Finding the right CC cream can be challenging, especially when you’re not sure which ones are right for your skin type. While it’s easy to gravitate to whichever CC creams are trending when you’re on the lookout for one (I’m guilty of doing this when short on time or energy), familiarizing yourself with the best ingredients and products that will make a difference in your skin’s appearance as it matures is important. Remember when you were encouraged to incorporate a good eye cream into your skincare routine after entering your twenties? Here’s your sign to do the same for CC cream.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about CC cream from a makeup artist experienced with working on mature skin. Then discover which products 100% deserve your attention.
Think of CC cream as a multitasking makeup product formulated to combat redness, dullness, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and other skin discoloration concerns. The name stands for “color control” or “complexion correction,” referencing its unique ability to target problem areas. CC cream can be especially helpful when creating makeup looks on mature skin. “CC Creams typically have more skincare benefits than a traditional foundation, and as we age, ensuring our makeup includes skincare benefits is essential,” says veteran makeup artist Laura Geller.
“CC creams are often moisturizing, and some include SPF, both of which help address common concerns of sun protection and hydration as our skin tends to dry as we age.” Geller’s namesake brand, founded in 1997, is celebrated for its approach to inclusive products and marketing (in fact, it exclusively uses women over 40 in advertising). CC Creams such as Geller’s Quench-n-Tint Hydrating Foundation are only the tip of the iceberg.
When deciding which CC creams to use for mature skin, Geller gravitates toward ones that utilize hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate to repair and protect the skin barrier. “Less is more as we age, so this is a great substitute for foundation on those ‘no makeup’ makeup days,” she adds. “The moisturizing ingredients in your CC cream will ensure it won’t crease, crack, or settle into fine lines or wrinkles.” According to Geller, CC cream should provide your skin with more benefits than a traditional foundation, a testament to the importance of incorporating ingredients that support healthy and beautiful mature skin.
For the best outcome, Geller recommends applying the product with the fingers and then blending it outward and upward for an even complexion. “Ideally, it’s going to give me light coverage and color-correct any discoloration while also serving as a moisturizer,” Geller explains. “There’s nothing worse than a cream that will dry you out, especially for mature skin.”
Geller’s go-to product is her brand’s Quench-n-Tint Hydrating Foundation which she argues is more of a CC cream. “It has a refreshing, lightweight feel and includes Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture. It gives my skin a dewy, youthful glow!” To take it one step further, she pairs the CC Cream with her Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer in Hydrate for added moisture and coverage. Customer review: “I’m 52 and have been looking for that perfect makeup that won’t make me look older. It’s light and creamy and feels good on my skin. No settling in lines, and it gives a really nice natural look. I’ve spent way too much money on foundations, and this is definitely the winner!” Pro: Lightweight with an easy-to-blend formula. Con: None
“Best product I’ve found for my mature skin and covering age spots,” one reviewer writes. “This product is a total confidence booster for me, my age spots and sun damage is visible, and this product does a great job at concealing without feeling like you are wearing a thick layer of makeup and setting into fine lines/wrinkles.” Customer review: “I’m very satisfied with this makeup. Coverage was important to me due to some rosacea, and this definitely gave me the coverage I needed. It applies evenly on your skin and gives a smooth appearance with a nice, light feel. There’s nothing not to like with this product. Try it!” Pro: Long-lasting coverage. Con: High price point and limited shades available
This hydrating, anti-aging product is formulated with physical SPF 50+, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and niacinamide for a product that works brilliantly as a full-coverage foundation, a serum, and a sunscreen (hence the + following the CC on the packaging). Customer review: “I love this product. [It’s the] only kind I use now. Goes on like silk. So blendable. My 51-year-old, dry, sun-damaged skin looks hydrated and glowy. No settling in the creases. Great coverage. Get it!” Pro: Lightweight with a full-coverage finish. Con: Leaves a white cast
