Last week, we had a post comparing the increasingly ubiquitous BB creams with the new-to-the-market CC creams, with CC creams coming out tops in terms of shade selection, coverage, lasting power, ease of blending and shine control. If you can’t wait to try them out for yourself, we have a specially curated selection of CC creams available in Singapore and “First Impressions” on some that we’ve tried to help you decide which ones you should add to your vanity.
In case you missed the previous post and have no idea what these CC (Colour Correcting) Creams are, they are known as the “new and improved” version of BB creams, boasting the same plethora of skincare properties but with greater coverage and light-diffusing particles to correct unevenness of color on the face to promote an even skin tone and radiant finish.
Departmental counters:
Location: Sephora
Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (50ml) (SGD$85)
Recommended for: Anti-aging and brightening
Description: Made from Camu Camu, a super fruit that contains one of the highest recorded sources of vitamin C on the planet (about 30 times the Vitamin C of an average orange), this works as an anti-aging sunscreen, complexion corrector & tint in one that helps protect, brighten & moisturize. Skincare-wise, it helps to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, imperfections, fine lines & wrinkles.
Available in 3 shades (Light/Medium, Medium/Tan, Deep)
Review: Here
Ole Henriksen perfect truth CC Crème SPF30 (30ml) (SGD$53)
Recommended for: Anti-aging and brightening
Description: Formulated based on the cult favorite Ole HenriksenTruth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster with anti-aging and brightening properties, this skincare-makeup hybrid plumps the skin and injects a daily dose of essential moisture to counteract signs of premature aging. Containing five sources of vitamin C, it visibly reduces discoloration, fine lines and boosts collagen production, whilst giving a sheer and illuminating coverage for a flawless finish.
Available in 2 shades (Light, Medium)
Review: Here
Ole Henriksen perfect truth™ CC eye crème (7ml) (SGD$39)
Recommended for: Anti-aging and brightening
Description: Specially formulated for the delicate eye area, it replenishes moisture and nourishes the eye, whilst offering superior antioxidant defence and UVA/UVB sunscreen to warn off environmental aggressors and counteract signs of premature aging. Containing five sources of vitamin C, this innovative cc crème visibly reduces dark circles, fine lines and boosts collagen production. Sheer illuminating coverage and light-reflecting pigments diffuse the telltale signs of aging and fatigue.
Available in 2 shades (Light, Medium)
Sephora CC Care + Color SPF 20 sunscreen (30ml) (SGD$29)
Recommended for: Lightweight coverage
Description: It works as an all-in-one moisturizer and concealer that smoothes, protects, provides coverage and evens out the skin tone, plus it retexturizes the skin, corrects blemishes and leaves the complexion looking fabulous. A lighter texture that lets the skin breathe.
Available in one universal shade
Sephora CC Eye cream + Concealer (15ml) (SGD$19)
Recommended for: Brightening
Description: This multi-purpose cream targets the eye area to hydrate, tone down dark circles and puffiness, smooth fine lines, and even out and brighten the eye contour, all while combating the telltale signs of aging. It can also work double-time to brighten dark areas of the face.
Available in one universal shade
Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream – Dark Spot Correcting (30ml) (SGD$70)
Recommended for: Hydration and brightening
Description: Armed with Hyaluronic Acid for intense hydration, this multi-benefit product reduces the appearance of dark spots and enhances natural radiance of the skin to achieve a flawless, luminous camera-ready complexion. In the long term, the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone is reduced.
Available in 5 shades (Fair, Light, Light-Medium, Medium, Dark)
First impression:
1. Texture/ feel on the skin: Thick consistency, Moisturizing
2. Coverage/ ease of blending: Medium to Full coverage, Easy to blend and buildable
3. Shade selection/ oxidization: 5 shades available, No oxidization
4. Suitability for skin types: Best suited for Combination-Oily skin
5. Great for use in air-conditioned environments or drier climates
L’egere Aqua Soothing Essence-In CC Cream (35ml) (SGD$39)
Recommended for: Hydration
Description: A super moisture cream with visible water droplets effect (W.S.N. technology) to hydrate and soothe skin. Promises to prime, hydrate, correct, even and perfects to achieve a radiant and silky look. This korean brand was promoted by Taiwanese Celebrity Makeup artist Kevin老師.
Available in one universal shade
First impression:
1. Texture/ feel on the skin: Very liquid texture, Moisturizing and leaves a dewy finish
2. Coverage/ ease of blending: Very light coverage, Very difficult to blend as you have to slowly apply one thin layer at a time or else water droplets will appear on the surface and make application more difficult.
