Difference between tinted moisturizer, BB cream, CC cream, and DD cream

Oh dear. Did you know that there would be a DD Cream coming out next month? It's from this nail polish brand called Julep. "DD" is supposed to stand for "Dynamic Do-All" since it has the skincare properties of BB cream with the color correction of CC cream. All I can say is - whatever.

When BB creams came out, people were truly astonished. There wasn't anything quite like it. Tinted moisturizers were the predecessors, but about seven years ago they came in very limited shades and textures. BB creams offered so much more - skincare actives that promise whitening, anti-aging, brightening, and a whole host of other desirable effects.

Tinted moisturizers gave us little more than a bit of coverage and moisture. BB creams promised to be preventive, and beneficial over time while providing much-needed coverage in an instant.

And then CC creams came to town. Basically, they are just a specific type of BB creams or the next generation of BB creams if you may. Extremely lightweight, sheer, and color correcting, CC creams do what some BB creams already do. Except now they're no longer just labeled "illuminating" or "glowy skin" BB's - they are called by a whole different name.

I also have the impression that CC Creams are more focused on skincare as opposed to the latest host of BB creams. Many BB creams are technically foundation. In other words, there's very little skincare involved, with emphasis on coverage and skin perfecting features! 

Okay that sounds so confusing already. The truth is that at the end of the day, these new labels are just a new way to market the wheel, i.e. foundation. It's already there, but there's no reason you can't improve it then call it by a new name. Like, Wheels 2.0. Mega Awesome Wheels. Wheels That Can Take You To A Worm Hole. Wheels That Can Take You To A Worm Hole And Back, Yay.

But! That doesn't mean that the whole thing is a scam. I think DD Creams are taking the double-alphabet obsession a little too far, but BB and CC Creams are legit. It's just a matter of finding what you need for your skin - is it coverage, brightening, skincare? It's up to you! Don't buy because it's new, buy it because it's something you will actually use. Research online and swatch at the store before purchasing. :)

Weigh in! How do you feel about these newfangled face bases?