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Walking through the makeup aisle in a store or browsing makeup products online can be a pretty daunting task. As an askderm product specialist, one of the most common makeup questions we get it is, what is the real difference between a BB and CC cream? Let’s get straight to the facts.  What is a BB cream? A BB (a.k.a. beauty balm) cream is a tinted moisturizer that does much more than act as a foundation. It also provides your skin with much needed benefits such as anti-aging effects, sun protection, and hydration for dry skin. But my favorite part is the coverage that a BB cream provides. I tend to have small breakouts every now and then that I want to cover up. With a BB cream, I can apply it to my face to give me full-coverage without the heavy foundation feeling. The key benefits to using a BB cream are: It’s a lighter, tinted foundation Great for all skin types Includes SPF to help fight the sun’s harmful rays Some BB creams I suggest using are: VICHY Laboratories ProEVEN Mineral BB Cream La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur Rodial BB Venom Skin Tint Brandt Signature BB Cream With Flexitone LifeCell BB Cream Hydrating Anti-Oxidant Beauty Balm SPF 30 What is a CC cream? A CC (a.k.a. color correcting) cream works to restore your skin’s natural tone, especially for those who suffer from redness or any other color related issues. Not only is it an effective moisturizer, it also has a higher SPF for all you beach goers. And we all know that with added sun protection also comes anti-aging properties. A CC cream has a thicker consistency than a BB cream, which allows it to treat wrinkles and fine line The key benefits to using a CC cream are: It works to even the skins tone and correct complexion Has powerful anti-aging properties Keeps your skin hydrated while treating Some CC creams I suggest using are: Nip and Fab CC Cream SPF La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30 La Bella Donna CC Cream Phytomer CC Crème - Skin Perfecting Cream Brandt CC Glow with Signature Ruby Crystal What should you use? If you’re looking for a light, tinted moisturizer to act as a foundation, than a BB cream is right for you. But, if your looking for a moisturizer to either correct color related issues or to help fight aging, add a CC cream to your daily skincare routine. Whether you decide to get a BB or CC cream, you will be treating your skin like never before. Give yourself a noticeably flawless look that everyone will stop and stare at.  

Teens are a handful, between the attitudes, hormonal changes and daily stresses, most teens will have your work cut out for you.  I still have a few more years before I have to worry about that with my kids, but I do know how much stress I put my parents through (sorry mom and dad!).  Finding gifts for the teens in your life may not be the easiest thing to do, but rather than picking up a hoodie you think your son might wear or a pair of shoes you hope your niece would like, play it safe by investing in your teen’s skin health and overall confidence.   Having great skin is a wonderful confidence booster and not only will they feel good about themselves, they will look great as well. Most teens are usually strapped for cash and the last thing they want to spend their money on are important skincare products, so do them a favor and give them some necessities and let your gifts go to good use! They Need A Great Cleanser There have been so many times where I have heard teens say they wash their face with just soap and I’m here to tell you that just won’t cut it.  Cleansing your face with basic soap will cause a lot of drying and can even create small cracks on your skin due to the dryness.   Your skin needs to be cleansed properly with a facial cleanser that is right for the individual’s skin type which will not only help rid their face of dirt, excess oils and toxins but it will also keep their skin hydrated.  For the acne sufferers, purchase products that aren’t too harsh or drying, but will still do their job such as VICHY Laboratories Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel which purifies the skin without causing drying while it has a powerful anti-irritant.   Upgrade Their Skin Cleansing Routine Help them keep their skin super healthy by upgrading the way they cleanse their face.  The Clarisonic Mia 2 Acne Clarifying Collection is a great way to deep clean their skin while removing dirt and impurities from the pores.  With the rotating cleansing brush, skin gets cleaner and looks and feels smoother than regular facial cleansing.  Use of the Clarisonic will help treat blemishes gently and effectively while leaving skin exfoliated and brighter. Quick and simple to use, a rotating cleansing brush instantly refreshes skin and is a great gift for teens regardless of what their skin type.   Give Them An Extra Boost Of Energy It’s hard waking up early for school and work and even with a full night’s sleep, teens are still usually exhausted and difficult to not only wake up but to stay alert in class.  Products such as Bliss Super Minty Soap N’ Scrub will help wake them up by giving them that extra boost of energy in their morning shower. Soap N’ Scrub is packed with jojoba beads that will exfoliate their skin leaving it bright and smooth while the sweet smell leaves you feeling refreshed.   With the wonderful peppermint oil and menthol, they will be left feeling clean, energized and invigorated, ready to start their day. Keep Their Skin Soft, Glowing And Hydrated With A Tinted Moisturizer Even those teens with overly oily skin still will need a moisturizer for their skin to stay healthy.  When purchasing facial moisturizers or creams, make sure you purchase those that won’t clog pores and those with minimal to no fragrances to help any sensitivities.  Nip and Fab CC Cream SPF 30 is a great tinted moisturizer that helps skin look brighter and evens out skin tone each time they use it.  The CC cream not only has medium coverage but it also protects your skin from harmful rays with a SPF 30 while giving skin a beautiful glow.  I’m a big fan of BB and CC creams especially for everyday use when I rather not apply foundation, it gives you a nice polished look while it works magic on the skin! Balance Their Skin’s PH As Well As Keep Their Skin Hydrated On The Go And At Home I absolutely love using toners for my skin and always recommend them to clients.  I have one not only in my facial ritual basket but I also carry one in my purse everywhere I go. Having a good toner will keep your skin feeling clean and refreshed while it not only balances skin’s PH levels but also ridding your face from any bacteria. It’s great to use midday inbetween class or afterschool after cleansing their face.  Either way they use it, their skin will be hydrated, rid from excess oils and protected from future breakouts.  ACURE Facial Toner - Balancing Rose and Red Tea is a great gift idea for anyone on your list. Have Them Feeling Refreshed On The Go Between school, afterschool jobs, sports and extracurricular activities, most teens are on the go.  Much of the time they really don’t have much down time in between.  I remember after school let out rushing to work or to a sports practice and by the time you were finished your evening your skin wasn’t as clean or feeling as nice as it should.   Give your teens amazingly convenient facial towelettes to refresh their skin on the go.  ACURE Coconut Argan Oil Towelettes are a great product with its sweet smelling beachy scent and wonderful soothing oils, their skin will be left feeling clean, smooth and refreshed. For all of my teenage cousins, nieces and nephew their gifts are always personalized to their needs and likes.  If I know one suffers from acne then I usually create a basket with products that will help with their problematic skin. Those with normal skin types I also will create gift baskets with the basic skincare necessities so there is no excuse for them not to start taking care of their skin at this age.   Knowing that they are teens, their gifts wouldn’t be complete without a gift card to their favorite place to eat or to the movies or even for a cup of coffee.  Regardless of your gift, and underneath some of their mood swings, they love you and will appreciate any gift you give them…but just stay clear of any ugly sweaters, that will break anyone down!     Blog Written by askderm's Guest Esthetician  Stephanie Ivonne is a New Jersey licensed Esthetician.  Her fun-loving, outgoing personality will shine through her product selections & reviews to help you discover the hottest skincare and beauty products. When Stephanie is not scouring the internet for the next hot skincare product, she is a mother to two wonderful biological children, a dedicated foster mom and is devoted to her husband of 13 years.