The BB to DD of Creams Explained

A few years ago BB Creams were everywhere and the majority of us where both enamoured and dare I say it slightly baffled? Then along came CC and DD creams to further add to the puzzlement are they simply glorified tinted moisturisers, which is best for me and really what do the letters stand for? Let me answer a few questions regarding the alphabet soup of face bases.

BB Creams - BB Creams originated in Asia and originally were dubbed blemish balms before the western market got hold of the concept, changing the name to beauty balm. To this day I do maintain the Asian versions are the best and of you can find a shade to suit your tone brands such as Skin Food is the way to go. Typically BB Creams are a little thicker, creamier and offer a higher level of coverage compared to a tinted moisturiser. They sit somewhere in-between a foundation and tinted moisturiser but tend to offer more skin care benefits such as a high level of SPF (if they don't contain SPF skip), added skin nutrients all the while offering hydration and in some cases anti-ageing technology. I see BB Creams as a suit all concept as at most they even out the skin tone and protect, the main problem is that most brands only cater to lighter complexions. At a push I would say that the overall thick texture of a BB Cream is better suited to drier skins, if you have oily skin don't let this put you off.

The BB to DD of Creams Explained

CC Creams - More often than not the CC in CC Creams stands for Colour Correct which is somewhat self explanatory, they even out redness, sallowness and brighten all the while somewhat adding a tint of colour to the skin. In terms of coverage and texture they do tend to be a little lighter than the aforementioned BB Cream, yet still offers more cover than your typical tinted moisturiser. On my oily skin I do find that CC Creams are somewhat better suited, I also tend to rely on them in the warmer weather when I want a lighter than normal base product. Think of these as tinted skin care that offers natural coverage and skin protection. Again if the CC Cream doesn't contain a good dose of broad UV coverage skip and look elsewhere.

DD Creams - When DD Creams (typically stands for Daily Defence or Double Duty) launched it did seem like the whole concept got a little out of hand. I mean what next EE? What would that stand for? Extra Energising? Maybe I shouldn't give companies ideas. Anyway DD Creams or Daily Defence Creams are the newest addition the beauty market and seem to be combining the best of both worlds. Newly launched is Nuxe DD Cream which not only offers a decent level of coverage, a light creamy formulation, SPF 30 and protection against environmental damage such as pollution, all the while brightening the skin. I have been told that DD Creams where originally intended for mature complexions which results in great coverage without a heavy, settle into the pores/lines texture that is highly hydrating yet lighter than air.I am tempted to say find a great DD Cream (in my experience colour match tends to be the main dilemma) and ditch the other double barrelled creams. Why settle for less?

The BB to DD of Creams Explained

In a nutshell?
BB Creams - a step up from a tinted moisturiser but typically with a higher SPF.
CC Creams - typically lighter than a BB Cream, aims to colour correct and protect.
DD Creams - a do it all: great coverage, light texture and with more skin protecting qualities.