The Difference Between Tinted Moisturizer, BB Cream, and CC Cream

Foundation isn’t your only option for giving your skin flawless coverage. In fact, there are three top contenders for your beauty routine: BB cream vs. CC cream vs. tinted moisturizer. Though similar, these three skincare-makeup hybrids are all different in their own ways. To help shed light on the key differences and the pros and cons of each, we’ve created a complete guide. Keep scrolling for answers to all your questions about the differences between BB and CC cream and tinted moisturizer.

What Is BB Cream?

BB cream is short for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm.” These all-in-one products—which originated in Korea before landing stateside—usually offer a combination of SPF protection, anti-aging, and skin-soothing benefits.

BB creams are more lightweight than your average foundation. They help smooth your skin’s complexion by concealing blemishes and imperfections while also priming and moisturizing the skin.

How To Use BB Cream

It’s important to know that BB creams aren’t formulated with enough broad-spectrum sunscreen to provide adequate sun protection (it’s simply an added bonus of most formulas!). So, don’t swap out your daily sunscreen in favor of a BB cream.

BB cream should be the last step of your base makeup routine. Start with a moisturizer, then your favorite broad-spectrum sunscreen, then layer on a BB cream. Be sure to reapply your SPF throughout the day (at least every two hours) to help keep your complexion protected against the sun’s rays.

Want a little more coverage? You can always apply concealer and powder on top of a BB cream.

If you want to add a BB cream to your routine, we recommend trying the L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream. The sheer, lightweight formula contains color-adjusting pigments that flex to fit your skin tone, in addition to vitamins C and E.

What Is CC Cream?

While BB creams and CC creams are similar, there’s one key difference that makes them completely unique from one another: CC creams, also known as color-correcting creams, are generally meant to reduce the look of redness or discoloration.

A CC cream typically has fuller coverage than a BB cream because their main job is to act as a color corrector. They’re great if you want to combine the skincare benefits of a BB cream with the flawless coverage of a foundation.

How To Use CC Cream

Similar to BB cream, you should apply CC cream after you apply your moisturizer and sunscreen. (And remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day to protect your skin!) Then, follow up with the rest of your makeup routine.

Some of our favorite CC cream formulas include the IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum With SPF 40 and the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40. Both options will even out your skin while providing an added layer of sun protection and skincare benefits.

What Is Tinted Moisturizer?

Tinted moisturizer, in essence, is exactly what it sounds like—a moisturizing cream that has a subtle tint to it. They’re easy to apply with your fingers, a brush, or a sponge and are a reliable go-to for no-makeup makeup days.

The upside to tinted moisturizers is that they offer barely-there coverage with a lightweight feel and help make your skin tone appear more even. Due to the lighter coverage, however, tinted moisturizer may not completely hide blemishes and imperfections.

How To Use Tinted Moisturizer

You can apply tinted moisturizer on top of a regular moisturizer and sunscreen. A traditional moisturizer typically has more hydrating ingredients than a tinted moisturizer, so you won’t want to skip it.

For a sheer, lightweight veil of coverage, reach for a tinted moisturizer like the Lancôme Skin Feels Good Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 23 or the Urban Decay Cosmetics Hydromaniac Tinted Moisturizer.

Should You Use BB Cream, CC Cream, or Tinted Moisturizer?

If you’re debating whether BB cream or CC cream is better, or if a tinted moisturizer might best suit your needs, the perfect product for you depends on the look and feel you want to achieve. From evening out skin tone, to delivering hydration or anti-aging benefits, each product is tailored to address specific skincare needs and enhance your natural beauty.

BB cream

Key benefits:

• Provides hydration and light to medium coverage
• Often includes SPF and antioxidants
• Can have skin-soothing and anti-aging properties

BB cream is ideal for individuals seeking a multi-tasking product that offers light to medium coverage with added skincare benefits. It is particularly great for those with normal to combination skin, providing a balanced blend of coverage and skincare in one convenient formula.

CC cream

Key benefits:

• Helps with color correction and gives skin a more even appearance
• Offers medium to full coverage
• May include anti-aging and hydrating ingredients

If you’re deciding between CC cream vs. BB cream, remember that the former tends to offer more coverage. This is why CC cream is ideal for individuals with uneven skin tone or concerns like redness and dark spots. Additionally, CC cream is particularly well-suited for normal to oily skin types, as it isn’t too heavy.

Tinted moisturizer

Key benefits:

• Helps hydrate and moisturize the skin
• Provides lightweight coverage
• Has a natural-looking, sheer finish

Tinted moisturizer helps boost hydration, making it a great choice for people with a dry to normal skin type. It also helps give skin an even-looking yet natural look that’s great for everyday wear.

If you still aren't sure whether to pick BB cream, CC cream, or tinted moisturizer, we recommend looking at specific products and seeing which one's benefits best match your needs. While there are general benefits for each type of formula, individual products may have attributes that sway you in one direction or the other.

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