When it comes to make-up, all experts agree: the key to a flawless look lies with your base. As well as the importance of following a skincare routine that is suited to your skin type, you should also pick a base formula that works for you.

While we’re all well-versed in the benefits of foundation and tinted moisturiser, BB creams and CC creams pose more questions. If you’ve ever wondered what is the difference between BB cream and CC cream – you’ve come to the right place. Below, global make-up artist for L’Oreal Paris Val Garland takes us through the key main differences, plus we round-up the 9 best for achieving a radiant complexion.

What is a BB cream?

Also known as beauty balm or blemish balm, BB cream hailed from skincare epicenter Korea and is a lightweight alternative to foundation. “A BB cream is a tinted skincare moisturiser infused with skin-loving ingredients,” explains Garland. The tint in a BB cream usually provides light-to-medium coverage and ingredients typically revolve around antioxidants.

When should you use a BB cream?

Thanks to their multitasking abilities, BB creams are the perfect solution for sheer coverage that benefits skin, too. If you don’t want to wear heavy foundation but want more coverage than a tinted moisturiser, this is the product for you.

“BB creams are great if you want perfected and nourished skin in a hurry,” says Garland. “I love to use hybrid products that give high performance skincare and make-up in one, this is a must have in my beauty kit.”

What is a CC cream?

If you like similar coverage to a foundation but the lightweight texture of a BB cream, opt for a CC cream. “CC cream stands for ‘colour correcting’ or ‘complexion correcting’,” explains Garland. “They provide more coverage and colour correct whilst concealing any imperfections.”

A CC cream’s purpose to give skin colour balance, this could include reducing redness or evening out signs of discolouration or hyperpigmentation. As it provides more coverage, CC formulas are usually thicker than a BB cream (but still lighter than a traditional foundation). It can also be used as a first step to even out your complexion prior to foundation.

When should you use a CC cream?

“You should use a CC cream if you want more coverage than a BB cream and want to colour correct the complexion,” says Garland. “For example, a product that works with your natural skin tone to help neutralise the appearance of redness.”

Main image: Stylist Loves, images courtesy of brands