The Largest Choice of Beauty Salon Equipment in the UK. Learn more

11 Must-Have CC Cream for Beginners

Best CC Cream

There are four ways how to use CC creams for the face, including sunscreen, foundation, and moisturiser. Most CC cream with SPF ingredients protects the skin from sun damage and offers anti-ageing benefits, including vitamin C, peptides and antioxidants. CC colour-correcting cream is supposed to enhance discoloured areas of the skin. Finding a perfect cc cream for beginners can be tricky. Furthermore, there are 6 things to know before having a CC Cream, such as features, value, packaging, smell, formulas, appearance, and quality. These factors are important to put in mind when choosing a cc cream product because a lot of brands offering cc creams are spread all over the market.

The top 3 must-haves for beginners are IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream, and Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream. IT Cosmetics Your Skin, But Better CC+ Cream is the best overall cc cream in giving maximum coverage and a smooth finish for the face. e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream is the best budget-friendly cc cream that provides medium-to-full coverage with a perfectly natural, satin finish to the skin. Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream is hailed as the best moisturising cc cream. It gives flawlessly light coverage and nourishes, hydrates and protects the skin from sun damage. 

Listed below are the top 3 must-have CC Cream for Beginners. 

  • IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream (Best Overall): The IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is the best overall CC cream. The usage is best to apply and recommended for combination, dry, normal, oily and sensitive skin types.
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream (Best Budget-Friendly): The e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream is the best budget-friendly CC cream. The usage is best to apply and recommended for all skin types, such as; normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin types. 
  • Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream (Best Moisturising): The Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream is the best moisturising CC cream. The usage is best applied and recommended for dull skin types. Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream features a sheer finish and light to medium coverage with a moisturizing effect on the skin. 
  • 1. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream (Best Overall)

    The IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is the best overall CC cream. For its usage, best to apply and recommended for combination, dry, normal, oily and sensitive skin types. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ features a radiant finish, colour-correcting and full coverage on the skin. The formulation is cream and has the benefits of sun protection and anti-ageing. The product claims ingredients are safe for pregnancy. It has 9 ingredients, such as AHAs, Anti-oxidants, BHAs/Salicylic Acid, Paraben-free, Peptides, Retinoid and Vitamins. The overall review rating of IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is 4.5 out of 5 stars, mainly because the product quality and claims really work. On the other hand, some customers did not like the finish because it is not transfer-proof. The average price of IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better is £32.50 GBP.

    IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Advantages

    IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Disadvantages

    Lightweight

    Not transfer-proof

    Can cover blemishes

    Strong fragrance

    Full coverage

    Oxides quickly

    2. e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream (Best Budget-Friendly)

    The e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream is the best budget-friendly CC cream. For its usage, best to apply and recommended for all skin types, such as; normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin types. The e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream features a medium-to-full coverage with a natural, satin finish to the skin. The formulation is a cream with protection against sun damage. The ingredients are free from harmful chemicals, such as; phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylate, triclosan, triclocarban and hydroquinone. Ingredients are claimed as 100% vegan and cruelty-free. In addition, it is infused with collagen, peptides and niacinamide. The overall rating of e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream is 4.2 out of 5 stars, mainly because of the great formula, which is not harmful to the skin, but difficult to blend into the skin. The average price of e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream is £14.00 GBP.

    e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream  Advantages

    e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream Disadvantages

    Natural finish

    Difficult to blend

    Vegan

    Cakey on the face

    Free from harmful formula

    Streaky

    3. Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream (Best Moisturizing)

    The Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream is the best moisturizing CC cream. For its usage, best to apply and recommended for dull skin types. Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream features a sheer finish and light to medium coverage with a moisturizing effect on the skin. The formulation is with SPF that gives a light foundation coverage and nourishes, hydrates and protects the skin from sun damage. The ingredients are packed with seven benefits such as; cleansing the face, refreshing, brightening, purifying, softening, minimising the appearance of pores and visibly smoothing skin. The overall rating of Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream is 4.5 out of 5 stars, mainly because it definitely moisturises the skin and corrects unnecessary pigmentation. On the other hand, when it comes to its shades, the result on the skin becomes yellowish. The average price of Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream is £20.33 GBP. 

    Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream Advantages

    Olay Total Effects Tone CC Cream Disadvantages

    Moisturises the skin

    Light coverage

    Brightening

    Yellowish shade finish

    Smooth effect

    Unpleasant scent

    4. Supergoop CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream

    The Supergoop CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream is the ultimate clean formula. It is oil-free, and 100% mineral with Sun Protection Formula (SPF) 50. Supergoop CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream features complete care for the skin with perfectly natural and buildable coverage. The formulation is cream and has 3 main ingredients, which are Non-nano Zinc Oxide, Apple Extract and Irish Moss or Red Seaweed Extract. The ingredients are packed with clean, nourishing broad-spectrum non-nano protein for healthy skin. The overall rating of Sugargoop CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream is 3.7 out of 5 stars, mainly because of the flexing formula that instantly evens out skin tone, but it's too thick and drying to the face. The average price of Sugargoop CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream is £42.00 GBP.

