The Differences between BB and CC Creams: Which One Should You Choose?

If you were around when the BB Cream craze first hit the market, then you probably know about the establishment of CC and DD creams as well. Today we are going to narrow it down to the two most popular: BB and CC, and discuss the differences between the two.

First, Where Can I Buy BB and CC Creams? The answer is: anywhere that sells makeup! You can find BB and CC Creams at your local drugstore or department store, and on popular skincare and makeup ecommerce sites like www.skincarebyalana.com.

What are BB Creams? Also known as “blemish balms” or “beauty balms”, BB Creams have been touted as “all-in-one” facial products that deliver the benefits of a serum, a moisturizer, a primer, a foundation, and a sunblock in the convenience of one small tube. As you can image, the convenience of narrowing down those essential beauty steps into one very easy on took the market by storm, creating a craze that continues to keep consumers happy today. With the popularity of BB Creams came variety, from products geared towards oily/combo/acneic skin types, to anti-aging treatments that helped to lighten the skin, to waterproof formations and more. If you have a skin concern, there is likely a BB Cream on the market to match. It did not take long for the ever-popular BB Cream to launch a newer generation, known simply as the “CC Cream”.

What are CC Creams? Also known as “color correcting” creams, these products were designed to address uneven skin tone issues, such as redness or dark spots, in a way that most BB’s  (at the time) did not. Many early CC Creams touted more skin benefits with BB creams, and were supposedly designed to feel lighter on the skin.

Are They Really All That Different? While early generation CC Creams may have had their predecessors beat, the truth is, it is difficult to tell the difference between the two at this point in time. BB’s have continued to develop, and often have the same level of benefit as CC’s do. Many brands offer both, since, of course, no one product will satisfy everyone. Always be sure to research different brands to see what potential benefits they might have for you. A newer formulation, Osmosis CC Cream, has been a huge hit with the anti-aging market.

What One is For You? The answer lies in trial and error. And while that may be a frustrating answer, it is one you will need to be ready to face when it comes to all things beauty and skin care. Your best friend with the exact same skin type as you might absolutely love her BB Cream, and that same BB Cream might prompt an acneic response from your skin. Or perhaps your dry skinned friend’s CC Cream is simply too moisturizing for your oily/combo skin type. In the end, you really have to dip your toe in the pool and hope you find the product of your dreams sooner, rather than later.