Now I Know My BB, CC and DD Creams

These days cosmetic counter habitués are faced with a dizzying array of flesh-toned creams with double letter designations: BB, CC and now, DD creams, which will be hitting the U.S. market later this month. So what exactly do these creams do, how do they differ from each other and, most importantly, which one is right for you?

BB Cream (Photo by Clinique)

At this point it’s a rare makeup maven who’s unaware of the ubiquity of BB creams. Originating in Asia, where it was touted as a combination of primer, tinted moisturizer and highlighter, BB (“Beauty Balm” and sometimes “Blemish Balm”) cream has added skin care benefits. Along with sunscreen (typically SPF 25-35), it provides anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants that brighten skin and smooths out flaws.

Clinique’s BB Cream gets high marks for its natural finish and silky texture. If you’re after a perfect “no make-up” look, this is the product for you.

Another good option: Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB cream gives a luminous and sheer finish while still managing to blur fine lines and imperfections. Its natural mineral sunscreen (SPF 30) is another plus.

CC creams (“Color Correcting”) are similar to BB creams but are formulated to specifically address skin tone concerns, such as redness, blotchiness and sallowness. They are lighter and fluffier than BB creams and offer more lightweight, buildable coverage. Both products are an excellent alternative to foundation especially during the summer months, when sheer coverage and high SPF are a must. Since textures can vary from brand to brand, I suggest that you sample different products to find the one that suits you best.

A great choice for those who prefer natural products, Juice Beauty’s CC cream contains stem cellular repair serum to impart a radiant glow and balance skin tone.

CC Cream (Photo by Juice Beauty)

DD, or “Dynamic Do-All” creams, are poised to launch later this month, and we are awaiting its arrival with bated breath. Despite the early rumors that DD creams were aimed at the hands and feet, it appears that the first DD cream in the U.S., soon to be introduced by Julep, combine the features of BB and CC creams, but with a heavier texture designed to target dryness and wrinkles. According to Julep’s website, it has two patented anti-aging ingredients that minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, as well as hibiscus and olive extracts for hydration.

DD Cream (Photo by Julep)

When selecting a makeup-skin care hybrid cream, keep your specific skin care needs and skin tone in mind. The basic product is the BB cream, from which the CC and DD creams were developed to accommodate skin types that need special attention. While BB creams tend to have more a limited color range, the newer CC and DD creams offer a wider selection of colors.