Are you looking for a way to get that naturally flawless complexion but feel overwhelmed with all the options?
From CC creams to foundations and tinted moisturizers, choosing the perfect product for your skin type can be challenging.
In this blog post, we will talk about what exactly CC Creams are and discuss their unique benefits. Keep reading to learn more.
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What Is CC Cream
CC cream stands for Color Correcting Cream, an all-purpose beauty product that provides coverage and skin-care benefits at the same time.
It can color-correct the skin, brighten it up, and hide any redness or discoloration while leaving the skin looking natural. Plus, it contains antioxidants, hydrating ingredients, vitamins, and sun protection.
The CC cream is an evolution of the famous BB cream, which stands for Beauty Balm.
While many foundations nowadays can contain hydrating ingredients and SPF, CC cream has a lighter formula and gives you a more natural look. It’s a marketing term for a lightweight foundation with added skincare benefits.
This CC cream, for example, contains peptides to smooth the skin, while hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling soft and nourished. It also has an SPF of 50, protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
It’s one of the most popular beauty products on the market and provides medium to full coverage.
To get an idea of how this CC cream looks on the skin, check this review that shows the before and after results.
BB Cream Vs. CC Cream Vs. Foundation
The main differences between BB creams, CC creams, and foundations are the coverage, texture, and shade range.
BB Creams are more lightweight and sheer as they provide less coverage than CC creams and have no color-correcting properties.
They are excellent for light coverage and hydration, while CC creams are best for those wanting more coverage and color correction.
Foundations are the most opaque of all three, providing medium to full coverage. Their thicker formula makes them look cakey if not applied properly.
In general, foundations don’t have any skincare benefits, although we now have more and more foundations with SPF and other skincare ingredients.
Another difference between these three products is the shade range. BB and CC Creams are available in a limited range of shades, while foundations are available in many shades to match any skin tone.
What Sets CC Cream Apart From Other Beauty Products?
CC cream has unique benefits which make it stand out from other beauty products.
Besides providing coverage and color-correcting, it also nourishes and protects the skin thanks to its beneficial ingredients.
It is ideal for those who like a no-makeup look but want to even out the skin tone and hide imperfections.
Most CC creams have these benefits:
Color Correction:
Many CC creams have color-correcting ingredients that help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Some others have a green undertone which can be used to neutralize redness, an orange undertone to cover up the darkness, or a purple undertone for brightening the complexion.
Hydration:
Many CC creams contain hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, which help keep the skin nourished and healthy.
SPF:
Most CC creams come with an SPF of at least 30, helping to protect the skin from harmful sun rays. While it’s still important to apply sunscreen daily, a color correcting cream with SPF can provide added protection.
TIP: Always apply a separate sunscreen for the best protection, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
Healthline says you need a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen to protect your face from sun damage.
Applying that much CC Cream would be too heavy, so it’s best to use a separate sunscreen for added protection.
Antioxidants
Many CC creams contain antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from environmental damage while keeping it looking youthful and healthy.
The it cosmetics CC cream, for example, contains Niacinamide which reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also minimize redness which helps to even out the skin tone.
When Should You Use CC Cream?
Color Correcting cream is best for those who don’t need full coverage but want to even out the skin tone and hide imperfections.
It’s an excellent choice for those busy mornings when you don’t have time to apply foundation, sunscreen, and moisturizer. It can provide coverage, color correction, and hydration with just one step.
If you have minor redness, dark spots, or other discolorations that you want to cover up, CC cream can be an excellent choice, as it can make the complexion look more even.
However, a foundation would be better if you’re looking for a full-coverage look.
On the other hand, if you have an even skin tone and only need a little coverage, you can use a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers hydrate the skin while adding a hint of color which makes them look natural on the skin.
How To Choose The Right CC Cream For Your Skin Type
When choosing a Color Correcting cream, you must consider your skin type and the look you want.
For dry skin, look for one with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and opt for a dewy finish.
This illuminating CC Cream, for example, gives the skin a radiant look and is perfect for dry skin.
For oily skin, choose a Color Correcting cream with oil-absorbing ingredients to help control shine, and look for a matte finish.
This CC Cream, for example, contains colloidal clay to absorb oil during the day.
If you have normal skin, choose a satin finish formula that is not too dewy or matte.
For example, this CC Cream gives the skin a beautiful velvety finish. The only downside is that it’s only available in a few shades.
How To Choose CC Cream Shade?
Choosing the right shade of CC cream is essential if you want to achieve a flawless look, as it should match your skin tone as closely as possible.
When choosing a color, it’s essential to consider your skin’s undertones. For example, if you have a cool undertone, opt for a pinkish hue and avoid orange undertones.
