BB CC DD Creams. When will it end?

next
Side French Braid Bun

Do you ever feel like this guy when you are trying to shop for beauty products? 

You aren’t alone if you do. What does it all mean?

Sometimes I think beauty companies conspire against us to make as many products as they can that are almost the exact same but different enough to confuse us about which one is the best.

So, unless you’ve been living under a rock (which might be where this guy lives), you’ve probably heard of BB Cream. Originally started in Asia, it took the US by storm a few years ago as a pumped-up tinted moisturizer. 

And now we have CC and DD creams on the market as well. DD cream is the newest, and I’m going to venture to guess that it may not catch on like people may think.

So here is a very basic breakdown of each product, and what they do. Brand-specific descriptions will be able to give you the specifics for each cream, so if you want more info I’d recommend comparing them on Sephora.com

comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Jacqueline S says · 06.11.13

I hadn’t even heard of DD cream yet, but I do love BB cream and have been wanting to try CC cream. My only problem is I have acne, so I need full-coverage foundation. Once I have my acne under control thought I might go out and buy all three, hahahaha.

Reply
carrieg says · 06.11.13

Love the loreal bb cream. I notixe a huge difference in thw finish of my makeup with and without it.

Reply
Kerri Warren says · 06.11.13

Plain, simple and an easy to understand explanation and I didn’t have to read a novel on what the difference is! That is why I love your blog!

Reply
Mundie says · 06.11.13

I actually went and checked out your “guy living under a rock” link… HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny! 😀
And thanks for deciphering the creams!!

Reply
savvystyle.net says · 06.11.13

This is super helpful…i’ve been using BB cream, but now I want to try the other two! Thanks!!
Jamie from http://savvystyle.net

Reply
Leslie Ruth Petree says · 06.11.13

Thank you for this post! Truthfully, I hadn’t bothered to do much research on this, so I’m glad to have this handy explanation. I bought a Maybelline BB cream to try out (wanted to go inexpensive first before committing) and so far, so good. I received Julep’s new DD creme in my most recent box and was not at impressed at ALL. I received the “Light” shade, applied just the lightest amount and it still made my face look like an Oompa Loompa. Scary, I promise.

Reply
Kate at Green Fashionista says · 06.11.13

I’ve tried BB cream, and love it for beach days but haven’t been able to fall in love with it enough for every day use. I haven’t tried CC cream, but am not suprised at all that there’s now a DD cream!

Reply
Angela Main says · 06.11.13

Thanks! I love my BB cream from Birchbox but I wasn’t really even sure what it was. (I love that it evens but still allows my skin to show through)

Reply
Kristin Crosby says · 06.11.13

And which one do youuuu prefer, dearest? I have a BB cream that I kinda love, but thinking I may try a CC cream after your explanations.

Reply
Christina Harms says · 06.11.13

I use my BB cream everyday. I love that it just feels like a moisturizer and not a full foundation. I do plan on trying the CC cream next. I just wish they all had more SPF in them. Thanks for the information!

Reply
Kerri Muffin says · 06.11.13

I love BB cream! I’m so glad you did this post because I honestly had no idea what a DD cream was. hah.
Kerri at HollyMuffin

Reply
Hannah says · 06.11.13

This is so helpful! Thank you. I was JUST talking about how I have no idea what the difference between all of them were! They never explain it in commercials so this is great!

Reply
Kelli @ Life at 818 says · 06.11.13

Thank you. I just started seeing CC creams, and have not even heard of the DD stuff – although it is the one I prob should be using ;o)

Reply
Jessica W says · 06.11.13

It’s all a bit of ridiculous marketing to me, but I do love the Dr. Jart cream. I want to try the Clinique so badly but I can’t justify the price!

We Are Oceans | a beauty, food, & lifestyle blog

Reply
eatgreatbegreat says · 06.11.13

Thanks for clearing this up! I was never sure which one to buy, this is super helpful. Right now I’m using a BB cream from L’Oreal. I’ve never tried a CC cream though.

