When it comes to make-up, most people fail to answer this question – “what is the difference between BB and CC creams?” While many of them are aware that BB creams and CC creams are great for days when one wants wear minimal make-up or want to cut down on the steps in their beauty routine, they aren’t sure if both creams are similar or different.

By understanding the difference between BB and CC creams, you will be able to pick the correct cream for your skin on every given day. If you are among those who don’t know the difference between BB and CC creams, don’t fret. Read on to find the common difference between the two, and how to use and select the best cream for your skin.

What is BB Cream?

BB cream is short for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm”. BB creams first gained popularity in South Korea before catching the attention of cosmoholics worldwide. BB cream is a makeup product that comes with a whole host of skin care benefits. These benefits range from hydration to shine control to sun protection, depending on the BB cream you are using. There are different BB creams for different skin types. Since the creams are multipurpose products, using one allows you to streamline your beauty routine. BB creams are great if you want a little coverage without looking overdone.

Another way to explain what BB cream is would be to call it a souped-up version of a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers are moisturizers that offer tiny hint coverage but BB creams go beyond this, and offer skin care benefits. With that said, keep in mind that BB creams don’t provide as much coverage as a foundation. In fact, this cream is a skin-first product. It hydrates, illuminates, and helps you achieve other skin care goals that you have. Foundations, on the other hand, cover the skin’s imperfections.

How to Use BB Cream?

It is advisable that you apply liquid make-up like BB cream with a makeup blender instead of fingers. This provides a much more seamless finish, and is more hygienic. To apply BB cream, squeeze a small amount of it onto a makeup blender, and then bounce and blend it onto your skin. You can of course use your fingers to apply the BB cream. Just ensure that you wash your hands beforehand.  

Whatever method you use, make sure that you carry the BB cream down to the neck to avoid harsh lines. This is because even if the cream is sheer, you could end up with a face and neck that are of two different colors.  As BB creams are low maintenance, keep the rest of your makeup subtle as well.

What is CC Cream?

CC cream is short for “Colour Correcting” cream or “Complexion Corrector” cream. Just like BB cream, CC creams also serve multiple purposes. The only difference between a BB and CC cream is that the latter provides more coverage to hide imperfections like redness or dark spots. As CC creams offer more coverage than BB creams, they are usually thicker and have heavier formulas. CC creams are also formulated for aging skin that requires more coverage. This helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

If you are still confused about the difference between BB and CC cream, think of CC cream as a colour corrector. The cream neutralizes the appearance of imperfection by using the colors that are opposite to each other on the colour wheel. So, instead of having to use a colour correcting concealer and foundation, the CC cream can take care of all the colour correction and coverage needs you have. Also, depending on the cream you use, it may also offer sun protection and brighten the appearance of your skin.

How to Use CC Cream

To apply CC cream, start your skin care routine by cleansing and moisturizing first. After you are done with cleansing and moisturizing, you can move on to CC cream. Just like BB, CC cream is also liquid and you can apply it using a makeup blender or fingers; it is up to you. Blending is essential to get a seamless finish, so whatever method you may use for application of CC cream, make sure that you smoothen it onto your face in circular motions and build coverage as required.

Both BB and CC creams are useful on days when you don’t have time or don’t want to wear lots of makeup or work your way through complicated skin care products and makeup routines. Just keep in mind the crucial difference between BB and CC cream – the latter offers more coverage.