Honestly, This Makeup Product Seems Too Good to Be True, But It's the Real Deal

There are a lot of makeup products out there that are just pure magic and make you feel so good. Concealers, foundations, highlighters, bronzers, etc.—we all have our holy-grail products that we can’t live without. You know, the ones we reach for every day. For me, my go-tos are a concealer, mascara, brow product, and a lip product. If I have these in my makeup bag, I’m a happy camper.

But ever since I became a beauty editor, I’ve been branching out and adding more products to my routine. One find that I never really gave a second thought to was CC cream. And wow, this product really does the most.

I’ve heard and used BB creams before. In fact, I wrote about my beloved Clinique BB cream a few months ago. I vaguely knew about CC creams, but since I was pretty happy with my BB, I didn’t really think about giving it a try. But now I’m intrigued!

If you’re new to CC creams like me, they help you get that minimal, effortless look like BB creams, but they offer a little bit more coverage. BB creams are short for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm,” and they nourish the skin while giving lighter coverage than a regular foundation.

CC creams, on the other hand, are known as a “color-correcting cream” or a “complexion corrector cream.” They can help even your skin tone and mask dark spots and redness. CC creams are a bit thicker than BB creams, but many also contain beneficial skincare ingredients like sunscreen.

So yeah, a concealing and color-correcting product that also has skincare benefits and is a little bit lighter than a heavy foundation? Sign me up. What do you think? Take a look at some of the best-rated CC creams below.

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ ($40)

This full-coverage CC cream includes physical mineral sunscreen so you’ve got major sun protection here. Other ingredients include collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.

Erborian CC Crème ($44)

Erborian’s CC creams are top-notch and highly-reviewed, so you can’t go wrong with them. Not only does it blur imperfections and evens out the skin tone, but it also provides a boost of radiance. This option is formulated with SPF 25.

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Color Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($40)

Like I said, I’m very familiar with Clinique’s BB cream, so its CC cream is definitely on top of my “To Try” list. The amazing thing about this particular formula is it is super hydrating, which is great for people who are prone to dry skin like myself.

Physicians Formula Super CC Color-Correction + Care CC Cream ($15)

You could call this a four-in-one product. It’s a foundation, moisturizer, anti-aging treatment, and SPF. And who doesn’t love a multitasking product?

Lancome UV Expert Mineral CC Cream Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($40)

This medium-to-full coverage product stays put all day and even provides 24-hour hydration. It’s also formulated with an antioxidant complex to protect against environmental stressors like pollution.

Bioderma Sensibio AR CC Cream ($27)

Dealing with redness can get tricky and sometimes you need to add so much product that it all looks like a cakey mess at the end. But this CC cream can manage the redness and it won’t irritate sensitive skin.

Elf Cosmetics Camo CC Cream ($14)

This CC cream has all the benefits of a medium to full coverage foundation and then some. It contains SPF 30 to protect against sun damage, plus hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides.

Supergoop CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50 ($39)

I’m obsessed with Supergoop’s Glowscreen sunscreen, so its CC cream is on my wish list, too. The oil-free product contains 100% mineral SPF 50; apple extract (for smoother skin); and irish moss and red seaweed extract (free radical protection).

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream ($39)

Juice Beauty’s CC cream does a whole lot. It obviously color-corrects, but it also provides SPF protection; reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; creates a glowy complexion; and moisturizes. What more can you ask for?

Chanel CC Cream ($55)

This CC cream from Chanel is long-lasting like many of the brand’s makeup options. In addition to SPF 50, the formula also contains murunga plum extract to enhance texture and glow, and hyaluronic acid for hydration.

Dermablend Continuous Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream SPF 50+ ($39)

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you’ll like this formula because it’s non-comedogenic and oil-free. The weightless and breathable formula can last up to 24 hours.

By Terry Cellularose Moisturizing CC Cream ($87)

When I’m looking for makeup products, I really prioritize anything that’s hydrating or moisturizing. This one fits the bill because it leaves the skin smooth and plump, while blurring and concealing any imperfections.

Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream ($13)

Neutrogena’s CC cream comes in 34 shades, which is pretty amazing since many CC creams don’t have a big shade range. The oil-free formula is mattifying and contains niacinamide.