Beauty
The A, BB and CCs of Beauty Creams
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It was just a few months ago that the multitasking BB cream headlined as the next big thing. But the debut of a new generation of all-in-one products threatens to knock it out of the spotlight. CC cream, BB’s superhero cousin, is rumored to cover, protect and perfect any complexion even better. Family feuds aside, see what each product is made of.
Alphabet Soup:
BB: Beauty balm or blemish balm
CC: Color and care, color control or complete correction (folks, we have an identity crisis on our hands)
Origin Story:
BB: 1960s Germany, as a dual treatment/cosmetic to protect skin after laser procedures
CC: Late-2000s Korea, as a cosmetic with added nutrients and improved coverage
The Whole Package:
BB: Primer, foundation, moisturizer, sun protection, anti-aging
CC: All of the above, plus color corrector, brightener (light-reflecting pigments)
Skin Deep:
BB: Lots of hydrators and silicones create a dewy finish
CC: Fewer oils results in a light-matte finish
Label Logic:
BB: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin moisturize, vitamin C has anti-aging benefits (Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream)
CC: Glucosamine and niacinimide reduce uneven pigmentation (Olay Total Effects CC Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer)
East Meets West:
BB: Asian versions are targeted color correctors, American counterparts are more like tinted moisturizers
CC: The Asian BB cream
New Release:
BB: Widely available at both drugstores and high-end cosmetic counters
CC: Book a flight to Asia or wait until October when Olay launches its own multitasking concoction
