Makeup 101: Get All The Information You Need On BB, CC And DD Creams!

Makeup 101: Get All The Information You Need On BB, CC And DD Creams!

With BB, CC, and now DD creams filling store shelves, makeup shopping is looking a lot like bra shopping. However, these are dynamic, do-it-all creams in alphabetical order.

And while that is all cool, can someone really point out the difference between these makeup products? I mean, it’s one thing  that makeup aisles are all about abbreviations nowadays, but what’s the actual difference in utility or functionality?

Well, we are here to break it down for you. Keep scrolling for what BB, CC and DD creams are and how you can tell them apart.

Let’s start with a quick history lesson, the BB Cream aka Blemish Balms, originated from Germany back in the 1960s, when a dermatologist prescribed these creams to his patients, because it helped the skin recover, post-surgery.

Fast-forward to 20 years later, in the 1980s the Asians took onto the trend of BB Creams and it caught on, especially in (no points for guessing) South Korea.

The BB Cream became a wonder revolutionary product that claimed to have it all. It was a foundation, sunscreen, moisturiser, all rolled into one with the added benefit of anti-aging properties. Plus it helped heal the skin.

Cosmetics giants instantly picked up on this wonder product and came up with CC and DD creams, that were nothing but improved and augmented versions of a BB Cream.

Now, here’s breaking it down for you:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlVdq15F9C5/?tagged=bbcream

BB Creams

What they stand for: Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm

Purpose: To heal the skin and to protect it while providing coverage.

When should one use it: You can use the BB cream when you are breaking out or if you have sensitive skin.

Benefits: Most BB creams claim to be moisturisers, foundations, Anti-ageing, primers, SPF and brightening concealers. Some supposedly help with acne control as well.

Texture: Creamy and moisturizing

Coverage: Light to medium

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfI5KF5Bkp2/?tagged=bbcrea

CC Creams

Many years later, CC Creams came into the market, and instantly caught the attention of many for being a whole new concept.

What it stands for: CC creams stand for Colour-correcting Creams. Hence, a lot of times you may find that people use it as a primer as it helps create an even base.  This made this different from the BB Cream, because, BB Creams were not available in a variety of colours.

Purpose: To help get rid of discolouration and redness on the skin.

When should one use it: If you have sensitive skin, but are looking for more coverage than a BB cream, then CC creams are your best bet. Using a foundation when you are breaking out can clog your pores and make things worse.

Benefits: Some benefits of a CC cream include anti-ageing, sun protection, priming, colour correcting and heavier coverage.

Texture: Lightweight and fast-absorbing

Coverage: Light to medium

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlIcnXLhEgz/?tagged=ddcream

DD Creams

Just when cosmetic brands thought they could not innovate the BB Cream anymore than CC, a Korean beauty brand came up with the DD cream, to further complicate things. Originally, DD creams were created for dry areas like feet, knees, and elbows.

What it stands for: Dynamic Duo Cream or Daily Defense Cream

Purpose: The DD Cream is basically an amalgamation of the preceding two creams. It protects, heals and colour corrects.

When should one use it: When your skin has blemishes or discolouration.

Benefit: BB + CC Cream benefits combined.

Texture: Creamy and heavy

Coverage: Medium to full

So basically, each of these creams is just an augmented and elevated version of the previous one. All three of them are meant for sensitive skin, and also do the job of a sunscreen, anti-ageing cream and moisturiser that gives coverage.

Shikha Kohli

Fashion enthusiast by birth, shopaholic by nature, and makeup maven by choice, Shikha serves you your daily dose of everything style and beauty, with a sprinkle of fabulousness!

Read More From Shikha
Seen it all?

We’ve got more!