BB Cream vs. CC Cream - Which One is Right for YOU? (2024)

Updated 2024.

• Always apply SPF under makeup products for comprehensive sun protection;
• BB Cream provides light coverage, skincare benefits, and hydration;
• CC Cream offers better coverage and is effective for color correction of redness or dark spots;
• Tinted Moisturizer gives hydration, minimal coverage, and a natural glow;
• Choose products based on skin needs, plans, and personal preference;
• Testing samples or consulting a professional can help tailor recommendations;
• BB Cream: Optimal for light coverage with skincare benefits for a dewy look;
• CC Cream: Best for more coverage and color correction, suitable as a foundation alternative;
• Mature skin generally benefits more from CC creams due to color correction and anti-aging ingredients;
• BB Cream can be used as a foundation for a natural, lightweight finish;
• Recommended BB Creams: Maybelline Dream Fresh, Garnier SkinActive, Missha Perfect Cover;
• Recommended CC Creams: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better, Clinique Moisture Surge, Erborian CC Cream High Definition.

What is BB Cream?

BB Cream = “Beauty Balm” or “Blemish Balm”

BB creams are a dream combo of skincare and lightweight foundation! They offer a little bit of everything, such as hydration, SPF, and light coverage. As such, they are truly an all-in-one product! What’s more, BB creams are ideal for anyone looking for a natural, dewy finish while evening out their skin tone.

Best For

• Skin Types: Normal, dry, and combination skin types benefit the most since BB creams tend to be hydrating. Alternately, if you have oily skin, we recommend looking for oil-free formulas.
• Skin Concerns: BB cream is great for sensitive skin, mild redness, and/or uneven tone. Some are even infused with soothing ingredients like aloe or chamomile to calm irritation (which is perfect for rosacea and sensitive skin).
• Lifestyle: BB creams are a match made in heaven for busy bees or minimalists who want one product that does it all – moisturizer, sunscreen, and light coverage!

When to Use

Think of BB cream as your “everyday, no-fuss” makeup. It’s perfect for lightweight coverage on casual days, or just as a quick pick-me-up for your skin.

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What is CC Cream?

CC Cream = “Color Corrector” or “Complexion Corrector”

CC creams live in the same beauty-skin crossroad as BB creams. However, they take things one step further! In particular, they’re heavier on color correction and infused with ingredients that can target issues like redness, dark spots, and dullness.

Moreover, CC creams tend to provide more coverage than BB creams, thus making them closer to a lightweight foundation.

Best For

• Skin Types: Ideal for normal, oily, and combination types. Oily skin types will adore matte or oil-controlling CC cream options.
• Skin Concerns: If you battle redness (thanks, rosacea!), dark marks from lingering acne scars, or uneven skin tone, CC cream is your savior. It helps neutralize discoloration while still feeling lightweight. Think of it as a little green or peach tint in magic disguise.
• Lifestyle: If you’re someone whose skin needs a bit more than just “hydration and glow,” CC cream’s your ride-or-die.

When to Use

A step above casual days, CC cream is great for video calls, workdays, or outings where you want your skin to look naturally flawless… Like you’re not wearing makeup (even if you are).

What is Tinted Moisturizer?

Tinted moisturizers are exactly what they sound like: a moisturizer with a tint of color. These lightweight products don’t aim for coverage and correction like BB or CC creams do. Rather, they instead focus on providing hydration while giving your skin a healthy glow!

Best For

• Skin Types: All skin types, with formulas tailored specifically for dry, oily, or combination skin.
• Skin Concerns: Tinted moisturizer works well for people with minimal skin concerns. That said, though, it’s especially popular with those prone to dryness.
• Lifestyle: If you’re all about that “no-makeup makeup” or barely-there look with a dewy, fresh finish, then tinted moisturizers are made for you.

When to Use

Perfect for quick grocery runs, beach days, or chasing that glowy, sun-kissed vibe. You can also pair it with concealer if you need just a little extra help covering blemishes.

BB Cream vs. CC Cream vs. Tinted Moisturizer: Understanding Your Skin Type

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Assess Your Skin Concerns

• Redness or Discoloration: CC creams will provide that extra correction without looking heavy.
• Uneven Tone or Minimal Imperfections: BB cream will give just enough coverage for a glowing, even finish.
• Low Maintenance, Just Hydration: Tinted moisturizer is your go-to.

Match Your Routine to Your Lifestyle

Ask yourself: How much time (realistically) do I have for skincare and makeup in the mornings? If the answer is “not much,” BB creams can save the day.

But if you need to look polished for a meeting? CC cream can help even things out in seconds.

And if you just need a touch of something for a Sunday stroll? Reach for tinted moisturizer.

Sun Protection Matters

Always, ALWAYS look for SPF in any product you use. That said, don’t rely on makeup alone for your sun protection. Rather, layer your SPF under any of these products for full coverage.

BB Cream vs. CC Cream FAQ

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