More BB Creams vs CC Creams

Although corrective creams (known as CC creams) have made a huge splash onto the skin care scene, their predecessor, beauty balms (BB creams) are still being launched by beauty companies at a feverish pace. Where will it end? Who knows, but HKI certainly appreciates the newest efforts of the brands mentioned here.

Read on as I spill the tea…

Understandably, BB creams are sometimes confused with tinted moisturizers, but note the following product benefits of the former:

• Shade selection is slim picking.

• They all contain sunscreen protection.

• Some have anti-aging properties.

• Has a thicker consistency than a tinted moisturizer.

• They moisturize, hydrate and even skin tone.

Never a brand to disappoint, Too Faced gives the tried & true cream from a bottle, a run for it’s money with its Too Faced Cosmetics Air Buffed BB Creme ($39, toofaced.com) – a lightweight cream-to-powder buildable formula that’s applied with the cruelty-free Teddy Bear Hair located on the container top. ‘Creme’ perfects, mattifies, primes, moisturizes, and protects with SPF 20. Sadly there are only 5 shades to choose from. Free of parabens.

Not to be outdone, Garnier gives us Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector Oil-Free B.B. Cream ($12.99, ulta.com). ‘Skin Renew’ promises a radiant & brightened complexion, evened skin tone, skin that feels hydrated and sunscreen protected. Only 2 shades to choose from. Ugh, but thank goodness medium/deep doesn’t leave an ashy impression on my face.

As mentioned, shade selection in this product category is at an abysmal level, however, Dr. Lewin Kinerase Instant Perfecting B.B. Cream with Sunscreen ($16) (only in stores, walmart, duane reade) meets that problem head on – one shade for all! With a raised brow, I couldn’t believe that the one shade would work on my deep skin tone as well as lighter shades, but it did. ‘Instant Perfecting’ has an anti-aging element that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes as it evens skin tone. The light tint creates a sheer, yet flawless finish.

Physicians Formula continues it’s foray into the skin care category as it introduces Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Cream by Physicians Formula ($13, walmart.com). While ‘Super’ does what most BB creams do – it has even more benefits – it also smoothes, firms, fills, conceals & is long-wearing. Talk about getting your money’s worth!

Hue Knew It? I did.  

photo credit: Valerie Macon