What are they and how are they used?
Which one is better for you - BB or CC cream? What can you expect from these two similar yet different, typically Korean multitasking creams?
BB and CC creams are modern heroes in the world of lightweight makeup and smart skincare.
They share many similarities - both come from the Korean skincare tradition, have catchy names, influencer status, lightweight textures, hydrating ingredients, UV protection, add radiance, and help even out skin tone. But they do so in different ways.
BB cream contains pigments that, similar to liquid foundation but with lighter coverage, even out skin tone and conceal redness, freckles, and blemishes.
CC cream is based on pigment technology that adapts to your skin tone and minimizes contrasts between dark and light, red and pale areas of the skin.
That’s why BB creams usually come in several shades, while CC creams are often available in a universal shade suitable for all skin tones.
What are BB creams?
BB stands for beauty balm or blemish balm. Each BB cream is multifunctional - in addition to light coverage, it usually contains hydrating ingredients, often anti-aging components, and UV filters.
In other words: complete skincare + makeup in one cream.
How to use a BB cream?
BB cream is a great choice if you like a natural, no makeup look and prefer a simple routine without too many layers.
If the BB cream contains UV filters – it's ideal for light, everyday sun protection.
Thanks to its lightweight texture, BB cream is also suitable for those with combination or oily skin.
What are CC creams?
CC stands for color correcting. These creams are designed to even out skin tone and reduce redness, pigmentation, and under-eye circles. Like BB creams, they are also multifunctional and hydrating.
They adapt to your skin tone and are typically available in a universal shade.
The easiest way to understand CC cream is to think of it as a real-life version of Instagram and TikTok blur filters.
How to use a CC cream?
CC cream is ideal if you have uneven skin tone, dark spots, under-eye circles, or if you want gentle, natural coverage.
With CC cream, the skin looks makeup-free, natural, and radiant.
Can BB and CC creams replace liquid foundation?
Yes - but keep in mind that both offer light coverage and gentle evening of the skin tone.
BB and CC creams are a great choice for a “my skin but better” effect.
Heavy foundations that cover every pore are no longer in trend anyway.
How to choose between BB and CC cream?
The best way is to try both and see which texture and effect suit you better. MET+ allows you to test each cream on your skin before deciding.
And if you can't decide – good news: you can combine BB and CC creams! For example, start with CC cream on areas with redness or dark circles, and follow with BB cream for additional coverage and sun protection.
Our recommendations for you:
BB cream with high UV protection for all skin types:
Dr. Jart+ BB Cream SPF 50 - A top Korean BB cream that nourishes, covers, and protects from the sun. Contains niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and glycerin for hydration, with a combination of mineral and chemical UV filters. Try both shades to see if the lighter or darker one suits you better.
CC cream for soothing and covering redness:
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment - A soothing, hydrating, and regenerative cream that starts out green and transforms into a beige tone that blends with your complexion.
Lighter texture alternative: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops - A CC serum for tone correction and calming sensitive, redness-prone skin.
BB cream for daily care and protection with a mattifying effect:
Embryolisse Complexion Illuminating Veil BB Cream SPF 20 - Lightweight texture with hyaluronic acid and mattifying pigments that even out the complexion, with added mineral sun protection.
CC cream for all skin types and everyday sun protection:
Embryolisse Complexion Corrector CC Cream SPF 20 - Pigments that adapt to any skin tone and blur the appearance of pores and dark spots, like a beauty filter.
