How to choose between a BB cream and a CC cream?

BB cream or CC cream: which should you choose for a flawless complexion? These two hybrid skincare products, halfway between make-up and dermatology, promise an even, luminous complexion. But what’s the difference? How do you know which one is right for you? Find out everything you need to know about choosing between a BB cream and a CC cream!

What is a BB cream?

BB cream (“Blemish Balm” or “Baume Beauté”) was invented in 1967 by German dermatologist Christine Schrammek, initially to protect the skin after dermatological treatments such as chemical peels. It then gained popularity in Korea and Japan in the 1980s, where it was reformulated to become a hybrid skincare and make-up product. Today, it is prized for its versatility: hydration, complexion correction and UV protection.

Since its launch, it has become a must-have in your make-up bag. A must-have for a flawless complexion, it saves a considerable amount of time in your beauty routine. There’s no need to apply several layers of moisturiser, foundation or primer – just one step and you’ll have a perfect complexion!

It moisturises, nourishes and cares for your skin. Lightly tinted, it hides imperfections perfectly. The transformation is almost instantaneous: the complexion is more luminous and velvety-smooth. It improves skin texture by reducing the appearance of dilated pores without clogging them. A godsend for skin prone to redness and other pigmentation imperfections. It blends with skin tone for a natural look and feel. Ideal for all those with combination to oily skin with imperfections. It evens out the complexion and conceals imperfections in the same way as foundation, without a mask effect. It also protects the skin from the sun’s rays.

Not all BB creams guarantee optimum sun protection, as the SPF varies from one formulation to another. It is therefore essential to check the level of protection indicated and, if necessary, apply an additional sunscreen to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Our favourite BB creams:

• Erborian BB Cream Clear with Ginseng :

Multi-purpose cream with Ginseng. The perfect combination of smoothing action with moisturising and protective properties for a luminous, fresh complexion. It is suitable for oily skin with imperfections. Its light formula melts into your skin, leaving it visibly smoother and softer, like a baby’s skin.

• Avene Hydrance BB Light Moisturising Emulsion :

Specially designed for normal to combination skin, it intensely moisturises and instantly brightens your complexion. It blurs skin imperfections and blemishes. It leaves your skin feeling comfortable all day long. Its little extra? It protects your skin from UV rays with SPF 30.

What are the origins of CC Crème?

CC crème (“Color Control” or “Correction Complète”) is an evolution of BB crème, but with one main function: to correct skin tone irregularities. It contains encapsulated pigments that adapt to skin tone and neutralise redness, pigmentation spots and dullness.

💡 Key difference with BB cream: CC cream does not cover as much, but corrects more effectively thanks to its specific active ingredients (antioxidants, vitamin C, niacinamide)

BB Cream	CC Cream
Moisturises and evens out the complexion	Corrects redness and irregularities
Light to medium coverage	Natural effect, subtle correction
Often contains built-in SPF	Enriched with antioxidants and vitamin C
Ideal for combination to oily skin	Perfect for skin prone to redness

Next comes the CC cream or ” Color Control ” or Color Correction cream, which, as its name suggests, is a colour corrector. It is an improved version of the BB cream, designed to be more nourishing and repairing, but also lighter and less covering.

Make-up with a no-make-up effect! Subtly tinted, it blurs imperfections and naturally adjusts to all skin tones. It’s perfect for those who need a natural, luminous finish without the “too much” effect. Thanks to its encapsulated pigments, it enhances your skin tone. Its fine texture is formulated to even out the complexion and correct your small imperfections to perfection. A healthy glow guaranteed!

CC cream provides in-depth treatment for imperfections rather than camouflaging them. Ideal for those who want to treat their skin as naturally as possible. Often enriched with antioxidants, vitamin C and other natural corrective ingredients such as green tea or Centella asiatica, like Erborian CC cream..

Our favourite CC cream:

• Erborian CC Cream with Centella asiatica Illuminating care :

This cream with its evocative name makes skin luminous and soft. Enriched with Centella asiatica, a plant native to Asia and Oceania. Renowned for its anti-ageing properties, it increases collagen production and antioxidant activity. High Definition Illuminating Facial Treatment Skin Perfecting, this multiple treatment is a “High Definition” illuminator. The initially white CC pigments are revealed on contact with the skin and adapt to your skin tone. Your ally for a fresh, matte complexion all day long.

To help you choose

BB cream is more like a tinted cream, thicker than CC cream. It can easily be substituted for foundation. However, CC cream provides slightly less coverage for imperfections.

BB cream, on the other hand, is better suited to acne-prone skin. Its composition helps to control shine and balance sebum production. This sebum-regulating action
is accompanied by perfect coverage to camouflage imperfections during the day.

How do I apply BB cream and CC cream?

Optimum application for a flawless complexion

1️⃣ Prepare the skin: Cleanse and apply a moisturising serum if your skin is dry.
2️⃣ Apply the cream: Apply a dab to the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.
3️⃣ Blend with your fingers, a brush or a sponge for a natural finish.
4️⃣ Finish: For better hold, lightly powder the T-zone if your skin tends to shine.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between a BB cream and a CC cream?

BB cream is a tinted moisturiser that evens out skin tone and provides light coverage, while CC cream has additional skin tone correcting properties to camouflage imperfections.

2. Can I use a BB cream and a CC cream at the same time?

Yes, you can use a BB cream as a moisturising base and apply a CC cream on top to correct imperfections and even out the complexion.

3. Do I need to use a foundation if I’m using a BB cream or CC cream?

It depends on your coverage needs. If you’re happy with the coverage offered by BB cream or CC cream, you don’t need to use a foundation as well. If you prefer more coverage, you can apply a foundation on top of the BB cream or CC cream.

4. Are BB creams and CC creams suitable for all skin types?

BB creams are generally better suited to dry or normal skin, while CC creams are more suitable for combination to oily skin. However, there are specific formulas for different skin types, so it’s important to choose a product suited to your needs.

5. Do BB creams and CC creams offer sun protection?

Most BB creams and CC creams contain a sun protection factor (SPF), but the level of protection can vary. It’s important to check the packaging to find out the SPF and choose a product suited to your level of sun exposure.