The Differences Between Tinted Moisturizer, BB Cream and CC Cream

Looking for an alternative to foundation? From tinted moisturizers to BB and CC creams, there are plenty of options to choose from. Though similar, BB creams, CC creams and tinted moisturizers are all different in their own unique ways. Not quite sure how? To help shed some light (and guide your future purchases), we’re breaking down the differences between BB cream, CC cream and tinted moisturizer, and the pros and cons of each, below.

BB Cream

You’re probably familiar with BB cream, but did you know that it’s short for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm?” These all-in-one products — which originated in Korea before landing stateside — usually offer a combination SPF protection, and anti-aging and skin-soothing benefits. They’re much lighter in weight than your average foundation, and they help smooth your skin’s complexion. 

Additionally, these multi-taskers help conceal blemishes and imperfections in a pinch, while priming and moisturizing the skin at the same time. It’s basically the Swiss army knife of beauty products. 

Try the L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream or the Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm. 

It’s important to note that most BB creams aren’t formulated with enough broad-spectrum sunscreen to provide adequate sun protection (it’s simply an added bonus!). So don’t swap out your daily sunscreen use in favor of BB cream. Be sure to layer up with your favorite broad-spectrum SPF and reapply throughout the day (at least every two hours) to help keep your complexion protected against the sun’s harmful rays. Better yet, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and avoid peak sun hours for even more protection.

CC Cream

While BB and CC creams are similar, there’s one difference that makes them completely unique from one another: CC creams, also known as color correcting creams, are meant to reduce the look of redness or discoloration. Their texture is typically lighter than BB creams because their main job is to act as a color corrector and not a foundation. If you want to reduce the appearance of minor skin imperfections with lightweight coverage, try pairing your CC cream with a BB cream to get the best of both worlds. Some of our favorites include the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Oil Free CC+ Cream and the Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Cream. 

Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizer is, in essence, exactly what it sounds like — a moisturizing cream that has a slight tint to it. They’re quickly becoming the product of choice for women looking for an alternative to their thick foundation, or an easy way to cut one product out of their routines without losing the results they want. The upside to tinted moisturizers is that they offer barely-there coverage with a lightweight feel and perfect your skin’s tone. However, due to the lighter coverage, tinted moisturizer may not completely hide blemishes and imperfections.

To recap, if you’re looking for sheer, your-skin-but-better coverage, reach for a tinted moisturizer like the NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil. Just know additional concealer may still be required to cover up dark spots and blemishes.

Moral Of the Story? 

Reach for a tinted moisturizer or CC cream if you’re looking to even out the appearance of your skin’s tone while hydrating it at the same time. If you’re looking for something a little extra — think: anti-aging, a primer, better coverage of imperfections, SPF, etc. — go for the BB cream instead. 

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