The Hype About CC Creams and BB Creams

The beauty industry has created tons of products that vow to make your skin flawless. In case you are new to makeup shopping, the long list of products can be quite confusing. Two of the most recent products to hit the market are the CC cream and the BB cream and they seem to be all the rave so read on to find out why, and what’s the difference between them.

Although these products are named after an acronym with only two letters, they can actually do a lot for your skin. Here’s what you need to know about these creams:

BB Creams Blemish Balm Cream

BB creams took the Asian market by storm and spread throughout the west quickly after. BB cream stands for “Blemish Balm cream” and is suitable for any skin type. It varies in coverage, ranging from matte finish to dewy effect.

BB creams are a lot lighter than foundations. They allow your skin to breathe more without compromising coverage. It has sun protection as well as anti- skin aging benefits. This product can be used for both men and women.

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions BB Cream SPF 40

If you have naturally oily skin or have many blemishes, this BB cream is the right product for you. It has a matte effect that can last for 12 hours. It also has sun protection and it is available in medium to light medium shade.

Link: http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_page.html?pdid=11721

Christian Dior DiorSnow UV Shield BB Creme White reveal UV protection SPF 50 - PA+++

This BB cream is lightweight in texture and has a great smell, as well. Despite being light, this product has an amazing finish on your skin. It also has SPF 50 to protect your skin against the harmful rays of the sun.


Link: http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_page.html?pdid=11217

CC Creams Color Correcting Creams

CC creams, on the other hand, are certain times called as “Color Correcting Creams” because of their ability to give your skin instant protection while improving your skin tone. Technically, CC creams are lighter than the BB Creams. They are also fast absorbing.

Erborian High Definition Radiance Face CC Cream Skin Perfector SPF25 Sunscreen

This CC cream works great if you have fair skin. It protects and nourishes your skin while hiding away those unwanted dark spots and blemishes. Since it is in HD, this product will make you look instantly flawless.



Knowing a lot of product is not totally a bad idea. Since you have several choices, you won’t be having a hard time finding one that fits your skin best.


Have you tried any BB or CC creams? Let us know in the comments below.

SK-II CC Cream: The Art of Glowing Nude Makeup

Spring time means it’s time to wear those floral print dresses and let your bare face shines. However, we were not all blessed with perfect skin, and wearing heavy foundation is a no-no in the humid weather.

CC cream is the perfect choice during this time of the year.

What’s the difference between BB cream and CC cream?




Although BB cream and CC cream have been in the market for quite some time, many people still ask the question – what’s the difference?

To briefly explain it, BB cream stands for Blemish Balm, it is initially designed to protect and nourish traumatized skin. Later, cosmetic companies improved the formula and turned it into a makeup product. One common problem of BB cream is that the color is too grayish and unnatural, but recent products have improved a lot on this area.

CC cream stands for Color Control Cream, and it is an upgraded version of BB cream. It also boosts nourishing and color-correcting function, while strengthening nourishment benefits such as whitening, moisturizing and anti-allergy. The texture of CC cream is more lightweight and hydrating than BB cream, and has a more natural concealing effect.

SK-II Auractivator CC Cream SPF50+ / PA++++


A CC cream that has drawn much attention recently, this product combines skin-nourishing and makeup benefits in one tube: whitening, moisturizing, brightening, concealing and UV protection. Not only does it conceal blemishes and spots perfectly, it also diffuses light on your face evenly to create a flawless, glowing complexion. This cc cream also has a high UV protection and active whitening ingredients, making it a comprehensive skin-protecting makeup product.

http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_page.html?pdid=10915

5 major benefits:

Brightening: 40% of whitening ingredients from SK-II’s best-selling Cellumination Aura Essence, boosts skin’s inner luminosity. After trying for 4 weeks, skin illuminates with radiance.

Moisturizing: The light, hydrating formulation glides easily onto the skin.

Glowing: Iridescent micro pearl pigments instantly improve skin’s surface glow.

Coverage: The natural tint conceals spots and imperfections for a flawless finish.

Protection: SPF 50+ PA++++ protects skin against future damage from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

With nourishing, beautifying effects and a lightweight texture, SK-II Auractivator CC Cream SPF50+ / PA++++ is your must-have makeup up this spring and summer!

Foundation Tips for Mature and Young Skin

Foundation is one of the most complex beauty products because of the wide variety of formulas, textures, and ways to apply it. However, there are easy ways to achieve that fresh, glowy finish no matter what your age is. Follow these 6 simple tips to do a perfect foundation: 

1. Prep Your Skin

The first rule to applying foundation is to make sure that your skin is well-hydrated. It helps foundation to glide on more smoothly. For mature skin, applying moisturizer beforehand will instantly plump up the skin and make fine lines less visible. Primer is a skippable step unless you have to minimize pores and correct redness, or if your makeup has to last through the day.

