I’m sure we have gone through makeup aisles in stores and see so many products that it can be overwhelming. One thing that I have always seen is CC Cream and BB Cream. Both are relevant in skin and makeup but are very different products. Allow me to break it down for you.
CC Cream
CC stands for ‘Colour Corrector’ the intention of CC Cream is to colour correct uneven skin tone due to various skin imperfections such as redness and acne. In comparison CC Creams tend to be lighter than BB Creams as the main purpose is to smoothen out the skin. Ideally CC Cream is used as a primer before makeup.
How to choose what CC Cream is right for you
Finding the best CC cream for you is truly based on what your skin’s needs are. In the past, I have had blemishes and I had redness in my skin, what I used when I went to events is a green colour corrector. Green corrects redness in the skin, I know it sounds strange but it really works. There are various CC Creams that are used for different things. Here is a quick explanation of the main three CC Creams.
Green – Reduces redness in the skin. Applying a green primer before your foundation will dull the redness and allows for a smooth application of makeup.
Lavender – to brighten and illuminate yellow undertones. Lavender is more for mature skin; makeup artists tend to use this CC Cream for mothers of the bride for seamless makeup application.
Clear – to cover fine lines and large pores. This CC Cream is a well-rounded product for most people who don’t have specific skin conditions but want to have a nice canvas for makeup application.
Now there are CC Creams that are coloured the same as foundation; this is a newer product on the market. CC Creams that are the same as your foundation would be comparable to a clear CC Cream. It doesn’t provide a lot of ‘colour correction’ but it does the job for skin types that don’t have a ‘colour’ to correct.
Tip – you can use clean makeup brushes to apply CC Creams, treat it like a liquid foundation application and it will look great.
What I Use – Makeup Forever Skin Equalizer
When I was taking my makeup certification course, I was introduced to the brand Makeup Forever. The one product that was my saving grace was the Green CC cream in my kit. I didn’t think that it would actually cover up the redness and blemishes in my skin, but it really did and it became my best friend while my skin was going through a rough patch.
BB Cream
BB Cream stands for ‘Blemish Balm’ or “Beauty Balm’. BB Cream falls in between a moisturizer and a foundation; BB Cream aims to moisturize, protect, and correct the skin. Medical grade BB Creams tend to be infused with antioxidants, brightening agents, acids, and broad-spectrum SPF to treat the skin while giving it a fresh, even glow. Now not all BB Creams are created the same or equal; like CC Creams BB Creams are designed for specific concerns but can be used for general use. BB Creams tend to provide more coverage than a CC Cream, though it does not take the place of foundation, it can offer some colour to the skin that can mimic a foundation type look.
For me, texture is very important. BB Creams tend to be thicker than a primer which is why it is important to moisturize before applying a BB Cream. One tip I can share from my own experience is when using a BB Cream, use a pea size and dab all over your face and gently work it in until the BB Cream is completely on the skin. This usually take about two minutes to properly apply BB Cream; the proper application will provide a flawless finished look.
FYI – BB Creams are not a substitute for your SPF, you always need your SPF all day, every day.
How to choose the right BB Cream for you
BB Cream or Blemish Balm is meant to cover up any blemishes on the skin, as it does provide coverage it also acts as a primer for makeup application. The best BB Cream is one that is closest to your skin tone. Unlike its sister product (CC Cream) BB Creams offer additional antiaging ingredients which is why having a BB Cream in your skin care bag is a great choice. Most BB Creams offer a mattifying finish so it’s great for skin types that tend to be on the oily and shinier side. It’s crucial to always have your skin hydrated in order for a BB Cream to have its full affect to be seen and felt. Moisturizing is key for smooth, clear and flawless skin, hydration is key.
What I Use – Blemish Balm Classic from Dr. Schrammek
I love this BB Cream, it’s a multipurpose product for me. Dr. Schrammek’s BB Cream has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used daily as make-up or spot-treatment for blemishes, hence the name ‘Blemish Balm’. It’s amazing for application after laser treatments, microneedling, skin treatments, such as chemical peels and facials. It’s great because of its healing properties; it calms the skin after aggressive treatments as well as provide coverage so I don’t have to apply makeup while my skin heals. The BB Cream has a soft matting effect and leaves a pleasant, non-greasy skin feeling.There are four shades of the BB Cream, Honey, Light, Classic and Snow; there is also a Mix & Match Colour Corrector to help with the matching of colours to the skin. I personally use the Classic BB Cream as it provides great coverage and colour for my skin type.
Tip – because of the consistency, its best to use your hands to work in the product to provide the best finish.
If you are getting professional treatments such as chemical peels and microneedling sessions, I would strongly recommend picking up a BB Cream as part of the healing process. It’s great because it will not interfere with the results and it looks great!
Remember – I offer free consultations, feel free to drop me a line and we can connect.
Want more information or to purchase the best BB Cream, check out Laserlicious’ website www.laserlicious.ca/products