Foundation is a difficult category to shop for. It’s even more complicated with all the different types of skin-evening products available, such as BB creams and CC creams. We’ve already talked about BB creams, so we’ll focus on CC Creams today. You’ve probably seen them in your local Sephora and wondered what they were and how they differ from other BB creams.
What is CC CREAM?
CC stands to be “color corrector” (or “color correction”) cream. FYI: They are sometimes called a “color control cream”. They can be considered a multi-tasker in your makeup regimen. CC creams provide great coverage and can be easily built up to the desired level. They are often loaded with sunscreen and squalene (for extra moisture), and CC creams can be used to even out skin discoloration.
What are the benefits of CC CREAM’s?
They are efficient first and foremost. You may prefer a single-use product that maximizes convenience for you (which is most people, right?). CC cream is a great option. CC creams provide more than just coverage. They also provide additional skin benefits, such as hydration or sun protection. These foundations can make your skin appear a little more polished than BB creams, but they also have a natural-looking finish that is better than many foundations.
What is the difference between CC and BB?
BB creams have a different acronym (“BB” here is for “blemish or beauty balm”) and are lighter in coverage than CC creams. BB creams can be compared because they are also infused with skincare ingredients, such as sunscreen and antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. How do you choose between them?
To be clear, we would wear a BB Cream on casual days of running errands with friends or for grabbing coffee with friends. It gives us SPF and lightens any redness or discoloration without making it look like we are wearing makeup. CC cream would be saved for a work event, a night out or when we need to cover the signs of our sleep-deprived habits.
How to apply CC cream
Apply CC cream by dabbing 1 to 2 pumps on the back of your hands. Apply a small amount to your forehead, nose and cheeks. Use a foundation brush (the more fluid the better), or a moist makeup sponge to blend the cream into the skin. Start at the center of the face and work your way towards the perimeter. This will give you the best coverage.
You can use your CC cream to provide additional coverage, such as for a wedding or event where you are sure you will be photographed. It’s best to not use your foundation under this situation, as it can cause a natural glow and impede the natural-looking glow of your CC cream.
One final note. While foundations may come in a wider variety of shades, this is not always the case for CC creams or BB creams. Both creams are lighter in texture and finish than foundations. This means that they can be more gentle on the skin and will not always match perfectly. Don’t worry if the shade appears a little too dark or light when it is first applied to your skin. Remember what we said about mixing it from the middle of your face outwards?
Product recomendation:
- THRIVE CAUSEMETICS BUILDABLE BLUR CC CREAM BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 35
It’s a CC Cream we have used and repurchased many times. This Thrive Causemetics pick is creamy, smooth, hydrating and your favorite moisturizer. It also provides ample coverage to cover any dark patches, dullness, or discoloration. It also has broad-spectrum SPF35 and vitamin C, which doubles up your protection against the elements.
Price in Sephora – $38.
2. IT COSMETICS YOURSKIN, BUT BETTER CC+CREAM
Let’s say that a friend of ours hasn’t used a drop of foundation since discovering this CC cream many years ago. According to the NPD Group’s report, the CC cream is the most popular prestige CC cream in America as of 2020. This is probably due to the sheer coverage it provides, which rivals many foundations we have tried. However, it also boasts the additional benefits of collagen, and peptides as well as SPF 50. There’s also an “illumination”, and “airbrush perfecting powder” versions available.
Price in Sephora – $40
3. CLE COSMETICS CCC CREAM
Cle Cosmetics is like saying “I see your CC and raise you a CCC” – which, in case anyone was wondering, means “color control and change.” We love that they don’t play with coverage. It comes in a tube that is white. However, the unique formula quickly adjusts to your skin’s flesh tone as it is applied. This makes it a very satisfying experience. You will get a glowing, even complexion that looks great on Zoom and IRL.
Price in Sephora – $31
4. AMORE PACIFIC COOR CONTROL CUSHION CUSHION COMPACT SPF50
AmorePacific can be described as the L’Oreal of Korea. It’s a long-standing beauty conglomerate that houses a lot of brands, some of which are also included on this list. AmorePacific also offers a line premium skincare products. The cushion compact is the exception to this rule. It is loved for its light, yet impressively buildable coverage, and SPF 50.
Price in Sephora – $75
