The PÜR Cosmetics 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer was our pick for a dewy glow
Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products. Glass Spray Bottles
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Designed to correct redness and hyperpigmentation, CC cream (or Color Correcting cream) is a color complexion product that provides a bit more coverage than its sister BB cream, while still allowing the skin to shine through. And with so many variations of CC cream on the market, it’s important to know what you’re looking for in this base product. Formulations can range from watery, hydrating serums to creamier, high-coverage balms and everything in between. Many also offer sun protection (though we recommend a base layer of sunscreen for optimal coverage!).
Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg is a personal fan of the product that we dubbed the Best Overall CC Cream. "My daily go-to is PÜR’s 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer with SPF," Greenberg shared with PEOPLE. "It’s very rare that you find a product that will give you just the right amount of coverage, but you feel like you’re wearing nothing."
Not only does Greenberg use the PÜR 4-1 Tinted Moisturizer "every day" on herself — she also applies this lightweight product to the skin of her celebrity clients. "I’ve used this on Chelsea Handler. She loves a really natural look when she performs," she tells us.
We put 24 of the most popular CC creams to the test, factoring in every detail from product application to each ingredient list. And, to make sure that we found the best of the best, we further tested our top-performing picks over the course of 6 months. Read on to discover the 10 best CC creams for every budget, skin type, and coverage preference.
Gives the skin a glowy, hydrated appearance
Packed with skin-loving ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E
Depending on your skin and the amount of time you spend in sunlight, you might want to layer on more sun protection
Hydrating? Check. Skin-perfecting coverage? Double check. The 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 from PÜR Cosmetics impressed us on every front. From its barely-there feel on the skin to its glowy finish, this tube of magic might just be our new go-to.
This lightweight tinted moisturizer is formulated with deeply nourishing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate to plump and hydrate and vitamin E to soothe the skin, on top of the fact that it’s cruelty-free and vegan. We were impressed by the weightless, second-skin feel of the PÜR 4-1 Tinted Moisturizer. From a beach-side vacation to the cold winter streets of New York, we've stayed obsessed with this product through all of our testing.
Available in 16 shades, the PÜR 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer claims to do the work of four separate products: moisturizer, primer, foundation, and SPF. We love that it allows freckles to show through while covering redness, and we gave this product 5 out of 5 stars for both coverage and feel. While it does offer broad spectrum SPF 20 coverage, an extra layer of sunscreen might be necessary to keep you protected. With makeup layered on top or without, the PÜR 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer is basically glowy skin in a bottle.
Size: 1.7 oz. | Shades: 16 | Coverage: Light | SPF: Yes, SPF 20
Lightweight feel with medium coverage
Easy to apply with your fingers
Packaging made of 51 percent post-consumer recycled plastic
The lightest shade might not be light enough for very fair skin tones
At this point, we’ll buy just about anything Jessica Alba makes, and the CCC Clean Corrective tinted Moisturizer from her brand Honest Beauty is no exception. Boasting medium coverage with a formula that feels creamy and lightweight, this product is perfect for folks who are looking for a nourishing formula that easily cancels out dark spots and redness.
If the thought of slathering on any makeup product in the sweltering heat has you sweatier than a packed subway car without A/C at rush hour, this product might just change your mind. After trying this product in our PEOPLE Tested labs, we barely even noticed it on our skin (in the best way). And, through our long-term testing period, we only grew to love this product's dewy, lightweight finish more.
The dermatologist-tested formula has an ingredient list worth bragging about (hello, mineral SPF and vitamin C!). If your skin is sensitive to chemical sunscreens, the mineral formulation offers less irritation than many others on the market. To top it all off, this non-comedogenic CC cream is all wrapped in a sleek tube made of 51 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. And once you use every last drop (which you will), the packaging can be recycled again.
