Morgan Donahue
Photo by Anna Efetova / Getty Images
If you’re into makeup and skincare, you’ve probably come across BB creams and CC creams—maybe you’ve even used them without totally knowing the difference. They’re often mentioned in the same breath (and honestly, they look pretty similar on shelves), but these multitasking complexion heroes each bring their own unique benefits to your routine.
So which one’s right for you? That depends on your skin goals—and we’re breaking it all down to help you decide. “Both BB and CC creams are foundation-skincare hybrids, typically with sun protection,” says celebrity makeup artist Meredith Baraf. “These formulas span a wide range of coverage and ingredients based on your individual needs.”
With Baraf’s expert guidance, we’re explaining just what defines a BB cream and a CC cream, which one earns a spot in your makeup routine, and even some of our favorite picks to try now.
It's about glam time you treated yourself.
Meredith Baraf is a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with the likes of Kim Kardashian West, Laís Ribeiro, and Lea Michele.
BB stands for “beauty balm,” and it’s the OG multitasker. As Baraf puts it: “BB cream is a beauty balm that offers light-to-medium coverage, along with skincare and anti-aging benefits and protection.” Basically, it’s your moisturizer, tint, and sometimes even sunscreen, all in one glowy tube. BB creams are great for days when you want to let your skin breathe while still looking put-together.
Most BB creams leave your skin looking fresh, dewy, and naturally even, making them a go-to for minimal makeup routines. The downside? They’re not going to cover everything. If you’re dealing with more noticeable blemishes or discoloration, you might still want to spot-conceal or layer with a bit of foundation.
Use your fingers to warm up the cream and melt it into your skin for a seamless finish. For a slightly more polished look, a damp sponge or buffing brush works too. Start at the center of your face and blend outward.
CC stands for “color correcting,” so it’s perfect for tackling redness, dullness, or uneven tone. “CC cream is a color-correcting focused base that helps disguise discoloration without looking like heavy coverage,” says Baraf. “CC creams also offer some fine line and texture blurring and skincare benefits.” It’s still lightweight like BB cream, but with a little extra coverage and tone-evening magic.
CC cream is great for anyone looking to even out their complexion while still keeping things lightweight and giving you that smoother, filtered look. The downside? They can be slightly thicker than BB creams, so if you’re all about that barely-there skin feel, they might not be your first choice.
Use your fingers or a sponge to blend a small amount onto your clean, moisturized skin. Start where you need the most correction (your cheeks or around your nose), then sheer it out. Remember, less is more—you can always add another layer where you need it.
The short answer? It depends on your skin goals. “If you are looking to even your skin tone and cover blemishes while nourishing and protecting your skin, then BB cream is for you,” explains Baraf. “If your main concern is redness, sallowness, or dullness along with skincare benefits, then it’s CC cream for you.” Both are amazing for your everyday look, and both can be worn solo or layered under foundation when you want more coverage. Think of them as makeup with skincare benefits—and who doesn’t want that?
BB and CC creams are the ultimate one-and-done beauty products. They hydrate, even out your skin, and give you that soft-focus finish we’re all after. Just don’t forget: skincare still matters. “I would recommend layering them on top of your skincare unless your skin says differently,” says Baraf. For example, if you have dry skin, you’ll probably want to apply your regular skincare products, followed by your BB or CC cream; but if you have oily skin, you may be able to get away without moisturizer (but don’t forget the sunscreen—even if your formula contains SPF!).
But, for full-coverage days or nights, foundation might be your best bet. “Using traditional foundation is always a good option,” says Baraf. “Especially if you have allergies to the active ingredients in the BB or CC creams, and vice versa.” And, a little pro tip from Baraf: “I’ve mixed serums and oils into my foundations for years. There’s something special about the way skin-loving ingredients pair with foundation and how that connects with the skin.” We personally love mixing products and creating concoctions at our vanity, so count us in.
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