A flawless and glowy complexion is a plus, especially when aging skin typically requires more coverage. While foundations and concealers are great products for covering flaws, there is an alternative formula experts recommend to acquire the same smooth and youthful skin effect: CC creams.
CC stands for "color correcting" cream, and it's a type of makeup product that often combines skin care and foundation into one, says cosmetic formulator at Look Fabulous Forever, Katarina Kozlikova.
This product works as a foundation alternative and is ideal for aging skin. "It is a buildable foundation with skin care benefits that aid in hydration and help cover rosacea instantly without color correcting prior to application. It can be used sparingly or it can instantly be a medium- to full-coverage formula," shares celebrity makeup artist Marcia Williams.
Plus, if you have mature skin, the anti-aging agents from CC creams also help to decrease the appearance of wrinkles.
If you're ready to give your foundation a rest, read on; two experts share the benefits of CC creams. They also explain how to apply CC creams, along with some useful tips for pre-makeup application.
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Why are CC creams good for mature skin?
According to makeup artist Nyssa Green, CC creams are lightweight and they "won’t settle into lines as much as a traditional foundation."
Green continues, "Most CC creams contain skin care that can address issues like redness and dehydration while also covering age/sunspots and making skin look refreshed."
Plus, many CC creams are formulated with SPF ingredients that help protect the skin and elevate the complexion.
Green and Williams agree that CC cream can be used in place of foundation, daily. Other good reasons why a CC cream is ideal for mature skin is because it provides color correction and anti-aging benefits.
"It typically offers a lighter coverage compared to foundations but still provides some level of coverage to even out the complexion," adds Kozlikova.
Expert-approved CC creams for mature skin
Williams recommends this CC cream for its full-coverage effect. This was also a winner of NewBeauty's annual beauty awards, and the formula is excellent at providing a dewy finish without the cakey look of foundations. It combines moisturizer, SPF and foundation to cover blemishes with a protective shield.
Green likes this CC cream because the shade matcher on the Lumene site makes it easy to get exactly the right shade, and a little goes a long way. While it doesn't offer many shades, this CC cream can help reduce redness and is suitable for all skin types. It provides great coverage and a sheer texture in addition to covering skin imperfections effectively.
"I love their inclusive shade range, and the addition of sunscreen is a major plus for me," says Green. I also appreciate the consistency of this formula because it delivers full coverage without the heaviness of foundations. I have used this one when I need extra coverage for photoshoots or a work day. It's lightweight enough for sunnier days and offers a nice glow.
Williams suggests this color corrector for its lightweight and moisturizing formula. You can add it on top of your moisturizer for a more hydrating effect, or simply wear it alone for a glowy finish. Customers note that this product goes on smooth, gives light coverage and provides a great base for finishing powder.
Williams recommends this one because it offers full coverage without the heavy feel of foundations. The mixture of collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acid makes it ideal for all skin types, especially for mature skin. It can last up to eight hours and is very easy to apply, without the need to add powder.
Other CC creams to shop
The formula of this CC product contains soothing properties that will help boost your skin’s natural radiance. According to some customers, it’s lightweight and provides a bit of glow once it’s blended. While is not as creamy as the CC cream version, this one (which is more of a gel) offers hydration, all thanks to the added hyaluronic acid.
If you're new to CC cream, this product will help you understand the benefits. It offers light coverage with the added benefits of sunscreen (SPF 15) and tone correction. Some customers 55+ said that this is a great product and provides a flawless complexion. Also, if you're not into makeup, this is a great way to add a natural look to your beauty routine.
This product comes in multiple shades that are easy to blend and apply. The SPF-40 formula contains vitamin C and flaxseed extract to help the skin absorb oil and reduce shine. If you're worried about your fine lines, this cream will smooth them out while adding an even skin tone. For better results, use a beauty blender as the color can blend easier.
Ingredients to look for in CC creams
The main ingredients to look for in CC cream are SPF and hyaluronic acid.
“CC Cream can be better for mature skin, but it depends on the formula type. For mature skin, look for CC Creams that are hydrating, have a dewy or satin finish and contain nourishing ingredients. They can help even out skin tone, reduce redness and provide a more youthful appearance without feeling heavy or setting into fine lines,” shares Kozlikova.
Moisturizing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, are important because they “help to keep the skin moisturized and plump, a key concern for mature skin that may become drier or lose elasticity over time,” adds Kozlikova.
How to apply CC cream
According to Kozlikova, CC creams can be applied with a finger, brush or sponge. “Start with a small amount of CC Cream (about a pea-sized amount) on your fingertip or a makeup brush. You can always build up coverage as needed,” she says.
Make sure to blend evenly on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, or anywhere you need coverage. However, Williams says, “For those who are more advanced, a beauty blender is great."
Williams notes, "It’s crucial that you stipple (quick and light tapping) the foundation into the skin. This gives a cohesive effect allowing your application to look skin-like. I always recommend a great primer before any foundation application.”
But the main key is to blend, says Green: “Before your CC cream, apply all your skin care, give it time to really work itself into the skin, then add CC cream."
Frequently asked questions
Typically, Kozlikova recommends applying CC cream before concealer for best results: "CC Cream is designed to correct concerns like redness or uneven skin tone. Applying it first helps create a more uniform base."
Once you add the CC cream, she emphasizes to use concealer when you want to address specific skin concerns such as dark circles, redness or blemishes.
Before applying CC Cream, Kozlikova says it is recommended to "follow a basic skin care routine to ensure smooth and hydrated skin."
She recommends to cleanse, tone and moisturize. "If you want extra longevity or a smoother texture, you can use primer. If your CC cream does not contain SPF, apply a sunscreen to protect your skin. Once these products have been absorbed into your skin, you can apply your CC Cream for a natural, even complexion," adds Kozlikova.
How we chose
We chose CC creams based on advice from experts regarding their benefits, from hydration to coverage. We also considered specific ingredients that help with moisturizing, anti-aging, and more.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Nyssa Green is an Emmy award-winning makeup artist, agency owner and author with over 20 years of experience in TV, film, print and bridal makeup.
- Marcia Williams is a celebrity makeup artist and owner of Embellish Beauty.
- Katarina Kozlikova is a cosmetic formulator at Look Fabulous Forever, a brand that offers a range of makeup and skin care aimed at mature women.