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 9 | Coverage: Light to medium | SPF: Yes, SPF 30
Full coverage with a natural finish
A little goes a long way
It's a pricier option
If foundation and CC cream had a baby, this would be it. A major player in the makeup and skincare space, IT Cosmetics’ redness-erasing formulas have become a cult classic for a reason. This silky cream leaves the skin with a natural, not-too-matte but not-too-dewy finish.
And the surprisingly high-coverage formula doesn’t sacrifice its lightweight feel. Unlike most full-coverage foundations, it would be easy to forget that this CC cream is on your face at all. The brand’s prestige does come with a slightly loftier price tag, but this is definitely a little-goes-a-long-way type of product. It’s infused with anti-aging ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and niacinamide and promises to improve skin over time.
Although it provides relatively high coverage, the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream might not cover all dark spots. We'd definitely recommend this product for skin types that lean oilier, as our long-term testing revealed that this product could sometimes stick to dry patches (especially in the wintertime). This aside, we were impressed with the product’s ability to melt seamlessly into the skin to create a no-makeup finish.
Sizes: 0.4 oz. and 1 oz. | Shades: 12 | Coverage: Medium to full | SPF: Yes, SPF 50
Might not work for drier skin types
The e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream proves that the drugstore makeup aisle can pack a high-coverage punch. This color-correcting formula comes in 16 shades and includes warm, cool, and neutral undertones.
Upon application, this lightweight, comfortable formula smoothed over the skin like a gentle moisturizer would. Formulated with SPF 30, the ingredient list includes niacinamide to soothe and brighten. Shoppers have lauded this medium-to-high coverage formula as a more budget-friendly dupe for the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream.
The natural matte finish is perfect for people with combination or oilier skin types but might not be suitable for dry skin. Shoppers pointed out that the formula can stick unevenly to dry patches. But if your skin tends to be oily, this product might just be the proof you need that the CC cream trend is for everyone.
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 16 | Coverage: Medium to full | SPF: Yes, SPF 30
Great for all skin types, including sensitive or reactive skin
Packaging made from 60 percent post-consumer recycled plastic
Light coverage may not be ideal for those looking to cover blemishes
We can't say enough good things about the lightweight feel of this blendable, ultra-breathable foundation. Available in 14 different shades, this product provides SPF 30 protection from a non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen that is suitable for sensitive skin.
Packed in an adorable, minimalist tube and loaded with good-for-you ingredients like prickly pear to repair and soften skin, this fragrance-free product is great for those with sensitive or reactive skin. In fact, this product claims to be the “first only complexion makeup product with the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance.” We enjoyed the calming effects of this product’s botanical ingredients and truly noticed that the white sage within the foundation helped ease redness.
According to the brand, this tinted moisturizer provides “light to medium, buildable coverage.” We found that it was more light than medium, and some dark spots and acne still showed through under this CC cream. But, for those who desire a lighter coverage product with a natural, dewy finish, this could be the glow you’ve been looking for.
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 14 | Coverage: Light to medium | SPF: Yes, SPF 30
Might not work for drier skin types
A little goes a long way with this matte finish CC cream from Neutrogena. It gave full, foundation-like coverage that immediately impressed us. The oil-free formulation is great for those with skin that tends to get oily throughout the day and includes the powerhouse anti-inflammatory ingredient niacinamide (aka vitamin B3).
This CC cream is available in a wide range of 34, which we love to see, but we did find that the undertones tend to lean yellow-ish. The product comes out a little bit thick, but we found that we could rub it in pretty easily to a near-invisible finish. Formulated to blur discoloration and minimize the appearance of pores, the product also has impressive staying power.
The ingredient list is almost as impressive as the budget-friendly price — after all, it was developed with dermatologists. Overall, we think that this matte-finish CC cream is a great choice for those seeking fuller coverage without clogging pores or further sensitizing the skin.
