The Difference Between Tinted Moisturizer, BB Cream and CC Cream

When it comes to makeup, we all have the same thing in common – we want to have smooth and flawless looking skin. Liquid foundation provides the most coverage but as we approach spring and the weather gets warmer, you may not want to apply a heavy foundation to your skin. I’ve always loved full coverage foundation but on days when the heat is too much to bare, I would rather have less on my skin. Thats where tinted moisturizer, BB cream and CC cream come into play. If you’ve ever wondered what those acronyms mean, you’ve come to the right place. There are many factors to consider when choosing the base for your skin and with many options on the market, it can be hard to choose. 

Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizer is exactly what it sounds like. It is a light weight moisturizer that provides a slight tint to the skin. Tinted moisturizers provide plenty of hydration however, they give least coverage in comparison to BB creams or CC creams. If you’re looking to cover dark spots or blemishes, this may not be the product for you. Tinted moisturizer is best suited for someone with an even skin tone and minimal blemishes or it can be used as a primer. Tinted moisturizer can also be great for mature skin because of its light weight formula; it won’t settle into fine lines the way a heavier foundation would.

BB Cream

BB Cream may also known as beauty balm or blemish balm. It is a hybrid of moisturizer, lightweight foundation and sunscreen, all in one. BB creams have been around for a long time, but gained popularity in the west around 2011. While BB creams don’t provide as much coverage as a regular foundation, they can cover up some imperfections. BB creams also provide many skincare benefits such as anti-aging components like hyaluronic acid and zinc oxide, as well as SPF. BB cream is great for most skin types, even if you have sensitive skin. 

CC Cream

Just like its counterpart, CC cream has the same benefits of BB cream with the added bonus of “color correcting”, hence its name – color correcting cream. Depending on the brand, CC creams can be slightly thicker in formula and provide the most coverage in comparison to tinted moisturizer and BB cream. Not only do CC creams hydrate the skin, contain anti-aging components and SPF, but they can also diffuse the appearance of imperfections if you have redness or dark spots. Because CC cream is a color corrector, it can also brighten the skin allowing for an even skin tone. CC creams are truly and all-in-product and suitable for most skin types. 

Are these Products Right for you

If you’re looking for a light-weight skin base that provides coverage and has other great skin benefits, I would recommend you try any one or all three of them. They each vary from brand to brand so there is no way to know if it will work with your skin type unless you try them out. Tinted moisturizers, BB creams and CC creams are fairly low maintenance products. You don’t need to use a primer underneath them and while they are hydrating, I would recommend you continue to use your daily moisturizer prior to applying them. They can be applied by dabbing a few dots on your face and rubbing them in with your fingertips. You can also use a brush or beauty sponge for a more precise application. Start off with a small amount and build in the areas that need more coverage. The downside to tinted moisturizer, BB cream and CC cream is the shade range. Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a variety when it comes to skin tone colors as you would find with foundation.