BB cream aka blemish balm is a popular cosmetic available within high street and high-end makeup ranges. They're designed to prime, conceal, moisturise and provide sun protection. There's plenty of reasons to choose a BB cream. Particularly if you're an oily skin.
a) Why choose a bb cream
- BB creams are lightweight. There's less pressure to find the perfect shade as with foundation. BB creams are designed instead to compliment a natural complexion.
- We'll typically find them in variations of light, medium and dark. Unless you fall within the fairest or deepest of skins, a match is generally easy to find.
- BB creams are convenient. They're get up and go products. Because they don't mask the skin, we don't need to contour to show definition.
- BB creams often contain sun protection. They're ideal for summer skin, especially for oily. Many BB creams have at least SPF 15. Protection is contained within a tinted product, we don't need to worry about undesirable masking.
- BB cream offers a no makeup, makeup look. When you're skin is looking and feeling great, there's no better option. BB creams work best when we're less concerned about covering up.
b) What is the difference between a BB cream and a CC cream?
There are key differences between BB and CC creams. CC generally stands for ‘colour correcting'. The products are meant to address issues like sallowness or redness, usually with light-diffusing particles, whereas BB creams are like a lighter foundation with a few skin care benefits thrown in.
“CC cream have more of a whipped, light, fluffy feel and finish–kind of the new and improved BB.”
Nico Guilis
But are they?
CC creams applied on their own can mask skin tone. Because they are designed to ‘colour correct' they can make deeper skins 4, 5 & 6 look undesirable. In this skin group, either a perfect match or a sheer match is desirable. CC creams are better applied under foundation. But, it depends on the brand.
BB and CC creams are marketed for separate issues, and for good reason, they're different but it depends on the benefits and coverage being sought and offered among different brands. We should be diligent when reading ingredients and most importantly, trying them out.
A BB & CC cream in one can work well providing a broad range of shades and correct colour matching.
Complexion Rescue™ – bareMinerals
Complexion Rescue Hydrating Gel Cream packs a powerful punch as a moisturiser, foundation and SPF, all in one. Touted as a tinted moisturiser – but also adored as a daily moisturising foundation for many – this mighty little mineral makeup tube provides the wonderfully hydrating benefits of both BB cream and CC cream with powerful SPF 30 to reveal a naturally radiant finish that's always photo-ready.
c) Should I use BB cream or a tinted moisturiser
Either one. The differences between BB creams and tinted moisturisers are subtle. Both products act in a similar fashion. A good product will be light, sheer and offer skin benefits and sun protection.
Tinted moisturisers may be available in more shades than a BB cream. So if there's a struggle for a good match, a search for tinted moisturisers may yield better results.
d) 3 great BB creams to get you started
Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF35
This multitasking formula perfects the appearance of skin in five ways: it covers imperfections and evens the appearance of skin tone; draws moisture to skin; brightens dullness; helps reduce the look of wrinkles; and helps protect skin against damaging UVA/UVB rays. Available in a wide shade range for all skin tones, from fair to dark.
Clinique – Anti Blemish Solutions BB Cream SPF 40
A mattifying BB Cream specifically developed for blemish-prone or oily skins. Combines oil control, buildable coverage and UVA/UVB protection for a protected, shine-free complexion. Lightweight, shake well formula delivers a freshly-mixed application every time. Wears beautifully for 12-hours. Oil-free.
Smashbox – Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35
Primes: Wear alone, or under your favourite foundation for more coverage.
Perfects: Tinted formula in 5 shades evens out skin's appearance for a radiant finish.
Hydrates: Adds moisture.
Protects: SPF 35 helps protect against UVA/UVB rays.
Controls oil: minimises shine with no chalky finish