REAL Exclusive Magazine Sheila Venancia - Perspectives - REAL Beauty

Bb Cream And Cc Cream …….What Is The Difference?

By Sheila Venancia

If you’ve been shopping for cosmetics lately you have most likely heard or seen something about a new group of products referred to as BB, CC, or even DD creams. It is a veritable alphabet soup of new products, all with enticing claims.

These creams are being launched rapid fire by cosmetics companies trying to take advantage of the fad. These creams are supposed to do everything from fading dark spots and healing breakouts to fighting wrinkles, lightening dark circles, and brightening skin tone. Not surprisingly consumers are curious to find out if the claims about BB and CC creams are true.

WHAT ARE “BB” CREAMS?
BB creams were originally developed in Germany and used for skin care following a cosmetic surgical procedure. “BB” stood for “Blemish Balm” (blemish referring to any skin imperfection, not just breakouts). They caught on big in Korea, and then became must-have beauty products in most of East Asia. When these products hit the U.S. market, they were renamed as Beauty Balms.

Regardless of the country, the main selling point of all BB creams is that for the most part they provide some amount of coverage to the skin as a sheer foundation along with some extra perks, like sun protection, skin lightening, and anti-aging ingredients—a type of all-in-one product for daytime. A caveat to be aware of: BB creams from Asian and Western companies are not the same.

Asian BB creams tend to be thicker, with higher levels of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for more opaque sun protection and foundation-like coverage. In a nod to cultural preference, Asian BBs are also expected to produce a whiter appearance on the skin. In contrast, most Western BB creams are closer to a lightweight tinted moisturizer with a natural, sheer appearance. They may or may not contain a significant amount of sunscreen protection.

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WHAT ARE “CC” CREAMS?
CC creams are a variation on the BB creams that some companies are launching to separate their products from the glut of options out there. The “CC” initials typically stand for “color” and “correct.” These products generally provide more coverage than BB creams but not always, and are pitched as being formulas that can cover flaws as well as provide skin benefits (like reducing redness or dark spots), but they don’t always do that.

SHOULD I USE “”BB” OR “CC” CREAM?
If you are looking for a good face cream but also want good sun protection and coverage – you need “BB” cream in your life! This clever little product is a time and money saver, shrinking your makeup bag down by having all the benefits of a serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock in one!

If you are looking for light coverage, “CC” cream is the perfect product to use to cover skin imperfections such as scars and blemishes.

FOR OILY SKIN
CC cream has a matte texture and is less oily than BB cream.

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
CC cream has more moisturizer and is perfect for dry skin.

FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN
The lightweight formula of a BB cream lets skin breathe and so is less likely to trigger a spot outbreak.

FOR ANTI – AGING
Use a CC cream complexion Corrector for targeted action against age spots and fine lines.

FOR A NATURAL LOOK
A natural look is attainable with both, however if you want to keep your skin light, BB cream is your best option as it provides sheer coverage while targeting skin blemishes.

If you cannot say “I love my hair”, then maybe it is time for a new hair stylist.

Sheila Venancia International Hair Stylist – (941) 822.2152

^[2]Sheila Venancia has over a decade of distinguished international experience. Originally from Brazil, she trained with leading international hair professionals in London, Spain, Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, Sheila rose among the top-ranking hair and makeup artists, catapulting her into the celebrity arena. Sheila’s work has been featured on Brazilian television shows, newspapers and magazines. Her specialties are non-toxic Japanese hair straightening, laser hair extensions, and high-end modern styling. Sheila may be reached at (941) 822.2152 or sheilasvs@hotmail.com ^[3].

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