts think that a BB cream and a CC cream are the same.
BB Cream vs. CC Cream: Which One Is Better?
Finding the right BB cream or CC cream depends on your needs, skin type, and skin tone.
If you want to create a blemish-free complexion, then, without a doubt, you need BB cream. If you need to color correct the color of your skin (i.e., if you suffer from redness), then use CC cream.
Depending on your skin type, you need to look for specific BB creams and CC creams. For example, if you have sensitive skin, then it’s best to see if you can find organic BB creams and CC creams. If you have oily or spot-prone skin, then you should aim for a BB cream or CC cream that’s oil free. If you have dry skin, then you should look for a BB cream or a CC cream that’s moisturizing and super hydrating.
Alternatively, you could still use concealer and foundation. You could even apply a BB cream or CC cream as part of your base, then apply foundation and/or concealer in addition to that.
