This cult CC cream now has a new iteration that gives even more glow
02/09/2023All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
Sheer face bases are rising in popularity with both BB and CC creams perfect for creating a minimal make-up look, but which one is best for you?
When it comes to make-up, all experts agree: the key to a flawless look lies with your base. As well as the importance of following a skincare routine that is suited to your skin type, you should also pick a base formula that works for you.
While we’re all well-versed in the benefits of foundation and tinted moisturiser, BB creams and CC creams pose more questions. If you’ve ever wondered what is the difference between BB cream and CC cream – you’ve come to the right place. Below, global make-up artist for L’Oreal Paris Val Garland takes us through the key main differences, plus we round-up the 9 best for achieving a radiant complexion.
What is a BB cream?
Also known as beauty balm or blemish balm, BB cream hailed from skincare epicenter Korea and is a lightweight alternative to foundation. “A BB cream is a tinted skincare moisturiser infused with skin-loving ingredients,” explains Garland. The tint in a BB cream usually provides light-to-medium coverage and ingredients typically revolve around antioxidants.
When should you use a BB cream?
Thanks to their multitasking abilities, BB creams are the perfect solution for sheer coverage that benefits skin, too. If you don’t want to wear heavy foundation but want more coverage than a tinted moisturiser, this is the product for you.
“BB creams are great if you want perfected and nourished skin in a hurry,” says Garland. “I love to use hybrid products that give high performance skincare and make-up in one, this is a must have in my beauty kit.”
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What is a CC cream?
If you like similar coverage to a foundation but the lightweight texture of a BB cream, opt for a CC cream. “CC cream stands for ‘colour correcting’ or ‘complexion correcting’,” explains Garland. “They provide more coverage and colour correct whilst concealing any imperfections.”
A CC cream’s purpose to give skin colour balance, this could include reducing redness or evening out signs of discolouration or hyperpigmentation. As it provides more coverage, CC formulas are usually thicker than a BB cream (but still lighter than a traditional foundation). It can also be used as a first step to even out your complexion prior to foundation.
When should you use a CC cream?
“You should use a CC cream if you want more coverage than a BB cream and want to colour correct the complexion,” says Garland. “For example, a product that works with your natural skin tone to help neutralise the appearance of redness.”
9 of the best BB & CC creams, as picked by the Stylist team
It Cosmetics CC+ and Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation
If you’re a fan of the original It Cosmetics CC+ Cream, you’ll love this brand-new update. Packed with a 90% skincare formulation, its lightweight base is slightly sheerer than the OG, perfect for giving your complexion a major dose of glow. And yet impressively, the coverage can be built up without ever looking cakey or heavy – a real game-changer.
Shop It Cosmetics CC+ and Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation at Cult Beauty, £33
buy now
L’Oreal Paris Skin Paradise Tinted Water Cream
This formula is so light on skin. It is a 70% water-based formula, that has been enriched with aloe vera, ginger and witch hazel. Perfect for days when you want minimal make-up.
Shop L’Oreal Paris Skin Paradise Tinted Water Cream at Lookfantastic, £10.99
buy now
Erborian CC Red Correct Cream
This green-toned corrector may look scary when it comes out of the tube, but it’s very clever. The subtle green pigments work to counteract redness and discolouration while adjusting to your skin tone.
Shop Erborian CC Red Correct Cream at Lookfantastic, £39
buy now
Trinny London BFF SPF 30 Cream
This clever complexion perfector contains colour-correcting pigments that cancel out any redness and banish dull areas, leaving your skin brighter and more radiant looking, with a barely-there coverage that’s perfect for daily use.
Shop Trinny London BFF SPF 30 Cream, £39
buy now
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
This thin formula lets skin breathe while also giving it sheer coverage. It contains diamond powder to smoothen out the appearance of skin, while glycerin adds hydration. Simple, but effective.
Shop Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint, £20
buy now
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
This cult product is an industry favourite with plenty of beauty editor and make-up artist fans. It contains colour correcting pigments that work to conceal while brightening up your skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, soy extract and collagen for a healthier-looking complexion.
Shop It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ at Cult Beauty, £32
buy now
Pixi Beauty Balm
Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this skin-friendly formula smooths over dull skin, injecting your complexion with hydration and bounce.
Shop Pixi Beauty Balm at Lookfantastic, £22
buy now
NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil BB Cream
Great for if you want a breathable, lit-from-within face base – this lightweight BB cream gives a sheer wash of coverage with a serious amount of glow.
Shop NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil BB Cream at Cult Beauty, £10
buy now
Morphe Glowstunner Hydrating Tinted Moisturiser
This skincare-packed tinted moisturiser is perfect for those days where you’d rather go make-up free (but still want that touch of coverage to conceal any areas of redness or dull skin).
Shop Morphe Glowstunner Hydrating Tinted Moisturiser at Lookfantastic, £18
buy now
Main image: Stylist Loves, images courtesy of brands
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