What's the Difference Between BB, CC, and DD Creams – and When Should I Use Each One?

Omenaa Boakye

July 22, 2020 at 1:05 p.m.·5 min read

Eva Katalin/Getty Images

With many of us still working at home or going into the office just a few days a week, wearing a full face of makeup every day has become a thing of the past.

Even though we aren't connecting with people face-to-face as often as we did pre-COVID, that doesn't mean we get to hide from our colleagues, friends, and peers. With constant Zoom meetings and FaceTime calls taking over our calendars, you may still want to apply light, breathable makeup before turning on your camera — and that's where BB and CC creams come in.

These lightweight products offer airy coverage while also adding a dewy, healthy glow to the skin — without the heaviness of a traditional foundation.

While BB and CC creams aren't a new innovation, we've tapped a few celebrity makeup artists to explain the difference between the two products. So, if you've always been wondering which cream is best for you, read ahead.

What Is a BB Cream?

A BB cream is pretty much an all-in-one complexion product, according to celebrity makeup artist, Tara Lauren. "BB creams, aka 'beauty balms' or 'blemish balms,' provide light, sheer coverage and often include an element of skincare or skin treatment. They commonly offer both hydration and sun protection."

BB Cream was first developed in Germany by a dermatologist who wanted a single cream that would protect the skin and provide coverage after laser treatments, explains celebrity makeup artist, Jamie Dorman. "The all-in-one formulation became a sensation in South Korea and then spread throughout Asia."

What Is a CC Cream?

CC creams are also known as 'color corrective' or 'color control' creams. If you have hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or redness, this is the cream for you. When you don't feel like wearing a lot of foundation but still want to cover up a few blotches, CC cream can provide heavier coverage than a BB cream and helps with color correcting.

Should I Be Using a BB or CC Cream Instead of a Foundation?

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. But depending on your skincare needs, a BB cream is a great alternative to a foundation, especially on days when you want lighter coverage. "BB creams soften imperfections," says Lauren. "Some BB creams can leave your skin with just enough coverage to freshen or wake up your face and leave a natural glow. Perfect for a Zoom meeting or FaceTime date."

If you're looking for a heavier, completely flawless beat, BB cream is probably not the answer, as the sheer formula is not designed with buildable coverage. "When you apply BB cream, you are able to see the skin through the formula," says Kevyn Aucoin's director of education and makeup artist, Nick Lujan.

CC Creams offer more coverage than BB creams, less coverage than tinted moisturizers, and a lot less coverage than foundations. "Because BB and CC creams are so sheer, there are fewer shade options," says Lujan. "Foundations range in shades, coverage, and finish and are easy to build coverage with or sheer down for minimal coverage. I suggest using CC cream as a base underneath the foundation, to help balance skin tone. Then apply a bit of foundation to spot cover any areas of concern."

What Are The Benefits of Using BB or CC Cream?

Using BB cream has similar benefits to using great skincare. "Most BB creams have ingredients that repair the skin barrier, prevent free radical damage, and protect from the sun," explains Dorman.

"CC Creams offer a natural skin-like look," says Lujan. "They help to balance the skin tone without adding a lot of coverage and are usually full of skin-caring benefits, like hydration, SPF, and antioxidants."

How Do I Apply a BB or CC Cream?

"BB creams can be applied using your hands or a brush," Lauren shares. "Make sure to wash your hands prior and have clean fingertips. If you're using your hands, gently press the cream into the skin. If you're using a tool, I would recommend a duo fiber bristle or sponge like a moist Beauty Blender."

CC creams can also be applied using your hands. However, if you don't like getting product all over your fingers, you can apply CC cream with a flat, dense brush, like the Rephr 31 brush. "I like using this brush because of its density," says Dorman. "The bristles won't absorb and waste product."

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Can You Combine BB and CC Cream?

You absolutely can, but since they have similar benefits and effects, Lujan suggests choosing one or the other, then partnering it with a foundation like Kevyn Aucoin Stripped Nude Skin Tint, for additional coverage where needed.