2. Choose the Right Foundation

Acne is a common skin problem, especially for younger people, but that doesn’t mean they cannot use foundation. Choose a product with labels such as "non-oily,” “hypoallergenic” and “noncomedogenic”, which does not irritate the skin and improves complexion at the same time. If you do not have acne problems, choose a foundation that caters for the needs of your skin, such as a hydrating or oil-controlling formula.

Nowadays, many foundations are formulated with anti-aging and face-lifting benefits, which are ideal for mature women. An important tip for choosing foundation is to pick according to seasons. In winter, you may need a cream foundation which is more moisturizing. In summer, skin tends to become oily and a light foundation or even a tinted moisturizer will do.

3. Find Your Shade

To find the perfect shade, test foundation on your jawline and check it in the daylight. If the color is correct, it should disappear without blending. You can ask a beauty adviser at a store to help you pick the perfect color. 

4. Apply It the Right Way

The best way to apply foundation is to blend thin layers into the skin. Take a dab of foundation and apply on the centre of the face, round the nose, mouth areas, chin and centre of the forehead, then blend it outward until it becomes thinner, which helps achieve a much more natural finish.

You may use fingers, a brush or a sponge to apply foundation, depending on the format of the foundation and coverage you want. For thinner foundations and a little coverage, use your fingers. For compact foundation, a sponge is preferred. To get an airbrushed look, use a brush or the Beautyblender Cosmetic Sponge, a cult favorite among the makeup pros.

5. Conceal after Foundation

Applying concealer after foundation can prevent using more concealer than you actually need. Choose a color that is one shade lighter than your skin, as too light will give a fake look. Use a small, pointy brush to cover the darkest part of under-eye circles, usually below the inner eye corners. Dab on a bit of concealer on other skin flaws or blemishes that aren’t covered by the foundation as well. 

6. Finish off with Loose Powder 

Use a translucent or light-reflecting loose powder which helps give a luminous touch and control shine. Pour some powder on the lid of the container and dip it with a powder blush. Tap the brush over the lid to remove any excess. Gently dust your face with the powder, starting from the forehead, down to the cheekbones, bridge of your nose, and the chin. 

Choosing the right foundation and applying it the right way are keys to getting that fresh, youthful glow. Do you have any secret tips in creating a flawless look? Let us know in the comments!

Foundation Tips for Mature and Young Skin

Foundation is one of the most complex beauty products because of the wide variety of formulas, textures, and ways to apply it. However, there are easy ways to achieve that fresh, glowy finish no matter what your age is. Follow these 6 simple tips to apply a perfect foundation. 

1. Prep Your Skin

The first rule to applying foundation is to make sure that your skin is well-hydrated. It helps foundation to glide on more smoothly. For mature skin, slathering moisturizer on beforehand will instantly plump up your skin and make fine lines less visible. Primer is a skippable step unless you have to minimize pores and correct redness, or your makeup has to last through the day.

2. Choose the Right Foundation

Acne is a common skin complaint for young people, but that doesn’t mean they cannot use foundation. Choose a product with labels such as "non-oily,” “hypoallergenic” and “noncomedogenic”, which does not irritate the skin and improves complexion at the same time. If you do not have acne problems, choose a foundation that caters for the needs of your skin, such as a hydrating or oil-controlling formula.

Nowadays, many foundations are formulated with anti-aging and face-lifting benefits, which are ideal for mature women. An important tip for choosing foundation is to pick according to seasons. In winter, you may need a cream foundation which is more moisturizing. In summer, skin tends to become oily and a light foundation or even a tinted moisturizer will do.

3. Find Your Shade

To find the perfect shade, test foundation on your jawline and check it in the daylight. If the color is correct, it should disappear without blending. You can ask a beauty adviser at a store to help you pick the perfect color.

4. Apply It the Right Way

The best way to apply foundation is to blend thin layers into the skin. Take a dab of foundation and apply on the centre of the face, round the nose, mouth areas, chin and centre of the forehead, then blend it outward until it becomes thinner, which helps achieve a much more natural finish.

You may use fingers, a brush or a sponge to apply foundation, depending on the format of the foundation and coverage you want. For thinner foundations and a little coverage, use your fingers. For compact foundation, a sponge is preferred. To get an airbrushed look, use a brush or the Beautyblender Cosmetic Sponge, a cult favorite among the makeup pros.

