Face makeup · Light base

BB & CC Cream

BB evens out tone, CC corrects color. Same shelf, different jobs.

Two in-between products for days when you don’t want to wear foundation. Both sit somewhere between skincare and makeup, and both are strongly hydrating. The difference is in the job: BB cream gently evens out skin tone and leaves a satin-like glow, while CC cream corrects color itself with green, yellow and pink capsules.

2 products49 reviews · 4.6 ★7 shades & colors$21.95
BB or CC?Flawless Skin Routine

At a glance

  • Natural tone eveningBB Cream — 4 shades, · 49 reviews · 4.6 ★
  • Redness · sallowness · dullnessCC Cream — 3 color capsules, 40 ml
  • TextureLighter than foundation, more coverage than moisturizer
Alix Avien Natlook BB Cream – 10 Fair to Light

Natlook BB Cream - 10 Fair to Light

4.6 64

$21.95

Alix Avien CC Cream – Green

CC Cream - Green

$24.95

Alix Avien Natlook BB Cream – 20 Light To Medium

Natlook BB Cream - 20 Light To Medium

4.6 64

$21.95

Alix Avien CC Cream – Yellow

CC Cream - Yellow

$24.95

Alix Avien Natlook BB Cream – 30 Medium

Natlook BB Cream - 30 Medium

4.6 64

$21.95

Alix Avien CC Cream – Pink

CC Cream - Pink

$24.95

Alix Avien Natlook BB Cream – 40 Medium To Dark

Natlook BB Cream - 40 Medium To Dark

4.6 64

$21.95

BB or CC: which one is for you?

The similar names are misleading. BB (blemish balm) covers imperfections; CC (color correcting) neutralizes color. If your concern is uneven tone, start with BB; if it’s discoloration, start with CC.

Your concern…Start hereWhy
My skin is generally good — I just want to even out my tone and look restedNatlook BB Cream$21.95 · 4 shades · 49 reviews · 4.6 ★The ultra-soft formula evens out skin tone and gently blurs imperfections with light coverage. Its satin-like glow erases a dull, tired look, and thanks to its intensely hydrating side it doesn’t turn patchy on dry skin either. Four shades, from 10 Fair to Light to 40 Medium to Dark, cover a wide range.
I have redness, sallowness or dullnessCC Cream$24.95 · 3 colors · 40 mlIt works with smart capsule pigment technology: the tinted cream releases its pigments as you blend it in and adapts to your skin tone. Green balances redness, yellow balances sallow and purplish tones, and pink balances a dull complexion. The lightweight formula hydrates and leaves skin feeling smooth; it’s paraben-free and gluten-free and suitable for all skin types.

You can also use them together: neutralize redness or sallowness with CC cream first, then even out your tone with a thin layer of BB cream on top. On most days, that combination replaces the need for foundation.

A light base in four steps

BB and CC creams behave differently from foundation: they go on thinner, set faster and depend more on the skin underneath.

Apply to moisturized skin

Because these products offer low coverage, the condition of the skin underneath directly determines the result. Let your moisturizer absorb first; a dry base makes a thin formula go patchy right away.

A little, from the center out

A pea-sized amount is enough for the whole face. Start at the center of your face and blend outward so the product concentrates where it’s needed most and doesn’t build up along the hairline and jaw.

Save concealer for last

BB and CC creams even out the whole face, but on their own they won’t cover a dark spot or under-eye circles. Apply concealer to the remaining spots — after, not before.

Powder lightly if needed

Both products leave a dewy finish. On oily skin, a very thin layer of powder on the T-zone boosts wear; on dry skin, skipping powder altogether gives a more natural result.

What’s in the formula?

Smart capsule pigments

Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer

The principle behind CC Cream. The pigment is carried inside capsules that only open as you blend the cream in, so the green or pink you see in the tube turns into tone correction on your skin.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide

In CC Cream. A skin-soothing mineral; on redness-prone skin it works in the same direction as the green pigment.

Glycerin

Glycerin

Near the top of the list in both. The classic ingredient that draws moisture into the skin and holds it there; the foundation of these products’ "intensely hydrating" side.

