Makeup Artists Share When To Use BB Creams Vs. CC Creams - TODAY

A flawless complexion is always the goal when you're applying makeup, but sometimes heavier foundations lack key ingredients that can benefit your skin. That's when BB and CC creams come in handy.

These creams are multitaskers in the way that they provide hydration and a lightweight texture — which is always a plus in our book. Instead of hiding your blemishes under cakey-looking makeup, BB and CC creams offer an even tone with skin-friendly benefits thanks to their all-in-one formulas.

I asked makeup artists to break down the building blocks of BB and CC creams, along with what makes them different from each other. Read on or use the links below for more information.

BB cream and CC cream | What is a tinted moisturizer? | Benefits of BB cream | Benefits of CC cream | How to apply BB and CC cream | Best BB creams | Best CC creams | How we chose | Meet the experts

Our top picks

Best BB and CC creams

• Best overall BB creamDream Fresh BB Cream 8 in 1 Skin Perfector$undefined$8.12WalmartLearn more
• TikTok favorite BB creamMakeup Magic Skin Beautifier Anti-Redness BB Cream Tinted Moisturizer$9.98$12.99AmazonLearn more
• Editor's favorite BB creamBeauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint$undefined$42.00UltaLearn more
• Editor's favorite CC creamContinuous Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream SPF 50+$undefined$41.00UltaLearn more
• Best overall CC creamCC+ Cream$47.00$47.00QVCLearn more

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What's the difference between BB cream and CC cream?

The main difference between both formulas lies in their coverage intensity and texture. BB creams are beauty balms that correct blemishes; CC creams are color correctors with lighter coverage than the former.

"BB cream is more hydrating and can provide a beautiful radiance to the skin, [which] is ideal for dry skin types. [Meanwhile], CC cream is lighter in coverage and is great for oily skin as it often comes in a matte formula," shares celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa, who's based in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.

While BB and CC creams offer lighter, sheerer coverage compared with foundation, they can be easily paired with other beauty products to give your skin a smoother, even consistency.

For example, "concealers are great to pair with a BB cream or CC cream because you can target areas on the face that need more coverage," recommends Figueroa.

What is a tinted moisturizer?

Many retailers use the term "tinted moisturizer" interchangeably with BB creams and CC creams, which may get confusing. But while BB and CC creams offer some coverage, tinted moisturizers typically offer sheer to no coverage while providing hydration and a bit of sun protection. In other words, it's like adding a dose of pigment to your face that has a very light formulation. Tinted moisturizers are helpful if you want to give your face an easy summer glow without a cakey feeling.

What are the benefits of BB cream?

Aside from delivering additional hydration and radiance to your skin, BB cream works as a "multifunctional product that serves as a moisturizer, primer and foundation. This is a great option for someone who wants a quick and easy way to even out their complexion with minimal effort," says Figueroa.

In addition to its skinimalism-friendly properties, many BB creams contain antioxidants and offer some level of SPF that protects your skin from the sun and other environmental stressors. (Skinimalism, a portmanteau of "skin" and "minimalism," refers to a scaled-back approach to skin care that Pinterest once highlighted as a major beauty trend.) However, BB creams should be used alongside your favorite sunscreen because BB formulas typically contain lower SPF values that range from 10 to 45.

What are the benefits of CC cream?

CC creams are most commonly used for their undertones, which lend themselves to color-correcting. They're especially great if you're looking to combat hyperpigmentation and redness. Aside from neutralizing blemishes and under-eye circles, CC creams are often formulated with skin-friendly, anti-aging agents that decrease the appearance of spots and wrinkles.

For celebrity makeup artist Jeannia Robinette, who's based in Los Angeles, CC creams offer a more natural, matte finish to a barely-there makeup look, which is ideal for those who have oily or acne-prone skin.