Offered in 30 shades, Elf’s Camo CC Cream is a full-coverage color-correcting foundation infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, collagen, and SPF for healthy and vibrant-looking skin. Customer review: “My skin is more mature, and I haven’t had luck with IT Cosmetics CC cream in terms of appearance and shades. I found a good shade match with this ELF product and lightly applied it over a glowy primer sunscreen. It looks great.” Pro: Hyaluronic acid-infused formula. Con: Not ideal for acne-prone skin
Terry’s Cullularose Moisturizing CC Cream offers a nonoily texture that blurs fine lines, subtly tints the skin, and provides moisture for a healthy, glowing complexion that lasts. Customer review: “This is just beautiful, smells gorgeous, applies beautifully, and gives a great natural finish with plenty of coverage for a CC cream. A little goes a very long way, and I know that this has become a new make-up staple for me! The pump is great as you don’t waste any product too!” Pro: Natural-looking with a luminous finish. Con: Does not offer full coverage
This CC cream uses a powerful blend of apple extract, red-seaweed extract, and Irish moss to brighten, soothe, and protect the skin while providing a smooth and glowing complexion for all skin types. Customer review: “One of my favorite new products! I have sensitive skin, and this gives me the coverage I need with no breakouts! Also, I get compliments on how natural my skin looks and what foundation I’m using. People are always shocked that I don’t use foundation. 100/10 love this!” Pro: Ultra-hydrating formula. Con: Potentially difficult to shade match
Using a lightweight cream formula, this CC cream can be worn alone, applied over your favorite moisturizer, or under a foundation to help combat redness, dullness, and sallowness for a flawless finish. Customer review: “This cream basically erased the redness on my face and created a fresh-looking, moisturized base. I usually have to go through several steps to get to my “ready palette” but not with this! Love it.” Pro: Ultra-moisturizing. Con: Not fragrance-free, irritating for sensitive skin
Dermablend’s weightless and breathable Continuous Correction CC Cream gives its wearer full coverage without clogging pores, weighing the skin down for a radiant and healthy visage. Customer review: “This is absolutely amazing. It took very little product to cover my face, and redness from rosacea over my t-zone is completely camouflaged. For decades, I’ve been trying tinted primers, liquid and mineral powder foundations together, loose powders, concealers, and more foundations. This did the job and made my skin look nearly perfect in one application.” Pro: Formula contains SPF 50+. Con: Sets quickly and is difficult to blend
Here’s a CC cream that truly does it all by offering sheer-to-buildable coverage with a skincare-infused tinted moisturizer formula to brighten and even your complexion. The best part? It serves as a moisturizer, foundation, primer, and SPF. Customer review: “I have been looking for a product like this for over a year. I finally found the perfect coverage with a nice glow. It makes my face look wonderful. I need the light glowing look to counteract the paleness that I normally have.” Pro: Offers sheer coverage that’s buildable. Con: Not ideal for dry skin
“It Cosmetics CC Illumination is IT for me,” a reviewer writes. “The color (medium) is a perfect match for my skin, the coverage lasts all day, and the finish is dewy and healthy looking, especially for a full-coverage foundation. After so many different brands, this is my go-to.” Customer review: “I absolutely love this cream. I use it as a foundation. I use my fingertips for blending. It goes on smoothly, and [there are] no streaks. I also use a light powder over it and [am] ready to go. Stays all day without any smearing.” Pro: Illuminating with a skin-like finish. Con: Not long-wearing and oxidizes over time
Leave it to bareMinerals to create a clean, multitasking moisturizer that’s available in a variety of shades, allows for sheer and natural coverage, and uses a blend of SPF 30 and other ingredients for a flawless finish. Customer review: “Absolutely love this tinted moisturizer! I have pretty dry skin, and this can keep my face moisturized throughout the day. It’s very natural, and it’s easily buildable if you need more coverage. Love that it is also SPF 30 and doesn’t feel sticky at all. Highly recommend this product to people with dry skin!” Pro: Mineral-based SPF coverage. Con: Limited shade range
This multi-benefit makeup primer uses SPF to prep the skin for long-lasting foundation wear while also smoothing lines, diffusing the appearance of dryness, and adding hydration. Customer review: “You can wear this without foundation. Brightens and evens out your skin. This will definitely become a makeup staple for me. Pricey but worth every penny!” Pro: Smoothes imperfections. Con: High price point
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
