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obsessive tester
July 11, 2013

Which New ‘CC Cream’ Stands Up to Summer’s Humidity?

By Julie Ma

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A few years back, my mom returned from a trip to Asia wielding little tubes that she touted as the latest thing to hit the foundation category: BB (“blemish balm” or “beauty balm”) creams. Back then, these were the latest facial potions that promised to do it all: fight blemishes, protect skin from the sun, moisturize, deliver skin-brightening antioxidants, and even serve as a cover-up, thanks to their lightly pigmented tint, all while sounding like a whimsical ice cream treat. From that moment onward, I remained loyal to the BBs — well, until CC creams, with the same lulling repeated letters, sauntered onto the scene. In short, CC creams, which stand for “complexion corrector” or “color corrector,” are next level, the love child between BB and anti-aging creams. They help address problems with redness, provide anti-aging benefits, give off a “dewy glow,” and everything else BB creams already do.

Since it’s summer, I was looking for a one-stop product, something that was light enough to feel like I wasn’t wearing a mask in the humidity, that would offer decent coverage, and maybe even hide my under-eye bags. I have a medium-tan skin tone with yellow undertones that turns shades darker as the weeks of summer progress, but this tanning isn’t always uniform. I wanted to make sure that my neck and face were evenly hued. My skin also tends to go oily by the end of the workday, so the goal was to find something that would prevent my face plunging into a greasy abyss by 6 p.m. I tested fourteen different products, all in pursuit of the newest facial potion that could do it all. Click through the slideshow to see which cream came out on top.