"I love how natural it is and evens out your skin tone plus is a multitasker," she says. "The CC creams have a little bit more pigment than the BB. Also, it corrects your skin tone. I'm a fan of wearing as minimal foundation as possible [when wearing a CC cream]."

How to apply BB and CC cream

Like most makeup products, BB and CC creams can be applied with a brush. However, Robinette recommends applying them with your fingers.

"I prefer to use my fingers and warm up the CC cream before applying it on my skin," she says. "I treat it like a sunscreen and put it all over my neck, chest and face."

Robinette also recommends avoiding a beauty sponge for application to avoid the product being absorbed and wasted. For everyday makeup application, BB and CC creams are the way to go without adding a full mask on your face.

You should also make sure to "use a shade up and darker than you're used to," suggests Robinette. "The lighter color will highlight the areas that you want to cover, while the darker will offer coverage."

Best BB creams to shop

Moisture served: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream 8-In-1 Skin Perfector

Dream Fresh BB Cream 8 in 1 Skin Perfector

$8.12 at Walmart$9.99 at Ulta$7.99 $9.99 at AmazonWhat we like

• Lightweight formula
• Feels hydrating

Something to note

• Provides "sheer" coverage

Available shades: 5 | SPF: 30 | Notable ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf extract

With 21,000-plus glowing (and verified) five-star ratings on Amazon, Maybelline’s hydrating, gel-like formula will give your skin a smooth feeling and sheer coverage. Customers note how much they love the non-cakey textures and how easily it blends into skin without clogging their pores.

In other words, this is a great cream if you’re going for a “no makeup” makeup look.

Amanda Fama, a commerce editor at Shop TODAY is also a fan of this product. She says that "it's lightweight" and that "it leaves her skin feeling moisturized."

TikTok-approved:L’Oréal Paris Makeup Magic Skin Beautifier Anti-Redness BB Cream Tinted Moisturizer

Makeup Magic Skin Beautifier Anti-Redness BB Cream Tinted Moisturizer

$9.98 $12.99 at AmazonWhat we like

• Feels lightweight on skin
• Blends well
• Isn't greasy

Something to note

• Has an orange tint
• Feels "cakey" for some

Available shades: 6 | SPF: N/A | Notable ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E

L’Oréal Paris’s BB cream once became a TikTok sensation, so it’s no surprise it’s been selling out left and right. The ultra-light formula neutralizes redness thanks to its green tint; plus, it hydrates, primes and perfects your complexion because of ingredients like vitamins C and E.

No signs of aging:Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector

Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector Tinted Facial Moisturizer

$12.97 $20.59 at Amazon$12.97 $14.97 at Walmart$18.29 at TargetWhat we like

• Feels moisturizing
• Lightweight on skin

Something to note

• Some had trouble with the cap

Available shades: 6 | SPF: 20 | Notable ingredients: Retinol

Nail the perfect glowy complexion with Neutrogena's anti-aging formula, which can help correct your skin imperfections. What makes it a shopper favorite is the added retinol and SPF 20 for a protective, natural-looking finish.

"This has just the right coverage for a light, natural look, but all the discoloration is evened out and lasts for several hours in the humidity," said one shopper who gave it five stars.

Editors love it: Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint

Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint

$42.00 at Ulta$42.00 at Nordstrom$42.00 at Anastasia Beverly HillsWhat we like

• Silky texture
• Easy to use
• Expansive color range

Something to note

• Hard to use around eyes/ nose

Available shades: 16 | SPF: N/A | Notable ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba seed oil

Jess Bender, a senior editor at Shop TODAY, recommends this smooth, easy-to-use BB cream by Anastasia Beverly Hills. She says, "Being a medium cool skin shade, I was immediately impressed with the color match of this BB cream from first swipe — it was as close as you could get to my skin tone." Bender continues, "I also appreciate the practically weightless texture and medium coverage it provided throughout, so much so that it could easily give my concealer a rest on days when I get a decent amount of rest."

