What is the difference between CC and BB cream, what to look for when choosing a product
Content:
The beauty market offers many multifunctional products from different manufacturers. Their compositions and properties are almost identical, which makes it difficult for consumers to understand the difference between a CC cream and a BB cream. Both the first and second provide not only a toning effect, but also a caring effect, which allows you to avoid moisturizers before applying makeup, and also protect the skin from exposure to UV rays. However, there is a difference between them; it lies in a number of criteria - the main purpose, texture, durability, application features and much more.
How to distinguish CC cream from BB cream
The abbreviation CC stands for Color Correcting, which translated from English means “color corrector”. And the meaning of the term BB, from Beauty Balm, is translated as “beauty balm” or “balm for imperfections.” That is, the main difference is already indicated in the labeling of the products - the main purpose of CC compositions is to correct and even out the tone, and BB allows you to hide various skin imperfections.The former, in fact, are moisturizing creams with a tinting effect, while the latter have the qualities of a full-fledged foundation. This is the reason for their differences in a number of characteristics.
Compound
If you study the list of components that include explosive and CC agents, it will be approximately the same. The creams contain vitamins, antioxidants, oils, plant extracts, SPF elements and tinting particles. But there is a difference in proportions - in products labeled BB, the volume of caring ingredients is less than in CC. But in terms of the number of moisturizing components, “beauty balms” are ahead of Color Correcting.
In addition, the former contain super-stable mineral pigments, while the latter provide a toning effect due to color-correcting components and reflective particles.
Tinting characteristics
Based on the characteristics of the composition, we can conclude that BB products have greater covering ability. They are of better quality than CC compositions, masking age spots, pimples, acne and other imperfections.
But the latter benefit in that they are less noticeable on the skin. Thanks to colored microparticles that are activated after application, they adapt to her natural tone.
Variety of shades
Products in the CC category are weakly pigmented and, as mentioned above, are almost invisible on the skin, which eliminates the need to produce them in a large assortment of shades. As a rule, they are presented in one, “universal” tone or in the form of a white balm.
Lines of BB compositions, depending on the manufacturer, can include up to one and a half dozen shades. These creams are unable to adapt to individual skin tone like SS, so when purchasing a product it is important to choose the right color.
Texture
The consistency of BB products is similar to a nourishing cream. They are quite thick and lay down in a dense, even layer. Therefore, you should not overuse them; it is better to use them in small quantities, otherwise they will create a mask effect and your makeup will look unnatural.
Compositions from the Color Correcting category are lighter, their consistency is slightly watery. The tinting pigments in these creams are not so “aggressive”; they simply correct the tone and hide only minor skin defects.
Can be applied to the area around the eyes
It is not recommended to apply BB products to the skin near the eyes due to their dense structure. Even if you use a minimal amount of cream, this will be very noticeable. For these purposes, CC compositions with a lighter texture are more suitable.
But the methods of application to the skin are the same for both types. They can be distributed in the same way as any other foundation - with a sponge, brush or fingers.
Use in conjunction with other toning products
Compositions marked BB do an excellent job of masking skin imperfections, and there is no need to “duplicate” them with other products of a similar effect. This will only lead to corrective creams being too noticeable on problem areas of the face.
CC compositions have a lesser toning effect and are unable to completely hide acne and unevenness. In addition, they are lighter, and using them in combination with other foundations or correctors will not create the impression of a painted mask.
Durability
This is one of the criteria by which BB cream differs from CC quite significantly. Since the former have a dense consistency, correction may be required during the day.
CC products are more durable due to their “transparency” and “weightlessness”. The skin remains matte for 6-8 hours after application.
CC cream: history of creation and application features
The technology for creating cosmetics of this type was proposed by Japanese scientists and developed by Korean manufacturers. The compositions were intended for moisturizing and basic correction of skin tone. They appeared later than BB creams and were positioned as their improved version. SS products were first introduced to the market in 2010.
The basis of the products is a caring cream, supplemented with tinting pigments and sun protection elements. BB compositions contain the same components, but CC are more focused on evening out skin tone, being, in fact, “advanced” color correctors.
Due to their low masking properties, some women use products from the Color Control category as a base for makeup, applying a tinting composition after them. But this is advisable only when the skin has obvious defects and irregularities. If there are no obvious deficiencies, you can get by with just one SS.
BB cream: original purpose and varieties
The history of BB products began back in the 1960s. German dermatologist Christine Schrammeck has developed a composition designed to protect the skin after peeling and facial surgery. The original variation of the cream was criticized more than once due to its low caring qualities and pronounced masking effect.
But over time, the technology improved, and already in the first decade of the 21st century, products appeared on the market that could compete with many formulations in terms of care qualities.Depending on the brand, some modern BB creams may be almost no different from Color Control by this criterion.
There are “cruelty-free” and vegan variations of BB. Initially, the first category included products whose components were tested on laboratory animals. But since 2013, almost all manufacturers have abandoned “live assistants”, and today the definition of “ruthless” includes creams containing animal products. Vegan versions contain only plant and mineral components.
Modern explosive devices are positioned as multi-tasking. Some brands claim that their products provide not only a toning and skin care effect, but also help prevent the appearance of wrinkles and block inflammatory processes on the skin. And creams intended for sale on the Asian market are also characterized by a whitening effect. Moreover, many Korean manufacturers produce both women's and men's lines.
Most women use BB cosmetics as an alternative to conventional foundation, and choose other formulations for deep care.
Which option is better to choose?
The choice of product depends on the type and condition of the skin. If it is dry or problematic, then a BB cream will be the best option. It will moisturize the skin and hide obvious defects.
CC products have a pronounced matting effect and have a powdery finish. Due to this, they are more suitable for those with oily skin - they will help eliminate unwanted shine and will not “clog” the pores.
For mixed skin types or in cases where oily skin has many blemishes, you can combine the capabilities of these products. For example, use them alternately.Or apply CC cream first, which will do an excellent job as a base, control your complexion throughout the day and remove shine. And then apply a BB product that helps disguise obvious flaws. But the layer must be very thin to avoid the mask effect.
Of course, a lot depends on individual characteristics. Therefore, you can choose the most suitable cream only experimentally, testing both versions.