Best CC creams of 2024 according to a beauty expert
Perfect your "my-skin-but-better" makeup routine with our list of the best CC creams - including a cult favourite that's "long-wearing" and "comfortable".
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If you’ve been wanting to ditch the full coverage foundation from your daily makeup routine, CC cream could be your skin’s new best friend.
Promising light-medium coverage, the real drawcard with a CC cream is its colour-correcting benefits, which can even out skin tone and hide everything from redness to skin dullness.
Our current favourite is the viral IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream. Boasting over 77k reviews on Google, this cult product has made its rounds on TikTok with manyposting reviews and first impressions. Our news.com.au checkout Editor, Hannah Paine, swears by the CC cream saying that it's "long-wearing", "comfortable" and gives you a "your-skin-but-better" finish.
There's also the viral yet affordable elf Camo CC Cream that's the epitome of makeup-meets-skincare. Shoppers say it provides "great coverage" and is a "good dupe for high end CC creams”.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST CC CREAMS OVERALL
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50, $80 at Sephora
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
Praised by everyone from Australian beauty editors to influencers, this has to be one of the most popular CC creams ever produced.
While it’s a CC cream, Your Skin But Better is buildable to full coverage like my foundation, but didn’t leave my pores feeling clogged after a day of wear. It’s designed to give skin a flawless, even tone after just one layer.
I apply a thin layer to even out my skin tone for everyday wear or build out to medium coverage for an evening out, applying the rest of my makeup over the top.
Your Skin But Better bills itself as offering seven formulas in one product that includes a pore primer, SPF 50 UVB sun protection, hydrating anti-ageing serum, full coverage foundation, a skin brightening colour corrector, moisturiser and concealer.
Not to mention, celebrity makeup artist, Monika Blunder, swears by the cult cc cream too.
"I use It Cosmetics CC cream in Medium most days because it's super easy to apply, gives me great coverage, and it has an SPF of 50," she previously revealed.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
e.l.f. Camo CC Cream, $28 at ASOS
e.l.f. Camo CC Cream
What You Need To Know
The e.l.f. Camo CC Cream is the kind of product that does it all – without breaking the bank, of course.
The CC cream provides buildable coverage and SPF30 protection, and is infused with peptides, collagen, hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and niacinamide to regulate oil production throughout the day.
Not only has it gone viral on TikTok, with videos reviewing the product racking up hundreds of thousands of views, but the CC cream has racked up positive customer ratings on stockists like ASOS and iHerb.
”Good dupe for high end CC creams” said one reviewer, which we’re guessing is about the IT Cosmetics CC cream that’s almost triple the price, with another noting it gives a “beautiful matte look” and has “really good coverage.”
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY CC CREAM
Cancer Council SPF 50 Face CC Cream Mineral, $13.79 (down from $22.99) at Priceline
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Acting Editor
As someone who suffers from perpetually dry skin, particularly in these cooler winter months, I am loving this Cancer Council CC Cream as it’s incredibly moisturising. It goes on like a dream and I can feel my face just sucking up the much-needed moisture.
The CC cream also provides a nice light sheer coverage that takes the edge off any redness or sallowness. But what I love most about this cream is that it has a high SPF50, providing my face essential protection from the sun, but without the shiny and white look that happens with some sunscreens. That means instead of slapping on a moisturiser, SPF and a BB cream/skin tint/light foundation in the mornings, I can just use this hardworking three-in-one product.
I’d highly recommend this cream for busy people who just want one product for everyday use.
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
I love the idea of a multi-tasking product and this CC cream didn’t disappoint. It offered a subtle tint and colour correcting while leaving my skin feeling hydrated and plump. I liked that the coverage was light enough to be almost undetectable and I found it lasted well all day, making it great value for money if you’re looking for an affordable skincare option to wear every day.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
BEST HIGH-END CC CREAM
Chanel CC Cream Super Active Complete Correction, $88 at Myer
What You Need To Know
For an even complexion, you need to try Chanel’s version of a CC cream.
This unique beauty cream moisturises, corrects and protects your skin with a combination of skincare benefits and high performing face makeup.
The formulation features murunga plum extract, which helps provides a gorgeous glow to the skin.
It’s racked up an average rating of 4.6 out of five on Google Reviews, with users commenting on the “lovely glow” and “nice coverage” it gives.
Another five-star rating customer said it provides a “natural and flawless finish”/
The only downside is that there’s not a wide shade range – you’ve only got four to choose from, and they are seriously lacking in the darker tones.
BEST FULL COVERAGE CC CREAM
Dermablend Continuous Correction CC Cream, from $79.65 at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
Is coverage important to you when it comes to a CC cream? While they are designed to colour correct and cover most things, this handy little product from Dermablend is sure to be a favourite if you’re looking for something to replace your full coverage foundation – without feeling too heavy and cakey.
I found that a little goes a very long way with this CC cream, which is always great if you’re using it daily. The formulation also feels comfortable and lightweight on the skin, while providing a super natural finish.