Coconut Alkanes

Coconut Alkanes · Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

In BB Cream. Plant-derived, lightweight, volatile spreading agents that let the cream glide on in a thin layer without a heavy feel.

Olive oil derivative

Sorbitan Olivate

In both. An olive-derived emulsifier that holds the water and oil phases together; one of the reasons for the creamy, soft texture.

CC Cream is paraben-free and gluten-free. Full ingredient lists are on each product page under Ingredients.

The three most common mistakes

Applying it thick like foundation

These products are designed for a thin layer. Layering them to build coverage makes the texture heavy and turns the dewy finish greasy. If you need more coverage, change the product, not the amount.

Being put off by the color in the tube

Green or pink cream doesn’t stay that color on your skin; as the capsules open, it turns into tone correction. What matters is blending it in fully — a half-blended application can leave patches of color.

Applying straight onto dry skin

Thin, low-coverage formulas can’t hide texture underneath — they emphasize it. With these products, moisturizer or makeup primer isn’t optional; it’s the step that decides the result.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between BB cream and CC cream?

BB cream (blemish balm) evens out skin tone and offers light coverage — it covers the concern. CC cream (color correcting) neutralizes color instead: green balances redness, yellow balances sallowness, pink balances dullness. If your skin has uneven tone, BB is the better choice; if it has discoloration, CC is.

Can BB cream replace foundation?

For everyday wear, often yes; when you need heavy coverage, no. BB cream’s coverage is kept low on purpose — the goal isn’t to hide your skin but to make it look better. Noticeable spots and dark circles need concealer on top.

Will the green CC cream look green on my face?

No. Thanks to smart capsule technology, the pigments are released as you blend and the color adapts to your skin tone. The green’s job is to neutralize redness; blended properly, what’s left is an evened-out tone.

Can oily skin use BB or CC cream?

Yes. Both are lighter than foundation, so they sit more comfortably on oily skin. Because they leave a dewy finish, adding a thin layer of powder to the T-zone noticeably improves wear.

Which BB cream shade should you choose?

The four shades are defined in broad ranges: 10 Fair to Light for fair skin, 20 Light to Medium for light-to-medium, 30 Medium for medium, and 40 Medium to Dark for medium-to-deep skin. Because coverage is low, shade matching isn’t as critical as with foundation; if you’re between two shades, go with the lighter one.

Can I use BB and CC cream together?

Yes, it’s a smart combination. Neutralize redness or sallowness with CC cream first, then even out your tone with a very thin layer of BB cream. Using a little of each looks more natural than one thick layer of either.

Do I need a makeup primer?

It’s not required, but it makes a difference. Thin formulas depend on the surface underneath, so if you have visible pores or texture, a primer noticeably improves the result. If your skin is smooth, moisturizer alone is enough.

Complete the look

FoundationMore coverageShopMakeup PrimerThe step that preps your baseShopConcealerFor remaining spotsShopPowderTo balance shineShopFlawless Skin RoutineEvery step, in orderShop

A Flawless, Natural Look: BB and CC Cream Types

If you want that fresh, radiant look that seems as though you're not wearing any makeup at all instead of tired-looking skin when you look in the mirror, this is exactly where BB and CC creams come in. This is the go-to stop for anyone tired of the mask effect of heavy foundations who wants their skin to breathe. My advice as a makeup artist: think of these products not just as coverage, but as smart hybrid formulas that care for and moisturize your skin.

What's the Difference Between CC Cream and BB Cream? Which One Should You Choose and When?

To clear up the confusion, let's make this basic distinction: BB cream focuses more on moisture and light coverage, while CC cream, which stands for "Color Correcting," targets uneven tone directly. If you have redness, pink post-blemish marks, or a grayish, tired tone in some areas of your face, CC cream makes much more sense.

CC creams are generally a little thinner in texture than BB creams, but their color-correcting pigments are stronger. In some cases, these creams contain green pigments to neutralize redness. In short, if you're saying "I want my skin moisturized and glowing," choose BB; if you're saying "I want the spots and redness on my skin balanced out," CC cream is the right choice for you.

BB Cream or CC Cream? How to Tell What Your Skin Needs

BB (Blemish Balm) creams are versatile heroes that cover minor imperfections while providing intense moisture. If you don't have much uneven tone and want to capture that natural "no-makeup" glow, choose BB cream. CC (Color Correcting) creams, on the other hand, are more of a "problem solver." If you have redness, sallowness, or visible veins, the color-correcting pigments in CC creams neutralize these tone differences to bring your face together in a single, even tone. While BB cream is closer to the effect of a foundation, CC cream balances your skin tone without weighing your skin down.

What Does BB Cream Do? Application Tips for a Natural, Radiant Complexion

BB cream, which comes from the English phrase "Blemish Balm," is a true lifesaver for anyone who wants to conceal small imperfections while adding moisture to their skin. I especially recommend reaching for these products on mornings when you need to get ready fast and head out the door. Thanks to its moisturizing ingredients, BB cream cares for your skin while its lightweight texture lets your pores breathe.

What I love most about formulas like the Alix Avien BB cream is the "barely there" makeup feel they give on the skin. If you don't have significant spots and just want a healthy, dewy radiance, BB cream is ideal for you. After you eat during the day or sweat at a busy pace, the satiny texture of BB cream melds with your skin, so you rarely run into the cracking or mask-like look you get with foundations.

Which Formulas Should You Look for When Choosing a BB Cream for Oily or Dry Skin?

Any choice you make without knowing your skin type can lead to shine by midday or flaking. If you have oily or combination skin, reach for water-based, non-comedogenic products that control shine and don't clog pores. These products keep your skin's oil balance in check and help you stay fresh all day. For dry skin, on the other hand, look for ingredients that lock in moisture, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Richly moisturizing formulas for dry skin help your makeup meld with your skin and give it a much more flexible texture.

Alix Avien BB Cream Shades and a Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Undertone

Finding the right shade is the invisible but most critical step in makeup. The Alix Avien range offers options optimized for skin with different undertones. Keep these expert details in mind when making your choice.

A Guide to Choosing Based on Your Skin's Character

  • Porcelain and Sensitive Skin: If your skin is very fair, you burn quickly in the sun instead of tanning, and your veins are distinctly blue, reach for the lightest, cool-undertoned option, which will give your face a natural brightness.
  • Light-Medium, Balanced Skin: If your skin tone is neither very pale nor deep, medium-light shades with pink-blue reflections are ideal for evening out slight unevenness and achieving a neutral look.
  • Olive and Sun-Kissed Skin: If golden or yellow reflections dominate your skin, choose warm-undertoned, medium-depth options that will give your face a healthy radiance for everyday wear.
  • Tan and Deep Olive Skin: If you tan very quickly in the sun and have a distinctly deeper skin tone, consider the deepest option, with high coverage and warm reflections, which blends beautifully with your skin.

When choosing a product, don't forget to check how it matches your neck; our goal is not to create a dividing line between your face and your neck.

How to Apply BB Cream for a Smooth Look: A Few Tips from the Expert

The most important requirement before application is clean, purified skin. Cream applied over dirty pores won't create the smooth effect you're hoping for. Your fingertips are your best friends for applying the cream; your body heat helps the product absorb into the skin better and look natural. If you want a more professional finish, you can also use a damp makeup sponge or a brush.

If you sweat during the day, especially in summer, you can set your makeup with a light dusting of powder over the cream. When you get home in the evening, always cleanse your skin; even though BB and CC creams contain skincare ingredients, they shouldn't stay on your skin overnight. Remember, you need to let your skin breathe for it to look healthy.

Will It Make Me Break Out? Why Pore-Friendly Formulas Matter

The biggest fear with makeup products is clogged pores and breakouts. A properly formulated, non-comedogenic BB cream generally won't cause breakouts. But you always need to cleanse your skin at the end of the day. Thinking of BB cream as a moisturizer and sleeping in it is an open invitation to congested pores and dull skin. Although Alix Avien's lightweight texture lets your skin breathe, clean skin is always the first rule of healthy makeup.