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You won t always find yourself in the mood to wear foundation, which is why a BB cream is the perfect alternative—and if you just asked “what is a BB cream?” the short answer is that it’s a light coverage complexion product that was popularized by the K-beauty scene in South Korea.
BB creams are like the younger, hipper cousins of foundation: They’re used to accomplish something similar (evening out complexion), only the formula is lighter and has added skin-care benefits, like helping to hydrate your skin while also offering sun protection. Read ahead to find out everything else you need to know about BB creams, including how to apply them and why you might consider wearing one.
What is a BB cream?
According to makeup artist Todd Harris, the “BB” in BB cream stands for “blemish balm” or “beauty balm,” and the product is sort of a do-it-all formula that’s “essentially a hybrid between a moisturizer, primer, and foundation.” These offer light-to-medium coverage with added benefits like hydration, sun protection, and the prevention of skin damage from free radicals and environmental factors.
Of course, these aren’t to be confused with foundation; foundations are a lot more pigment-based, and they give the skin more coverage, so you should opt for that if a heavier look is what you’re going for. These days, you can find dozens of foundation formulas with skin-healthy additives like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, though there are plenty of traditional formulas that still don’t have many skin-care benefits, which is where a BB cream might come in handy.
Why would someone use a BB cream?
“BB creams help improve skin tone and texture by providing sheer coverage on acne, blemishes, or problem areas without looking heavy,” explains celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno. Because these are so lightweight, they’re more natural-looking than heavier foundations since they’re less likely to sit on top of the skin and potentially clog pores. Briceno says BB creams are also much easier and faster to apply than foundation, which makes them a great option for anyone looking for a quick, fuss-free way to add some light color to their skin while also actively treating it with good-for-you ingredients like SPF and antioxidants.
That said, the inclusion of skin care ingredients in most beauty balms doesn’t mean that a BB cream can or should take the place of more traditional products in your routine, like serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Per Briceno, these are meant to give your skin a radiant finish after your skin has already been washed, prepped, and moisturized.
What is the difference between a BB cream and a CC cream?
While they have similar names, BB and CC creams have two different goals. For example, the “CC” in CC cream stands for “color correcting,” and as Briceno notes, they’re used to neutralize skin concerns like discoloration, redness, and hyperpigmentation to make them appear less visible.
“BB creams often prioritize hydration and skin-care benefits like sun protection, whereas CC creams may contain light-diffusing particles for a more radiant finish,” Harris adds.
They both provide the same types of skin-care benefits, but if you want to perfect the “no-makeup makeup” look and give yourself a little bit of color or cover blemishes while still letting your natural skin breathe and look fresh, consider using a BB cream. On the flip side, if dark spots are your primary issue, a CC cream will help you out the most.
What is the difference between a BB cream and a tinted moisturizer?
“Think of tinted moisturizer as a moisturizer with a minimal coverage, almost a wash of color on the skin, whereas BB cream is a hybrid of foundation, primer, and skincare,” Harris says. Briceno agrees, saying that a tinted moisturizer’s primary goal is to hydrate the skin while adding just a tiny bit of coverage. “It’s perfect for a natural, barely-there makeup look,” he adds.
BB creams offer slightly more coverage and are meant to be buildable, meaning you can essentially customize your final look by adding as much or as little product as you desire.
How to apply a BB cream
This all comes down to what your personal preferences are, but you always want to apply a BB cream on skin that’s been washed, moisturized, and protected from the sun. Per Harris, BB creams are light enough for you to apply with your fingers, starting at the center of your face, blending outward, and building up coverage as needed.
“My favorite method is to warm up the product in my hands and use my fingers to apply it for a natural look,” Briceno says. “If I want a lighter, sheerer application, I blend it with a damp beauty sponge. For a more polished finish, I use a fluffy foundation brush. You can set it with a light dusting of powder for a matte look or just use a setting spray to keep it fresh and dewy.”
When choosing a BB cream, one of the most important things to consider is your skin type and what you want to address. If your skin is drier or more mature, for example, Briceno recommends products that contain hydrating, plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. “For oily skin, I look for oil-control products that still give a natural glow without looking shiny,” he adds. “For normal skin, I like formulas that feel like second skin—not too dewy, not too matte.”
