BB cream, CC cream, DD cream… It’s natural to wonder how many letters of the alphabet skincare companies are planning to add to the ever-growing range of miraculous moisturizers that double as natural-looking foundations.
Many people prefer a natural-looking appearance without having to ditch makeup altogether. Fortunately, CC cream is the perfect solution for achieving an all-natural glow. Nowadays, most people choose skincare products that offer the best of both worlds, and CC creams can provide just that, according to makeup artist Allie Renee. “CC creams are fantastic because they can accomplish multiple tasks in your beauty routine,” she explained to Ipsy. “In general, CC creams are self-priming, color-correcting, and provide buildable coverage. Additionally, they often contain an SPF and offer additional skincare benefits.“
We understand your thoughts regarding CC cream, which seems like the ideal solution when you need to join a Zoom call quickly but still want to stay in your pajamas. It is a simple application that provides a radiant complexion while operating in the background to maintain your skin’s well-being and health.
Of course, you’re likely confused about what BB and DD creams are for and what makes CC cream different from them. There’s also the question of whether or not CC cream will actually work for your skin type. To spare you a frantic Googling session, we’ve put together everything you need to know about CC cream.
What, exactly, is CC cream?
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First, let’s answer your most pressing question: What exactly is CC cream? Well, the abbreviation “CC” stands for “color corrector.” If you struggle with skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, or rosacea, CC cream can be a helpful solution. According to celebrity makeup artist Mia Jones, CC cream is also great for covering uneven skin tone, acne scars, and melasma. In short, it can help you achieve a more even and flawless complexion.
Now, Jones warns that you shouldn’t mistake CC cream as a treatment for these skin conditions; its almost magical formula works to cover those problem areas seamlessly. However, you can expect it to give your skin a healthy glow while working to moisturize it as well. Most CC creams are formulated with SPF, which means your skin will have added protection from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
If you have ever used BB cream, you may notice that CC cream feels slightly heavier, but according to Jones, it can still be layered to achieve the desired coverage, despite having a different texture. She suggests applying CC cream directly to the desired areas of your face or applying it all over your face. Either way, you can expect to achieve smooth, clear skin.
What’s the difference between CC, BB, and DD creams?
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Aside from CC cream being slightly heavier than BB cream, what else sets them apart? And what makes it different from a DD cream? These are the questions that haunt us.
Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Dorman has some answers. Speaking to InStyle, Dorman explained that the confusion surrounding these different formulations is warranted. However, what sets them apart is simple: It all comes down to your skin type and concerns.
Each of these formulations is created to treat specific skin types and issues. If dry skin is your main concern, Dorman says BB cream is your go-to. “BB cream has the lightest coverage with the most moisture, making it ideal for dry and dehydrated skin types,” she says. Suppose you’re looking for more coverage and have oily or combination skin. In that case, Dorman recommends you opt for CC cream because it has a matte finish, which makes it the perfect companion to help you counter shininess all day long.
Furthermore, Naked Poppy explains that DD cream is a combination of BB and CC creams. It has the same benefits as a BB cream and covers your face as CC cream would. So, if you’re stuck between wanting light coverage and hydration while also getting those color-correcting benefits of a CC cream, DD cream is your new skincare bestie. However, people with very dry skin might still need to apply moisturizer in addition to using DD cream.
What makes a CC cream different from foundations and tinted moisturizers?
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Since CC cream can pretty well cover blemishes, it’s normal to wonder what sets it apart from regular foundations and tinted moisturizers.
According to celebrity makeup artist Brittany Spyksma, CC cream and foundation differ in their formula’s consistency. Foundations are much thicker and come in a wide variety of shades, while most CC creams don’t offer that benefit and don’t cover the skin as well as a foundation would, despite their color-correcting abilities. CC cream’s primary job is to make your face appear more flawless, whereas foundations can provide you with extra coverage, as well as the option to choose between a matte or dewy finish, depending on your skin type.