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 34 | Coverage: Full | SPF: No
Contains SPF 50 and a PA+++ rating (the best protection level on the market)
Leaves a natural finish for all skin types
It's a bit pricey
Some shoppers say the product settles into fine lines throughout the day
This SPF-makeup hybrid leaves the skin with a natural, lightweight finish. Available in 13 shades, this product comes from the sunscreen experts at Supergoop!, a brand loved by celebrities like Brooke Shields.
The medium-coverage formula evened out the complexion completely in our tests, making dark spots visibly less noticeable and minimizing any redness. This product claims to be good for all skin types and was formulated without any potential skin sensitizers. After continuing to test this product for six months, we're happy to report that it caused no irritation or breakouts and continues to deliver a glowing, gorgeous base that works in both summer and winter weather conditions.
The application of this CC Cream was smooth and easy, with both fingertips and a sponge. It spread across the skin like water and truly felt like nothing is on the skin at all. Though it might feel like nothing, the powerful ingredients are definitely noteworthy — mineral SPF, apple extract to help the skin appear brighter and smoother, and Irish moss for anti-aging are among the most exceptional additions.
Size: 1.6 oz. | Shades: 13 | Coverage: Light | SPF: Yes, SPF 50
Formulated with squalane to lock in moisture
It's a bit pricey
Some shoppers dislike the product’s smell
The GlowWish MultiDew Vegan Tint from Huda Beauty does exactly what its name suggests — it leaves skin with a radiant, luminous finish. Formulated in 13 different glowing shades, this product includes red bell pepper extract, which is said to protect against blue light, and Damascus rose oil to soothe and lock in moisture.
The product claims to provide light coverage in a liquid formulation and works better as a skin tint than a foundation. If you're looking for a high-coverage foundation, this product isn't it. But, to achieve the coveted no-makeup makeup effortless glow, this product absolutely delivers. The GlowWish MultiDew covered both dark circles and blemishes with a dewy finish. Our only note is that we wish this product included some SPF.
Size: 1.35 oz. | Shades: 13 | Coverage: Light to medium | SPF: No
Comes in a convenient compact
A cult favorite CC cream in the Korean beauty market, the Amorepacific Color Control Cushion Compact provides weightless coverage for a luxe, glass-skin finish. This product comes delivered in a convenient round compact with a built-in application sponge, making it perfect for touch-ups throughout the day.
Though this is the most expensive CC cream on our list, we felt that the higher price was reflected in the quality and luxurious feel of the product. It applies very smoothly with immediate results, and the color correcting is impressive right when it touches the skin.
This product manages to provide coverage that we'd describe as medium and dewy, which can be a hard balance to achieve in such a lightweight formula. Housed in this purse-ready compact are uniquely soothing ingredients like bamboo sap and green tea. One important con: We do wish that this CC cream was available in a wider range of shades. We also noticed that over our six-month testing process, the applicator sponge started to feel a bit dirty and was not the easiest to clean. But, overall, we were impressed enough with this product to want to purchase it ourselves.
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 5 | Coverage: Light to medium | SPF: Yes, SPF 50
Offers a deeper shade range than most CC creams
Coverage might feel too heavy for some
Would need to pair it with another SPF product to receive full protection
When it comes to drugstore concealers, Lip Bar is a brand worth raving about. This CC cream in particular blew us away in terms of shade range, price, and coverage. Upon application, every dark spot and dark circle immediately disappeared. Although this cream comes in just six different shades, the range between the lightest and darkest shade, coupled with the product's unique ability to blend into the skin, makes this product a winner for a variety of skin tones.
The Lip Bar's CC cream feels lightweight and hydrating on the skin with impressive coverage that even stayed put under a mask. The hydrating, glowy finish is achieved through ingredients like hyaluronic acid, rosewater, cucumber extract, and Irish sea moss. For days when you desire lighter coverage, we think this product would look stunning when mixed with a dab of moisturizer to sheer it out.
