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When it comes to beauty goals, the quest for a smooth and flawless, yet still natural-looking, complexion will never cease—but thankfully for all of us, full-coverage foundations aren’t the only option for faking it when your skin won’t behave. Color correction (aka CC) cream is a skincare-makeup hybrid that provides coverage while simultaneously tackling certain skin issues.
In comparison to their little sister product, BB cream (which stands for beauty balm), CC creams offer more coverage and oftentimes also boast skin-care benefits, such as smoothing out fine lines or wrinkles and fading discoloration. “CC creams tend to have a little more coverage than BB creams, and also some added nutrients, like anti-aging properties,” says celebrity makeup artist Molly Stern.
To assist in your CC journey, we rounded up 14 editor-approved favorites you’ll surely fall in love with.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream
Pros
- Super affordable
Cons
- Thick consistency
Everything you love about E.L.F's Camo Concealer—coverage, natural finish, affordable price point—can be found in its CC Cream. Not only does this CC cream come in 16 different shades, but its formulated with SPF 30.
Dermablend Continuous Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream SPF 50+
Pros
- Full, matte coverage
Cons
- Not for dry skin
A little goes his derm-approved CC cream, which provides full coverage without feeling or looking cakey.
Tarte Shape Tape Cloud Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Doesn't last too long
As the name suggests, the lightweight feel of this CC cream feels like diving face-first into a bed of clouds.
The Lip Bar Just A Tint 3-in-1 Tinted Skin Conditioner Honey Dip
Pros
- Good-for-you ingredients
Cons
- Not for oily skin
This lightweight moisturizer has just a hint of shade to even out skin—and a lot of super-hydrating ingredients like rose flower water and glycerin for a dewy finish. Plus, the tint comes in eight shades.
Thrive Causemetics Buildable Blur CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35
Pros
- Great shade range
Cons
- Pricey
This is the Paris filter in a turquoise tube. The buildable coverage comes in 18 different shades with the brand’s beloved Blurring Technology, which reflects light so skin looks smooth and flawless.
Honest Beauty Clean Corrective Tinted Moisturizer with Vitamin C SPF 30
Pros
- Brightens skin
Cons
- Thick consistency
There are three Cs inside this clean beauty cream—not only does it color correct, but the formula also has vitamin C to brighten skin, and mineral SPF protects against sun damage. The tint will instantly even out your skin, while vitamin C works to clear pigmentation over time.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
Pros
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Pricey
This beloved CC cream offers full-coverage foundation and is infused with collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid—all of which help make for hydrated, healthy, and plumped-up skin.
Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream with Sunscreen SPF 15
Pros
- Targets fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Can feel heavy
This hard-working CC cream looks like a foundation but goes on like your favorite lightweight moisturizer. The formula visibly smooths the look of fine lines and wrinkles in just one application.
Pros
- Smooths and blurs
Cons
- Thick consistency
Think of this velvety cream as an optical illusion, but for your face. Special ingredients help reflect light particles so you’re left looking super radiant not shiny.
Osmosis Beauty CC Cream Color Correcting Foundation
Pros
- Light coverage
Cons
- Pricey
Those looking for a lighter option will love this sheer coverage formula infused with beeswax (to help moisturize and minimize irritation.) Plus, "True Tone" technology will keep people guessing if you’re wearing makeup or not. P.S. Your secret is safe with us.
Pros
- Radiant finish
Cons
- Pricey
This CC cream formula includes ingredients that help minimize fine lines, smooth out skin texture, and provide antioxidant and reef-safe SPF protection. Equally important is what you won’t find: Artificial colors and dyes, fragrance, and parabens.
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
Glowing, even-toned skin is just a swipe away, thanks to this medium-coverage CC cream formula that’s best suited for normal and dry skin types. This aptly-named and fan-favorite CC cream hydrates like no other, while simultaneously correcting redness, dullness, and sallow skin.
Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50
Pros
- Sun protection
Cons
- Pricey
Infused with brightening apple extract and skin-nourishing Irish moss, this beloved cream will neutralize discolorations and blotchiness.
Pros
- Great coverage
Cons
- Thick consistency
With 10 shade options to choose from and SPF 50 to shield skin from sun damage, Cle Cosmetic's CCC Cream will be your one-and-done product for effortless skin-smoothing.
FAQs
What is CC cream?
Unlike foundation, CC creams tend to be more weightless and lighter on the skin. “It is basically the same thing as a skin tinting foundation—very light, easy to apply, great for people that don’t like to feel like they have a lot of makeup on their skin,” celebrity makeup artist Hailey Hoff, who counts Tinx and Charlie D'amelio as clients, tells ELLE.com.
How does CC cream differ from BB cream? Who should use CC cream?
“BB cream is a blemish control foundation whereas CC cream is a color correcting foundation. BB cream is a little bit lighter than CC cream is but both are pretty natural looking on the skin,” she adds. CC cream is better suited for mature skin but works for everyone, young and old.
Stern further explains that traditional foundation offers full coverage, whereas BB and CC creams tend to be sheer in their coverage. In addition to offering beneficial ingredients and a sheer, natural-looking tint, many CC creams are also formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen, which can essentially help you eliminate another step in your routine. CC creams combine a bunch of skin-boosting goodness into one lightweight and easy-to-use formula, which is what makes them “great for anyone who is looking for more out of their coverage,” Stern says.
What is the best way to apply CC cream?
You can apply CC creams with your fingers, but for a mess-free application, Hoff advises using a makeup sponge. “I apply a small amount of CC cream on the back of my hand and lightly dab my beauty blender into the product then apply it to my skin,” she says.
What should you look for in a CC cream?
“You should look for SPF and the kind of coverage. CC creams, regardless of how light they are, usually have different consistencies and textures, so look for if it’s an illuminating one or a matte one.”
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