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If you’re not particularly fond of using heavy foundations or powders, a CC cream is likely your best alternative option. Foundations are great for when you need full coverage for an important event — such as a wedding or any type of outing where you know you’re going to be popping up in social media snapshots. But that said, they’re not always ideal for day-to-day life. Foundation has a tendency to clog up your pores, which can lead to breakouts or other types of irritation — so if you’re using that on your face daily, your chances may naturally increase.
That’s why we like to choose CC creams over foundation — and reserve the full-coverage formulas for when they’re truly called for. You’ve probably heard of CC creams before but may not know exactly what they are — and more specifically, what makes them different from other lightweight coverage options out there. Allow. UseLet me explain!
What’s the Difference Between a BB Cream, a CC Cream and a Tinted Moisturizer?
A tinted moisturizer is exactly what its name suggests — a moisturizer that’s tinted for super light coverage. The “BB” in BB cream typically stands for beauty balm, which basically ups the ante of a tinted moisturizer to include added skincare benefits. It can be a primer, moisturizer, skin blurrer, and brightener all in one.
A CC cream adds color correction to the mix! They’re usually a bit more opaque than a BB cream so you receive a higher level of coverage, plus they can help cancel out any type of redness or discoloration — while still feeling lighter than a foundation. Each CC cream may have additional benefits such as SPF, anti-aging properties, antioxidants, and protection from pollution and other harmful free radicals. You can also find CC creams that have different finishes — some give you a dewier complexion, while others are more matte. The bottom line? If you’re looking for an all-in-one lightweight product that can give you well-rounded coverage and even out your complexion, a CC cream may be your best bet. And if you aren’t sure which one is the right fit for your more specific needs, we’ve lined up the literal creams of the crop below!
Our 11 Best Complexion Creams
Neutrogena Clear Cream Flawless Matte Matte CC cream
Neutrogena Clearcoverage Flawless Matte Cream CC Cream Amazon
This CC cream is a relatively new launch and it’s ideal for anyone who has oily skin. The matte finish doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy — yet it still has a lightweight feel that looks natural and flawless. Plus, this cream may have the widest shade range of any other CC cream we’ve seen to date!
Pros
- There are tons of shades to choose from
- Matte finish
- Affordable price
Cons
- Dry skin types may find it cakey
Available at: Amazon and Target
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better With CC+ Cream

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better With CC+ Cream Amazon
This is arguably the CC cream that most beauty lovers have heard about — and for good reason! It’s gained thousands of five-star reviews from shoppers because it hits all of the marks. You get excellent coverage, color-correction, SPF, and anti-aging benefits in one tube. What more could you ask for?
Pros
- Award-winning bestseller
- There are many shades to choose from
- SPF 50
Cons
Available at: Amazon. Sephora. Ulta. Target
purlisse Youth Glow Vitamin C CC Cream SPF 50

purlisse Youth Glow Vitamin C CC Cream SPF 50 Amazon
This vitamin C cream will brighten your complexion if that is something you care about. You don’t have to use an additional serum to give your skin a radiance boost, plus you also receive the moisturizing and color-correcting benefits that CC creams can provide!
Pros
- SPF 50
- Vitamin C is an added vitamin that can be used to brighten the skin.
- Light formula
Cons
- Pricier product
- This may not work for oily skin
Available at
Supergoop! CC Screen

Supergoop! CC Screen Amazon
This CC cream’s glowing finish is what keeps customers coming back for more. They love how lightweight it feels! How it dramatically improves their skin’s appearance. Reviewers also note that this product lasts for hours so you don’t have to worry about constantly re-applying, which is a major plus!
Pros
- SPF 50
- Glowy illuminating finish
- There are many shade options
Cons
- Higher price tag
- Some may not be covered by the coverage they need
Available at: Amazon, Dermstore, Revolve, Nordstrom
Physicians Formula Super CC+ Color-Correction + Care Cream

Physicians Formula Super CC+ Color-Correction + Care Cream Amazon
This CC cream may be the best when it comes to powerful colour-correction. It contains micro color-correcting colors that target specific discolorations, such as redness or under-eye bag. This, along with the shade that matches your skin tone will give you a flawless complexion!
Pros
- Affordable price
- Excellent color-correcting
- SPF 30
Cons
- Only a few shade options are currently available
Available at
CLINIQUE Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector

CLINIQUE Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector Sephora
This CC cream is also a good option if you are looking for a lighter option. Although the color is not very intense, it gives you enough coverage to make your look pop! Shoppers love this product by itself, or as a primer under foundation.
Pros
- Natural finish
- SPF 30
- All skin types will find this product to be great
Cons
- Fewer shades available
- Higher price tag
Available at: Sephora Ulta Nordstrom
Dermablend Continuous Correction Tone Evening CC Cream Foundation

Dermablend Continuous Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream Foundation Amazon
This CC cream acts as more of a foundation than a CC cream, but it’s still lighter on the skin thanks to the additional good-for-you benefits. It has major color-correcting power, which may improve your skin’s natural radiance — and reviewers say its “blendability” is hard to beat.
Pros
- SPF 50
- High coverage
- There are many shades to choose from
Cons
- A little more expensive
- Some may find it too heavy
Available at: Amazon, Ulta, Dermstore
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular-CC Cream

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular-CC Cream Amazon
This CC Cream is perfect if you prefer a lighter layer of coverage. It’s far more sheer on the skin, but it still helps to even out your skin tone and let your natural complexion shine!
Pros
- SPF 30
- Natural, healthy-looking finish
- Moisturizing formula
Cons
- Color matching can be tricky
Available at: Amazon, Dermstore, Ulta, Target
Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream Foundation

Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream Foundation REVOLVE
The glowy skin that this product gives is what makes shoppers crazy! It provides a substantial coverage that rivals foundations with all the CC benefits. It looks so natural that it is easier to use than a heavier, more traditional foundation.
Pros
- SPF 50
- Dewey finish
- Amazing shade range
Cons
- More expensive
- This may not work for oily skin
Available at: Revolve, Amazon
CHANEL CC CREAM Super Active Complete Correction

CHANEL CC CREAM Super Active Complete Correction Nordstrom
This CC cream provides you with short-term results long-term benefits! On a daily basis, it provides a light layer of coverage that makes you look like you’re not wearing any makeup at all — and over time, it may help to improve fine lines and wrinkles. It may also promote a smoother skin texture.
Pros
- Excellent for neutralizing redness
- Natural finish
Cons
- High-end price
- There are only a few shades available
Available at: Nordstrom and Ulta
By Terry Cellularose® Moisturizing CC Cream

By Terry Cellularose® Moisturizing CC Cream Nordstrom
This CC cream has the lightest coverage and is less opaque. This product focuses on color-correction. Any redness or discoloration will disappear after application. It also helps to blur the skin so that you’re left looking naturally beautiful and radiant.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Subtle coverage
- Luminous Finish
Cons
- There are very few shade options
- Most expensive price
Available at: Nordstrom
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