The evolution of BB
BB creams are about instant gratification: once smoothed on to skin, pores are nearly erased, fine lines less apparent and UV filters work to fend off the sun’s damaging rays. BB creams have mass appeal since they’re so easy to apply (just slather it on like a regular tinted moisturizer) and devotees rave about the texture being next to invisible on skin (great for those that fear mask-like foundations). Since they were launched last year as one-size-fits all, BBs have spread their wings with more diverse offerings for different skin types and concerns (tackling breakouts to oversized pores and even bronze-tinted versions for summer). The BB family is growing beyond the tube, complete with sibling spinoffs like BB concealers, BB eye creams and BB cleansers, all offering a streamlined approach to get you out the door more quickly.
CC creams
Think of it this way: BB creams are a makeup product with built-in skin care benefits; CC creams are skin care products with added colour and coverage. Again, CC creams have been around for a while in Asia (beauty junkies were stocking up on Chanel’s Asian version) and CC creams started sprouting up in Canada in early 2013. They are all about “complexion correcting” over time – packed with more active skincare ingredients, they aim to reverse existing skin issues like dark spots, and have more coverage so trouble spots are camouflaged. More mature skin types tend to gravitate toward CC creams because they’re more moisturizing and the active ingredients help boost collagen production, so fine lines and wrinkles look less apparent.
DD creams explained
The next beauty initials gaining momentum are “DD.” – is said to be a “Dynamic Do-All” cream and “a marriage of high-quality skincare and luxurious makeup,” according to press materials. While we haven’t tried it yet, at first glance it seems to be very similar to CC creams as it has anti-aging ingredients (including matrixyl, a peptide that treats fine lines) as well as more coverage in four different shades. DD creams are so new that there are differing opinions on what the “DD” stands for. While Julep’s version stands by “Dynamic Do-all,” other companies are calling DD creams “disguise and diminish,” and there’s whispers of DD cream launches being targeted for the body as “daily defense” creams.
Are EE creams next?
While we can’t rule out EE creams (and what they’d be branded as – “Everything Else” creams, perhaps?), it seems there’s a saturation point with beauty lovers – is trading up to the next letter really a game-changer? But what is clear is that no matter what formula you settle on, women can’t get enough of products that promise to simplify their beauty routine. After all, who can resist getting more beauty benefits in fewer steps?