5. Conceal after Foundation

Applying concealer after foundation can prevent using more concealer than you need. Choose a color that is one shade lighter than your skin, as too light will give a fake look. Use a small, pointy brush to cover the darkest part of under-eye circles, usually below the inner eye corners. Dab on a bit of concealer on other skin flaws or blemishes that aren’t covered by the foundation as well. 

6. Finish off with Loose Powder

Use a translucent or light-reflecting loose powder which helps give a luminous touch and control shine. Pour some powder on the lid of the container and dip it with a powder blush. Tap the brush over the lid to remove any excess. Gently dust your face with the powder, starting from the forehead, down to the cheekbones, bridge of your nose, and the chin. 

Choosing the right foundation and applying it the right way are keys to getting that fresh, youthful glow. Do you have any secret tips in creating a flawless look? Let us know in the comments!

O'slee ROSEHIP BB Cream

"Breathable but water-resistant veil once applied"? Sounds strange, doesn't it? This is how O'slee describes this Rosehip BB Cream HD Flawless SPF 26 PA++, they made it magical by using the most advanced ionic membrane technology.

I have been using it for a week now, and this is the fourth BB cream I tried (all different brands). O'slee's no doubt very thin and breathable, but I guess my face has too much flaws for it to cover :(. So it's actually a bit too thin for my liking, but if you don't usually put make up on when you go out, it's a perfect product to just brighten up your face (afterall, if you like a full make-up, you don't really use BB cream :P).

Since it's super hot in Hong Kong now, after walking outdoor for a while every morning, there would be sweat above my upper lip, and I usually just wipe them off with my index finger, and this morning when I arrive the office, I checked the mirror, and I haven't turned into a dirty looking baby with upper lip as dark as a moustache. :P So I guess the "breathable but water-resistant veil once applied" really does work!

But normally after lunch, I will have to re-apply it, whereas for the last one I used, the fading wasn't as obvious. (Yes, I admit that I am a very lazy person who don't re-touch my make-up in the afternoon).

The texture is quite watery, I guess that's how it could be so thin and breathable on the face, you basically don't feel that it's there after putting it on your face, but it does have a brighten effect.

So do try it and let me know what you think!

My new BB cream

Here it is, my new BB cream! Etude BB Magic Cream SPF 30 PA++

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Etude is a Korean brand, like I said before, BB (Blemish Balm) cream is originated from Germany, popularized by the celebrities and ladies in Korea. The reason I prefer this to Missha is 1. the design of the bottle, 2. the texture.

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As you can see from the left and centre photo, the bottle is slimmer than the Missha one, and it's easier to squeeze the cream out with the compress bottle mouth. And when squeezed out, it's like the right photo. The texture is watery, yet still perform the even colour tone function. Below is the demonstrating photo I took.

You can see that my face is brightened and colour so even. It might not be as good as other thicker texture BB cream in covering the spots, but it's good enough for me, i prefer watery.

The trick in using BB cream is to wait for about 5 minutes before applying anything else on top, like eye shadow, blush...etc. And it's ok to also apply BB cream around your eyes. It wouldn't hurt the delicate skin around it (but do apply eye cream beforehand though). The reason for waiting 5 mins is that BB cream normally takes a while to get into the skin, and then when the skin absorbs it, it will start the tone-evening and other functions it possesses. You can see in the photo very obivious that my forehead colour difference is gone and became brightened.
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BB cream normally doesn't have different colour or just 2 or 3 colour tones, this is because it simply just adapts to your skin colour after a while, so it doesn't really matter what its colour shade is.
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My daily routine for a light and natural make-up is:
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1. Dermalogica day bright SPF 15
2. Dermalogica total eye care SPF 15
3. Etude BB Magic Cream SPF 30/PA++
4. Blush
5. Eyeliner
6. Eyeshadow
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That's it, I don't need to use concealer or powder, and a simple and natural make-up is done and I am ready for work!
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It's takes only about 10 mins or less for me to get the make-up done. Hassle-free! Go get your own BB cream now!
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BB Cream

The first time I heard of BB cream was about 2 years ago, and I thought that it's a cream for babies, well, BB cream, it makes sense right?! But then I found out it's originated from Korea, BB stands for Blemish Balm, its functions include:

1. Moisturize

2. Repair

3. Evening face tone

4. Oil control

5. Whitening

6. UV protection

7. Anti-wrinkles

8...etc.

The first one I bought was a bottle of Missha, it's quite good in the sense that it evens my face colour, so my face looks more awake and brightened, and it's also good for moisturization, I just need to put on a thin layer of UV cream and then BB cream, it's enough to last for a 8-hour day or more. I have been using this Missha one for like a year until I found a better one...

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It's to be revealed tomorrow, stay tuned...