Tired of applying thick foundation but need something a little heavier than tinted moisturiser? What about a BB or CC cream? These beauty balms have become a true staple over the last few years and they show no sign of fading any time soon.
What are BB creams?
BBs are beauty balms or blemish balms, combining a host of skincare benefits with tint, usually including but not limited to: SPF; serum; moisturiser; primer and foundation.
What are CC creams?
A CC cream is more focused on colour correction, but are again typically lighter than foundation but heavier than a tinted moisturiser. You can find CC creams to correct redness, sallow skin and uneven textures, for example.
Which is better, BB or CC cream?
While they have different purposes, the differences between many BB and CC creams are pretty subtle, so we’d advise trying out a few brands and products to find your perfect match. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite below, outlining their key benefits and summarising who they’ll be best for to give you a head-start…
The best BB and CC creams to buy now
Best BB CC Creams
1 of 8Best BB and CC Creams 2016
Key Benefits: Despite being a BB cream, this skincare-rich cream is actually a great colour correcting product, particularly focusing on correcting redness. It not only works on instant redness touch-up but over time treats and prevents persistent redness. It also soothes irritation and has an SPF of 30.
2 of 8Best BB and CC Creams 2016
Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF35, £29.50
Key Benefits: This ultra-hydrating SPF35 corrects imperfections and evens skin tone while giving skin a natural-looking radiant finish. It’s one of our absolute favourites.
3 of 8Best BB and CC Creams 2016
Key Benefits: This super-soft colour correcting cream has an SPF of 50, so providing you use a full coverage, your skin will be fully protected. As well as the high SPF, this lovely product also smooths fine lines and wrinkles, reduces redness and hydrates skin for up to 12 hours.
4 of 8Best BB and CC Creams 2016
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF30, £28
Key Benefits: The super-moisturising properties of this colour corrector set it apart from its competitors. The oil-free hydration makes it a great choice for dry and combination skin-types. It has SPF30, too.
5 of 8Best BB and CC Creams 2016
Dior Diorskin Nude BB Cream, £32
Key Benefits: This sheer hydrating skin tint gives a fresh, rosy glow to your complexion. It’s our pick if you like a healthy, natural radiance.
6 of 8Best BB and CC Creams 2016
FILORGA BB-Perfect Anti-Ageing Beauty Balm, £35
Key Benefits: Best for anti-ageing and buildable coverage, this soft BB cream instantly smooths fine lines and wrinkles while treating skin to long-term anti-ageing care.
7 of 8Best BB and CC Creams 2016
Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream, £29
Key Benefits: This little beauty does everything the brand’s lovely BB cream does (SPF30, primes, hydrates and controls oil) but it also offers a really good coverage for dark spots and acne-prone skin. It’s our pick for oily skin types.
8 of 8Best BB and CC Creams 2016
Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One B.B. Cream, £9.99
Key Benefits: This SPF15 cream gives skin a natural finish, blurring fine lines and imperfections for a more even skin tone.
How to apply BB and CC creams
You can use your fingers to apply BB and CC creams, as you would with a moisturiser. However, to avoid rubbing any unwanted bacteria into our faces, we always prefer to use a brush or sponge pad. Dampen your chosen tool slightly before blending the desired amount of product into your skin.
Do BB and CC creams clog pores?
As with most colour-tinted products, if you're buying a good quality cream from a reliable brand you're generally safe. Try to choose one that is suited to your skin type, be it oily, dry or acne-prone. And remember, always thoroughly remove your makeup before bed and regularly clean your brushes.
Will BB and CC cream protect my skin from the sun?
While your BB or CC cream might have a built-in SPF, you’re still advised to use a standalone SPF before application. Why? Because when you use a colour product with a built-in SPF you’ll be applying according to colour coverage, rather than skin protection, so application may be patchy or even non-existent in some places, according to how much coverage your skin needs.