The world of makeup is huge. It is filled with all kinds of products right from foundations, primers, colour correctors and more. However, somewhere between the world of makeup and skincare, lies the lane of BB creams and CC creams. Even if you’ve just tipped your toes into the sea of makeup products, there’s a high chance you’ve already either used or at least heard of BB creams and CC creams. From a broader perspective, they’re makeup+ skincare products that work on specific concerns while providing your skin with light to medium coverage.
Moreover, these creams are also easy on the pocket as compared to expensive makeup products. So, if you’re just entering the world of makeup, or feel sceptical about doing so, BB creams or CC creams could prove to be a good stepping stone for you. Although these two creams have some similarities, they aren’t the same. Let’s take a detailed look at them.
Introduction To BB Creams and CC Creams
Many people confuse BB creams with CC creams and vice versa. However, they’re two completely different products, with completely different purposes for existing. First, let’s understand what exactly these BB creams and CC creams.
What Is A BB Cream?
A BB cream, earlier known as Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm, is actually a multi-tasking beauty product that serves as a moisturiser, sunscreen, and light foundation all in one. It not only moisturises your skin but also acts as primes to set it in place. Moreover, along with light coverage, and hydration, these creams also provide skin protection with added SPF.
What Is a CC Cream?
A CC cream, also known as Colour Correcting cream, is similar to a BB cream. However, here the focus lies more on correcting and evening out skin tone by neutralising redness, dullness, and discolouration in the skin. These CC creams also often have more colour pigments than BB creams to provide better coverage.
What Is the Difference Between BB And CC Cream?
Although slightly similar in nature, there are several differences between a BB cream and a CC cream. Here are some key differences between BB and CC creams:
1. Purpose: One key difference between BB cream and CC cream is the purpose for which they’re used. BB creams aim to hydrate, prime, and provide light coverage while protecting your skin from sun damage. Meanwhile, CC creams focus on colour correction and evening out skin tone while hiding skin imperfections such as acne spots, redness, etc.
2. Coverage: Another differentiating factor between these two is the coverage offered. BB creams provide light and sheer coverage, while CC creams provide medium coverage to conceal skin imperfections such as redness, dark circles, acne spots and more.
3. Formula & Texture: The formula used to make a BB cream usually includes more skincare ingredients with a lighter texture, while CC creams have more colour pigments and often come in a thicker consistency.
4. Skin Tone Correction: While BB creams aim to improve skin texture and provide sheer coverage and a natural glow, CC creams are designed to neutralise and correct specific concerns pertaining to skin tones such as redness, dullness or discolouration of the skin.
5. SPF: Almost every BB cream today includes sun protection. However, CC creams may or may not have added SPF in them.
How To Choose the Right BB Or CC Cream for Your Skin Type?
Choosing between BB creams and CC creams based on what you want from that cream, is itself a task. However, one important factor that you need to keep in mind while choosing the right BB cream or CC cream for you is your own skin type. Here are some points you might want to consider while choosing your perfect BB or CC cream:
1. Consider Your Skin Type: Whether you have oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or any other type of skin, choose a BB or CC cream that is appropriately suited for your skin type.
2. Decide On Coverage Needed: If you want lighter, sheer coverage, opt for a BB cream, but if you need more medium coverage, go for a CC cream.
3. Determine Your Skin’s Need: Understand which skin issues you want to address with these creams and look for a BB or CC cream that targets those specific issues such as redness, dullness, discolouration, etc.
4. Check For Suitable Ingredients: Look for BB creams or CC creams that contain skin-friendly ingredients that are suited to your specific skin type. For example, choose a cream with hydrating ingredients for dry skin or oil-control ingredients for oily skin.
5. Check For Creams With SPF: If you plan to use the product during the day, choose a BB or CC cream with a good amount of SPF to protect your skin from sun damage.
6. Choose According to Your Skin Shade: Choose a BB or CC cream that closely matches your skin shade to avoid an unnatural look.
7. Use A Sample/Tester: It is always advisable to try a small sample or tester before buying a full-sized product to ensure that it is suitable for your skin type and skin tone.
BB Cream or CC Cream?
Whether you choose a BB cream or CC cream is a subjective decision. As already mentioned, it depends on various factors such as your skin type, your needs from a BB or CC cream, the kind of coverage you need, the sun protection needed, etc.
However, if you’re someone who doesn't want to start using foundations yet, or simply needs a cream for everyday use that can also provide some amount of coverage, then BB creams and CC creams are exactly what you need. These creams offer you several benefits while providing sheer to medium coverage, depending on the product you choose.
So, don’t hesitate, go figure out your ideal BB or CC cream and get started on a new makeup+skincare journey.
