The Differences Between Tinted Moisturizers, Foundations and Alphabet Creams

October 1st, 2015

By Knoxville Dermatology Group

No matter where you look in the makeup aisle, it seems every brand is coming out with its own varieties of foundation and “alphabet” creams. With everything from BB and CC creams to foundation sticks and pressed powder, it can be hard to distinguish which is which. Here’s what you should know:

Tinted Moisturizers

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to your favorite foundation, particularly in the summer, you might want to try a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers are lighter than most foundations, and they hydrate your skin while evening out your skin tone. However, it’s important to note that because tinted moisturizers are so light, they won’t hide major acne blemishes.

Foundations

There are dozens of foundation formulas out there for every skin tone including anti-aging, oil-free, brightening and firming. Foundations are great because you can build it up for more coverage to hide imperfections and blemishes. They’ve been around for so long that there are even formulas that can adjust to your skin color and give you the flawless look you want.

BB Creams

BB creams, or beauty balms, are enhanced tinted moisturizers. These advanced creams not only hydrate and even out your skin, they also treat your skin with a dose of anti-oxidants and SPF. If you’re looking for a powerful, lightweight addition to your makeup routine, BB creams are a great option.

CC Creams

The CC in CC creams stands for “color correcting.” Unlike BB creams, which are tinted moisturizers with additional skincare benefits, CC creams are specifically made to correct redness and sallowness in your skin. These specialized creams contain ingredients like vitamin C and E to help fade dark spots.

DD Creams

Made to be the end-all-do-all cream, DD creams combine the same benefits of BB and CC creams, but focus mainly on anti-aging. These “dynamic do-all” creams will even out your skin tone and help to fight premature aging and wrinkles.

There are tons of products out there for your complexion, but figuring out what will work best for your skin type can be difficult. Set up an appointment with us today so that we can help you put your best face forward.