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An expert broke it down.

Today, it is rare to find a product that does not promise additional benefits beyond its intended use. There are shampoos that claim to help hair growth, polishes that strengthen fragile nails, and moisturizers that double as sunscreens. Makeup is no exception. But when products—looking at your BB cream and CC cream—both promise to cover up breakouts and uneven skin tone, while packing a lot of additional benefits, how do you know which one is right for you?

These two all-in-one creams claim to dwarf the one-shot miracle of foundations, concealers and tinted moisturizers, but when it falls, they all look the same. Like most members of "Alphabet Cream", the acronym does not reveal the actual effect of these products.

Enter the celebrity makeup artist Mia Jones. She even admitted, "If I were a novice who had to interpret between all these products, I would find it overwhelming." However, despite the superficial similarities, these products are completely unique. Some eliminate environmental toxins, another reduces the appearance of fine lines, and another even targets skin conditions. BB and CC creams have a function that other products do not have-it can cover blemishes while showing extra TLC on the skin, ultimately reducing the amount of cream you have to apply.

Earlier, Jones accurately decomposed what BB cream is, what is CC cream, and how they differ from many similar products on the market. I believe that buying cosmetics will become easier.

BB cream or "beauty cream" cream is a lightweight formula that includes "skin care, sun protection factors and brighteners," Jones said. These privileges make it stand out among other cosmetics. BB cream can act as a barrier to protect your skin from environmental toxins, thanks to anti-pollution antioxidants. It also contains nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which can plump and brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines.

Jones added that once applied, you can expect a velvety dewy effect. So, most BB creams are best for people with dry skin, but there are some good oily skin options.

With BB cream, you will not present a gorgeous makeup look in the form of liquid foundation, but you can create a light concealer effect. Jones recommends BB cream for daily makeup or no-makeup makeup, and those who like to let the skin breathe more throughout the day or let freckles show through.

CC stands for color corrector. Jones said the formula targets skin defects such as redness caused by rosacea, acne, acne scars, uneven texture, hyperpigmentation and melasma. While matching your skin tone, the color correction aspect in the formula will balance your skin tone at the same time.

CC cream may not necessarily treat the skin conditions it covers, but it will neutralize them and make them less noticeable. It also provides SPF coverage and whitening agents to help the skin look less dull and moisturize the skin.

Jones said that CC cream is a bit heavier than BB cream, and it is also easy to apply. You can apply it directly on the facial area that needs color correction, or you can cover the entire face, allowing the cream to work its magic where needed.

The short answer: spend less and get more.

Foundation and concealer cover up the skin and rarely do more. Their heavier formula is perfect for photos, long-term wear, and any activity where you want to feel super gorgeous. Although foundations and concealers are also great for concealing dark spots and acne, mixed products such as BB and CC creams will provide coverage and are suitable for the skin. Like tinted moisturizers, the moisturizing formula in BB and CC creams is lighter than the moisturizing formula in foundation and concealer. They will not completely cover the entire face unless you increase the coverage.

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BB and CC creams are good choices, if you want to cut down a bit from the full coverage makeup, suitable for casual outings, home makeup, or just want to reduce the makeup on your face. Your blush, highlighter and eyeshadow will be similar to the way they are applied to the foundation.

If all these products sound suitable for you, and you want to use BB cream, CC cream, foundation and concealer at the same time, Jones said go ahead. However, considering the different formulas and purposes, she suggested to have a strategy in the layout. "If you plan to use them at the same time, I will only use each product when necessary," she said. "One product for each function, such as: cosmetic cream for high spots on the face, foundation on the cheeks, and color correction needed."