First came the “BB cream”. Standing for “beauty balm”, it was a revolutionary turn in the beauty industry that took us from full coverage foundation to a multi-tasking moisturizer with instant skin-smoothing results. First came the “5 in 1”, then came the “10 in 1”. Claiming to do things like hydrate, prime, radiate, protect, etc., the BB Cream was the industry’s newest and fastest selling superpower. Every makeup company released its own version, many with an array of skin tones to suit every consumer.
Now enter the CC Cream, which stands for Color Correction. In an effort to take multitasking to the next level, these creams do everything BB creams do with the added benefit of being packed choc-full of skincare ingredients…thus eliminating the extra step of a moisturizer/serum before applying your makeup. These creams contain everything from SPF to hyaluronic acid and an arsenal of vitamins and antioxidants. They often also contain color-correcting pigments to help instantly even out skin tone. Long term, these creams also help combat fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and other aging concerns.
Both CC and BB creams are available in a variety of skin tones and levels of coverage. Here’s a list of some of my favorites:
It Cosmetics: Your Skin But Better CC Cream.
Developed with leading plastic surgeons, this magic cream is clinically shown to improve skin texture and brightness. Avocado and Grapeseed oil increase skin hydration by 79%. It contains peptides, niacin, vitamins A, C, B, E, hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed Collagen. Antioxidants and exotic natural botanicals are infused for long-term brightening and color-correcting benefits. It also boasts an SPF of 50, which is the highest on the market. And as if it wasn’t already amazing, it also has medium to full coverage and gives the skin a beautiful finish.
It comes in 5 shades.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation:
Ok so TECHNICALLY, this one doesn’t fall under the “laws” of what deems a product to be CC or BB. This fabulous product is more of a tinted moisturizer. But unlike most tinted moisturizers, this magic in a tube provides total full coverage, and boasts superior CLINICAL results like an increase in hydration after the first 10 minutes of wear…and a 79% increase in hydration in 10 days! These results also stated that 85% of women saw a visible improvement in the appearance of their wrinkles, and skin’s overall texture and smoothness in just over 1 week!!! Available in 4 universal shades.
Grab both of the IT Cosmetics skin perfecters here. And while you’re there, check out what the whole line has to offer. Some of my favorites from this company are the Hello Light Lumenizing Powder along with ANY of their plush brushes!
Smashbox CC Cream
This advanced formula is not only lightweight with an SPF of 30, but is clinically proven to fade dark spots, post-acne marks, and instantly brightens and neutralizes the skin. Linoleic acid and squalane provide tons of moisture. It contains natural botanicals like apple fruit and licorice root extract. It also has caffeine which can help stimulate and tighten the muscles in the face, giving a more lifted appearance. This one is buildable, with medium to full coverage. Smashbox also offers a lighter version called BB Water, which offers the same benefits, but with a more liquid consistency.
Visit www.smashbox.com to choose your formula and shade. And if you’re new to the line, try the Camera Ready BB Cream Eyes which works as a lightweight concealer and doubles as an eye cream with caffeine! Use in addition to your makeup ritual or as an alternative on days where you may only want to spot conceal.
I suggest applying any cream or liquid face makeup such as a BB, CC, or foundation with a dense synthetic brush. Synthetic brushes won’t absorb the product like a natural bristle brush will, leaving you with less waste. While natural brushes have their place and time for usage, I tend to use mostly synthetic brushes because they also keep from holding bacteria which will, in turn, keep you from breaking out. Applying face makeup with a brush results in a smooth, airbrush finish…something that can’t be achieved with your fingers or a sponge. Companies that make CC and BB creams, most often offer a brush to apply them. Depending on your budget, you could splurge for one of those, but here’s a little secret……you can find some great affordable brushes RIGHT HERE.
Hopefully, I’ve saved you from hours of standing in the middle of some makeup superstore, going cross-eyed from trying to choose the product that’s right for you. At the end of the day, choosing makeup is a matter of trial and error. What works for you, might not work for your best friend, aunt, or neighbor…and vise versa.
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