Frequently Asked Questions
What are CC creams?
A CC cream—short for “color-correcting cream”—is designed to even out your complexion by neutralizing things like redness, sallowness, or dullness rather than just covering them up. The pigments are “mixed in such a way that they neutralize color in the skin, creating a more even-looking complexion,” often adjusting for different undertones in the process, says Pilar DeMann, a makeup artist based in Washington Depot, Connecticut. Traditionally, they’re thought to be lighter than foundation, but that’s not always the case these days. “Some of them are very pigmented,” she notes—meaning they may feel lightweight, but still pack enough color to deliver real coverage. Many formulas also slot easily into your skin-care routine, with added benefits that help smooth the look of uneven skin texture and, depending on the formula, offer anything from a dewy glow to a more matte finish.
How are CC creams different from tinted moisturizers or BB creams?
While tinted moisturizers are mostly about lightweight hydration with a hint of color, and BB (beauty balm) creams feature skin care benefits with light-to-medium coverage, CC creams are designed to color-correct—using pigments to neutralize redness, dullness, or uneven tone. They often offer a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer and can feel more targeted than a BB cream, especially if your goal is to even things out without relying on foundation that can sometimes be too heavy on mature skin.
Meet the experts
- Pilar DeMann, a makeup artist and founder of Pilar Beauty, based in Washington Depot, Connecticut
- Laura Kay, a makeup artist and founder of Laura Kay London based in Radlett, England
- Alexandra McCormick, a makeup artist based in Newport Beach, California
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best CC creams, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be browsing for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we’re able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Now, watch the Forbidden Fruits cast spill secrets after sipping the truth serum:
