To BB or CC??? THAT is the Question

$19 for Travel Sizes, $42 for 1oz.

Ugggghh!!!!  

I thought I had this all figured out...Finally I  found a dewy, natural looking makeup, that lasts without fading and provides SPF, without a heavy, chalky look or feel.

Yes, I was combining the darkest shade with their medium shade, but I was too happy with the results to quibble. I didn't realize until this moment, that I was actually combining a BB and a CC to get this Holy Grail combo.

My friends at Smashbox had offered to send me a sample of their new CC Cream this summer.  Without having checked the website, I requested the Dark shade, thinking it would be perfect for my summer fake bake.

Unfortunately, the color would have suited Iman to a tee. Moi, not so much... I kept it anyway and used it for contouring, where it worked quite effectively.

Recently I was in Sephora and I as I checked out, reviewed my VIB beauty rewards options.  I noticed they were offering Smashbox's BB Cream, though only in light medium.  I knew that would be too light for my liking, and nicely they accommodated me with a generous amount of the Medium shade to try at home.
It was still a wee light, but when I mixed in a full dab of the darkest shade, I had created a rich, light caramel that looked healthy and pretty.  (I have banished powder bronzers since I find them too matte and hate the way they seep into fine lines).

Eureka.

It was only when I began researching this blog that I realized I was actually combining two different products. Besides, even I don't know the difference between a BB and a CC, except that CC's (color correctors) are probably supposed to combat pigment irregularities.

Here is how Smashbox CC Cream is described on Sephora's website:

What it is:
A CC cream that fades imperfections, evens complexion, and prevents future discoloration. 

What it does:
Makeup with the benefits of skincare? Yes, please! This color-correcting cream is a game-changer with its proven ability to visibly lessen the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and post-acne marks instantly and over time. The advanced, lightweight formula neutralizes and brightens skin for a more even complexion, while it primes, perfects, protects with SPF 30, moisturizes, and controls oil. CC the difference! 

What else you need to know:
This product is available in five shades. (actually, they just upped it to 7 shades)

Here is how their Smashbox BB Cream is described:

What it is:
A five-in-one formula for achieving flawless skin on camera and beyond. 

What it is formulated to do:
- Oil-controlling formulation with emollients and optical pearl pigments to provide hydration and visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles after only four weeks 
- Features SPF 35 sun protection 
- Comes in five shades 

This multitasking tinted cream formula with SPF 35 moisturizes, primes, perfects, controls oil, and protects for flawless skin on set and beyond. Formulated with emollients and optical pearl pigments, this BB Cream gives skin a glowing, ethereal look and provides a hydrating veil for the complexion to maintain moisture on the surface of the skin. With its ultrasmoothing finish, it instantly re-texturizes to create a smooth canvas and enhances the wear of makeup. Ideal even for oily complexions, this expert formula with UVA/UVB protection helps inhibit oil to prevent the complexion from getting shiny throughout the day without the typical chalky matte finish. 

Interesting that the CC is supposed to be improving discolorations, yet the BB has a higher SPF content. Since the BB has a measure of Oil-Control to its formulation, I'm not certain if it would be emollient enough for very dry skin.

If I had to choose, and I will, I would recommend the BB cream, since it makes up the lion's share of my potion. The medium is nearly a perfect match for my complexion and needs and the texture and finish is incredible.

What I will do instead, is mix it with one of my favorite products, Stila's One Step Bronzer, a gorgeous gel bronzer, that combines 3 illuminating shades in one pump.  I like to apply it best with a large fluffy brush. I think its a fantastic alternative to powder.

Stila One Step Bronzer
$36

This saga has tuckered me out...Happy Weekend all.  I hope you learn as much from my mistakes as I do.

xox,
DD