Know your BB creams from your CC creams

Now it’s all about the up-and-coming complexion corrector, or ‘CC cream’, a lighter, stronger cream for those who want correction more than prevention.

So what is CC cream?

Just as we were all getting used to swapping our tinted moisturisers for BB creams, it seems the beauty world had spawned yet another magic multi-purpose product to banish those blemishes. So what makes CC cream different, and why should we choose it over BB cream?

CC cream, short for complexion corrector, is aimed at women who want anti-ageing effects as well as overall coverage. Editor of TheBeautyBean.com Alexis Wolfer described it as the ‘movie sequel’ of BB cream. As well as preventing the effects of ageing with SPF, CC cream can also, apparently, undo damage with wrinkle smoothing serum.

Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Ageing Cream for instance is made up of a serum called ‘essential glucosamine complex’, designed to reduce the appearance or wrinkles. At £24.99, it’s not exactly a budget product but with so many functions squeezed into one bottle, it could end up being a money-saver.

As well as fighting wrinkles, CC cream is also said to fade dark spots, sun spots and acne scars over time, making this not just a cover-up but an active skin care product.

If you’re not one for hoarding thousands of bottles you only use once, CC cream is a great alternative. Pop a little bottle into your handbag and you can top up during the day, ensuring you look spotless in the office, at meetings or even at the gym. This is essentially airbrushing without the technical skills!

While Olay of course takes the anti-ageing angle, L’Oreal has opted for anti-fatigue. Even 20-somethings who’ve yet to agonise over lines and wrinkles can wake up with eye-bags and dull skin. In a fast-paced world, having time to practice a full skin care regime has become something of a luxury. L’Oreal Nude Magique CC Cream neutralises the appearance of redness, dullness and general signs of fatigue on the skin. Plus, with SPF 12, this product will also protect skin a little from harmful UV rays throughout the day. At just £9.99 this product is wallet-friendly as well as effective.

If you’re ready to upgrade your BB cream for a level up in the cover-up game, head to your nearest make-up counter and try CC cream for yourself.