Makeup
Best CC Creams

Best CC Creams of 2023

By Rebecca Jenkinson - 2 years ago | Updated 10 months ago

five cc cream bottles on blue watercolour background

Want to update your makeup bag now restrictions are slowly lifting? We’ve got you covered with our list of the best CC creams of 2022.

Thick, full coverage foundation is not for everyone, especially after months of bared faced beauty routines for at-home zoom calls. That’s why more and more people are turning to the wonders of a quick and fuss-free CC cream to cover their complexion while still maintaining a fresh, natural-looking base.

So, if the idea of layering on heavy makeup brings you out in a sweat, dive straight into our round up of the best and the brightest CC creams here at Cosmetify.

What is CC cream?

CC stands for colour correcting, which means the main priority of any CC cream is to help even out your skin tone for a natural, healthy look. They can also help conceal and cover issues like dullness, discolouration and redness.

Typically, CC creams are a skin care makeup hybrid that contain all the skin-enhancing benefits of your favourite moisturiser mixed with the coverage of your best lightweight foundation. They often contain SPF for the face as well, which protects your skin from harmful UV rays.

Thanks to their multipurpose formulas you can cut your routine down and be out the door in no time at all. And not to mention, you can save the pennies as you have everything you need in one nifty formula.

What is the difference between BB and CC cream?

But what about BB creams we hear you cry? Is there even a difference?

Well, here at Cosmetify, we love the whole range of alphabet makeup products. BB stands for ‘blemish balm’ or ‘beauty balm’ and they offer a super light coverage. They are perfect for people that have drier or more sensitive skin types, as they tend to carry more hydrating properties than CC creams. More often than not, BB creams also contain anti-ageing properties for a protective action against premature ageing. BB creams work to prevent and maintain the skin, catering more to the health of the skin.

However, if you’re searching for a little more coverage then we recommend sticking to a CC cream as these can easily conceal any pesky problem areas that a BB cream might miss. They also work well on oily skin types as they prime and conceal shinier areas, making it the perfect beautifying beauty buy.

What is the difference between foundation and a CC cream?

The main difference between CC creams and your average foundation is down to the level of coverage you receive. Foundations focus on completely concealing and covering your complexion, acting as a second skin that completely filters out the look of spots, dark circles and discolouration. While CC creams also do this, they do it to a much lesser extent which in turn looks a lot more natural.

CC creams focus on colour correction, which foundations do not take into consideration quite as much. Foundations contain much richer pigments that often have hints of yellow or pink which can add an incorrect wash of pigment if used incorrectly on pale skin tones. CC creams are a better option for fairer skin tones as they don't add such a strong pigment.

How do I apply CC cream?

Thanks to the creamy texture, CC solutions are super easy to apply.

We recommend massaging the CC cream across your face with clean fingertips or bouncing the formula on the skin with a beauty sponge. Start in the centre of the face and work out towards the hairline for a natural finish.

Best luxury CC cream

BY TERRY Cellularose Moisturising CC Cream

£36.25 £59.00 (39% off)

For a luxury CC cream take a closer look at this BY TERRY beauty. It’s a super hydrating option that you can wear alone for a lightweight coverage or under your favourite foundation as a moisturising primer. The must-have formula helps blur any imperfections, while also plumping up the skin for a dewy, youthful finish.

Estée Lauder Revitalising Supreme+ Global Anti-Ageing CC Creme SPF 10

£42.00 £51.00 (18% off)

Nothing says luxury more than Estée Lauder. We love this multi-purpose CC cream as it helps protect, nourish and cover the skin all with one formula. The sheer shade delivers a radiant effect, while the IntuiGen Technology and SPF protects from sun damage and prevents premature signs of ageing.

Best CC cream with SPF

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defence CC Cream

£31.50

Not only does this CC cream protect you from UVA and UVB rays, but it also shields your skin against environmental stressors like pollution. The formula has a lightweight, buildable coverage that evens out the skin tone. Basically, it's the perfect all-in-one solution for natural makeup days.

Best drugstore CC cream

e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream

£14.12

This purse-friendly option is a fan favourite for CC cream lovers. The e.l.f CC cream comes in a range of diverse shades to suit every skin tone and delivers a medium-full coverage finish. It’s a great formula for correcting redness, scars and dark spots. The cream also feels so hydrating on the complexion as it contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and collagen, which plumps up and smooths the skin.

Best CC cream for dry skin

Stila One Step Correct

£26.00 £28.00 (8% off)

Skin feeling very dehydrated and dull? That’s no problem for this innovative, triple-swirled helix serum that instantly primes, colour-corrects, brightens and nourishes skin for a flawless face with no fuss.

Best CC cream for dull skin

Erborian CC Cream SPF 25

£16.95 £20.50 (18% off)

Yet another firm favourite at Cosmetify HQ is the Erborian cream. This award-winning formula contains an innovative blend of ingredients traditionally used in Korean medicine. This includes centella asiatica to promote collagen production and vitamin B3 to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier. When combined with the illuminating coverage, this CC cream gives you glowing, hydrated and even results.

Best CC cream for sensitive skin

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Cream

£15.29 £23.00 (34% off)

If you struggle with sensitive skin, you know how hard it can be to find a formula that doesn’t cause irritations. This hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested CC cream is a great option for inflamed, red or irritated skin that needs a little TLC. It helps cover and conceal any imperfections for an even, healthy complexion.

Best CC cream for redness

L'Oreal Paris C'est Magic CC Cream Anti-Redness

£11.99

Redness can be a pesky issue for many of us. This lightweight CC cream works well as it has green toned pigments which adapt to your skin tone using Smart Pigment Capsules. This neutralises any redness for an overall even skin tone. The affordable cream is also super hydrating, so your skin feels refreshed and refined throughout the day.

So, which one are you going for? With plenty on offer you’re spoilt for choice. For more makeup bag updates take a look at the 10 best long-lasting lipsticks you should buy and the best bronzers for a summer glow.

Written by Rebecca Jenkinson

Rebecca is a content writer with over three years’ experience and a keen interest in cosmetics. Cosmetify allows her to combine her blogging skills with her passion for beauty.