Reply
Julia Kendrick says · 06.11.13

The Rainbow guy made my day! LOL Thanks for the breakdown because I do look at hubby after I have seen the commercial and joke and say that I can’t wait for the ZZ cream. Ha! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Reply
Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! says · 06.11.13

Thanks for laying this all out and making it truly easy to understand. I just purchased my first tube of CC Cream after using BB for a while. I loved the BB but alway felt like lotion aspect of it was too much. I just purchased Almay’s CC and I really like it, a little goes a long way and I feel like I get less of it rubbing off on my clothing here and there. (Never workout w/ BB or CC cream on your face and NOT expect it to sweat on your white tshirt you’ve had since high school that you love, because IT WILL HAPPEN and you WILL CRY. 😉

Reply
Claudia Kumke says · 06.11.13

Hahahahahahahahahaha!!! Thanks for making me laugh until my belly hurt. I totally appreciate your sense of humour. 😀

Reply
HLane says · 06.11.13

DD cream… that is a new one!
I have tried all sorts of BB creams (and even a CC cream) and the best one that I found was when I got a sample with my Ulta order for L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB cream. Inexpensive and works better than some of the ones that are really expensive. Love it! 🙂

Reply
Andrea says · 06.11.13

I love BB creams! I got the Smashbox BB last fall, and it took me about 8 months to use it up! I wear my MAC stick foundation over top of it, but since the BB is tinted, I only use the foundation where I need it most (cheeks to cover rocacea, chin, forehead), so my face feels a lot more “free” than before I bought the BB. I *just* got Sephora’s CC to replace it, though, and I’m still up in the air about it. I also got Make Up For Ever’s Pro Finish powder foundation to replace my MAC foundation for summer, which is really nice. 🙂

Reply
Jessica Roth says · 06.11.13

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve been so confused on what these are and haven’t been able to find a straight answer. You’re the best!

Reply
Ponies and Pearls says · 06.11.13

Thanks for simplifying these products!!!! More posts like this would be welcomed 🙂

Reply
Jessica McCort says · 06.11.13

I can’t wait to see what the ZZ cream will be called. “Zits and ???” LOL.

Reply
Kady Camm says · 06.11.13

Thank you for this!! I was walking through Sephora wondering what all of these were! I just started using BB cream and I like it. Maybe I’ll try the other ones too and see what I like the best!

Reply
Carly says · 06.11.13

I just got a cc cream…..can’t wait to try it!

Carly
http://www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Reply
Robin LeeAnn says · 06.11.13

I just started using CC cream about a month ago and I am SO happy with my switch! I’ve been using the Clinique Moisture Surge foundation for two years, and I’ve found that although both are sheer and great for a day-to-day look, I like the coverage of the CC cream much better! I’ve been able to stop using my weird “green” primer to get rid of my redness, and can solely count on the CC cream.

Reply
michelle bojanowski says · 06.11.13

I just started using the Clinique BB cream and I like it! But I’m not sure if I’m supposed to use a powder over it? Any advise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Reply
Andrea says · 06.12.13

Do it! I’ve used a BB for around 8 months now, and always use powder over it–sometimes I even use foundation then powder, for times when I want more coverage. As far as I understand, BB creams are meant to be more of a base than a stand-alone product. 🙂

Reply
2birds1babushka says · 06.11.13

AGH seriously? DD Cream?
so funny. I think I’ll stick to tinted moisturizer lol

Reply
Unknown says · 06.11.13

Kate,
So funny!!! Actually, we saw that rainbow! Yeah, what an experience. Maybe not as audible as that guy in the video, but it was amazing to see. We do not live far from Yosemite. Thanks for clarifying the array of creams available these days. Had no idea what they were for!!

Reply
Katy Weiss says · 06.11.13

Oh my word! ” that guy” is hilarious! I can’t believe I’d never seen that before!

Reply
Nancy Warkentin says · 06.11.13

Kate,
So funny!!! Actually, we saw that rainbow! Yeah, what an experience. Maybe not as audible as that guy in the video, but it was amazing to see. We do not live far from Yosemite. Thanks for clarifying the array of creams available these days. Had no idea what they were for!!

Reply
Melissa says · 06.11.13

I actually used a BB cream on my sister-in-law for her wedding makeup over the weekend and loved it! She has great skin and didn’t need much coverage and the BB cream left a very natural finish. I’m thinking of trying a BB cream for myself over the summer, lighten up my look a bit.

Reply
Pink Elephant Blog says · 06.11.13

Oh dear, didn’t even know we are on DD’s already! I still can’t make up my mind… I’ve used some that are completely awful and some decent ones. I still think that the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer is the best one I’ve used 🙂

Reply
Elisabeth Spivey says · 06.11.13

Thanks so much for this simple explanation! I’ve actually not used BB cream but I love CC cream! I don’t where a lot of makeup most days and have to use light moisturizer with my combination skin. it’s just enough for everyday where for this stay at home mom that like a little make up 🙂

Reply
Kim van Vuuren says · 06.11.13

Thank you for helping us “beauty product challenged” folk to understand the “beauty speak”. xo

Reply
Jacque Pinol says · 06.11.13

What a great post! I never know this! Thanks!!

mamaplusmini.blogspot.com

Reply
LO TheShinyThingsBlog says · 06.11.13

have you used many Julep products Kate?

