We all wish for that flawless, natural everday makeup look that's never overdone and yet perfectly effortless. That's precisely where lightly tinted BB and CC creams enter the scene. They help to deliver a combination of skincare and makeup in a single tube, providing your skin with coverage, moisture, and glow without the weight of foundation. But what are BB and CC creams? And do they actually vary from one another? And most importantly, which one is the best fit for your skin type?
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, we asked the same questions to our expert, Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Hospital - Noida, and here is how you can make an informed choice. Let’s break it down.
What is BB Cream?
BB cream is short for Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm. First formulated in Germany and later made famous in South Korea, BB creams soon became an international phenomenon for their multi-benefit qualities. Key benefits of BB cream included:
- Hydration Boost: Enriched with hydrating ingredients, BB creams are perfect for dry or combination skin.
- Light Coverage: Provides a natural, your skin but better appearance, ideal for everyday wear.
- Sun Protection: Most BB creams contain SPF, so it's an easy product to use in the morning.
- Skin-Nourishing Ingredients: Tends to contain antioxidants, peptides, and brightening ingredients to enhance skin with continued use.
BB creams are the best for people with normal to dry skin types, individuals who enjoy a natural sheen and light makeup application.
What is CC Cream?
CC cream is short for Colour Correcting. As the name indicates, CC cream aims to even out skin colour and cover redness, sallowness, or dark spots. The main advantages of CC cream are:
- Better Coverage: Provides medium coverage, as opposed to BB cream, if you wish to conceal imperfections.
- Colour-Correcting Pigments: Cancels out redness, dullness, or discoloration, creating a more even complexion.
- Light Texture: Even though the coverage is stronger, the majority of formulas are lighter than foundation.
- Anti-Ageing Benefits: Most CC creams include ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or collagen-boosting peptides.
CC creams are more suitable for people with oily or acne skin, and anyone facing redness, pigmentation, or uneven tone.
BB Cream vs CC Cream: The Key Differences
- Coverage: BB cream provides sheer to light coverage, but CC cream provides light to medium with color correction.
- Tone: BB is all about hydrating + skincare + light coverage; CC is all about tone correction + improved coverage.
- Finish: BB creams tend to leave a dewy, radiant finish; CC creams tend towards a matte or natural finish.
- Skin Types: BB is best for normal/dry skin; CC for oily/combination and uneven-toned skin.
- How to Choose the Right One for You
- Dry, sensitive, or normal skin: Try BB cream. It moisturizes and provides a healthy, glowing finish.
- Oily, acne-prone, or uneven skin tone: Try CC cream. It controls shine and conceals discoloration.
- Low makeup enthusiast: BB cream is your daily choice.
- Need greater coverage without heavy foundation: CC cream is your choice.
Bottomline
Both CC and BB creams are great multitasking products that blur the boundary lines between makeup and skincare. The decision comes down to your skin type, coverage desired, as well as finish preference. Consider BB cream your no-makeup makeup must-have and CC cream your skin tone perfecter when you need an additional layer of coverage.
If possible, try testers at a store to see how each formula sits on your skin before investing in a full-size tube. Because at the end of the day, the best product is the one that makes your skin look and feel its best.