OK so, I know what you are thinking…”BB Cream is soooo 2012.” But do you actually know why it is so popular? And what the eff is this new CC Cream? For my own sanity, I just needed to break it down, for once and for all!

BB (which stands for beauty or blemish balm) Cream is an all-in-one product (created and developed in Korea) designed to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock. BBs moisturize, prep your skin for makeup (like a primer), reduce shine, cover minor imperfections, and many contain even more benefits, like sunscreen and anti-aging. The coverage is that of a tinted moisturizer or light foundation. This might be just the answer to the girl who is looking simplify her daily beauty routine. Personally, I couldn’t bare the thought of separating myself from serum and eye cream, but BBs are great because you can use them in addition to your serum and moisturizer.

There are 3 BB Creams that I can recommend…

The first, is what I am currently using, Dior Diorskin Nude BB Cream in Light – I swear by Dior when it comes to the makeup/ skincare combo. It goes on super light and matches my skin-tone perfectly. I keep my entire “regular” beauty/ makeup routine in check and use this as a last step. I only use BB during the day, because at night I prefer a “real” foundation.

My friend Mimi, uses by Shiseido Perfect Hydrating BB Cream. This is not the first time I heard about the gem of a product, so of course I had to try it…and it is insanely amazing. It is oil-free, and leaves your skin looking dewy and glowy. It covers all imperfections and absorbs right into the skin.

The third recommendation came from my sissy Kate, who loves Stila All Day 10-In-One HD Illuminating Beauty Balm. She tell me that, “it feels like I’m just wearing moisturizer but my skin looks even, luminous and fresh. Its oil-free, 30 SPF and just enough coverage, so there’s no reason to ever go makeup free.” Sounds like a lit-from-within glow to me!

The two best drugstore versions – by far – are Garnier and Maybelline. Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream is super moisturizing and has an SPF 15. It evens skin tone, hydrates, renews, protects and brightens. There are only two shades but they seem to match most skin tones.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Protector does everything that Garnier does and more. It blurs imperfections! Plus, its oil-free, has an SPF 30 and five color options, making it my #1 drugstore choice. The formula is super light, so you def need concealor with this product.

CC (color or complexion correcting) Cream is like BB on steroids. CCs retain all the skincare benefits of BBs but with added nourishing ingredients aimed at seriously improving the texture of the skin, removing age spots and acne while brightening and evening out skin tone. CCs are lighter than BBs, and not as matte.

I tried Clinique’s CC Cream and it was a little heavy for me…a little really went a long ways! I am having trouble finding a CC that I can fall in love with…any suggestions?

Bottom Line: BB Creams are great for girls with normal skin, with a focus on prevention and maintenance, while CC Creams are geared toward those who might have more problematic skin, with a focus on concealing existing issues.

PS – Sorry by I just love this Mario Testino editorial featuring Kate Moss in the April 2013 Issue of Vogue UK.