The 9 Best CC Creams of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

If innovation in the beauty industry has taught us anything over the last few years, it’s that traditional foundation isn’t the only thing we can use to even out our complexions and serve as a base for the rest of our makeup. There are tinted moisturizers, skin tints, serum foundations, BB creams, and, of course, CC creams.

Not to be confused with BB cream, also known as beauty balm, CC cream is all about color correcting, hence why it tends to have more coverage than the former. "CC cream specifically targets areas that are more problematic, such as redness or discoloration,'' explains celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa.

In addition to providing coverage that evens out the complexion, CC cream formulations often contain skincare ingredients. "It can also be used to protect the skin from sun damage, fine lines, and age spots,” says Figueroa. 

So, if you love multitasking products that benefit your skin while providing coverage, CC cream might be just what you’re looking for. We put dozens to the test, evaluating each one based on its formula, blendability, coverage, finish, and wear, and ahead, we're sharing which ones impressed us the most.

Below, find the best CC creams tested by Byrdie.

Best Overall

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Coverage

  5/5

What We Like What We Don’t Like

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like allantoin and vitamin C, this CC cream moisturizes the skin, provides protection from harmful UV rays, and evens the complexion. The texture feels like a middle ground between creamy and watery, making it blendable and lightweight on the skin. We also loved that the coverage was pigmented enough to blur hyperpigmentation yet remained natural-looking on. It wears nicely without getting overly greasy-looking, and we appreciate that it's relatively affordable. If you have oily skin you might want to set it with translucent powder, but we think there's a way for all skin types to wear it, making it one we highly recommend trying.

Shade Range: 9 | Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Luminous | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

Best Multi-Use

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Coverage

  5/5

What We Like What We Don’t Like

This multi-use CC cream works as a moisturizer, primer, foundation, and SPF in one. It has sheer, buildable coverage with a glowy finish. We loved how dewy it made the skin look while providing adequate color correction. It started off with semi-sheer coverage when we applied one layer, and we were able to yield about medium coverage with an additional layer or two. It applied nicely with fingertips or a damp sponge, and we liked how comfortable and moisturizing it felt on the skin once applied. However, it did get a bit greasy after a few hours of wear, so be sure to set it with a powder if you have oily skin. We think this one is best for those with dry or balanced skin, though if you have oily skin and you don't mind reapplying powder periodically throughout the day, you might like it too.

Shade Range: 16 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Luminous | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Luminous

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Coverage

  5/5

What We Like

• Contains hydrating ingredients

• Sheer but buildable coverage

• Dewy yet skin-like finish

What We Don’t Like

• Not ideal for oily skin

The brand claims this product has sheer coverage, but we were pleasantly surprised by how well we could build it up to cover imperfections and create an overall more even-looking complexion. In addition to sheer yet flexible coverage, it has an intensely glowy finish that looks radiant but natural on the skin. If you have oily skin, you might find the level of glow to be a bit much, but we could see those with dry skin—or those who can’t get enough glow—falling in love with this one. We also appreciate that while there are only 13 flexible shades available, they range from fair to dark.

Shade Range: 13 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Luminous | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Matte

Ulta

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Coverage

  4/5

What We Like What We Don’t Like

If you’re looking for a product with full coverage as well as SPF protection, this is a great option for you. Despite being incredibly pigmented, it blends into the skin without looking heavy or mask-like. We also love that while it has a matte finish, it’s not a drying, flat matte. 

It felt weightless and breathable on the skin, and it dried down quickly, making it a great choice for when you’re tight on time. One thing to note is that some online reviewers say it transfers quite a bit. While we didn't have a problem with the formula transferring, it's wise to set it in place with a makeup locking setting spray.

Shade Range: 16 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best SPF Protection

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Coverage

  4.5/5

What We Like What We Don’t Like

• Limited dark shades

Formulated with 100 percent mineral SPF 50, this CC cream shields the skin from UVA and UVB rays while color correcting and providing hydration. We enjoyed how easily it blended into the skin, how weightless it felt once applied, and how well it covered redness and hyperpigmentation, all while maintaining a skin-like appearance. It looked like a traditional liquid foundation when we squeezed it out of the tube, but the texture was much airier, and therefore, we couldn’t feel it sitting on our skin. 

While a range of 15 shades is certainly impressive for a sunscreen brand, we do wish that the brand would expand the dark shade options. However, if you do find a shade that works for you and you're looking for something with coverage and excellent sun protection, we think this is a nice option for all skin types.

Shade Range: 15 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural, luminous | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Coverage

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Coverage

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Wear

  4.3/5

• Finish

  4.8/5

• Transfer Resistance

  4.7/5

Read Full Review: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ Is Lightweight and Hydrating

What We Like

• Comfortable feel on skin

• SPF 50

• Great coverage

• Available in 22 shades

What We Don’t Like

This CC cream is ultra-popular for good reason. In addition to having mineral SPF 50, it provides buildable, full coverage that resembles the appearance of a traditional foundation on the skin. If you’re looking for something with significant coverage that still maintains a lightweight feel on the skin, give this one a try. It’s a great option for daily wear as well as for more glam looks. 

One tester said while it didn’t fully cancel out her dark spots, she loved how blurred her complexion looked and the fact that it was so comfortable to wear that, “it would be easy to forget that this CC cream is on your face at all.”

And because it's not drying or too oily, it's a fantastic option for all skin types. We also appreciate that it comes in 22 shades that range from fair to dark.

