If you’re anything like us, you’ve been stocking up on BB creams since these must-have complexion perfectors hit the stores earlier this year. Well, the original all-in-one facial product is about to have some serious competition. The threat? CC creams (no, that’s not a typo!). The popular beauty product has only been sold in Asia—until now. Starting this month, beauty companies are beginning to sell CC creams in America. And stateside beauty geeks rejoice.
BB, CC…but what difference could two little letters really make?
First, let’s start with what BB (beauty balms or blemish balms) and CC (complexion correcting) creams have in common. Both face creams promise moisture, SPF protection, and anti-aging benefits.
As for the differences: “BB creams are more like a tinted moisturizer, and CC creams are able to cover from sheer to full coverage—but it looks like you don’t have anything on,” says Wei Brian, founder of Wei Beauty, one of the first companies to sell CC creams in the US. Also, CC creams offer more long-term positive results—they actually correct skin troubles like discoloration, Brian says. For example, Wei Beauty’s CC cream, Ideal Skin—Perfect Finish ($ 29.60, beauty.com and birchbox.com), is formulated with natural brighteners like licorice and Vitamin C, along with antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients.
So those pesky brown spots that have been peeking through your makeup, or those fine lines you wish you could smooth out? CC creams are the one-two punch that’ll get you another step closer to skin nirvana.
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