Amanda Fama, an editor at Shop TODAY, is also a fan of this BB cream. She shares, "Not only is this BB cream extremely easy to apply with a few swipes, but it also has a smooth, creamy texture that’s easy to blend. It has opaque coverage with a seemingly matte finish, and it feels very lightweight on my skin. It doesn’t feel drying, either (and I have very dry skin!)."

Glow with it: Iris & Romeo Best Skin Days SPF 25

Best Skin Days SPF 25

$48.00 at Iris & RomeoWhat we like

• Lasts a long time
• Has a "dewy" finish
• Feels hydrating on skin

Something to note

• None to note at this time

Available shades: 12 | SPF: 25 | Notable ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, apple extract, shea extract

If you’re someone who forgets about sunscreen the minute you walk out the door, this product is for you. Its five-in-one formula combines the benefits of a serum, a moisturizer, a sheer cover-up and a blue-light/pollution protector for a true glow-y finish. With a near-perfect average star rating, this product will become your best friend when you need a quick skin care-plus-makeup routine.

“It isn’t matte, but it isn’t overly shiny. It provides that perfect healthy skin glow,” gushed one buyer who gave it five stars. I (Espinal) also gave this a try during 2021 and I loved the consistency of the formula. It's very hydrating and leaves a glowy finish even during cloudy days.

Best CC creams to shop

Camouflage your lines: Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream with Sunscreen SPF 15

Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream with Sunscreen SPF 15

$23.77 at Amazon$27.96 at WalmartWhat we like

• Feels moisturizing on skin
• Light, yet adequate coverage

Something to note

• Has an oily feel

Available shades: 3 | SPF: 15 | Notable ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin E

Address your skin concerns with this multi-functional cream from Olay. Your skin will feel refreshed and moisturized thanks to the brand’s proprietary blend of several antioxidants and vitamin B3. This lotion is said to minimize the look of pores, hydrate your skin and even skin tone.

Over 4,000 Amazon reviewers have raved about how this cream buffs out any imperfections — yes, acne scars too!

According to my mom, this cream leaves a natural look without weighing down your complexion. Plus, your skin will look soft while camouflaging any fine lines.

Corrects imperfections: Dermablend Continuous Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream SPF 50+

Continuous Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream SPF 50+

$41.00 at Ulta$41.00 at DermstoreWhat we like

• Creates a "glow"
• High SPF
• Doesn't feel "cakey"

Something to note

• Not long-lasting, according to some

Available shades: 6 | SPF: 50 | Notable ingredients: Caffeine, vitamin E, niacinamide

For those looking to hide their dark spots, Dermablend’s formula is here to deliver full, long-lasting coverage. The combination of niacinamide, vitamin E, baicalin and caffeine will give you that “I woke up like this” look.

I (Espinal) have been wearing this during work days and my skin looks flawless and even. I even replaced it with my regular foundation, due to its lightweight consistency which doesn't feel heavy and has SPF.

Hide your pores: Perbelle Skin Tone Adjusting CC Cream SPF 43

Skin Tone Adjusting CC Cream SPF 43

$47.00 at PerbelleWhat we like

• Feels hydrating
• Smooth, creamy texture

Something to note

• On the pricier side

Available shades: 1 | SPF: 43 | Notable ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide

If winter has ripped your skin of hydration, this CC cream will help replenish it, all while boosting sun protection with its SPF 43 and evening out your complexion.

Its formula has hyaluronic acid, which hydrates your skin, and niacinamide to brighten your skin tone. Most customers love this base because it works like a foundation while leaving a flawless finish. Personally, I use this under my foundation and it smooths out my pores and skin. Plus, it makes the texture of my skin more even before applying corrector.

One reviewer said, "[It] layers very well, and I find that I don't use concealer when I wear Perbelle, even on my dark blue under-eye circles."

