The Difference Between BB Cream and CC Cream

If you have ever wondered what the difference is between a BB cream and a CC cream, then read on. You may know a little about them - that they are make-up products and like a tinted moisturiser/ foundation by giving skin some colour coverage, for an even skin tone with concealed blemishes. Most people are confused though by the difference between them, so we wanted to write an article about them to help with any purchasing decisions. One of the great things about them is that they make a great and much lighter option to using a foundation. At Nakin we are all about natural beauty with our natural anti-ageing skincare range, so we prefer a minimal approach to make-up.

BB cream stands for beauty balm or blemish balm and CC cream stands for colour correcting or complexion correcting cream. BB creams came around as an evolution of tinted moisturisers and CC creams followed as an evolution to BB creams. They are like sophisticated tinted moisturisers that offer skin a variety of multifunctional skin enhancements, and they can also come with SPF sometimes. Our moisturisers also make excellent primers under BB and CC creams which are usually not enough as moisturising products.

The differences between BB creams and CC creams are summarised below:

• BB creams have lighter coverage than CC creams and give a fresh subtle look to skin
• BB creams focus on sheer coverage and improving skin with benefits like hydration, antioxidants and SPF
• CC creams main purpose is to even out the skin tone and to camouflage issues like sallowness, redness, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
• Some CC creams have actives to condition skin and SPF to prevent sun damage
• Both BB and CC creams can be used with Nakin’s Natural Anti-Ageing Skincare
• BB and CC creams tend to come in three colour choices; light, medium and dark; they do not have the choice and skin colour matching properties that foundations offer
• CC creams are generally thicker heavier formulas than BB creams
• BB creams are a more natural look than CC creams, better if you like your skin to show through your make-up
• Both BB and CC creams can contain light diffusing properties
• BB creams are like an advanced tinted moisturiser, CC creams are more like an enhanced foundation
• CC creams are like foundations with extra colour correction ability, although they have less colour options
• They are generally both cream forms, although powders are available

The above list is a general outline of the differences between BB and CC creams. There is a huge variety of BB creams and CC creams on the market and many will overlap in terms of their ability and benefits for skin. They can have many skincare benefits, but these can also be obtained from the best skincare products. The main factor in deciding on a BB and CC cream is the right coverage, cover and colour for you, plus how natural the formula is.  At Nakin we always recommend a natural product with plant ingredients that also blends in easily and offers a glow to skin. This will depend on your individual skin colour and skin tone, as well as the amount of colour correction needed. It can also be personal preference, if you prefer a natural look and your real skin to show through, then a BB cream might be best. A good way to determine the right cream for you is through extensive online research, using colour matching information. Or go to a store and try out different products to see which product looks and feels right. Each BB and CC cream from different brands varies in quality, pigmentation levels and skin benefits; so testing them out is important.

As you will notice when looking for BB creams and CC creams, they often contain SPF. Please note that although this sunscreen is built into the products, it should not be relied on as your primary sun protection. This is because you may apply your CC/ BB cream early in the day, but when out in the sun a few hours later the SPF will not be working as effectively. It’s always better to have a separate SPF and apply before going out in the sun, then reapply throughout the day if spending time outside.

The other important thing to remember is that the primary purpose of BB and CC creams is for colour coverage. They may contain skin benefits like hydration and antioxidants. However, they are unlikely to offer the repair ability of anti-ageing skincare like our Anti-Ageing Performance Face Serum and Anti-Ageing Eye Cream Complex. Or the hydration and protection of an anti-ageing face cream moisturiser like our Anti-Ageing Matt Cream for Oily Skin and Anti-Ageing Dew Cream for Dry Skin. To find out more about Nakin’s award winning face range then visit us at www.nakinskincare.com All products are cruelty free and made in the UK.