6 Best CC Creams

What is CC cream?

While there are is no definitive on what the “CC” in CC cream stands for, popular names include “Color Correction”, “Color Control”, and “Complexion Correction”. These creams are a spinoff of BB creams and tend to be a bit lighter and provide more full coverage. CC cream is like BB cream 2.0. It has the same crucial properties (moisture, primer, serum, sunscreen) with an enhanced focus on skincare. As a result, the SPF in CC cream tends to be higher than BB to protect the skin from aging. The heavier consistency (fuller coverage) of CC cream also has more impact on concealing age spots, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles than the lightness of a BB cream.

However, CC creams are lighter than foundation, which leaves the skin looking less cakey and more natural. CC creams prime, moisturize, and protect like BB creams, but the main difference is that they correct discolorations. CC creams work magic at treating issues such as puffiness, redness, and discoloration. So really, the benefits are obvious. CC creams are a skincare-makeup hybrid that makes your skin look flawless while providing a more natural alternative to full coverage foundation.

What is a CC cream used for?

CC creams are used to tackle most of your skin’s problems from redness to dryness. Also, because some cc creams have SPF in them, they protect your skin from sun damage. CC creams are also used to even out your skin tone and provide some coverage.

What is color-correcting cream?

Color correcting cream is the same thing as a CC cream. The “CC” in CC cream actually stands for color correcting. The reason it’s called color correcting is that these creams provide more coverage than a BB cream but not as much as a foundation. If you suffer from redness or uneven skin, a CC cream can fix that.

Is a CC cream a foundation?

CC cream and foundation are two entirely separate products. And, they’re pretty different in what they do. CC creams actually fall somewhere in between a tinted moisturizer and a foundation. They are made with vitamins, SPF, and hydrating ingredients. CC creams are super lightweight and leave your skin with a dewy glow. They are perfect for days when you want a little coverage but don’t want to wear a full face of makeup. One of the biggest differences between CC cream and foundation is the coverage. Foundation is a lot thicker and covers a lot more of your skin. And, it often doesn’t contain SPF or skin treatments.

What is the difference between BB and CC cream?

Between BB creams and now CC creams, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. Well, here’s the scoop. The truth is, BB and CC creams aren’t too different from each other. While the “BB” in BB cream stands for “Beauty Balm”, the “CC” in CC cream stands for “Color Correcting”. BB cream works as a skin treatment, primer, moisturizer, and light foundation all in one. A CC cream focuses more on color correction and evening out skin tone. Its formula is made to address redness and scarring. This is why CC cream is perfect for those of you with acne, dark spots, or blemishes. Or, it’s for anyone who simply wants a lighter coverage. CC cream is much lighter on the skin and doesn’t provide as much coverage as a BB cream.

Which is better, BB cream or CC cream?

This is a question that really depends on what you’re looking for. Both BB and CC creams provide sun protection, hydration, and improving the overall appearance of your skin. BB creams help with acne and blemishes while CC cream is often used as a primer to correct the skin’s color. CC cream is made to address redness, dark spots, and skin discoloration.

For coverage, CC cream is better. If you’re looking for something with more coverage, you definitely want to go with a CC cream. It’s thicker, provides more coverage, and has a wider color range. BB creams have a light tint, which is enough to even out redness, but not much else. Plus, most BBs come in light, medium, and dark. So, it can be difficult to match your skin.

The bottom line: They’re not much different. Not to mention, every brand does them differently. We think it’s a good idea to have both on hand. BB cream and CC creams are both great products and ones that you want to have in your makeup bag at all times.

What is DD cream used for?

DD cream is the latest cream to hit beauty store shelves. DD cream, which stands for both “Daily Defense” and “Dynamic Do-All”, features the benefits of BB cream and CC cream combined. Pretty impressive, right? Like the BB cream and the CC cream, the DD cream typically has brightening and anti-aging ingredients. But because it’s a “Daily Defense”, you rarely find a DD cream without sunscreen. It protects, heals, and provides color correction. As a bonus, it also provides foundation coverage. This all-in-one cream is for anyone with both skin blemishes and discoloration.

