First there was foundation, then came the BB cream… and now it’s all about the CC cream. Confused? Us too. Caitlyn Davey finds out what they all are and whether they’re right for you.
On a mission to demystify the latest makeup trends, TOAD speaks to the experts to learn the ABCs of all-in-one skin-covering products on the market. Victoria Hands, make-up artist and founder of She Styles, explains what these products are and how they work.
Powder vs cream
‘Pressed powder and cream serve two very different purposes,’ says Victoria. ‘A pressed powder is great for keeping make-up in place. If you have oily skin or areas that are prone to shine, a pressed powder will help to mattify the area. A cream, whether it’s moisturiser, sunscreen or primer, is generally best applied 10 minutes before your make-up. This allows for the ingredients to absorb into the skin and act as a layer of protection. It is best to avoid powders if you have very dry skin as the product will flake; if you have very oily skin, look for a cream that doesn’t contain oil.’
Beware parabens
‘The main factor I always look out for when choosing foundations is if they contain parabens,’ says Victoria. ‘Parabens are used in some foundations and moisturisers to preserve the products, but studies have shown that they can be absorbed into the skin, leading to abnormally high oestrogen levels. Parabens have even been found in breast tumours, so this is something to really be aware of. It will always be mentioned on the product if it is paraben-free.’
The BB cream
A BB cream is expected to provide all-in-one skin-care in that it should have SPF protection, moisturiser and a tint. Victoria explains, ‘It has many more benefits for your skin than a normal foundation or tinted moisturiser.
‘The product is meant for all skin types. My only concern is that a lot of women who use this product are sensitive to the sun, and because the product is tinted they don’t lather as much on as they would a normal SPF cream or sunscreen. This results in inadequate protection.’
Victoria explains that while BB cream is designed to suit all skin types, that’s not always the case: ‘I would beware if you have oily skin as this product is very moisturising and is likely to slip off your face fast and not give the best coverage.’
The CC cream
A relatively newer concept on the market, Victoria explains the CC cream. ‘CC stands for colour corrector. These creams are designed to address issues such as redness or sallowness (usually using light-diffusing particles) and the cream is very light on the skin.
‘The CC cream acts the same way as the BB cream, with the additional benefits addressed above, so it’s suited to the same skin types as BB creams. Different brands of CC cream will vary in the additional benefits they offer individual skin types. Again, as the CC cream has the same benefits and properties as the BB cream, it is very moisturising, though usually a little lighter. So I would be wary if you have very oily skin. If you have very sensitive skin, just make sure you are putting enough on.’ www.shestyles.net
Cream of the crop
Human + Kind BB Cream is great for all skin types and it’s all natural. Available at Boots Pharmacy.
Dhs120, www.humanandkind.com.
Estee Lauder BB Crème is an oil-free product that has SPF 35+ protection.
Dhs224, available at Estee Lauder counters, www.esteelauder-me.com.
Nourish your skin with Estee Lauder’s anti-ageing Revitalising Supreme CC cream.
Dhs329 at Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall.
Dr Dennis Gross CC Cream contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin, plus vitamin C.
Dhs185 from The Nail Spa, Al Wahda.
Deborah Milano’s 5-in-1 is an all rounder – it smooths, primes, nourishes and evens skin tone.
Dhs50, available at Beauty Bay, Mushrif Mall.
Cosmetic alchemy
Estee Lauder’s experts give some tips on mixing BB and CC creams with other products
• Boost anti-ageing power by using Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair under BB or CC cream
• Get more coverage by mixing a pea-size dollop of concealer or foundation with BB or CC cream then blend from the centre of the face outwards
• To see cheeks bloom, apply a pea-sized amount of BB or CC cream to the back of the hand. Pick up a generous amount of blush with a sponge then mix with the cream and dab on cheeks
• Top off BB or CC creams with a bronzer shade for a bronze glow. Concentrate on areas the sun naturally hits – tops of the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose
• For a midday refresh, mix a pea-size of Advanced Night Repair with BB cream. Use a powder foundation brush to swirl quickly on to skin, starting and the centre and moving out
• To erase flaws fast, add a touch of concealing power to BB or CC cream by applying one or two drops of Advanced Night Repair to the back of the hand. Using a concealer brush, pick up Advanced Night Repair and apply to the spot, letting it absorb. Next, apply Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Concealer on top of the spot in the shape of an ‘X’ and then draw an ‘O’ around it to target the problem area. Blend using your fingers.