While the Just a Tint 3-in-1 does provide a small amount of sun protection with an SPF rating of 11, we wish that it included a higher factor. For the price, this vegan and cruelty-free CC cream does check a lot of our boxes!
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 5 | Coverage: Medium | SPF: Yes, SPF 11
"First off, how’s the texture?" Editorial makeup artist Ashley Rebecca says to ask yourself. "Since CC cream is formulated to cover things like hyperpigmentation, you want to make sure the texture is easy to blend." According to Rebecca, it's also important to consider your skin type (whether it tends to be drier or oilier) when deciding on the finish that's right for you. For example, do you regularly use a face moisturizer for dry skin? "Gauging how matte the finish is can aid in your decision on whether or not it’s best for you," she shares. CC creams come in a variety of finishes, from matte to extra dewy, and the right product for you depends on both your preference and skin type. Those with oiler skin who worry about becoming shinier throughout the day might prefer a more matte finish, such as the Neutrogena Flawless Matte CC Cream, while those with dehydrated skin might opt for a more hydrating, wetter finish to ensure that the product won’t stick to dry patches.
Whether you love a sheer, freckle-baring makeup look or prefer an airbrushed, flawless finish, the right CC cream for you is out there. Make sure to look for the term “sheer” or “light” on the packaging if you’re looking for less coverage — or “full coverage” if that’s the finish you desire. Keep in mind that coverage doesn’t equal finish — there are plenty of dewy full coverage or matte light coverage options out there.
While some CC creams are sheer or blendable enough to fit a variety of skin tones, many options on the market today come in a wide range of shades to match your coloring. Some brands offer shades with specified undertones (like the e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream): “cool” for pink undertones, “warm” for yellow undertones, and “neutral” for those in between. To pick the perfect color for you, try testing out a dab of product on your jawline, cheek, and forehead. Similar to liquid foundation, if the CC cream blends out undetectably, you’ve picked the right shade for your skin tone!
We chose 24 of the most popular CC creams on the market in a variety of formulations, prices, and finishes. We then asked 10 volunteers with different skin tones, types, and textures to try out a few of the CC creams each and provide us with feedback on the feel, application, and coverage of the product — plus notes on anything they particularly liked or disliked about each product.
Testers were encouraged to apply the product with either their fingers, makeup brush, or sponge (whichever method suits them). If the testers had any blemishes or areas of pigmentation, they were told to place another layer of CC cream on the area to gauge the coverage. They then did a final buff of the CC cream all over their face using a makeup brush to ensure the product was distributed evenly. Finally, the testers took notes on finish, coverage, and feel.
After our lab tests were complete, we sent the 10 best-performing CC creams home with our testers to provide further insights over the course of six months. They offered insight into how each product's packaging survived everyday wear and tear, and they also noted how each CC cream's finish held up in different seasons and climate conditions. The results were compiled into this winner's list, which we confidently stand behind.
Professional makeup artist Ashley Rebecca says, "Think of BB cream like a hydrating tinted moisturizer. It’s great for drier skin types and is ideal for warm summer months and all outdoor activities." Though CC cream offers many of the same skincare benefits as BB cream, Rebecca shares the biggest difference between the two: "CC cream is formulated to be a fuller coverage option."
This really depends on the formula and your preference. Due to their lightweight, creamy nature, most CC creams apply best with the warmth of your fingers or a damp makeup sponge. Greenberg shares that she likes to apply her favorite CC cream like you would an SPF with her hands "so you can really get it in there." She also relies on a foundation brush from time to time.
Check the packaging of your CC cream for an expiration date when you purchase it. Rebecca says to pay attention to changes in your product to understand when it's time to toss it. "You should replenish the product when it starts to separate in the tube or the smell changes — whichever comes first," she says.
Cai Cramer looked at the finish, feel, and coverage of various color-correcting creams. She took into account our testers' insights on the products after six months of use and consulted professional makeup artists on what to look for in a good color-correcting cream. The makeup artists she spoke to included the following:
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