The 10 Best CC Creams for Flawless Skin in Photos (and IRL)
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We can all agree that foundation is challenging to shop for—and it’s only gotten more confusing with the addition of other complexion products like BB and CC creams. For starters, CC stands for “color correcting” cream, and you can think of them as multitaskers in your routine. They offer great coverage without looking heavy and often come loaded with other skincare ingredients like sunscreen and squalene (for added moisture). Finally, as their name suggests, CC creams are known for evening out any discoloration in your skin, be it from rosacea or hyperpigmentation.
Ahead, we spoke to experts to get their top recommended CC creams (including drugstore standouts like e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC cream, $15), as well as some editor standbys (like IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream, $47). As a bonus, we included some shopping tips to further simplify your search.
The 5 Best CC Creams At a Glance
Meet the Experts
How We Chose the Best CC Creams
To cull this list of the best CC creams, we consulted our experts and editors, and extensively researched the most popular CC creams, taking into consideration customer reviews and ratings. Each CC cream on this list has been vetted for their coverage levels, ease of application, accessibility and finish.
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1. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
Let’s put it this way: We have a friend who hasn’t used a single drop of foundation since she first discovered this CC cream years ago. That’s probably because the coverage this stuff gives rivals most foundations we’ve tried—only it also has the added benefits of collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid and, of course, SPF 50, to round things out. (There’ ares also an “illumination” and an “airbrush perfecting powder” versions available, in case that’s more to your liking.)
2. e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream
Don’t sleep on e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream, y’all. This color-correcting powerhouse is packed with vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid and broad-spectrum SPF 30 to help protect your skin from the sun. Choose between 30 shades in warm, cool, and neutral undertones and marvel at the buildable coverage once your find your match.
3. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Though technically not labeled a CC Cream, ILIA’s skin tint has many of the same features, which is why it made the cut. The tint delivers a super lightweight coverage and is formulated with mineral SPF 40 to enhance its skincare benefits. On that note, it also features a blend of hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalene and niacinamide to create a moisture barrier for your skin so you can lock in hydration for hours.
As PureWow’s beauty director, I’ve tried all kinds of products, and this has become a go-to of mine. I reach for ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint on days where I want to look a bit more polished. It evens things out just enough without creating a mask on my face.
4. Thrive Causmetics Buildable Blur CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35
Here’s another CC cream PureWow editors have used (and repurchased) several times over because it’s just that good. This pick from Thrive Causemetics wears like your favorite moisturizer (creamy, smooth and hydrating), while delivering ample coverage for any dullness, dark spots or areas of discoloration on your face. Plus, it has broad-spectrum SPF 35 and vitamin C to double-up on protection against the elements.
5. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
Ruddy cheeks? Gently push this cream into your skin using your fingertips to camouflage redness almost instantly. As fashion editor Abby Hepworth shared, “[Yes, it] has quite a lengthy name [but] its list of benefits is equally as extensive. This treatment truthfully feels more like a lightweight face cream [and] the greenish tint adjusts to match your skin tone as you blend it in, neutralizing redness and giving you coverage similar to that of a tinted moisturizer.”
6. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Stick
This color correcting stick is everything we look for in an undereye product. In fact, we prefer this to a full coverage concealer because it neutralizes shadows around your eyes without requiring a ton of blending. (Also, it doesn’t settle into fine lines or emphasize dryness as it wears.) Just glide it on and tap it in for a soft, but noticeable brightening effect, courtesy of the reflective mineral pigments and vitamin C.
7. Dermablend Continuous Correction CC Cream SPF 50
If you’re looking for something with solid coverage, plus SPF protection, Dermablend’s CC cream is a great choice. It’s super pigmented, yet it blends seamlessly into your skin without leaving behind any telltale streaks. Acne-prone folks will also appreciate the breathable and non-comedogenic formula, and the fact that it lasts for hours without wearing off.
8. AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact
You can think of AmorePacific as the L’Oréal of Korea; it’s a storied beauty conglomerate with a ton of brands that sit under it (including Laneige and Sulwhasoo). AmorePacific is primarily known for their premium products that are primarily skincare focused, but one exception is their Color Control Cushion Compact, which is beloved for its lightweight, yet surprisingly buildable coverage and SPF 50. Simply press the enclosed puff over the compact and dab it over your skin to even out any redness or discoloration quickly.
9. Neutrogena Matte CC Cream
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a CC cream with a more extensive shade range (at a budget-friendly price to boot), Neutrogena has you covered. Available in 34 shades, the formula provides full coverage and a smooth, matte finish. It’s also infused with niacinamide, which is known to help reduce dark spots.
10. Clé Cosmetics CCC Cream
We love how Clé Cosmetics was like, “I see your CC cream and raise you a CCC cream.” CCC, in case you’re wondering, means “color, control and change,” lest you think they’re playing around with coverage. The unique formula comes out of the tube white, but fret not, it quickly adjusts to a flesh tone as you rub it into your skin, which is a satisfying experience. What you end up with is a dewy, even-toned complexion that looks good on Zoom and IRL.
What to Consider When Shopping for the Best CC Cream?
“There are a couple factors that come into play when choosing a CC Cream. Start by determining your skin type and the finish you want,” says Bynum, who also notes that the skincare you use to prep your skin can affect the finish.
Giglio agrees, explaining that, “Your skin type will help determine the finish you choose. For example, if you have oily skin, you should go for CC cream that has a matte finish to help control the oil.”
What's the Difference Between CC cream and BB cream?
“BB Cream, also known as Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm, tends to have a lighter coverage like a tinted moisturizer, which is great for drier skin types,” explains Bynum. “In contrast, CC Creams tend to offer more coverage because of their color correcting benefits that help with covering redness or hyperpigmentation.”
To put it plainly, we’d wear a BB cream on a casual day of running errands because it gives us SPF protection and a light evening out of any redness or discoloration on our faces without looking like we’re wearing makeup. We’d save CC cream for times when we want to look a little more polished, such as a work event, a night out (or after a night out, when we might need a little more help covering the evidence of our sleep-deprived pallor).
Can I Use CC Cream Instead of Foundation?
According to Giglio, “Yes, absolutely. CC creams are buildable in coverage.” Whether you use your fingertips, a makeup sponge or a brush, Bynum suggests starting with a small amount and building up to your desired level of coverage.
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