Those with warm undertones should choose shades with an orange, yellow, or gold undertone and avoid cool shades with a pink undertone.
CC creams come in a limited range of shades compared to foundations. If you can’t find a shade that matches your skin tone, you can choose a slightly darker shade to help cover imperfections.
How To Apply CC Cream?
Before applying your Color Correcting cream, it’s essential to start with a clean and moisturized face.
Some people don’t have the time to apply moisturizer before as a separate step, but if you have very dry skin, the CC cream may not blend correctly.
For this reason, applying a moisturizer before CC cream can give the best results.
Once your skin is prepped correctly, it’s time to apply the Color Correcting cream.
Start by taking a pea-sized amount of product and warming it up between your fingertips.
Dot the CC cream over your face, starting with areas where you have discolorations or imperfections that need to be covered. Then blend the product into your skin using your fingers or a face brush.
TIP: Start with a thin layer and add more by layering the CC cream until you get the desired coverage. Avoid applying too much product, as it can make the skin look cakey.
Make sure your fingers are clean when applying the product, and blend it evenly to avoid any patches.
You can also use a beauty sponge instead of a brush, but I don’t recommend it because it tends to absorb a lot of product.
Since CC creams are lighter than foundations, you don’t want to lose any of the product.
Finally, you can apply a loose or pressed powder over the Color Correcting cream to set your makeup and make it last longer.
Primer Vs. CC Cream
The main difference between primer and CC cream is the texture.
A primer is a lightweight clear product that helps create an even texture and provides a smooth base for makeup. It prepares the skin for makeup by smoothing it and creating an even base, while CC cream offers hydration and coverage.
Primers are not supposed to give the skin any coverage, while Color Correcting creams come in different shades and can hide redness or hyperpigmentation.
Best CC Creams
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+
This CC Cream is an excellent choice for full coverage and sun protection. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and other skin-loving ingredients to hydrate and protect the skin.
I tested it through hot, humid days, and it performs better if you set it with powder.
It has a thick formula that blends easily into the skin, but it might look heavy if you apply too much product.
The key is to use a thin layer and add more only where you need.
It can cover everything from redness to dark spots, so it’s a great choice for those with uneven skin tone.
It also comes in 12 shades and has a beautiful, natural-looking finish.
The only downside is that it might cling to dry patches, so make sure to hydrate your skin before applying.
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector
This CC Cream provides light to medium coverage and a satin finish.
It has a thicker creamy formula that is hard to blend, so make sure to start with a small amount of product and layer it where needed.
It covers redness and skin discoloration well, so it’s an excellent choice if you want to hide any imperfections.
I tested it without any moisturizer underneath; unfortunately, it clings to my dry patches, so I recommend hydrating your skin before applying it.
The only downside is that the shade range is not as wide as other CC creams, so it may be hard to find the right shade for your skin tone.
Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream Color-Correction
This color-correcting cream is one of the best options available at the drugstore. It has a thin formula that blends easily into the skin without looking cakey or heavy.
It can be an excellent choice for any makeup beginner because it’s very easy to use. It provides light to medium coverage, and it’s also oil-free.
This CC cream doesn’t emphasize skin texture, making it a nice choice for mature skin.
The only downside is the shade range, which could be much better.
Overall, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable Color Correcting cream that performs well.
Conclusion
CC cream combines moisturizer, sunscreen, color-correcting primer, and foundation all in one product.
It gives medium coverage while hiding discoloration and imperfections.
Also, a Color Correcting cream provides the skin with nourishing ingredients, making it an ideal choice for those who are looking for a versatile product.
The key is choosing the one that suits your skin type to get the best results.
Do you have a favorite CC cream? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQ
Can you use CC cream instead of foundation?
Yes, you can use a CC cream instead of a foundation. It is an excellent choice to cover discoloration and dark spots. It provides a buildable light to medium coverage and is a great option if you want a natural finish.
Can you wear CC cream alone?
Yes, you can wear a CC cream alone. It is designed to provide light coverage and hide imperfections while nourishing the skin with its hydrating ingredients. However, if you have oily skin, set it with powder or a setting spray for longer wear.
Does CC cream look natural?
While CC cream is supposed to provide a natural-looking finish, the results can vary depending on the formula and how you blend it.
Some CC creams can look cakey or too heavy, so it’s important to start by applying a small amount of product and add more only if needed.
Why does CC cream look cakey?
CC cream can look cakey for many reasons. One of the most common causes is applying too much product. Start by using a small amount and add more only if needed.
Also, your Color Correcting cream can look cakey if applied on dry skin. Make sure your skin is well-hydrated to avoid any cakey look.
Another important factor is blending; make sure you blend the product properly with your fingers or a brush for a natural result.
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