When it’s incredibly hot outside, the last thing on your mind is wearing full-coverage foundation. While they may leave your face looking flawless, they typically feel too heavy during summer, no matter your skin type. This is where the magic of BB creams and CC creams come in.
Unlike heavy foundations, BB creams and CC creams — beauty staples in Korea, now equally popular in the West — are incredibly lightweight and you don’t need to use much for an even complexion. They are essentially moisturizers with a slight tint and typically have sun protection as well (but you shouldn’t forget to wear your regular sunscreen). If you like your makeup to have some skin-improving benefits, opt for a BB cream. But if you’re looking to color correct, a CC cream is your best bet.
Despite their numerous benefits, a lot of BB creams and CC creams aren’t made in shades suitable for women of color with darker complexions, which can be incredibly frustrating because everyone should have the same options available to them. On the brighter side, some brands have made a point to carry some for their darker-complected customers. Ahead, we’ve compiled our tried-and-true favorite CC creams and BB creams for dark skin tones.
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BB and CC Creams for Dark Skin Tones
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Bobbi Brown
Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, $48 at Bobbi Brown
Genuine diversity is at the core of the Bobbi Brown brand so it’s only right that its BB cream has a range of shades (nine in total) for everyone. Beyond evening out your skin tone, it hydrates and brightens dullness to give you the most radiant skin possible.
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Maybelline
Dream Fresh BB Cream, $8.99 at Maybelline
The BB cream raved about throughout the beauty community — and for good reason. It’s affordable, has a great shade range and works well on virtually all skin types from oily to dry. It’s also oil-free making it great for everyday wear or on those beach or pool days when you want a hint of makeup without looking overdone.
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Mary Kay
CC Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $22 at Mary Kay
This option from trusted brand Mary Kay will leave you looking like you’ve applied an Instagram filter on your complexion in real life.
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Iman Cosmetics
Skin Tone Evener BB Crème, $16 at Iman Cosmetics
This paraben-free option from Iman Cosmetics is infused with nourishing grapeseed and almond oils so you can still take care of your skin while wearing makeup.
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Smashbox
Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35, $42 at Sephora
Suitable for all skin types, this BB cream from Smashbox is buildable for light to fuller coverage and infused with skin care ingredients that are said to slow down the aging process and reduce the appearance of fine lines all while giving you photo-ready skin.
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Inika Organic
Certified Organic BB Cream, $45 at Inika Organic
This natural BB cream from vegan Australian brand Inika Organic has eight different color options from Porcelain to Cocoa. The three-in-one formula is chock-full of skin-loving ingredients like avocado and pomegranate and functions as a primer, moisturizer and foundation.
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CoverGirl
Queen Collection CC Cream, $8.79 at Walgreens
CoverGirl has always been one of the few brands at the drugstore that’s incredibly inclusive in its shade ranges, as exhibited by this fan-favorite CC cream. It’s lightweight and moisturizing, but won’t leave you looking like a greasy mess.
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Black Up
CC Cream Multi-Action, $40.63 at Black Up
French beauty brand Black Up specifically caters to women of color and its base offerings are in line with this goal. This CC cream balances sebum production and helps treat hyperpigmentation. Unlike other CC creams, this one is SPF-free so always make sure to put on sunscreen.
