BB creams, CC creams, and tinted moisturisers all sit in that middle ground between skincare and makeup, which is exactly why they confuse people. They seem similar, look the same in the tube, and promise to do everything from hydrating to correcting to blurring. But here’s the truth: they each serve a slightly different purpose, and knowing the difference can seriously upgrade your routine.
Whether you’re after sheer coverage, skin-perfecting benefits, or a multitasking base for busy mornings, this guide breaks down what sets them apart, and helps you figure out which one belongs in your makeup bag.
What Is BB Cream?
BB stands for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm”, depending on who you ask. Think of it as your all-in-one tinted moisturiser with added skincare benefits. It typically combines:
- Light to medium coverage
- SPF
- Hydrating ingredients
- A bit of primer or blurring action
It’s ideal if you want light coverage that evens out your skin tone without feeling heavy. BB creams are perfect for normal to dry skin types, or for anyone wanting a quick, no-fuss makeup routine.
Try this:
Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF42 PA+++ – A cult Korean favourite with high coverage and a dewy finish.
What Is CC Cream?
CC stands for “colour correcting.” It’s built to tackle redness, sallowness, or uneven skin tone, thanks to its pigment-correcting properties. CC creams usually contain:
- Lightweight texture
- Colour-correcting pigments (green for redness, peach for dullness, etc.)
- Anti-ageing ingredients like peptides or antioxidants
- SPF
CC creams tend to offer more coverage than BB creams but less than foundation. If your skin has discolouration, rosacea, or signs of ageing, this might be your match.
Try this:
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ – Full coverage with skincare benefits and serious SPF.
What Is Tinted Moisturiser?
This one is exactly what it sounds like: a moisturiser with a hint of tint. Unlike BB or CC creams, tinted moisturisers focus more on hydration than coverage or correction. They usually feature:
- Very sheer coverage
- Hydrating base (great for dry skin)
- Dewy or natural finish
- Sometimes includes SPF
This is perfect for makeup minimalists or those who already have even skin but want a little something extra.
Try this:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30 – Lightweight, glowy, and super hydrating.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product Type | Coverage | Best For | Skincare Benefits | SPF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB Cream | Light-Medium | Dry to normal skin | Yes | Usually |
| CC Cream | Medium | Redness or uneven tone | Yes | Usually |
| Tinted Moisturiser | Sheer | Hydration and glow | Minimal | Sometimes |
So, Which One Should You Use?
Here’s a quick way to decide:
- Go for BB cream if you want a multi-tasking product that hydrates, protects, and offers natural coverage.
- Choose CC cream if you deal with redness, pigmentation, or want a skin tone–evening base.
- Pick tinted moisturiser if you want the lightest possible coverage with hydration and a your-skin-but-better finish.
You can even layer them. For example, use a tinted moisturiser on days you want to skip foundation entirely, then step it up with a CC cream for more polished coverage on workdays.
The main difference between BB cream, CC cream, and tinted moisturiser comes down to how much coverage and skincare help you want. BBs are the all-rounders, CCs are the fixers, and tinted moisturisers are the chill, no-makeup makeup heroes.
Whichever you choose, just make sure it suits your skin type and goals, and don’t forget sunscreen if your product doesn’t already include it.
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