In the quest to achieve a flawless #nomakeupmakeup look, there is a plethora of options to choose from. You’ve got your luminous foundations that promise light coverage, tinted moisturizers that function more like skincare, and BB creams that promise to conceal blemishes. Oh, and did we mention that you’ve also got to find the right shade? Sounds like a tall order in the era of #skinimalism! Thankfully, there happens to be the lesser known yet equally mighty CC cream, and it proves an ideal choice for the low maintenance, ultra-minimalist glow-getter.
CC cream versus BB cream
CC creams have had immense popularity in Japan, since Japanese makeup emphasizes a beautiful suhada or skin base. But CC creams have been flying under the radar in the west in favor of their BB cream twin, so you’re not alone if you’re wondering what exactly a CC cream is. CC cream stands for “color correcting” or “complexion correcting” and walks the midline between make-up and skincare. Lighter than foundation but weightier than tinted moisturizers, CC creams are typically filled with hydrating, anti-aging and sun-protecting ingredients and provide medium coverage. BB cream aka “beauty calm” or “blemish balm” wears more like a tinted moisturizer, and true to its name, helps to even out skin tone and blemishes. Like CC creams, BB creams include skin-loving ingredients, but they provide lighter coverage and don’t usually address targeted skin concerns.
Who should use a CC cream?
If you like the idea of a BB cream’s natural finish but struggle with skin issues like discoloration, redness, hyperpigmentation, dull spots, and blemishes, you’ll want to give CC creams a shot. They’re for the multi-tasker who desires more color balance and coverage without compromising on a lightweight feel. CC creams are also ideal in our times of mask-wearing. Foundation can rub off easily, feel heavy, and even lead to breakouts when worn for several hours underneath masks. CC creams are a great lightweight alternative that still provide good coverage.
How to choose a J-Beauty CC cream
A J-Beauty CC cream can potentially cover all of your base makeup needs, so it’s important that you select the right one for your skin goals. Firstly, since a CC cream is meant to color correct, the closer match the pigment is to your natural skin tone, the better. In your search, you might notice J-Beauty CC creams with specific undertones, such as green to mask redness, yellow to brighten dull skin, and pink to add a rosy complexion.
You’ll also want to pay attention to active ingredients and skin finish. J-Beauty CC creams tend to be infused with traditional Japanese ingredients such as rice bran, sake, and pearls. Some CC creams target brightening for a radiant glow, and some help conceal uneven tone and texture for a dewy ceramic finish. Some are tailored for sensitive and dry skin types, while others offer matte coverage for oily skin. Some have an impressive shade range for east Asian skin tones. There are even CC creams that pass the test against sweat, water and oil for long-lasting sun and humidity protection. Knowing your skin type, skin goals and ideal makeup finish will be a useful compass in finding your perfect match.
The verdict on CC creams is clear. Skincare and makeup rolled into one product, they’re a dream come true for the bare-bones beauty minimalist!