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Not Recommended From the moment I read the word "grapefruit" on the opaque cylindrical bottle, I hoped that didn't mean the tinted crea... Not Recommended From the moment I read the word "grapefruit" on the opaque cylindrical bottle, I hoped that didn't mean the tinted cream would smell like artificial fruit. But the second I popped off the lid and took a tentative whiff, my fears came to life. It smelled like a Sour Patch candy gone wrong — an initial burst of sourness suddenly overpowered by a wave of heavy musk. I'm not a fan of smearing anything oddly scented all over my face (let alone something that could possibly attract a cloud of fruit flies), but for those with less of an aversion to smelling sour, the formula feels relatively light, doesn't cake the face, and blends easily. It left my face a little oily. Photo: Courtesy Photo
Not Recommended This CC cream claims that it works to fight age spots, dark spots, even skin tone, brighten dull complexions, smooth skin texture... Not Recommended This CC cream claims that it works to fight age spots, dark spots, even skin tone, brighten dull complexions, smooth skin texture, and firm the skin. The color of the formula was surprising out of the tube, as it's basically white. Once rubbed on, the "color capsules" are supposed to burst, but I didn't find any coverage as I blended away. It just seemed to disappear into my skin. It felt nourishing (it contains vitamin C and calcium), but functions better as a sunscreen or a face lotion than an all-in-one. Photo: TED MORRISON
Not Recommended This was packaged so it looked like something to toss in an emergency survival kit, or in a purse for a long flight. Three rectan... Not Recommended This was packaged so it looked like something to toss in an emergency survival kit, or in a purse for a long flight. Three rectangular "portable resealable" packets come in the bright orange box. Each sachet has a circular plastic "cap," which has a pin-sized hole through which the formula comes out. It's extremely creamy, and a little bit goes a long way, but it makes the face look pasty. It also leaves a shine on your face. It's stuffed with root and citrus peel extracts that work to reduce redness and make the skin glow, but it doesn't promise any sun coverage. Photo: Courtesy Photo
Not Recommended This formula was the runniest of the bunch and poured out of the tube even with the lightest squeeze. This made it more difficult... Not Recommended This formula was the runniest of the bunch and poured out of the tube even with the lightest squeeze. This made it more difficult to seamlessly blend the slightly greasy, goopy formula that claims to neutralize, prime, moisturize, brighten, and make the skin look youthful. It succeeds in neutralizing red spots, and the tint and pigmentation work great, but there's a high level of shine. I managed to tone down the sheen with powder, but alone, it leaves a noticeable presence on the face, and the heaviness made me feel like I was wearing a mask.  Photo: Courtesy Photo
Recommended with Reservations Almay’s cream feels extremely lightweight, which is a huge plus, especially in the summertime when we're tackling h... Recommended with Reservations Almay’s cream feels extremely lightweight, which is a huge plus, especially in the summertime when we're tackling humidity. While the formula is well-pigmented, it offers sheer, minimal coverage, so problem spots or redness remain exposed. For those looking for light, moisturizing coverage and a shield from the sun, this would be a good choice. It's also perfect for a beach day. Photo: Courtesy Photo/Noho Productions
Recommended with Reservations Upon application, this formula felt very creamy and hydrating. One problem with the cream was the resulting over-de... Recommended with Reservations Upon application, this formula felt very creamy and hydrating. One problem with the cream was the resulting over-dewiness, but other than that, it blends really well into the skin. The opacity is more sheer and won't really cover dark spots, but it delivers smooth, lightweight coverage for summer. Photo: Courtesy Photo
Recommended with Reservations I wanted to love this product because I've used Dr. Jart+ BB creams in the past. Plus, the CC Essence is housed in ... Recommended with Reservations I wanted to love this product because I've used Dr. Jart+ BB creams in the past. Plus, the CC Essence is housed in a white compact case (plus mirror) that offers a delightful tan-and-white swirl. The application initially felt great, almost velvety when dabbed on with the sponge pouf included. But as I was trying to blend it, it felt heavy, greasy, and more like an oil mask than a natural cover-up. It also maintained too much dewiness — actual moisture whenever I touched my face — long after application. Photo: Courtesy Photo
Recommended with Reservations The compact case, like Dr. Jart's, made me excited at first glance. But rather than being a foundation, it's more s... Recommended with Reservations The compact case, like Dr. Jart's, made me excited at first glance. But rather than being a foundation, it's more suitable for touch-ups (because of its enclosed mirror). When you open it, there's a small foam pouf sitting atop a plastic white lid. When that's flipped over, a large circular sponge soaked in CC cream awaits. It's hydrating and veers a little close to stickiness, but offers refreshing, light coverage, with the pouf helping to cool down your skin. Photo: Courtesy Photo
Recommended with Reservations The tube has a certified organic label on it, and there's also a pungent herbal scent to this serum. It also claims... Recommended with Reservations The tube has a certified organic label on it, and there's also a pungent herbal scent to this serum. It also claims to do twelve different things, one of which includes repairing stem cells (a lofty goal). Despite the distracting smell, it offered smooth, balanced coverage without feeling too heavy in the heat. Photo: Courtesy Photo
Recommended with Reservations This has one of the highest SPF, which is a plus. It offers good coverage with a thick, creamy formula, but it also... Recommended with Reservations This has one of the highest SPF, which is a plus. It offers good coverage with a thick, creamy formula, but it also leaves behind a noticeable trace of shiny residue. No thanks. Photo: Courtesy Photo
Recommended The name "moisture surge" stands true because this cream remained truly hydrating without turning dewy or oily. It offered ... Recommended The name "moisture surge" stands true because this cream remained truly hydrating without turning dewy or oily. It offered great coverage, felt lightweight, and even blended well. It's one of the best options for the summer, given its barely there consistency. Photo: Courtesy Photo
Recommended It's infused with antioxidants and vitamins that are great for the skin — but it also offers great coverage. It's easy to blend, feel... Recommended It's infused with antioxidants and vitamins that are great for the skin — but it also offers great coverage. It's easy to blend, feels natural, and doesn't give off a strong glowing sheen. Photo: Courtesy Photo
Recommended For this one, less means more. This formula feels thicker than others, but it's very creamy, and my under-eye circles were relatively... Recommended For this one, less means more. This formula feels thicker than others, but it's very creamy, and my under-eye circles were relatively disguised. Over the course of the day, I tend to build up some oil naturally, especially when the weather's hot and humid. This product felt a little oily upon application, but abosrbed nicely into the skin. It also didn't give off a blatant sweaty sheen like a few of the other options. Photo: Courtesy Photo
All-Around Winner I'm a huge fan of this formula. It runs thicker than the others, but it goes on silky and succeeds in evening out the skin and ... All-Around Winner I'm a huge fan of this formula. It runs thicker than the others, but it goes on silky and succeeds in evening out the skin and making my color tones uniform. (Undereye bags, hidden!) It's blended with mica, which softens wrinkles and the look of pores without clogging them. I put this on in the morning before work, and by the end of the day, it was still going strong. It might feel a little little heavy on truly humid days, but it's the only one I could imagine using in all four seasons. Photo: Courtesy Photo
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Tags:

  • beauty
  • obsessive tester
  • cc cream
  • supergoop
  • clinique
  • peter thomas roth
  • juice beauty
  • amorepacific
  • sephora
  • smashbox
  • dr. jart
  • it cosmetics
  • almay
  • lorac
  • yes to grapefruit
  • More

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