What is BB cream? What is CC cream? What is DD cream? Is it different from a regular cream? What is the difference and is it something I should be using? Can it harm me?
These are all questions that are asked frequently in my office. I hope this blog can give you some guidance to the different cremes, moisturizers and foundations that are out there.
First and foremost, you can't really go wrong with a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers not only hydrate your skin, but it also gives your skin a bit of color. They are not intended for full coverage because the color is sheer. However, they are great for those with blemish-free skin. I also recommend them for the spring and summertime.
BB creams have been all the rage over the past year or so, but it really has been around for many years. The "BB" in "BB cream" stands for "beauty balm" or "blemish balm" to most people. But it can also mean "beauty brightening", because it contains anti-aging components like retinol, peptides and antioxidants. Most BB creams offer a SPF 15, can be decently moisturizing, contain light-reflecting mica which gives your skin a luminous finish and include a built in primer.
Claims:
all-in-one
oil control
SPF
hydrates
evens skin tone
minimizes the appearance of pores
reduces wrinkle depth
brightens dull skin
These are all questions that are asked frequently in my office. I hope this blog can give you some guidance to the different cremes, moisturizers and foundations that are out there.
First and foremost, you can't really go wrong with a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers not only hydrate your skin, but it also gives your skin a bit of color. They are not intended for full coverage because the color is sheer. However, they are great for those with blemish-free skin. I also recommend them for the spring and summertime.
BB creams have been all the rage over the past year or so, but it really has been around for many years. The "BB" in "BB cream" stands for "beauty balm" or "blemish balm" to most people. But it can also mean "beauty brightening", because it contains anti-aging components like retinol, peptides and antioxidants. Most BB creams offer a SPF 15, can be decently moisturizing, contain light-reflecting mica which gives your skin a luminous finish and include a built in primer.
Claims:
all-in-one
oil control
SPF
hydrates
evens skin tone
minimizes the appearance of pores
reduces wrinkle depth
brightens dull skin
anti-aging
CC creams differ from BB creams as they stand for "color correcting" or "color control" and are for different skin issues. An average CC cream will feel lighter on the skin and address issues such as redness or sallowness whereas a BB cream will feel more like a foundation. CC creams are typically non-oily, and a step above tinted moisturizers (as far as coverage).
Claims:
primes
perfects
moisturizes
oil control
levels skin radiant
reduces the appearance of redness
CC creams differ from BB creams as they stand for "color correcting" or "color control" and are for different skin issues. An average CC cream will feel lighter on the skin and address issues such as redness or sallowness whereas a BB cream will feel more like a foundation. CC creams are typically non-oily, and a step above tinted moisturizers (as far as coverage).
Claims:
primes
perfects
moisturizes
oil control
levels skin radiant
reduces the appearance of redness
anti-aging
DD creams are few, and are somewhat hard to find as they are fairly new. There is one DD cream on Sephora's website that is by DERMAdoctor that says it's a "15-benefits-in-1" and is without parabens, sulfates or phthalates. Another DD cream by Julep called it the "Dynamic do-all" makeup that goes beyond any BB cream - moisturizing, built in primer, ready to perfect and protect with SPF 25, anti-aging, lightweight, buildable coverage and comes in four different shades.
Claims:
lightweight
buildable coverage
15-in-one
brightens
evens skintone
soothes blemishes
reduces redness
primes
hydrates
anti-aging
DD creams are few, and are somewhat hard to find as they are fairly new. There is one DD cream on Sephora's website that is by DERMAdoctor that says it's a "15-benefits-in-1" and is without parabens, sulfates or phthalates. Another DD cream by Julep called it the "Dynamic do-all" makeup that goes beyond any BB cream - moisturizing, built in primer, ready to perfect and protect with SPF 25, anti-aging, lightweight, buildable coverage and comes in four different shades.
Claims:
lightweight
buildable coverage
15-in-one
brightens
evens skintone
soothes blemishes
reduces redness
primes
hydrates
anti-aging
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| click to enlarge (photo credit: youbeauty.com) |
While I did write a about a BB cream in 2012, I can't say for sure if I love CC or DD creams, because I haven't tried them in a long while. However, I can tell you that if you are using BB creams, CC creams, DD creams or anything that is anti-aging (including retinols, or hydroquinones) on your face, you are fading your permanent makeup.
I tell each client that using anti-aging lotions, potions and creams on your face can and will fade your cosmetic tattooing because anything that is anti aging (unless it is all organic and natural) contain chemicals and ingredients that are basically "bleaching" your skin to "brighten" and "color correct" your skin. Notice that those are the words in BB cream - beauty brightening and CC cream - color correcting. (DD cream basically is both of those combined.) While you may think you are just using the creams on certain areas of your face and are not intentionally putting it on your eyebrows or lips, it certainly migrates on your skin to your cosmetic tattooing.
Have you had problems with permanent makeup fading on your face? Have you had multiple touch ups and sessions and still no luck? Check the ingredients in all of the products you put on your face: creams, moisturizers, toners, makeup etc. Chances are you are using something that is fading the cosmetic tattooing.
Are you looking for a regular cream that doesn't contain ingredients that will fade your permanent makeup? Stay tuned because I will be carrying a wonderful all natural and mostly organic moisturizer, a face wash, a toner and a few other fabulous products that will work wonders on your skin and that will not fade your makeup. In the meantime, read the ingredients on anything you buy to make sure you like what you are putting on your face. You will know based off the information and criteria above if you using a BB, CC or DD cream will work for you and your lifestyle.
I tell each client that using anti-aging lotions, potions and creams on your face can and will fade your cosmetic tattooing because anything that is anti aging (unless it is all organic and natural) contain chemicals and ingredients that are basically "bleaching" your skin to "brighten" and "color correct" your skin. Notice that those are the words in BB cream - beauty brightening and CC cream - color correcting. (DD cream basically is both of those combined.) While you may think you are just using the creams on certain areas of your face and are not intentionally putting it on your eyebrows or lips, it certainly migrates on your skin to your cosmetic tattooing.
Have you had problems with permanent makeup fading on your face? Have you had multiple touch ups and sessions and still no luck? Check the ingredients in all of the products you put on your face: creams, moisturizers, toners, makeup etc. Chances are you are using something that is fading the cosmetic tattooing.
Are you looking for a regular cream that doesn't contain ingredients that will fade your permanent makeup? Stay tuned because I will be carrying a wonderful all natural and mostly organic moisturizer, a face wash, a toner and a few other fabulous products that will work wonders on your skin and that will not fade your makeup. In the meantime, read the ingredients on anything you buy to make sure you like what you are putting on your face. You will know based off the information and criteria above if you using a BB, CC or DD cream will work for you and your lifestyle.
Should you feel that you absolutely must use your BB, CC & DD creams but you want your permanent makeup to last, I recommend you do not start using them until 30 days after your permanent makeup appointment. In that 30 days, your skin will have time to fully encapsulate the pigment.
Athena Karsant was honored with Best of San Francisco & Best of Beverly Hills for 2013! Athena also offers Complimentary Consultations.