As for tinted moisturizers, Spyksma explains that these products are exactly what the name suggests: A moisturizer containing a tint. These products are great if you’re going for a very natural look. CC cream, however, is more than just a moisturizer mixed with a tint; it contains SPF and anti-aging ingredients, providing your skin with extra benefits and more natural coverage than a foundation.
Can you use CC cream instead of foundation?
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Once you discover the amazing benefits of CC cream, you might be tempted to get rid of your foundation once and for all. But should you?
According to makeup artist Nick Lujan, if you are considering using CC creams as a substitute for foundation, you might want to rethink your decision. While CC creams offer better skin coverage compared to BB creams, they are not as effective as a foundation. In an interview with InStyle, Lujan mentioned that CC creams provide even less coverage than tinted moisturizers. Therefore, it’s advisable not to discard your trusted foundation just yet.
Lujan explains that CC cream’s sheer coverage is also why it isn’t available in as many shades as foundations. He added that foundations have the added benefit of being able to provide maximum coverage or just enough to liven up your face, depending on how much you apply. So, where does CC cream fit into all of this? “I suggest using CC cream as a base underneath the foundation to help balance skin tone,” Lujan advises. “Then apply a bit of foundation to spot cover any areas of concern.“
Well, there you have it: For best results, combine your favorite CC cream with your foundation, and then show off that glow to the world.
What are the benefits of CC cream?
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We all love using products that help us achieve beautiful skin while also taking care of it. CC cream is one such product that fits the bill perfectly. Apart from safeguarding your skin from the sun, its lighter consistency ensures that your pores don’t get clogged as easily as they would with foundation. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to avoid breakouts, especially during the summer season.
Another perk of CC cream is that it can be used in various ways. You can either apply it independently like you would foundation or use it as a primer. Most fans of CC cream claim that it’s the best product when your main goal is to cover imperfections and blemishes. Instead of trying to figure out how to combine different products to get that smooth, blemish-free look, you can apply CC cream to get the desired results.
Celebrity makeup artist Jeannia Robinette told Today that one of the best benefits of CC cream is that most formulations are created with age-defying ingredients that work great to minimize wrinkles and spots. Robinette says she loves applying just a little foundation along with CC cream for optimal, natural-looking coverage.
Is CC cream worth the hype?
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Most of us have been victims of beauty products that claimed to be miracle workers, only to find out that the hype was all for nothing. So, are you at risk of making the same mistake with CC cream?
According to Healthline, you should not expect CC cream to solve all your skin problems, but it is not just another marketing strategy to make you spend your money on a short-lived trend. Although CC cream is a relatively new product, it delivers what it promises.
CC cream can be seen as a plain old tinted moisturizer, but its ingredient list sets it apart; its color-correcting formula does what it’s supposed to and will hide blemishes well, helping your skin look its best without too much hassle. As a bonus, it does work to hydrate skin and prevent aging. Healthline admits that the marketing around CC cream is brilliantly done, but for once, this product lives up to the hype, and you’ll see the benefits it promises for yourself once you start using it regularly.
How to choose CC cream for your skin type
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So, you’re ready to jump onto the CC cream bandwagon, but you have no idea which brand or formula would work best for your unique needs. Well, fear not: We’ve got you sorted.
Before purchasing a CC cream, it is important to determine your skin type. According to board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, CC creams do not provide as much moisture as BB creams, which makes them ideal for people with normal to oily skin. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, Healthline suggests looking for specific ingredients when shopping for a CC cream. Colloidal clay, silica, and charcoal are excellent compounds that can help balance oily skin. Those who struggle with acne should opt for CC creams that contain salicylic acid, colloidal clay, and tea tree extract.
Once you’ve determined your skin type, you’ll need to select the right shade. “Since they are color-correcting, the best CC cream for an individual is the one that provides the best match for skin tone,” Tanzi says. Some brands offer more shades than others. If you find it challenging to find the right shade for your skin tone, look at Neutrogena’s Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream, which offers 34 different shades and is also a serious acne-buster.
