BB Cream vs. CC Cream: What’s the Difference & Which One’s Right for You?

What Is BB Cream?

BB stands for “beauty balm,” and it’s the OG multitasker. As Baraf puts it: “BB cream is a beauty balm that offers light-to-medium coverage, along with skincare and anti-aging benefits and protection.” Basically, it’s your moisturizer, tint, and sometimes even sunscreen, all in one glowy tube. BB creams are great for days when you want to let your skin breathe while still looking put-together.

Pros and Cons of BB Cream

Most BB creams leave your skin looking fresh, dewy, and naturally even, making them a go-to for minimal makeup routines. The downside? They’re not going to cover everything. If you’re dealing with more noticeable blemishes or discoloration, you might still want to spot-conceal or layer with a bit of foundation.

How to Apply BB Cream

Use your fingers to warm up the cream and melt it into your skin for a seamless finish. For a slightly more polished look, a damp sponge or buffing brush works too. Start at the center of your face and blend outward. 

What Is CC Cream?

CC stands for “color correcting,” so it’s perfect for tackling redness, dullness, or uneven tone. “CC cream is a color-correcting focused base that helps disguise discoloration without looking like heavy coverage,” says Baraf. “CC creams also offer some fine line and texture blurring and skincare benefits.” It’s still lightweight like BB cream, but with a little extra coverage and tone-evening magic.

Pros and Cons of CC Cream

CC cream is great for anyone looking to even out their complexion while still keeping things lightweight and giving you that smoother, filtered look. The downside? They can be slightly thicker than BB creams, so if you’re all about that barely-there skin feel, they might not be your first choice.

How to Apply CC Cream

Use your fingers or a sponge to blend a small amount onto your clean, moisturized skin. Start where you need the most correction (your cheeks or around your nose), then sheer it out. Remember, less is more—you can always add another layer where you need it. 

BB Cream vs. CC Cream: Which One’s for You

The short answer? It depends on your skin goals. “If you are looking to even your skin tone and cover blemishes while nourishing and protecting your skin, then BB cream is for you,” explains Baraf. “If your main concern is redness, sallowness, or dullness along with skincare benefits, then it’s CC cream for you.” Both are amazing for your everyday look, and both can be worn solo or layered under foundation when you want more coverage. Think of them as makeup with skincare benefits—and who doesn’t want that?

Final Thoughts

BB and CC creams are the ultimate one-and-done beauty products. They hydrate, even out your skin, and give you that soft-focus finish we’re all after. Just don’t forget: skincare still matters. “I would recommend layering them on top of your skincare unless your skin says differently,” says Baraf. For example, if you have dry skin, you’ll probably want to apply your regular skincare products, followed by your BB or CC cream; but if you have oily skin, you may be able to get away without moisturizer (but don’t forget the sunscreen—even if your formula contains SPF!).

But, for full-coverage days or nights, foundation might be your best bet. “Using traditional foundation is always a good option,” says Baraf. “Especially if you have allergies to the active ingredients in the BB or CC creams, and vice versa.” And, a little pro tip from Baraf: “I’ve mixed serums and oils into my foundations for years. There’s something special about the way skin-loving ingredients pair with foundation and how that connects with the skin.” We personally love mixing products and creating concoctions at our vanity, so count us in.