3. Shade selection/ oxidization: One shade only (Light with pink undertones), Oxidizes slightly to a slightly darker shade
4. Suitability for skin types: Provides hydration and suitable for dry skin
L’egere Magic Skin Beautifier CC Cream (50ml) (SGD$40)
Recommended for: Hydration and lifting
Description: Moist milky-white cream infused with CC capsules that magically transforms skin for an enlivened complexion and primes, hydrates, evens, corrects and perfects in a single step. Double-whitening and multi-lift formula prevents facial bloating by hydrating the face and keeps it firm and tight. This korean brand was promoted by Taiwanese Celebrity Makeup artist Kevin老師.
Available in one universal shade
First impression:
1. Texture/ feel on the skin: Dewy finish, Lightweight on the skin
2. Coverage/ ease of blending: Light coverage, Easy to blend
3. Shade selection/ oxidization: One shade only (Light)/ Appears white but changes color to match your skin tone within 5 minutes of application, but there was still a slight white cast left behind
4. Suitability for skin types: Best suited for Dry-Normal skin
IllumiKate CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ PA+++ (30ml) (SGD$68)
Recommended for: Anti-aging and brightening
Description: This multifunctional tinted complexion correcting cream instantly minimizes the look of imperfections with buildable coverage. Broad spectrum SPF 50+ protects skin from the sun’s harmful rays while known brightening agents Arbutin, Licorice Extract and Natural Amino Acids help improve and even out skin tone for more luminous, younger looking skin over time.
Available in 4 illuminating shades (Fair, Light, Light/Medium, Medium)
Stila CC Color Correcting Cream with SPF 20 (40ml) (SGD$59)
Recommended for: Colour correcting redness
Description: Bursting with revitalizing skincare benefits and broad spectrum SPF protection, this green-based formula color corrects upon application to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and brighten skin while helping to soften fine lines and wrinkles. Micro-Encapsulated Pigments adapt to skin tone creating flawless, invisible coverage, while Hydra-Extend Technology provides up to 72 hours of continuous hydration.
Available in 8 shades (Fair, Light, Medium, Rich Medium, Tone, Warm, Tan, Dark)
Location: TANGS Beauty Hall/ Robinsons
Biotherm White D-TOX Colour Correction Smoothing Base (30ml) (SGD$62)
Recommended for: Colour correcting specific skin-tone problems
Description: Unlike the usual CC creams that are skin-toned, these corrective shades come in colours that address every skin-tone problem such as darkness, dullness, unevenness, yellowness or redness. The hydrating formula smoothes irregularities and provides the subtlest of coverage for a nude finish. Greater broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF50+ & PA++ prevents dark spots from forming.
Available in 5 different colours to suit each skin concern (Purple, Coral, Blue, Green, White)
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector (40ml) (Price coming soon)
Recommended for: Lightweight coverage
Description: A lightweight formula that color corrects a range of complexion concerns – redness, dullness, sallowness – so all you see is a healthy-looking glow. Oil-free hydration and sunscreen keeps skin looking young and fresh in the long term.
Available in 9 shades (Very Light, Light, Light/Medium, Medium, Medium Deep, Deep, Natural Fair, Natural, Fresh Peach)
Lancôme Renergie CC Multi-Lift Instant Illuminating Color Corrector (40ml) (SGD$100)
Recommended for: Anti-aging and lifting
Description: A multi-action tinted skincare that rejuvenates skin’s appearance: skin’s density, texture and tone is enhanced. Enriched with Multi-Tension technology designed to target the upper layers of the skin, it helps to lift and firm the skin. Bio-chromatic technology to even out the complexion, allow skin to capture light and correct color changes due to aging.
Available in 4 shades:
• Fair/Rosy skin: Tones down redness
• Fair/Beige skin: Calms yellowing
• Golden/Beige skin: Illuminates olive tones
• Golden/Dark skin: Awakens gray tones
Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction SPF 30 PA+++ (30ml) (SGD$82)
Recommended for: Lightweight coverage
Description: Specially formulated for Asian women in terms of flawless skin, the Chanel CC Cream delivers complete correction and natural-looking, long-wear makeup. An ideal cream for day-long confidence with a lightweight, non-oily, comfortable texture. It combines 5 actions in 1 single step: comforts sensitive skin, maintain hydration level all day long by trapping and retaining moisture inside the skin, SPF 30 and PA+++ sun filters block aging-accelerating UVA-UVB rays, redness, dark spots and pores are visibly diminished.