Can a CC cream be used as a primer?

The short answer is: yes. All CC creams can technically be worn as a primer. So, for those of you who want more coverage than a CC cream provides, you can use a CC cream under your foundation. However, the purpose of a CC cream is to give you the coverage you need without having to use so many products. CC cream gives you lighter coverage with the added benefits of a moisturizer and SPF. So, there is no need for a foundation after applying. If do you do decide to wear CC cream as your base, just remember it has a little coverage already. So, you won’t need as much foundation as you normally would use.

How do you put on CC cream?

Applying CC cream is a lot like putting on your moisturizer. The best way to apply a CC cream is with either your fingers or with a sponge. Some prefer to use their fingers, while others like using a damp sponge. However, we love using a sponge for everything. It gives you a smoother, airbrushed look every time.

Step 1: Cleanse your skin and hands

Before putting on CC Cream, it’s important that your skin and hands are completely clean. Using a good face wash can make all the difference in how your skin feels.

Step 2: Read the label

Is there SPF in your CC cream? If not, apply a quality sunscreen before putting on your cream. It’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Step 3: Apply your CC cream with your fingers or a damp sponge

This step is really a personal preference. If you are short on time or don’t have a makeup sponge, you can apply your CC cream with your fingers. In our opinion though, using a Beauty Blender is the absolute best way (and many pros will agree). Simply dampen your Beauty Blender and apply a pea-sized amount of CC cream in the center of your face and blend out. Don’t forget to apply it over your eyelids, too. If you need more coverage, you can always add more after. But, it’s best to start off light and build it up.

Step 4: Touch up blemishes, dark spots, and acne

Allow your CC cream to dry for a minute or two. If there are areas that need more coverage, tap (with your fingers or Beauty Blender) to touch them up.

Step 5: Set your CC cream with powder

CC cream leaves a very dewy finish. It gives you that, ‘no makeup but still wearing makeup’ look. So, if you like the dewy finish there is no need to set it with powder. However, if you have oily skin or prefer more of a matte finish, you want to set your CC cream with a translucent powder like Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder. Using a soft brush or Beauty Blender, gently tap the powder onto areas that get shiny, such as your nose and forehead. Also, apply powder to your eyelids and under-eye area. This will keep your eye shadow in place and keep the CC cream from rubbing off throughout the day.

What is the best CC cream?

The IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better™ CC Cream with SPF 50+ is a full-coverage formula that hydrates, protects, corrects, and camouflages, leaving skin looking radiant, fresh, and flawless all day long. The coverage and protection provided by this CC cream are both one of a kind. It Cosmetics CC Cream provides UV protection while also evening out skin tone and reducing lines and wrinkles. However, be aware that the formula is a bit thicker than most CC creams, so if you were hoping for something a bit lighter you may want to check out some of the other options on our list.

This CC cream contains peptides; niacin; algae; vitamins A, C, B, and E; hyaluronic acid; hydrolyzed collagen; and SPF 50+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen. Basically all of the things your skin needs in order to look and feel its best. This CC cream is $50 for 1.08 ounces, which is pretty expensive. However, due to the thickness of the formula, a little goes a long way. So this stuff will last you much longer than many of the other CC creams out there.

What type of CC cream should I buy?

The type of CC cream you choose is totally up to you. There isn’t a “one-kind-fits-all”. Each brand of CC cream is made a little differently and everyone’s skin is different. The one you choose also depends on how much coverage you’re looking for. If you have dry skin, you want a CC cream that’s hydrating like the Clinique Moisture Surge Cc Cream Hydrating Color Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30. This cream hydrates like no other while simultaneously color-correcting dullness and redness.

Rather, if you have sensitive skin or prefer something more natural, the Physician’s Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Cream SPF 20 is the perfect option. Not only is this cc cream affordable, but it’s also 70% organic and the all-natural formula provides a full coverage look. This stuff is 100% cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and will only cost you $12.