    Sugargoop CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream Advantages 

    Sugargoop CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream Disadvantages

    Oil-free

    Thick consistency

    SPF 50

    Flaky on skin

    Clean formula

    5. Cle De Peau UV Protective Cream

    The Cle De Peau UV Protective Cream is lightweight with high-performance sunscreen. On its usage, best to apply and recommended for normal skin types. Cle De Peau UV Protective Cream features to provide a luxuriously creamy but lightweight. The formulation contains beauty treatment ingredients including, Wild Thyme Extract, Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalnensis Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Essence and Mangosteen Extra which brings vitalizing benefits. Moreover, it improves makeup application and ensures a beautiful finish. The ingredients are developed with a light fresh scent inspired by natural rose, rare orchid, grapefruit, mandarin and peach. The overall rating of Cle De Peau UV Protective Cream is 4 out of 5 stars, mainly because it has the benefit to protect the skin from UV rays. On the other hand, it is not recommended for acne-prone skins. The average price of Cle De Peau UV Protective Cream is £71.90 GBP.

    Cle De Peau UV Protective Cream

    Advantage

    Cle De Peau UV Protective Cream

    Disadvantages

    Lightweight formula

    Can cause breakout

    Fresh scent

    Not enough coverage to hide dark spots

    High-performance sunscreen

    6. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream

    The Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream is a multitasking CC Cream that is beneficial for ageing skin. The formulation is specifically made without harmful chemicals such as parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulphates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes or any synthetic fragrances. There are 3 key ingredients, including Aloe vera, Coconut oil and Malic acid. Aloe vera helps in skin hydration. Coconut oil is high in antioxidants that protect, nourish and hydrate the skin. Furthermore, malic acid provides a powerful antioxidant for beautifully radiant skin. The overall rating of Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream is 4.2 out of 5 stars, mainly because of its great consistency, but the coverage is sheer. The average price of Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream is  £49.97 GBP. 

    Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream 

    Advantages

    Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream 

    Disadvantages

    Good consistency

    Sheer coverage

    Hydrating

    Can cause allergic reaction

    Great for everyday use

    7. Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream

    The Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream was developed by a dermatologist. On its usage, best to apply and recommended significantly for acne-prone skin. The formula is full coverage. All available shades are formulated with niacinamide, no oils, fragrance or parabens. It features a flawless look and matte finish. The overall rating of Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream is 4.4 out of 5 stars, mainly because it is long-lasting, but it can cause irritation. The average price of Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream is £9.32 GBP. 

    Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream Advantages

    Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream Disadvantages

    Long-lasting

    Poor Packaging

    Good for acne-prone skin

    Dark selection of shades

    Clean formula

    8. Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream

    The Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream is a one-step product for glowing skin. For its usage, best to apply and recommended for all skin types, especially for dry skin. The formula is light-to-medium coverage. Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream helps in moisturising, and instantly corrects a range of complexion concerns, including redness, dullness and sallowness. The overall rating of Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream is 4.2 out of 5 stars, mainly because of the coverage and the moisture effect on the skin. On the other hand, the consistency is too thick and not blendable. The average price of Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream is £33.53 GBP. 

    Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Advantages

    Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Disadvantages

    Glowing on skin

    Thick consistency

    Perfect for dry skin

    Too cakey on skin

    Moisturising

    9. Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream

    The Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream is an ultra-blendable and lightweight cream. For its usage, best to apply and recommended ageing skins and dull skins. The formula is lightweight and highly pigmented. Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream is a skincare hybrid colour-correcting cream that blurs skin imperfections and delivers a flawless, youthful-looking complexion. The overall rating of Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream is 4.0 out of 5 stars, mainly because it is highly pigmented but cakey on the face. The average price of Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream is £11.54 GBP. 

    Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream Advantages 

    Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream Disadvantages

    Lightweight

    Cakey on the face

    High pigmentation

    Shade range is limited

    Corrects skin complexions

    Not recommended for oily skin

    10. Erborian CC Cream

    The Erborian CC Cream is a high-definition illuminator with a fine texture that contains encapsulated pigments to enhance skin complexion. For its usage, best to apply and recommended for all skin types. Erborian CC Cream is the dermatological tested and perfect combination of skincare and makeup.  The overall rating of Erborian CC Cream is 4.7 out of 5 stars, mainly because the formula blends with the skin perfectly. On the other hand, most of the customers are not satisfied with the coverage. The average price of Erborian CC Cream is £37.37 GBP.

    Erborian CC Cream Advantage

    Erborian CC Cream Disadvantage

    Blendable

    Not enough coverage

    Skincare and makeup in one

    Shades are too orange

    11. Hey Honey Trick and Treat CC² Active Moisturizing Cream

    The Hey Honey Trick and Treat CC² Active Moisturizing Cream offers complete and natural skin coverage. In its usage, best to apply and recommended for all skin types. Hey Honey Trick and Treat CC² Active Moisturizing Cream provides a natural flawless coverage to any skin condition. It features for everyday use and has antibacterial properties to treat acne. The overall rating of Hey Honey Trick and Treat CC² Active Moisturizing Cream is 4.7 out of 5 stars, mainly because it is suitable for all skin types, but it has poor consistency. The average price of Hey Honey Trick and Treat CC² Active Moisturizing Cream is £33.13 GBP.

