What are BB and CC creams and how do you choose the right one for your skin type?
Winter doesn’t mean you can stop wearing SPF. In Australia, UV levels are still damaging your face daily. Investing in sunscreen is critical to the future of your skin, but a BB or CC cream is an alternative that will also smooth and nourish.
Both BB and CC are lighter than your average foundation, but heavier than a tinted moisturiser – leaving you with the perfect coverage.
So what is BB cream?
BB cream stands for blemish balm or beauty balm. The main reason you should add this miracle worker to your daily routine is because not only does it contain SPF and leave your skin looking flawless, it also acts as a moisturiser, sunscreen, primer, concealer and foundation. It can save you time, as you only need one cream instead of a few.
What does a CC cream do?
CC cream is a colour correcting cream that works to match your skin tone and provide a light, natural looking coverage.
Although BB and CC creams claim to do different things, and address different skin/beauty issues, they’re actually quite similar. It’s all about finding the brand of BB or CC cream that works best for you and your skin.
Bondi Beauty road tested a few:
Clinique Moisture Surge CC cream
Packed with moisturiser and with SPF 30+, this light coverage will leave your skin looking radiant. The non-oily formula easily glides over the skin for easy application. It is best suited for those looking for a lighter coverage.
RRP: $45
Loreal Nude Magique CC cream
The “Smart pigment capsules” in this formula spread across your face as you blend, in order to correct any uneven skin tones. Loreal’s CC cream has an SPF 12 and plenty of moisturiser.
It smells great and is packed with apricot cream to keep your skin hydrated for up to 24 hours, leaving you with a dewy glow. The undertones in this cream work perfectly for those lucky enough to have olive skin. One major benefit is the minimum amount of cream required per application.
RRP: $26.95
Loreal Nude Magique BB cream
Loreal’s BB cream features many of the same qualities as the CC cream listed above, however it has a lighter feel and is more suitable for every skin type. The Loreal range has sleek packaging, perfect for the girl on the go.
RRP: $26.95
MAC Prep and Prime BB Beauty Balm
This BB cream gives heavier coverage than the other creams listed and is great at acting as a primer to help any other makeup stay on your face for longer. This lightly tined BB cream has an SPF 35+ level and is suitable for those looking for a heavier coverage.
RRP: $48
Ponds Age Miracle BB cream
With SPF 15 this BB cream has an instant natural coverage look. It reduces the appearances of uneven skin tones, wrinkles and fine lines. The lovely matte finish will last the day on your skin, meaning no need to worry about any touch ups. This BB cream is best suited for those with light to medium skin tones that are looking to mask any uneven skin tones, and maintain a natural finish. It’s perfect for any occasion.
RRP: $13.99
By BB intern Brooke Davie.