Shade Range: 22 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Shade Range

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Feel

  4/5

• Coverage

  5/5

What We Like

• Inclusive shade range

• Great coverage

• Non-greasy feel

What We Don’t Like

It’s no secret that drugstore makeup has a history of lacking in the shade department, but this CC cream comes in 34 shades—and they’re nicely dispersed across skin tones. It provides full coverage with a matte finish, is fragrance-free, and is infused with niacinamide, which is known to help reduce dark spots.

While the product has a thick texture, using just a little bit goes a long way when evening out the skin and creating a nice veil of coverage. Some online reviewers say it settles into their pores and fine lines, so if you tend to struggle with that, we recommend applying a smoothing primer first.

Shade Range: 34 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best for Dark Skin Tones

The Lip Bar

Our Ratings

• Feel

  4/5

• Coverage

  5/5

What We Like What We Don’t Like

Due to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, rosewater, and Irish sea moss in the formula, this multipurpose product functions as a "complexion perfector and skin moisturizer," helping to even out skin tone while also providing hydrating benefits. While it has light coverage, we were impressed by its capacity to be built up. 

We were able to get it to effectively cover dark spots and under-eye circles. It has a luminous (but not oily finish), making it ideal for those with dry and balanced skin types, though we think people with oily skin will enjoy it if they set it with translucent powder.

We also appreciate that the shade range caters to deep skin tones and contains nuanced shades with varying undertones.

Shade Range: 8 | Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Luminous | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Coverage

  4/5

What We Like

• Inclusive shade range

• Contains mineral SPF 30

• Great for sensitive skin

What We Don’t Like

This SPF and makeup hybrid is a great option for no-makeup makeup days. It contains 100 percent mineral sunscreen and provides light to light-medium coverage. What makes it stand out from the pack is that it has a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association, meaning that it’s an excellent option for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.  

Although there are just 14 shades in the range, we appreciate that they span from very fair to very dark. We enjoyed how lightweight it felt on the skin but would prefer that it provided just a bit more coverage or the ability to be built up. 

Shade Range: 14 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

How We Tested

Byrdie editors thoroughly researched popular CC creams, taking expert recommendations and consumer reviews into account before selecting 28 to test out firsthand. The feel and coverage of each one were assessed by our testers, who applied the products to their skin using their preferred method of application.

After applying the CC cream, they evaluated how well it covered redness, dark spots, and blemishes while taking into consideration how natural it appeared on their skin. Then, they used close-up mirrors to take a look at the finish of the CC cream once it dried down. All tests were performed in The Lab, our Manhattan product testing facility.

Leticia Almeida

What to Look For in a CC Cream

• Coverage: As you can tell from our list, some CC creams have light coverage and act like tinted sunscreens, while others can pass as traditional foundations on the skin. The level of coverage you should look for totally depends on your preferences and how you intend to wear it. If you’re looking for something to just slightly blur and color-correct your skin, one with light coverage, like the Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective with Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, is your best bet. But if you’re looking to use a CC cream for more glam looks—or you have skin concerns that you hope to cover—opt for one with medium to full, buildable coverage. The Dermablend Continuous Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream is a great option that offers tons of coverage.

• Ingredients: It’s always important to consider ingredients when choosing a complexion product—especially if you have sensitive skin. When it comes to CC cream, chances are you’re looking for some kind of skin benefit in addition to coverage. If you plan on using it as a form of sun protection, check out what type of SPF is included in the formula. If you’re looking for hydration or illuminating benefits, go for an option that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or niacinamide. 

• Shade Range: Because many CC creams have lighter coverage than traditional foundations, the shades are often somewhat flexible. However, if you get one that’s far off from your skin tone, you likely won't be able to make it work for you. Look for an option that has a wide shade range so you can get your match just right. If you have deep or dark skin and struggle to find CC creams that match your skin tone, we recommend checking out The Lip Bar Just a Tint 3-in-1 Tinted Skin Conditioner.
  

FAQ

• In short, CC creams do a lot. “A CC cream is a multi-tasking product that color corrects, covers, and can offer skincare and sun protection benefits all in one step,” explains Figueroa.

• Like with foundation, the right application method comes down to your preferences. If you like fuller coverage, use a brush or your fingertips. If you want lighter coverage, opt for a damp makeup sponge. Figueroa suggests applying a pea-sized amount to the center of your face and blending outward toward the perimeter.

• A CC cream provides more coverage and color corrects, making it a better option if you’re looking to cover specific areas, explains Figueroa. BB creams, on the other hand, provide more sheer coverage and an overall more radiant look to the skin, she says.

What Is Byrdie Verified?

Did you notice the Byrdie Verified seal of approval at the top of this story? This seal means that our team has researched and tested every product on this list using a unique methodology that’s designed to focus on what our readers want to know—and to deliver insights that you can’t find anywhere else. Occasionally, beauty brands and PR agencies will send us samples for coverage consideration, but our thoughts and opinions are fully our own. If you visit links within our content, we may receive commissions from your purchases, but we never receive any compensation or consideration for the content of our recommendations. In short, the Byrdie Verified seal stands for product recommendations you can trust.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and a product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has tested dozens of CC creams and complexion products—including several on this list. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Alyssa also spoke to Nydia Figueroa a New Jersey-based celebrity makeup artist as well as the beauty director for Fashion Gxd Magazine and Miss New Jersey Earth, to discuss important things to consider when purchasing CC Creams.  

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