If you like the look of foundation, but not the heavy feel, BB creams and CC creams  are for you! These products are one part make-up and one part moisturiser. They have sufficient pigment to even out skin tone, but are sheer enough to look and feel completely natural. BB and CC creams have been around for close to 50 years; it is within the last five years that they have become popular and widely used by women everywhere.  

What is BB Cream: The Do-It-All Product for the On-the-Go Gal?

BB cream is short for “blemish balm” or “beauty balm”. These pumped-up, tinted moisturisers provide skin-perfecting benefits to refresh, brighten, hydrate, smooth, and even out tone for a flawlessly radiant look. They also typically contain sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

BB creams became popular in South Korea in the mid-1980s, but were actually created in Germany in the 1960s to help patients recovering from laser treatments and surgery. The trend eventually made its way from the beauty epicentre in the East to the beauty bags of women in the West around 2011. The buzz for BBs quickly made them a make-up bag must-have.

For best results, use a BB Cream containing glycerine, Niacinamide and an SPF of at least 15. Glycerine helps hydrate skin by pulling moisture from the air, Niacinamide lifts away dead skin cells for a fresh, even complexion, and SPF protects against sun damage.

 
What is CC Cream: Covers Everything You Do Not Want Seen?

CC cream stands for "colour corrector" or "complexion corrector". These creams offer more coverage than a BB cream plus anti-ageing benefits (AA + BB = CC!). A CC cream will effectively hide unsightly redness and hyperpigmentation.

Look for CC creams with Niacinamide and vitamins B and E to help recapture skin’s youthful glow. Niacinamide exfoliates to reduce the look of wrinkles, while vitamins B and E help strengthen skin's natural defence against moisture loss. A CC cream with SPF 15 will also help protect against sun damage.

So Easy, So Simple: How to Use and apply a BB or CC Cream

Using a BB or CC cream is blissfully simple. Just apply and blend evenly with your fingertips or a make-up sponge for natural, sheer coverage. Wear it alone as a daily moisturiser or layer under your favourite foundation for natural-looking, beautiful skin!