Available in one shade only (20 Beige)
First impression:
1. Texture/ feel on the skin: Thick consistency, Lightweight on the skin
2. Coverage/ ease of blending: Medium coverage but buildable, Easy to blend
3. Shade selection/ oxidization: One shade only, Slight oxidization
4. Suitability for skin types: Suitable for all skin types
Location: The Face Shop
FACE it Aura Colour Control Cream SPF 30 PA++ (20ml) (SGD$49.90)
Recommended for: Coverage
Description: An innovative non-oxidising formula delivers triple function care for a brighter skin tone – reducing wrinkles, whitening and protecting via sunscreen. With its innovative darkening-proof formula, the makeup is maintained morning-fresh & bright for up to 12 hours. It has a customized one-sided air-fitting puff that makes application easy while minimizing wastage and it is easy to do instant touch-ups on the go.
Available in 3 shades: 01 Radiant Beige, 02 Natural Beige and 03 Medium Beige
FACE it Smart Capsule Colour Control Cream SPF 40 PA++ (SGD$45.90)
Recommended for: Hydration
Description: Smart Capsule Technology causes the cream to change from white to nude to find the most ideal complexion shade for you. Containing ingredients such as antioxidant-rich mandarin orange and blood orange, plus AquaSL and the premium oxygen water awaken tired skin, increasing elasticity and moisture levels for a natural dewiness. The formula minimizes wrinkles and also has whitening and sunscreen properties.
Available in 2 shades: Perfect Skin Tone and Perfect Skin Tone 2
Drugstore:
Location: Watsons stores
Nip+fab Complexion Corrector Cream (40ml) (SGD$29.90):
Recommended for: Shine control
Description: Soline® provides 24 hour moisturization whilst the appearance of skin is smoothed with oat extract. It contains light diffusing pigments for a radiant and flawless looking complexion. This lightweight cream not only hydrates and brightens skin, it also offers SPF 30 sun protection.
Available in 2 shades (Light and Dark)
First impressions:
1. Texture/ feel on the skin: Very creamy, Feels a little heavy on the skin, Dries matte
2. Coverage/ ease of blending: Light to Medium coverage that is buildable, Easy to blend in small amounts
3. Shade selection/ oxidization: 2 shades, Oxidizes to a darker color and has slight greyish cast; Light shade has peachy undertone
4. Suitability for skin types: Suitable for Combination to Oily skin
Rachel K CC Cream Original (40ml) (SGD$34.90)
Recommended for: Shine control and lightweight coverage
Description: This multi-purpose cream combines various benefits all in one – color control, oil control, whitening, brightening, moisturizing and UV protection with SPF 35 PA ++. It enhances complexion by improving its texture, balancing skin tone and brings forth the quality of real skin – dewy, fresh, elastic and with a glow. The end effect is a flawless, matte and radiant complexion.
Available in one universal shade
First impressions:
1. Texture/ feel on the skin: Very creamy, Lightweight on skin, Dries matte
2. Coverage/ ease of blending: Light – Medium coverage that is buildable, Easy to blend in small amounts
3. Shade selection/ oxidization: One shade only (Light with pink/peach undertones), Oxidizes to slightly darker shade, slight white cast
4. Suitability for skin types: Combination to Oily skin
Rachel K CC Cream Neutral (40ml) (SGD$34.90)
Recommended for: Shine control and lightweight coverage
Description: This multi-purpose cream combines various benefits all in one – color control, oil control, whitening, brightening, moisturizing and UV protection with SPF 35 PA ++. It enhances complexion by improving its texture, balancing skin tone and brings forth the quality of real skin – dewy, fresh, elastic and with a glow. The end effect is a flawless, matte and radiant complexion.
Available in one universal shade
First impressions:
1. Texture/ feel on the skin: Very creamy, Lightweight on skin, Dries matte
2. Coverage/ ease of blending: Light to Medium coverage that is buildable, Easy to blend in small amounts
3. Shade selection/ oxidization: One shade only (Light with yellow undertones), Oxidizes to slightly darker shade, slight greyish cast
4. Suitability for skin types: Combination to Oily skin
Before you head out to the shops…
CC Creams are slowly creeping into the beauty market so you can expect to see more creams hitting stores soon. As with any beauty product, do take your skincare and makeup needs into consideration when selecting a CC cream and not just purchase a product because of the “brand”. Evaluate your skin type and skin care concerns, and then select a CC cream that addresses these concerns accordingly. As most CC creams have similar skin care benefits, it is useful to take note of which skin care concern each product specializes in to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.
