Primers and CC creams are two of the most popular makeup products to even out the skin tone. While they seem similar, their formulas are different.
Knowing the difference between them will help you select the right product for your skin.
In this post, we’re going to explore the key differences between primer and CC cream and help you decide which one is right for you.
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Primer Vs CC Cream
The main difference between a primer and a CC cream is the formula. Primers have a thin clear gel or serum-like consistency, and they smooth fine lines while helping makeup stay longer on the skin. CC creams have a thicker formula, they reduce redness while providing light to medium coverage.
What is a Primer?
A primer is a makeup product that’s applied before foundation. Its purpose is to create a smooth base that will allow for better makeup application.
It’s designed to even out the skin tone, create a flawless base for makeup, and keep it on all day long without clumping. A primer acts as a barrier between your skin and the makeup. Primers are usually lightweight and have a thin serum or gel-like consistency.
There are several different types of primers, including:
- Silicone-based primers: A silicone-based primer creates a smooth base for foundation, so it goes on more evenly. These primers are usually recommended for textured or mature skin types because they smooth the skin.
- Water-based primers: A water-based primer helps makeup go on smoothly while hydrating the skin. These primers are recommended for dry skin because they contain nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Using a hydrating primer works great if you have dry skin as it prevents your makeup from looking flaky.
Keep in mind that primers can’t replace moisturizers. However, they allow for an easier makeup application while preventing foundation from creasing or settling into fine lines.
- Mattfying primers: A mattfying primer absorbs oil and helps to mattify the skin throughout the day.
- Color-correcting primers: These primers are designed to color-correct redness, rosacea, and hyper pigmentation.
Do You Need A Primer?
Using a primer is not a necessary part of your makeup routine, and it all depends on your skin type and the look you’re going for.
If your makeup lasts well without separating, you probably don’t need a primer.
On the other hand, some people find that their makeup goes on more smoothly when using a primer. If you have oily skin, primers may help keep makeup shine-free.
If your skin is dry, a moisturizing primer before applying makeup can help it go on more evenly. It also helps makeup last longer throughout the day without clumping or settling into fine lines.
How To Apply Primer?
After washing your face with a gentle cleanser, apply a good sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Then, apply a primer with your clean hands.
For better protection, the primer should be applied after sunscreen.
You only need a small amount, so apply the primer with a light hand. Make sure to target your problem areas such as the t-zone, nose, cheeks, and forehead.
You can also use multiple face primers to target different skin issues, such as a hydrating primer for dry areas and a smoothing primer for large pores.
Allow it to dry for about two minutes before applying the foundation.
Quick Tip: Some primers can be applied on top of foundation to get a poreless look. You can also mix your primer with a foundation for easy application.
What Is A CC Cream?
CC cream stands for color correcting cream. The primary purpose of a CC cream is to reduce redness and provide light to medium coverage while delivering skincare benefits to the skin.
CC creams have a lightweight formula which might include an SPF.
They are made for anyone who wants an All-In-One makeup product to simplify their beauty routine.
Related: CC Cream Before & After
When Should You Use a CC Cream?
If you have minor skin redness or hyper pigmentation, a CC cream can be the perfect choice for a natural everyday makeup look.
If you’re only going to create a minimal makeup look, a CC cream is perfect because it has skincare benefits and lightweight formula.
However, if you need full coverage, a CC cream might not be the best product for you. It will not cover blemishes or scars well, so it’s best to use a full coverage foundation instead.
Finding The Perfect CC Cream
There are many types of CC creams on the market. Some of them provide more hydration, while others have a matte finish.
Choosing the best CC creams depends on your skin type. If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating formula like this illuminating CC Cream to help keep your skin hydrated.
If you have oily skin, go for a matte finish one like this oil-free CC Cream .
Many CC creams come in various shades, so make sure to test the product on your jawline to select your best color match.
How To Apply A CC Cream?
Apply a small amount of product to your clean skin with your fingertips.
Start by dotting the product on the areas where you need more coverage, and then use a clean foundation brush or a makeup sponge to blend everything seamlessly.
Start by blending from the center of the face going outwards towards the hairline.
If you have oily skin, set the CC cream with a loose or pressed setting powder to get a long-lasting look.
Can CC Cream Be Used As Primer?
Yes, CC Cream Be Used As Primer
A CC cream can act as a color-correcting primer that helps to reduce redness and hyperpigmentation. It can even out the skin tone while delivering skincare benefits to the skin.
It has a thicker formula than a regular primer so make sure to use a small amount and blend it seamlessly into the skin.
For better results, wait for the CC cream to set for a couple of minutes and then go on with your foundation.
Using a CC Cream as a primer can help provide more coverage.
Should You Use a Primer before CC Cream?
Whether or not you should use a primer before the CC cream depends on your skin needs.
In general, a CC cream doesn’t need a primer. If your CC cream lasts well throughout the day, it’s best to skip the primer.
However, if you have large pores, you might want to use a smoothing primer to avoid makeup from settling into your pores.
Using a mattifying primer under your CC cream is also a good idea if you have oily skin. The primer helps control shine, so your CC cream can last well during the day.
Primer is usually applied before CC cream to smooth large pores and fine lines. It acts as a base, and it prepares the skin for the makeup application.
Should You Wear Moisturizer Under a CC Cream?
Many CC creams have hydrating properties and are infused with moisturizing ingredients. These CC creams can be used to hydrate the skin, so using a moisturizer under your CC cream depends on your skin type.
If you have dry skin, a moisturizer might be necessary to lock in the hydration as your hydrating CC cream is might not be enough. In that case, you need to apply a moisturizer first and then finish off with your CC cream.
However, you can skip the moisturizer and apply your CC cream if you have oily skin.
Quick Tip: If you have oily skin, avoid using a thick moisturizer under your CC cream because it can cause your makeup to look patchy on your nose, t-zone, or even all over your face.
Final Thoughts
There is a difference between primers and CC creams, and each one has its purpose.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, refreshing makeup product that delivers skincare benefits to the skin and helps reduce redness, then CC cream is suitable for you.
However, if you have large pores or oily skin and you need to get a smooth-looking complexion, then primer might be an excellent choice. It can help fill in fine lines or wrinkles while providing the foundation with good staying power.
Using both a primer with a CC cream is possible if you have oily skin. The mattifying primer underneath the CC cream can help control shine, and it will act as a base before applying makeup on top.
CC creams like this lightweight CC cream formula can also be used as color-correcting primers underneath foundation. They help reduce redness and even out the skin tone for a better makeup application.
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Jennifer
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