Last year the beauty world was abuzz as it touted the arrival of BB creams (short for Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm, depending on who you ask). Originating in Korea, these miracle formulations promised SPF, skin care treatments, and coverage all in one product. Too good to be true?
Yes and no. BB cream has enjoyed loyal followers and an infiltration of the wider market (Clinique, Garnier, Smashbox, and MAC all have their own versions), but many iterations leave something to be desired. Some formulas have a tendency to feel greasy and look too light for darker skin tones. The titanium dioxide used in many formulations scatters light rays, which makes it an effective sunscreen product but can make you look ghostly in photos. And this makes sense given that BB creams began in Asia, where the prevailing aesthetic is paler.
Still, the promise of one do-it-all product is an irresistible one. Enter CC cream, where the acronym this time stands for Color Control or Color Correction. Even skin tone is the focus, both through fuller coverage and complexion-improving ingredients such as vitamin C, which fades dark spots. CC cream also promises to be more lightweight and less greasy than BB cream; think a mousse-like consistency. The craze has already started in Asia, and it’s only a matter of time until we start seeing the double C's everywhere.
CC creams to look out for:
Olay Total Effects CC cream was the first to hit the U.S. markets this month. Available in three shades, it promises to fight seven signs of aging.
Makeup artists are raving about Rachel K’s best-selling antioxidant-rich version, which has deep seawater for moisture and resilience. She also has a CC powder!
Wei East, a Chinese skincare and cosmetics brand, has cleverly packaged “Wei to Go” portable CC cream for single use and airplane-friendly travel.
Finally, Chanel’s Complete Correction Cream is already a huge hit in Asia and is eagerly awaited stateside.
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