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Every now and then, a trend or product comes out which takes the beauty and cosmetics world by storm. You'll find glossy magazines claiming it to be the next big thing and TV commercials telling you its numerous benefits. Recently, the market has been flooded with alphabet creams (read BB, CC, DD creams) which promise so much goodness packed into one that you won't need any other beauty product apart from these. Are they really that good? How are they different? Let's find out.
BBcreams
These are essentially blemish balms or beauty balms which contain a tinted moisturiser as well as SPF and some antioxidants among other skin benefits.
BB creams claim to be an all-in-one make-up solution which can compensate for your foundation, primer, moisturiser, etc. This not only reduces your make-up time, but also means you need to buy fewer products.
You just need to squeeze out a pea-sized drop and then evenly apply it on your face and neck. This forms a thin, light layer on your skin.
Who is it for?
This cream is more suited for women who do not require much prepping of skin but just a dash of make-up to add a touch of glow and perfection to their everyday look.
But...
Though BB creams come with SPF, since the quantity applied is only a tiny bit, its ability to protect from the strong sun is questionable. Most make-up experts suggest applying your sunscreen too and not completely relying on this cream for protection again UVA and UVB rays.
Also, foundation is available in various shades while BB cream comes only in a few varieties. So you may not be too happy with the result if you wear heavy make-up or if you can't find a hue that matches your skintone. (Read: Natural fruit face packs for awesome skin!)
Some brands which offer BB cream are Garnier, L'Oreal, The Body Shop
CC creams
Short for colour control or colour correction creams, CC creams are similar to BB creams in the sense that they provide SPF protection with similar skincare benefits but they are lighter than them and are mostly used to even out your skintone. They provide a clean, even complexion and cover up dull spots, redness, acne scars, etc.
The finish is also smoother than that of BB creams and less oily too. Again, only a small quantity of the cream is evenly spread on the face and neck.
Who is it for?
CC creams are for people who are prone to acne breakouts, or have uneven skintone. Dull complexion, redness, spots can be covered by CC creams with some added skin benefits which will help heal the skin.
But...
Since it forms a light layer, many suggest using it as a primer or base than a replacement of foundation and compact powder. But the best way to find out is to try one for yourself and see how well it suits your skin and if at all you need to apply anything more than the cream. (Read: Do skin fairness products actually work?)
Brands which offer CC cream Lakme, Clinique
DD creams
Daily defense or dynamic do-all creams, DD creams are the newest arrival in the alphabet cream brigade. These not only promise the best of BB and CC creams but much more. In addition to sun protection, tinted moisturiser, evening out skintone, the main benefit of DD cream is its anti-ageing protection.
Who is it for?
DD creams are mostly for women who need anti-ageing solutions to hide lines, wrinkles, etc. Since this cream is thicker in texture, it provides better coverage and is also more suited for slightly matured skin.
But...
DD creams were not introduced for the face. Due to their heavy texture, they were for the foot and other body parts. But since it provides extra hydration and protection than BB and CC creams, it is now being promoted as an anti-ageing all-round protection cream.
Currently not available in India but brands which offer this cream are Julep and Ofra.
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