BEST CC CREAM WITH SPF
Erborian CC Cream High Def Skin Perfector, $44.82 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
The Erborian CC Cream promises to work as a replacement of your moisturiser and foundation thanks to the addition of honey and vitamin E to seriously nourish the skin.
You’re left with a radiant and totally hydrated complexion, all while giving you medium coverage to cover those pesky imperfections.
The humble CC cream has racked up almost 2500 five-star ratings on Amazon, with happy customers noting it feels “super lightweight” while providing “great coverage”.
“The hype is real … Make up that looks like you aren’t wearing makeup,” another one commented.
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream with Mineral SPF 30, from $95.76 at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
If you’re looking for a super lightweight and natural-looking CC cream, then you’ve got to give this one from Juice Beauty a red-hot go.
Upon first application, it looks a little grey but don’t freak out – keep blending in the product like I did because it eventually transforms to match your skin tone.
In the picture above, I’m wearing the CC cream with a little bit of powder on my T-zone and some liquid blush to make me look more alive.
I was seriously impressed by how lightweight the CC cream felt on my skin. I used my fingers to blend it in, which was super easy to do, and I can’t get over how glowy I look.
If you’re looking for tonnes of coverage, I would say this is not the product for you – but I really enjoyed this Juice Beauty CC cream for those days when you want that ‘your skin but better’ look.
BEST CC CREAM FOR MATURE SKIN
Embryolisse Secret de Maquilleur Complexion Correcting Care, $61 at Adore Beauty
What You Need To Know
This unique CC cream from Embryolisse works hard as a corrector, anti-wrinkle cream, face primer and foundation in one handy little tube.
It’s racked up an average rating of 4.8 out of five on Adore Beauty, with one reviewer commenting: “Since I discovered this CC cream I no longer use any other foundations.
“It’s relatively easy when one is young and has nice, fresh dewy skin to find products that work well......much harder after 60 years of Aussie sun!”
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A CC CREAM
When it comes to buying a CC Cream, you should keep these factors in mind:
Coverage: Do you prefer light, medium or full coverage? Are you after one with buildable coverage?
Skin Type: It's important that you consider your skin type when buying a CC Cream. If you have dry skin, you should opt for a hydrating and dewy formula. Oily skin? A matte formula will do just the trick. Acne prone skin? A lightweight formula that leans matte rather than dewy would be ideal.
SPF: Although a sunscreen should always be in your skincare routine, a CC Cream with SPF will provide extra sun protection - so this is something you may want to consider.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of CC creams available, it’s impossible to test every product out there. To help you find the best CC cream we tested a few well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best CC cream for your skin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A CC CREAM, AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM BB CREAM?
“A CC Cream is a sheer complexion product used for colour correction, which is where the ‘CC’ comes from,” Anabelle Ussher, Sydney-based makeup artist, told news.com.au.
“It can help to even out the complexion where tone is concerned, actively balancing redness and pigmentation while often restoring radiance.”
BB creams are a little different though. BB cream, also known as a ‘beauty balm’, is more of a multi-tasker, according to Anabelle.
“Typically thicker in consistency than a CC cream, a BB cream works to smooth out the overall complexion,” she said.
“It is more widely used if blemishes are the main concern, the often waxier texture creates a thin perfecting layer on the skin.”
WHAT ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS OF USING CC CREAM?
As the name suggests, a CC cream is designed to provide colour correction, so that would be the main benefit for someone looking to colour correct and brighten their complexion, while still looking super natural.
“For most people, a CC cream is enough to make them feel their best as it evens out the complexion while still looking natural,” Anabelle said.
“CC creams offer a fuss free alternative, particularly if you are time poor or not the most confident with makeup.”
CAN I USE CC CREAM ON ALL SKIN TYPES?
All skin types can use a CC cream, just pick a finish that is more suited to your skin type.
So if you have dry skin, look for something that promises a more dewy finish, and a matte version for those with oily skin types.
HOW DO I APPLY AND WEAR CC CREAM?
Anabelle recommends applying CC creams with your fingertips for a more natural finish as the warmth of your hands will melt the product into your skin. If you want more coverage, go for your favourite makeup brush.
Prefer to use a sponge? Anabelle said this would be the “least recommended tool” as it will absorb the bulk of the product, leaving you with a patchy application.
Keep in mind that a CC cream does not replace your moisturiser or sunscreen – no matter what, you should always be using a primary sunscreen to ensure your face is fully protected.
IS CC CREAM SUITABLE FOR EVERYDAY USE?
“CC creams are great for everyday use, arguably the better option out of any
complexion product as they are infused with skincare ingredients,” said Anabelle.
Anabelle Ussher
Anabelle Ussher (she/her) is a Sydney based makeup artist, modeland content creator. She’s been working across the field for over six years, both in front and behind the camera, to create inspiring and empowering content that uplifts all. You can find her beauty content at @glowy_chronicles and her artistry at @anabelle_ussher_artistry.
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