In the past five years, a new breed of products has taken the beauty market by storm. They’re called ‘alphabet creams’ and promise to deliver even-toned, blemish-free skin.
Some also claim to blur wrinkles and correct imperfections. Sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong. From the original BB to the latest EE cream, these are all products you can incorporate into your skincare regimen, to help you achieve that smoother, more flawless complexion we all long for.
According to Revlon make-up director Melanie Burnicle, the success and popularity of alphabet creams is largely due to their multiple uses, which means they can fit into our busy lives and tight budgets.
“Whatever our title – mum, grandma, working woman – our schedules are always full, so if we can save time and money, we will,” she says. “One product that can do five steps and allow extra time is brilliant. Also, five beauty products can add up dollar-wise, so one affordable product that can do it all on the skin front makes total sense.”
With just one application, you can moisturise, prime, correct and cover for a flawless finish within minutes.
“I adore both BB and CC creams,” says Lisa Matson, L’Oréal Paris New Zealand make-up director, who agrees that what sets them apart is their versatility.
“They are more than a tinted moisturiser – some may contain SPF or primers – and they even-up skin tone to give a healthy sheen. They are perfect for when you want a light coverage or if you’re in a hurry.”
Cracking the code:
BB cream
It means: Blemish Balm or Beauty balm.
These creams give a polished finish.
“They can be worn by themselves, without foundation,” says Lisa. “But if you find you need a little extra coverage in parts (like your T-zone), you can apply foundation over the top.”
CC cream
It means: Colour Corrector.
With their lightweight formula, these offer light, yet buildable, coverage.
“The main focus is colour correction,” says Melanie. “They contain an SPF and moisturiser, and give lift to dull, flat skin while covering imperfections – great if you have pigmentation or redness. These products also have antioxidants and are infused with vitamins.”
DD cream
It means: Dynamic do it all or daily defence.
Launched internationally but yet to become widely available in New Zealand, the DD cream really does do it all.
“It combines the effects of the BB and CC creams in one,” says Melanie. DD creams also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Introducing the new kids on the alphabet block:
Estée Lauder Enlighten EE Skintone Corrector SPF30
Creating an all-over ‘Even Effect’ (or EE) is the aim of Estée Lauder’s new enlightening cream. This smooth, fluid cream includes colour-correcting pigments that create an even, luminous skin tone for all skin types and concerns, from sun spots to dullness.
Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF20
While not following the ‘beauty buzz’ alphabet trend and naming their new tinted moisturiser with a double letter, Dermalogica have designed this product with the same benefits as a BB cream in mind.
Blurring the line between skincare and make-up, this versatile sheer tint provides a silky smooth texture using hydrolyzed pearl powder, which makes the skin glow, and is an oil-free formula with antioxidants and skin conditioning silicones. It also includes sunscreen and pro-vitamin B5 for skin repair.
Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream for Eyes SPF15
This has everything you love about a BB cream but with the added benefits of an eye cream. This Smashbox innovation should diminish unsightly dark circles under eyes, reduce puffiness and visibly smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
From left to right: Estée Lauder Enlighten EE Skintone Corrector SPF 30, $83. Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF20, $79. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream for Eyes SPF15, $52.
Alphabet creams that target common skin problems:
With so many to choose from, how do you know which alphabet cream is the right one for you? Before choosing one of these wonder creams, it’s important to consider your skin and your current regimen.
“Alphabet creams suit all age groups as they are sheer, but not all BBs and CCs are created equal,” warns Lisa. “Those from different brands have different ingredients, so it depends on what you’re after. My advice is to do some research and go in-store to play with them – see how they feel on your skin and what the finish and texture are like.”
As a starting point, the following products offer great coverage while addressing skin concerns:
Problem: Dryness
Hydration is key to a flawless finish. A good source of moisturisation is Estée Lauder DayWear BB Anti-Oxidant Crème SPF 35, – ideal for dry skin.problem: blotchiness and uneven skin tone
Manuka Doctor ApiRefine CC Cream, SPF20, works to brighten and even out skin tone while reducing redness. Not just a cover up, it also nourishes and smooths the skin’s appearance.
Problem: Dull, sallow skin
To target dull, yellow-toned skin, we like L’Oréal Paris Nude Magique CC Cream Anti-Dullness. Pigment capsules in colour-correcting mauve transform on contact to neutralise the skin, offering a fresh, light and revived skin tone.
Problem: Dreakouts
Specially developed for blemish-prone or oily skin, Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions BB Cream, SPF40, combines oil control with buildable coverage and UVA/UVB protection.
From left to right: Estée Lauder DayWear BB Anti-Oxidant Crème SPF 35, $83. Manuka Doctor ApiRefine CC Cream, SPF20, $40. L’Oréal Paris Nude Magique CC Cream Anti-Dullness, $30. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions BB Cream, SPF40, $50.
Problem: Sensitivity
Oasis Beauty BB Cream, SPF15, is specially formulated for senstive skin. It doesn’t contain any nasty chemicals and the fragrance-free formula is lightweight yet provides great cover.
Problem: Fine lines
CC creams work wonders on mature skin and Revlon Age Defying CC Cream, is a tube of multi-goodness for ageing skin, as it hydrates, smooths and diminishes the look of fine lines and dark spots.
Problem: Sun protection
With an SPF of 50, Garnier Ambre Solaire BB Cream, has been specifically formulated to give all-day protection from harsh UVA/UVB rays while maintaining all the benefits of a BB cream.
From left to right: Oasis Beauty BB Cream, SPF15, $50. Revlon Age Defying CC Cream, SPF 25, $29. Garnier Ambre Solaire BB Cream, SPF 50, $17.50
Still-life Photographs by: Bauer Studio (NZ)
All prices are approximate
