A flawless complexion is the main goal when applying makeup, but foundations often give a loaded look and are often not enhanced with key ingredients to help your skin. But there are BB creams and CC creams - products that meet the needs of all skin types and give freshness to makeup.
These creams are versatile because they hydrate the skin and have a light texture - which is a plus over foundations. Instead of hiding your blemishes and imperfections under heavy-looking makeup, you can choose BB and CC creams that provide an even tone to the skin, thanks to their all-in-one formulas. In this article you will discover what BB cream and CC cream mean, the main differences between the two, as well as recommendations for the best BB cream and the best CC cream.
What is BB Cream?
BB cream is short for "blemish balm" or "beauty balm" and means "beauty balm". These creams are colored and enriched with ingredients such as antioxidants and protective factors that protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment.
BB creams were created in Germany in the 1960s to help patients recovering from laser treatments and surgery. Over time, they became popular in South Korea in the mid-1980s, and eventually spread to Western Europe, quickly becoming a must-have for every woman.
The benefits of BB Cream
First of all, BB cream provides the skin with hydration and radiance. But more than that, it can be seen as a multi-purpose product that serves as a moisturizer, primer and foundation. It's a great option if you want a quick and easy makeup routine to even out your skin tone.
In addition to skin-beneficial ingredients, many BB creams contain antioxidants and SPF protection against environmental stressors. However, BB creams should be used alongside your favorite sunscreen because BB formulas usually contain lower SPF values, which range from 10 to 45. The difference between SPF creams and BB creams is that a BB cream is tinted and it cannot be applied in such a large quantity, as happens in the case of sun protection creams. That's why you need to make sure you apply enough SPF to make sure your skin is protected.
If you want to introduce a BB cream into your care routine or try something new, you can choose Dr. Hedison's BB cream with protection factor SPF37 that provides an effective barrier against harmful solar radiation. This product has an advanced formula that ensures even skin tone. It is suitable for daily use and allows the skin to breathe. Among the ingredients it contains are niacinamides that have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can make enlarged pores less visible. Hyaluronic acid that provides hydration and stimulation of collagen production, but also adenosine, a powerful anti-wrinkle that improves skin texture and elasticity.
Another option can be Pittoresco's BB Cream Cushion in compact form, which has the ability to correct imperfections without a mask effect. It is especially recommended for combination or normal skin, as it reduces enlarged pores. The sun protection factor fights skin aging and from the first application you will enjoy a matte finish that gives brightness and a long-lasting effect.
What is CC Cream?
CC is short for "color control" or "complexion corrector" which translates to "corrective cream". CC cream gives almost the same results as using a color correcting concealer along with a foundation. The purpose of these creams is to even out skin tone and hide imperfections.
CC creams neutralize the appearance of skin imperfections by using colors opposite each other on the color palette. For example, if you have dark circles and purple veins, you should choose a CC cream with a peach/orange undertone, and if you're dealing with redness associated with rosacea, sunburn, acne or broken capillaries, a CC cream with green undertone would work well to neutralize the reddish color.
This is based on the concept of complementary colors: red-green, yellow-purple, blue-orange. Keeping this in mind, you will be able to choose the right shade to correct the imperfections that bother you and to neutralize them. If you want to achieve a perfect make-up, you can apply the CC cream before the foundation, thus ensuring the uniformity of the skin color before applying the following make-up products.
Dr. Hedison's CC cream is a popular option when it comes to CC creams, loved for its 100% adaptability to all skin tones. It contains ingredients such as argan oil, shea butter, hydrolyzed collagen, being particularly effective in evening out skin tone, moisturizing and preventing wrinkles.
The benefits of the CC Cream
Starting from the benefits they have for the skin, BB and CC creams are quite similar, both products aim to protect the skin. CC creams contain antioxidants and sunscreen, just like BBs. But in addition to providing lighter coverage than a foundation, CC creams give you extra anti-aging properties and have a lighter texture compared to the texture of BB creams.
CC cream is also recommended for those with:
- dilated pores
- black dots
- baskets
- redness caused by rosacea
- uneven skin texture
How to apply BB Cream and CC Cream?
BB and CC creams can be used daily, but being some of the most versatile skin care products on the market, you can use them especially when you don't have time to apply a moisturizer, primer and foundation.
A trick you can consider is to use two shades of BB or CC Cream, one lighter and one darker. Apply the open version in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and on the cheekbones, to highlight them with lighting. I apply the dark shade to the rest of the face, creating areas of light and shadow that will sculpt your face following its natural shapes
Unlike foundation, the light formula of BB and CC creams allows you to apply them effectively with your fingers, without using special brushes or sponges. Just put on some BB or CC cream (preferably with SPF) and your makeup is ready. For those that are found in powder form, you will also have a special applicator for uniform application.
Although BB and CC creams are multi-purpose and can be used in place of concealers and foundations, that doesn't mean they can't be used alongside foundations. You can apply them as an initial layer, before applying foundation, when you want sun protection, skin care and evening.
In conclusion, BB Cream and CC Cream are innovative, multifunctional products that combine the benefits of makeup with those of skin care. The choice between them depends on personal preferences and specific skin needs. Both offer versatile options to achieve a healthy and radiant complexion. By understanding the subtle differences between BB Cream and CC Cream, you can make the right decision to highlight your skin's natural beauty.