Reply
mybeadifullife says · 06.11.13

DD just sounds bad, and silly.

Reply
Kacie Jackson says · 06.11.13

I have been using the Garnier BB cream every once in awhile as a base for my make-up. I did get a sample of the Smashbox BB cream, and loved that! However, I have been reading that the Smashbox CC Cream is better to use – so I have been debating back and forth on which one to purchase (for the price). This post definitely helped in answering some questions that I had and the differences in them all. I could probably start using the DD cream, as an anti-aging product in some of my beauty products is a must in my life now. Again, thanks for the post! 🙂

Reply
There's Only One Princess, That's Why God Gave Me Boys!! says · 06.11.13

Kacie, I use Smashbox. I was using the bb cream and switched to their cc cream. The bb cream left my skin a little too ‘dewey’. Their cc cream is much better!

Reply
Gina Burke says · 06.11.13

Thanks for the info – very helpful.

Reply
Miss ALK says · 06.11.13

Thanks Kate! Such a great explanation!

xoxo Miss ALK
http://missalk1994.blogspot.com

Reply
spanishkitchenette says · 06.11.13

Then I’ll go for a DD Cream to start with the anti-aging thing! however, as you mentioned, I think some cosmetic companies just want us to dance around them all the time

Reply
AmyA says · 06.11.13

I actually thought this may have been a joke at first! DD cream? Are you kidding me? I’m with you – I’ll be shocked if they catch on like the BB creams did.

Reply
Kee says · 06.11.13

I have been a long time reader of your blog and just wanted to say thank you for writing! If I need a break from studying or the latest hair style or just something refreshing to read, I always come here. It constantly makes my day. The news of your pregnancy makes me so, so happy for you! I’ve been hoping it’d happen ever since you made the post. Thank you for blogging!

Reply
Maria Morley says · 06.11.13

Thank so much for this! I have been wondering but I’m always nervous or embarrassed to ask because I feel like I’m going to look like an idiot because I don’t know about the newest products. I’ve had some…interesting experiences.

Reply
Leigh says · 06.11.13

Thank you for this! I usually feel like I know my beauty products but these BB, CC, DD creams have had me lost. You’re awesome 🙂

Reply
Beauty Banter Blog says · 06.11.13

Great review! Very straight forward and easy to understand!

Maddy @ http://www.BeautyBanterBlog.com

Reply
Vicky says · 06.12.13

Thank you for this post! I actually *didn’t* know what BB cream was, let alone any of the others. I’d only first heard of BB cream about a month ago, but had no idea what the heck it was. I guess I live under a rock, lol. Honestly, though, all I ever use is eye makeup, so I never even glance at anything else in the store. Thanks for clearing up the mystery!

Reply
JANNA says · 06.12.13

WOW…A perfectly SIMPLE explanation! Thanks a bunvh, Kate! 🙂

Reply
JANNA says · 06.12.13

*bunch 😉

Reply
Stephanie Lula says · 06.12.13

I did not even notice they have BB, CC, and DD creams! Wow! I’ve used BB and find them alright, but I prefer a good stick foundation. From your chart, BB sounds best for me 🙂

Reply
Sisterino says · 06.12.13

Thank you for dissecting this for us. I was confused!

Reply
katrinakritz says · 06.12.13

BB,CC,DD. . . pure foolishness! I make my own skin care products – to keep things natural, simple, real and effective NOT to sell a new gimmick based on fancy marketing.

Reply
levia jack says · 06.13.13

Fantastic review! I am glad to see this post. Thanks for this great share!Weblogs.name

Reply
Brandi says · 06.13.13

I haven’t had much luck with these type creams, excpet the Dr. Jart BB cream. I received a sample from Birchbox and at first I wasn’t impressed, but now that it is so hot here in Phoenix, and I am unwlling to wear my normal foundation stick (Pixi), I gave it another shot. And wow, I love it.

Reply
Steph says · 06.14.13

I have the Boscia BB cream and it’s okay. I realized it photographs weird. Sooo… I rarely wear it. But I love the coverage.

Reply
Suzane Mart says · 06.21.13

Thank you..keep them coming you know everyone like the blog regarding makeup, fashion , beauties….. and many more:)_

himalyan.org

Reply
Katie says · 07.11.13

BB creams are the way forward this summer 🙂

Katie

http://studentbeautylife.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/rimmel-bb-cream-vs-match-perfection.html

Reply
Ailyn Koay says · 12.05.13

Hi, I hope you don’t mind me sharing your blog post on my blog, I think your post sums up everything and it would be great if I could share it. my blog is cosmoslyn.blogspot.com.au

Reply