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FAQ
It’s a tinted moisturiser that hydrates, protects and corrects your skin. The BB in BB cream stands for ‘blemish balm’ or ‘beauty balm’. Depending on the brand, BB cream contains primer, sun protection and moisturiser. It’s common to use BB cream as an alternative to foundation as its coverage is much lighter, allowing your skin to breathe more.
BB cream can be used on its own or combined with concealer to cover up extra prominent blemishes.
- Wash your face and apply any additional moisturiser, serum or sunscreen.
- Use your clean fingers, a foundation brush or sponge to apply the cream evenly on your whole face.
- You can always compliment your BB cream with other makeup products like, powder, foundation or highlighter. If you’re planning on staying in the sun for a longer period of time it’s always a good idea to apply additional face sunscreen before you apply your BB cream.
CC cream is very similar to BB cream but provides more coverage. The CC stands for ‘Colour Correction’ which means it reduces the appearance of blemishes, pores and redness to a higher degree than BB cream.
Water-based formulas are best for oily skin. If your skin is very oily, a BB cream with kaolin clay helps absorb excess oil without irritating the skin. If you have sensitive skin, steer clear of fragranced BB creams. There are hypoallergenic products that help avoid irritation. For acne-prone skin, BB cream is a great option, because of its lightness. The fact that it isn’t intended to cover up blemishes or an uneven skin tone means it won’t clog your pores and cause a break-out. Before buying a BB cream do a couple of swatches on your neck to see if it blends well. We tested a range of BB and CC creams to give you a helping hand in finding the best one for you. Click here to read the results.
When travelling: When you want to pack lightly BB cream is great because of its multiple properties.
When letting your skin breathe: Foundation is known to clog pores and cause spots. Using BB cream gives your skin a break while still providing coverage.
When you’re in a hurry: There’s no need for primer, moisturiser or powder when using BB cream. This is perfect if you’re running late, in a rush or just don’t feel like spending ages on your face.
3 tips when shopping for a BB cream
Discover the meaning behind different foundation types:
- BB cream stands for Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm and offers SPF and skincare properties.
- CC cream, or Colour Correcting cream, evens out skin tone and hides redness.
- DD cream, or Dynamic Do-All cream, is a foundation formulated for mature skin.
Look for active ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, and emollients to boost your skincare routine.
While BB creams usually have SPF, it's best to add extra sunscreen during sunny months to get adequate protection. Apply sunscreen first and then BB cream on top.
Prioritising sunscreen and healthy sun habits is crucial. You can find more recommendations on the NHS's website.
BB creams are available in limited colours. To find a good match for your skin tone, it's best to try the product before buying online. This way, you'll find a product that works well for you.
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