BB and CC creams are multi-tasking beauty products that combine skincare and makeup in one step, but they differ in their primary focus.
BB Cream: Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm
BB cream, short for Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm, offers light coverage while also providing skincare benefits like hydration, sun protection (SPF), and antioxidants. Think of it as a tinted moisturizer with added perks.
- Light Coverage: BB creams provide sheer to light coverage, evening out skin tone and concealing minor imperfections.
- Skincare Benefits: They often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for hydration), SPF (for sun protection), and antioxidants (to protect against environmental damage).
- Natural Finish: BB creams typically provide a dewy, natural-looking finish.
- Best For: Those with generally good skin who want a light, everyday base with added skincare benefits.
CC Cream: Color Correcting Cream
CC cream, short for Color Correcting cream, also offers skincare benefits and light coverage, but its main purpose is to neutralize discoloration and even out skin tone.
- Color Correction: CC creams target specific skin concerns like redness, dark spots, and sallowness by using color-correcting pigments. For example, green-tinted CC creams can help neutralize redness, while peach-toned CC creams can brighten dull complexions.
- Light to Medium Coverage: While still providing coverage, CC creams often offer slightly more coverage than BB creams.
- Skincare Benefits: Similar to BB creams, CC creams often include hydrating ingredients, SPF, and antioxidants.
- Matte or Natural Finish: CC creams can offer either a matte or a natural finish, depending on the formula.
- Best For: Those with uneven skin tone, redness, dark spots, or sallowness who need color correction in addition to light coverage and skincare benefits.
BB Cream vs. CC Cream: Key Differences
| Feature | BB Cream | CC Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Hydration, light coverage, and skincare | Color correction, light to medium coverage, and skincare |
| Coverage | Light | Light to medium |
| Finish | Natural/Dewy | Natural/Matte |
| Target Skin | Generally good skin; minor imperfections | Uneven skin tone, redness, dark spots, sallowness |
In summary, BB creams are ideal for those seeking light coverage and hydration, while CC creams are best suited for individuals who want to correct color imbalances and even out their skin tone, while still benefiting from light coverage and skincare ingredients.
