With spring in full swing, and soaring temperatures (hopefully) just around the corner, it’s time to swap out your heavy duty foundation for the return of the humble CC cream.
Standing for “colour correction” or “complexion control”, depending on who you ask, these handy products contain special pigments that can cancel out the appearance of redness, dullness, acne scarring or hyperpigmentation. Essentially, they are here to save the day.
CC creams sit beautifully between foundations and BB creams as they still offer a decent amount of coverage but the results are a lightweight matte finish – making them ideal for those balmy evenings.
But that’s not the only advantage of using a CC cream. Jennifer Oliver, a London-based makeup artist explains that “They’re essentially a multitasking product that combines skincare benefits and SPF protection, with the colour correction of a primer or corrector,”. Are you impressed yet?
The shine-free look also makes them an absolute dream for those with a combination or oiler skin type. “They’re a popular alternative for acne prone skins, or those who find wearing foundation can cause breakouts,” Jennifer says. “Its lightweight texture won’t add any additional oil into the skin and often contains skin soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients.”
Jennifer recommends using two separate pumps and applying the product with a buffing foundation brush, to get a real seamless finish. When you’re ready for the second pump, you should “pat the brush onto the skin where you see any unevenness peeking through - typically around the nose, mouth, and cheeks. By patting it on top of the skin, rather than sweeping it will build up coverage in these areas.”
So, now you’re all clued up on the genius of CC creams, we’ve done a roundup of our favourites to get you going.
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IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better™ CC+ Cream™ SPF 50+
With a cult following, IT Cosmetics has been dominating the CC cream game for a while now and with good reason.
Anyone in the market for that coveted no makeup-makeup look - this has you covered. This product combines a primer, corrector, full coverage finish and skincare all in one pump - and did we mention that a little goes a long way with this one as well?
Formulated with nurturing ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, the results are unquestionable; dewy, flawless and hydrated skin. There’s over 14 shades to choose from and you can opt for the matte or illuminated edition if you’re feeling fancy.
Buy now £32.50, Cult Beauty
Erborian CC CRÈME 45ml
Korean beauty rarely lets us down and Erborian’s CC cream is no exception.
The award-winning product compromises of highly concentrated CC pigments, botanical active from the Korean pharmacopeia and lots of other good stuff (Tiger Grass, Adenosine and Vitamin B3 to name a few) – it’s no wonder it smells amazing and feels unbelievably soft on the skin.
There’s multiple formulas available depending on your needs, though we think the CC Red Correct is by far the best! All versions only come in two shades (Clair and Doré) but they will eventually adapt to your skins unique tone with enough blending and the versatility of coverage means it can be used as a primer or built up to offer more coverage.
Buy now £31.60, Space NK
L'Oreal Paris Magique CC cream
A favourite among those with rosacea is the L’Oreal Paris C’est Magique CC cream.
And what exactly makes it so “magique”? Well, it contains special green pigments that work to cancel out pesky redness and even out skin tone. But don’t be put off by that. With the help of tone-matching pigments, it quickly blends into the skin on application - though we found this product is most suited for those with a more tanned appearance.
Enriched with Glycerin and Fig extracts, and containing good-for-skin vitamins B5 and E, it not only colour corrects but also hydrates the skin for up to 24 hours – so it is a win-win.
Buy now £10.99, Boots
Olay Total Effects 7in1 CC Day Face Cream SPF15 Fair To Medium 50ml
One product that’s had everyone talking recently is Olay’s Total Effects 7in1 CC Day Face Cream.
Yes, you read that right – a whopping seven effects. It promises to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, moisturise, even skin tone, refine the look of pores, smooth skin texture, bright and help restore skins firmness.
It’s no easy feat but the combination of niacinamide and antioxidants makes for quite the powerhouse. You might not get the same full coverage offered with other products but it will leave your skin feeling equal parts moisturised and evened out (and it won’t break the bank).
Buy now £9.99, Boots
Revolution Pro CC Perfecting Skin Tint
Another affordable option is the Revolution Pro CC Perfecting Skin Tint.
The creamy formula comes in five different shades all containing skin-adapting ingredients that work to match to your unique skin tone and blend out unevenness. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, and contains vitamin E which is always dreamy for moisturising skin and protecting its natural barrier.
It is only a skin tint so don’t expect too much coverage here but it’s ideal for those days when you need a little something something and will work well as a primer too.
Buy now £13.00, Beauty Bay
CHANEL CC CREAM Super Active Complete Correction SPF 50
Chanel’s Super Active Complete Correction is about as good as a CC cream gets and perfect for all occasions.
The coverage is much higher than your average CC Cream but still manages to feel super lightweight. The best part is it leaves skin looking even (and with an impeccable glow, might we add) all day long.
This CC cream has five “superpowers”: it unifies, moisturises, corrects, protects and boosts skin’s radiance. It also comes in seven shades and even includes SPF 50. For all that, the slightly higher price tag is definitely worth it.
Buy now £48.00, Boots
SOSU By Suzanne Jackson Dripping Gold CC Me In Foundation SPF45
Irish blogger Suzanne Jackson launched her own beauty brand five years ago and has been lapping up positive reviews ever since.
The CC cream is ideal for an everyday look with its lightweight feel and creamy texture. It’s vegan-friendly and comes an array of glorious shades for you to choose from to achieve that ultimate dewy look.
Buy now £21.95, Beauty Bay
KIKO MILANO Skin Trainer CC Blur 03 Neutral 30ml
If you’re looking for more buildable coverage then KIKO MILANO’s Skin Trainer CC Blur is the right way to go about it.
Integrating all the great qualities of a BB cream, and with skin blur ingredients, this product evens out skin tone almost instantly and is great as a base or a minimal look. Its velvety texture is unmatched with any other and feels irresistibly soft on the skin - you will barely even feel it.
Coming in four different shades, and with limited edition packaging, you’ll want to grab this budget-friendly product as soon as possible.
Buy now £19.99, FeelUnique