Won a beauty award: It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50+

CC+ Cream

$47.00 at QVC$47.00 at It Cosmetics$47.00 at SephoraWhat we like

• Goes on smoothly
• Feels lightweight
• Helps moisturize skin

Something to note

• Not long-lasting, per some

Available shades: 22 | SPF: 50+ | Notable ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E

Just like its name implies, this bestselling, award-winning CC cream offers full coverage without the heaviness, claims It Cosmetics. It provides long-term nourishment thanks to hydrating, skin-friendly ingredients like collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acid. The brand designed this tinted formula for every kind of imperfection on every skin type.

“I’m a big fan of the original version of this CC Cream, which won a Beauty Award last year, and this updated formula focuses on shine control and delivers a matte finish," says production associate Audrey Ekman.

I tried it and can vouch for its ability to both hydrate and control shine all day, which is no small feat against my oily skin!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CC cream or BB cream be used as a foundation?

Yes, according to Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist, Jose Corella . CC creams, he says, "can be used as foundations as it is basically a color-correcting tinted moisturizer." You can also wear BB creams as a foundation, he adds.

Do you wear a primer under CC cream?

For Corella, this is all about personal preference.

"If you have a primer you like that blurs or adds glow, you can definitely make your own skin cocktail. However, I personally would use it as is!" he explains.

Do you need powder over CC cream?

According to Corella, you can use a powder if you want to lock in makeup all day. But if you have dry skin, he advises to just avoid the powder for a more natural and glow-y look.

What is the difference between BB, CC and DD cream?

"BB cream is ideal for dry skin as it is super hydrating. It’s basically a tinted moisturizer with skin care benefits, and usually added SPF," Corella explains. "CC Cream is a step up from BB cream in the sense of coverage and evening out the skin tone with its color-correcting properties," he adds, explaining that the latter is very hydrating with its added skin care and SPF properties.

"DD cream is a marketing term that followed the invention of BB creams and CC creams, and it often stands for 'dynamic do-all' or 'daily defense.' There is no quantifiable definition of a DD cream that distinguishes it from BB or CC creams," Corella explains.

If you have mature skin, Corella recommends CC creams because the formula has more pigment and works better for hyperpigmented and dark skin.

Is BB cream good for mature skin?

According to New York City-based esthetician and makeup artist Edelyn Collado, mature skins need hydration more than coverage. "Sometimes, when you add foundation to aged skins the fine lines will show up more and the creases will be more noticeable," she says.

If your skin is dry, you can get away with BB creams and CC creams. However, Collado emphasizes the importance of adhering to a skin care routine in order to prevent breakouts.

Do you recommend BB cream vs. CC cream for oily skin?

Collado recommends a CC cream, primer and powder for oily skin, because throughout the day your skin gets oily and the powder will help to absorb the oils on the skin.

Do you wear powder over CC cream?

You can wear powder over CC cream depending on the type of skin you have and the level of coverage you want. Collado says that what powder does i set your makeup, so if you have oily skin, you might want to add the powder to set the makeup. Collado does not recommend powder for individuals with dry-to-combination skin.

Is it good to use CC cream daily?

Yes, you can use CC cream daily because it is typically the better formula for skin due to its added skin care properties and UV protection qualities. According to Collado, CC creams are great for daily use because they work as a color corrector. However, Corella also suggests cleaning your face daily before use.

How we chose

We chose BB creams and CC creams based on advice given by experts regarding the benefits of each, from hydration to coverage. We also took specific ingredients into consideration that help with moisturizing, anti-aging and more.

Meet the experts

• Nydia Figueroais a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert with over 15 years of experience working for the biggest names in beauty. Her work has been featured on television, NYFW, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, the Miss Universe Organization and more.
• Jeannia Robinette is a makeup artist whose work began at the young age of 15. Her work has been featured in Allure, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, W and more.
• Jose Corella is a professional makeup artist with a background in photography. His work has been featured on the red carpet, in advertising, in magazines and more.
• Edelyn Collado is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in permanent makeup, lashes extensions and more.