What to look for when you shop for CC cream
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We probably don’t have to tell you this, but not all CC creams are created equal, and you shouldn’t just grab the one with the prettiest packaging from the shelf without checking the ingredient list first.
According to board-certified dermatologist Shani Francis, good CC creams usually contain hydrating ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. A quality CC cream should also have antioxidants like vitamin E and niacinamide in its ingredient list, in addition to hydrating your skin. Also, make sure that it contains either physical or chemical sunscreen. Furthermore, check the ingredient list for iron oxide, which can function as a protective barrier against infrared light while also adding the desired tint. Some CC cream brands even add a green-tinted shade to their formulations, which can help to conceal redness caused by skin conditions like rosacea, acne, or sun damage, according to Francis.
You should also make sure that you don’t accidentally buy a foundation with sunscreen. Make sure you read the labels: A genuine CC cream label will indicate that it’s been formulated to help fight discoloration with the ingredient list to prove it. CC creams also include age-defying ingredients, so spend adequate time studying the labels before spending your hard-earned money.
Tips for applying CC cream
Now that you know exactly what to look for in a CC cream, you’ll want to know the best way to apply it. Spoiler alert: You won’t be using the same technique you do when applying foundation.
According to celebrity makeup artist Jeannia Robinette, using a makeup brush or sponge to apply CC cream may not be the best choice. This is because a sponge can absorb most of the product, causing it to run out faster than expected. Instead, Robinette suggests applying it like a regular moisturizer by using your fingers and warming up the CC cream before applying it to your skin. She also recommends putting it all over your neck, chest, and face like sunscreen. Although this may seem unusual at first, it will save a lot of product and money in the long run.
If you really want to use an applicator, celebrity makeup artist Tara Lauren told InStyle that a duo fiber brush should do the trick. Meanwhile, celebrity makeup artist Jamie Dorman is a fan of the Rephr 31 brush because of its density. “The bristles won’t absorb and waste product,” she explained.
Robinette also recommends playing around with different shades for various results. “The lighter color will highlight the areas that you want to cover, while the darker will offer coverage,” she explained to Today.
Use the dot-and-blend method to get the most out of your CC cream
There are many different ways to go about applying CC cream, but if you want to get the most out of the formula’s color-correcting benefits, makeup artists recommend you use the dot-and-blend method.
Makeup artist Allie Renee shared a color correcting and coverage method with Ipsy. According to Renee, this technique involves applying more product in the center of the face and sheering it out towards the edges where less coverage is needed. If you’re new to this method, don’t worry. It’s quite simple and Renee provided step-by-step instructions. Begin by cleansing and moisturizing your skin, then apply CC cream in dots to your cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose using your fingers. Next, blend the dots using your favorite makeup brush, sponge, or your fingers, starting from the center of your face and moving outwards. This method will give you flawless and gorgeous skin.
Try these CC creams
You officially know everything there is to know about CC cream, and now it’s time to start shopping. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options, you’re not alone.
If you struggle to find the perfect shade for your skin tone or simply want a CC cream that will do the most for your skin, why not try the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+? This brand’s formula contains quality ingredients that will leave your skin glowing. Not only does the ingredient list include age-defying collagen, but it’s also packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. As a bonus, it also includes antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage. It comes in 12 shades, so you’re more likely to find the perfect match for your skin tone. If you want even more variety when it comes to shades, Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream, which is offered in 34 shades, has you covered.
If you’re worried about trying CC cream because your skin is irritated, try the Hey Honey Trick & Treat CC Cream. Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients, this CC cream will kick redness to the curb while calming your skin. Finally, those looking for a CC cream that mimics the foundation will be thrilled with Thrive Causemetics’ Buildable Blur CC Cream. This formulation contains blur effect technology that will hide almost any blemish or imperfection. It also contains SPF and has 18 shades to choose from.