    Hey Honey Trick and Treat CC² Active Moisturizing Cream Advantages

    Hey Honey Trick and Treat CC² Active Moisturizing Cream Disadvantages

    For all skin types

    Poor consistency

    Flawless coverage

    Poor packaging

    Treats acne

    How to apply CC Cream?

    CC Cream is a lightweight makeup formula. It can be used as an alternative product to foundation or primer. CC Creams help hide skin imperfections, including redness or hyperpigmentation. Most of the CC creams come with a sun protection formula that protects skin from sun damage and treats blemishes. Applying the CC creams to the face is easy. Using a brush or fingertips is possible. The instructions on“ How to Apply CC Cream” are below. 

    Listed below are the instructions on how to apply CC Cream.

  • Cleanse, tone and moisturize the skin. Before applying CC cream, the face should be cleaned first. Gently wash the face with a cleanser and pat the skin to dry. Toner and moisturiser are a must after cleansing. 
  • Use a small amount. Squeeze a small amount of CC cream into the fingers. A smaller amount is enough to control the desired coverage.
  • Blend in the cream. CC cream can be applied whether using fingers or with a foundation brush. Pat the cream to spread around the face. The patting technique is better than rubbing. Rubbing can cause irritation and redness to the skin. Alternatively, sweep a makeup brush across the skin to blend the cream outward. 
  • Check the results and add more cream to problem areas, if desired. Adding another layer is more effective to control the coverage and spot the blemishes thoroughly. 
  • How to choose the best CC cream for your skin tone?

    There are 4 main different types of skin tones which include Light, Fair, Medium and Dark. To choose the best CC cream for a specific skin tone first is to determine the skin tone, including the undertone. Secondly, match the skin tone to the cc cream shade. Lastly, test the product if possible. Testing the product is necessary to get an accurate shade of cc cream for the skin tone. 

    Listed below are the tips on how to choose the best CC cream for your skin tone. 

  • Determine the skin tone and undertone. It is essential to determine the skin tone and undertone. By looking at skin colour and veins on the wrist, skin tone can be determined.   
  • Match the skin tone. After determining the undertone, select a CC cream that is closest to the skin tone. Always consider the closest shade to the skin tone. Avoid lighter or darker shades than the skin tone. Lighter shades might look the face dull, while darker shades might look ashy. 
  • Test if possible. Test the product if possible to get an accurate shade to the skin tone. Put a small amount on the neck to test if the shade is matched the skin tone. 
  • What is the best CC Cream for oily skin?

    CC creams for oily skin help the skin in reducing facial blemishes. Usually, a light and oil-free formulation prevents the skin from clogging pores, which causes the oil in the skin. The light and oil-free formula perfectly blurs the uneven tones, discoloured complexion and wrinkles. The best cc cream for oily skin is the Supergoop CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream. It is lightweight and oil-free, which is great for oily skin. Oil-free ingredients helps to avoid the skin from oiliness. 

    What is the best CC Cream for dry skin?

    A moisturising cc cream helps the skin from dryness, It is better to look for a cc cream that is recommended for dry skin and has a moisturiser benefit. In addition, it is advisable to go for a cc cream that promises a dewy finish to hide dry skin. The best cc cream for dry skin is the Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream. Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream helps in moisturising and instantly corrects a range of complexion concerns, including redness, dullness and sallowness.

    What is the best CC Cream for acne-prone skin?

    Acne-prone skins are delicate skins that needs extra caution with products. CC creams specifically target redness, age spots and pigmentation problems. The best cc cream for acne-prone skin is the Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream. The Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream is developed by a dermatologist and recommended significantly for acne-prone skin. The formula does not contain any harmful ingredients that will cause breakouts or acne. 

    What is the best CC Cream for Sensitive skin?

    Sensitive skins are also delicate skins. It is recommended to have a formula that is gentle on the skin to avoid a possible breakout. CC creams that have sun protection formulas are a good example to use for sensitive skins. The e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream is the best for sensitive skin. The e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream has vegan and free from harmful formulas. 

    What is the difference between bb cream and cc cream?

    There are significant differences between a CC and a BB cream. A BB cream offers light coverage and added skincare benefits. On the other hand, CC cream aims to correct colour imperfections. CC Cream is meant to help correct the colour of redness, dark spots or pale skin. BB Cream vs. CC Cream also differs from regular tinted moisturisers. 

    Is cc cream good for oily skin?

    Yes, cc creams are good for oily skin. Colour Correcting (CC) Creams for oily skin lessen facial blemishes. Usually, CC creams that have a light and oil-free formulation prevent the pore from blocking. CC creams are beneficial for oily skin to reduce facial blemishes. Usually, light and oil-free formulation prevent pores from clogging. Light and oil-free formula covers the uneven tones, discoloured like red patches and wrinkles.