If you thought the alphabet was just something we learn in school, think again.
It seems we need to take a little lesson as the alphabet beauty trend strikes again.
We just mastered the BB cream, and then came CC, but now we have DD and even an EE cream! We have come a long way since the basic tinted moisturiser – a lightweight feel, low pigment product adding moisture and a hint of colour to the skin.
There are still so many women that do not know the meaning of any double letter cream, so I think it’s time to go back to Beauty School and learn the Beauty Alphabet!
The ever-popular BB cream started in Asia, known as Blemish Balm — a lightweight foundation, containing skincare properties and high SPF protection.
With the product being so convenient, good for your skin and providing an even, light-infused glow the success was instant.
The western world turned this miracle worker into ‘Beauty Balm’ and now most major cosmetic brands have a version of a BB cream that contains a high SPF, a very hydrating base and light coverage – perfect for the current nude skin trend.
I am loving the NEW Estée Lauder Double Wear All Day Glow BB Makeup (RRP $50) because of the extra coverage it gives, the long wear (this one provides up to eight-hours of wear), the incredible moisture feeling in the lightweight texture, and the SPF 30 protection.
Then came along the CC Cream. This little beauty is more about being a ‘Colour Corrector’ or ‘Conceal & Correct’ as it’s also known. The C in the title also reminds me of Vitamin C, a skin-brightening ingredient, and an easy way to remember the purpose of this additional alphabet cream.
The main difference is that a CC cream is working more to correct colour related skin issues like sallowness or redness. A real Complexion Corrector, CC is a great way to combat uneven skin and most are packed with vitamin C, providing all-in-one skincare with high SPF.
My fave CC cream is the Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream (RRP $45)
I love the moisture feeling and skin brightening effect, I’ve even used this as a primer for foundation when I want fuller coverage.
We are now seeing DD cream launches popping up. A little like a mixture of both BB and CC; DD has an anti-ageing focus which aims to disguise and diminish the appearance of ageing on the skin. The new style ‘Daily Defense’ cream was originally formulated for dry areas like knees, elbows and feet, but there are now DDs available for dry areas on the face.
Also known as the Dynamic Do-all cream, it is said that with continued use wrinkles and fine lines will be diminished. DD’s are a great dose of moisture, while still adding the BB-style tint for even tone.
The Alphabet continues with the launch of, yes, EE creams! This Extra Exfoliating product is the first skincare only alphabet beauty cream, focusing on skin renewal with exfoliation.
One of the first of its kind comes from Previse Skincare. This DD contains marine granules, which form a mousse/gel that can be added to your cleanser for that Extra Exfoliation feel, unclogging pores and renewing skin without the need for ‘scrubbing’ – great for sensitive skin. Previse is set to be in Australia by 2015.
Who knows what will be next! FF – Fresh Firming? GG – Glam Glow?
For now, the Estée Lauder Double Wear All Day Glow BB Makeup still wins my vote as a long lasting, luminous and convenient daily all in one – I am still getting used to the thought of a DD and EE!
Create BB Perfection in three simple steps:
1. Brighten your skin and conceal any imperfections by dotting Double Wear Brush-On Glow BB Highlighter in shadowy or problem areas. We recommend applying under the eye to banish dark shadows, on the cupid’s bow to accentuate your pout and along your upper cheeks to highlight and add radiance.
2. To blend highlighter into your skin, simply pat lightly with your fingertips. The warmth of your fingers will help the highlighter to blend flawlessly into your skin.
3. Apply Double Wear All-Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup to your face, smoothing over the skin. A light, even coat will actually wear longer than a heavy one, so apply evenly and where most needed.
Estée Lauder Double Wear All Day Glow BB Makeup RRP $50 & Estée Lauder Double Wear All Day Glow Highlighter RRP $38
Available from David Jones, Myer, selected pharmacies and Estée Lauder Online
Estée Lauder is a commercial partner of RESCU
