The difference between BB cream, CC cream, and cushion foundation

BB-cream, CC-cream, and cushion foundation are three popular products in Korean beauty, but what really sets them apart? Many people confuse them or wonder which one is best suited for different situations. In this post, we clarify the differences, explain what each product is, and help you choose the right one based on your needs.

What are BB-cream, CC-cream, and cushion foundation?

These three products may look similar in your makeup bag but have different functions, consistencies, and coverage. They all have roots in the Korean beauty world, where skincare and makeup are often combined in multifunctional products.

What do BB, CC, and cushion stand for?

• BB stands for "Blemish Balm" or "Beauty Balm". The product was originally developed in Germany but quickly became a bestseller in South Korea, where it was further developed to provide coverage, hydration, and sun protection in one.
• CC stands for "Color Correcting". It is designed to even out skin tone and neutralize redness, pigmentation, or dullness. This product has also seen great success within K-beauty.
• Cushion does not refer to an ingredient or function but to the format. It is a foundation housed in a compact case and applied with a sponge. This type of foundation was launched in Korea to make base makeup more portable and easy to use throughout the day.

Brief description of each product

• BB-cream. A hybrid between skincare and makeup. It provides light to medium coverage, often contains moisturizing ingredients and sun protection, and gives the skin a natural, fresh finish. Perfect for those who want an all-in-one product that lets the skin breathe.
• CC-cream. Similar to BB-cream but with extra focus on correcting uneven skin tone. It often contains light-reflecting pigments and ingredients that reduce redness. The coverage is light to medium, and the finish tends to be more color-correcting than glowy.
• Cushion foundation. A liquid foundation in a compact package. Provides buildable coverage from light to high, often with a glow effect. Easy to apply with the included puff, making it ideal for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

Differences in function and usage

BB-cream, CC-cream, and cushion foundation can all be used as a base in your makeup, but they have slightly different roles depending on what you want to achieve. The choice often depends on both the skin's needs and lifestyle, such as how much time you have in the morning or if you apply makeup on the go.

• BB-cream is often used daily because it combines skincare, sun protection, and light makeup in one. It suits those who want a natural look without needing multiple steps in the routine.
• CC-cream is more aimed at those who want to correct uneven skin tone, such as redness or pigmentation spots.
• Cushion foundation is ideal for those who want a more covering yet natural base—especially when on the go or wanting to refresh makeup during the day.

Examples of Usage

• Everyday. BB-cream or CC-cream for a quick, natural look with skincare in focus.
• Party or event. Cushion foundation for more coverage and radiance.
• Travel or touch-ups. Cushion foundation is unbeatable thanks to its convenient packaging and accompanying puff.

Do they cover differently?

The three products differ not only in name and function, but also in how much they cover, how they feel on the skin, and the finish they provide. Here we go through the key differences.

Coverage Level

• BB-cream. Light to medium coverage. Evens out skin tone without feeling heavy.
• CC-cream. Light to medium coverage, with color-correcting effect rather than covering everything.
• Cushion foundation. Buildable coverage, from light to high, depending on the product and how much you apply.

Finish and Texture

• BB-cream. Often gives a natural or slightly glowy finish. The texture is creamy and easy to apply with fingers.
• CC-cream. The finish varies but is usually natural or slightly light-reflecting to give an even impression. The texture is light to medium thick.
• Cushion foundation. Known for its glowy or satin finish. The liquid formula is in a cushion compact and applied with a puff, providing an even and fresh base.

Skincare Benefits

A major advantage of Korean base products is that they often contain skincare ingredients.

• BB-cream. Moisturizing, soothing, and often with SPF. May contain ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or centella asiatica.
• CC-cream. Often contains color-correcting pigments, but also ingredients that even out and soothe the skin – perfect for sensitivity.
• Cushion foundation. Often contains SPF and moisturizing components, but with more focus on makeup than skincare compared to BB and CC.

Skincare, Makeup, or Both?

One of the most appreciated features of Korean base products is how they blur the line between skincare and makeup. Instead of choosing between caring for the skin or covering imperfections, you can have both in one product.

BB-cream and CC-cream are clear examples of this combination. They often contain sun protection, moisturizing ingredients, and active agents that soothe or improve the skin over time, while providing light coverage. This makes them perfect for those who want a quick base without compromising on skincare routine.

Cushion foundation, on the other hand, is often a purer makeup product. It can contain SPF and some hydration, but the focus is more on coverage and finish than on skincare. It is ideal when you want a nice base with a glowy look, but less multifunctional than BB and CC.

Which is Easiest for Beginners to Use?

For those new to the makeup world, choosing a base can feel overwhelming, but there are options that make it easy to get started.

BB-cream is often the most forgiving option. It applies smoothly with fingers, requires no tools, and gives a natural result even if you are not used to makeup.

CC-cream works in a similar way but sometimes requires a bit more precision during application if you want to fully utilize its color-correcting properties.

Cushion foundation is also easy to use thanks to the included puff, which makes it easy to dab the product evenly over the face. It is especially convenient when you want to touch up your makeup during the day, for example at work or on the go.

When does each type fit best?

The choice between BB cream, CC cream, and cushion foundation largely depends on what you want to achieve and when.

• BB cream. Perfect for weekdays when you want a light and natural base with skincare benefits. Provides glow and a fresh feel without covering too much.
• CC cream. A good choice when you need to correct skin tone – for example, if you have redness, dullness, or pigmentation spots. Use it as a more targeted base.
• Cushion foundation. Ideal when you want a little more coverage but still maintain a natural finish. Suitable for both everyday and festive occasions. It's great to have in your bag for quick touch-ups.

Seasonal choice

• In the summer, BB cream is often a favorite thanks to its lightness and built-in SPF.
• In the winter, a cushion foundation with more coverage and moisturizing formula can provide a more even result even on drier skin.
• CC cream works year-round, especially if you often use color correction in your base.