Are you often confused with BB creams and CC creams? As a make-up beginner, it's better to understand the differences between BB creams and CC creams as they’re actually not the same. But, why is it so important? This is because you could choose the right one for your skin. So, let's get started to find out how the two products differ, how to use them, and how to choose the best product for your skin.
WHAT IS BB CREAM?
BB has often been referred to as “beauty balm” or “blemish balm”. It first became popular in Korea before gaining popularity across the world. Typically, BB cream is formulated for skincare benefits, such as sun protection, hydration or shine control, depending on the BB cream formula used. There are different BB creams for different skin types. BB creams usually offer sheer coverage and they are a good choice if you want a little coverage without looking overdone.
WHAT IS CC CREAM?
Generally, CC cream usually stands for colour correcting cream or complexion corrector cream. CC creams tend to have heavier formulas because they usually provide more coverage than BB creams. CC creams can mask imperfections like dark spots or redness by utilizing colours opposite to each other on the colour wheel. CC cream is often formulated for ageing skin that may need more coverage for fine lines and wrinkles. With this function, you can take care of all your colour correcting and coverage needs with CC cream.
HOW TO APPLY BB & CC CREAM?
Start by cleansing and moisturizing. Then, you’re ready to move on. It's better to apply liquid makeup like BB or CC cream with makeup blenders as compared with fingers because this can provide a more seamless finish and it’s more hygienic. Squeeze a small amount of BB or CC cream onto a makeup blender, then blend the BB or CC cream onto the skin in circular motions. It's totally fine to use fingers to apply BB or CC cream but please make sure to wash your hands before doing so. Regardless of the method used for the application, be sure to apply BB or CC cream down to the neck to avoid any harsh lines. Since BB creams are very low maintenance, keep the rest of the makeup look subdued as well. If you need for a little more coverage after applying your BB cream, you can layer concealer to cover any imperfections.
WHEN TO USE BB and CC CREAM?
BB and CC creams are especially useful on days when you don’t want a ton of coverage and still want to look nice. They are a great option for mornings when you’re rushing to get ready. Because BB cream has multiple uses, you can skip primer and moisturizer and just apply one product. Use CC cream on days when you’d normally wear foundation and reap the added skincare benefits that CC cream can provide. However, if your BB or CC creams aren’t formulated with sunscreen, then it is better to apply sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF underneath it. Otherwise, you may need to search for BB or CC cream that’s formulated with sunscreen so that you can cut out another step in your daily beauty routine.
FOUNDATION VS. BB AND CC CREAMS
You may still be wondering whether it’s a good idea to swap out your go-to foundation for one of these complexion products. The answer really depends on your skin type and skin tone, as well as the look you’re going for. If you have dry skin that’s very uneven in tone or texture, you may want to reach for a foundation over a BB or CC cream because foundation provides more coverage. If you’re having a good skin day and are trying to rock the no-makeup makeup look, then use a BB or CC cream.
One definite benefit of the foundation is that it often comes in a wider variety of shades. If you tend to have trouble matching products to your skin tone, the foundation will definitely give you more shade options. Whatever you do choose—BB, CC, or foundation—all three options should be applied the same way: to clean, moisturized skin before being blended out.
