Review: We've Found the Best CC Creams! They Can Deal with Mondays As Well As Face Chaos

CC cream is no longer just a ‘tinted moisturiser’ for days when you don't want to wear makeup. Today's CC creams are like a Swiss army knife. They manage to balance skin tone, hydrate, protect and often even nourish thanks to active ingredients. We tested them, evaluated them, spread them, blended them and found out which CC cream is the best. And there was plenty to choose from!

CC cream is like a friend who won't let you go out with dark circles under your eyes, but will never tell you so bluntly. It improves your skin, but doesn't make you someone else. That's why we love it. If you're the type who likes a "fast look in the morning", you will enjoy this.

In addition, the best CC creams work like a cosmetic-dermatologic hybrid today. Hydrating ingredients? Yes. SPF? Mostly yes. Pigments which can cover up red spots and light pigmentation? Of course. Some even are so good that dermatologists use them after skin treatment.

This CC cream test was no ‘once on the hand and goodbye’ affair. We wore the CC creams all day long. While walking, at the office, in the sun, and even during those crisis days when we had ‘too much work and too little sleep.’

We were interested in:

• texture and spreadability (we don't want streaks),
• coverage and evenness(yes, we know it's not foundation, but we do want some effect),
• SPF protection (nowadays you just have to have SPF – unlike underwear)
• and staying power, of course, because who has time to check their face every 2 hours?

CC Creams: Reviews

Uriage Roséliane CC Cream SPF 50+

What I liked the most: At first glance it looks like an inconspicuous product, but it actually has more aces up its sleeve than many foundations. Uriage Roséliane CC Cream SPF 50+is the kind of ‘lifesaver’ you reach for when your skin is irritated, red, sensitive, or all of the above, and you need to look like you've slept eight hours and drunk three litres of water. What impressed me most was its ability to instantly even out skin tone, soften redness and yet not weigh your skin down. In addition, the high SPF 50+ is a benefit you simply want in the urban jungle. Your skin will look rested, gently brightened and yet not greasy, sticky or grey.

Advantages:  It replaces moisturiser, tinted moisturiser and sun protection, without compromise. The coverage is subtle, but just enough to conceal what it needs to without looking like foundation. Your skin stays supple, doesn't feel tight, and thanks to the lightly hydrating finish, looks healthy even without highlighter. A big plus is that it does not clog pores, lasts throughout the day and feels like silk on sensitive skin.

Disadvantages: What is a little disappointing is the fact that it only comes in one universal shade. Although it adapts to your skin tone, if you have very light or dark skin, it may not suit you.

Caudalie Vinocrush Skin Tint

What I liked the most: Caudalie Vinocrush Skin Tint is like fresh juice for fatigued skin. At first glance, it looks like nothing special, with light coverage and texture, but once you apply it, your skin comes alive. It looks healthy, juicy and natural, as if you really drank enough water, slept eight hours and ate salad instead of crisps. Yet it doesn't stick or run, it just gives you a subtle even tone and a nice glow. It's the kind of product that doesn't make you look made up, but enhances your natural beauty. And sometimes that's exactly what you need.

Advantages: It contains antioxidants from grapes, so apart from the surface effects, it works for the benefit of your skin. The texture is ultra-light, quickly absorbed and layers beautifully, and therefore you can adjust the coverage to your mood. It's best applied with your fingers as it permeates skin well and lets it breathe. For those who want the ‘my skin, but better’ effect, this is a bull's eye.

Disadvantages: If you need to cover larger imperfections or redness, you will need a concealer or another product in addition to this. This is really a skin tint, not foundation.

KIKO Milano Skin Trainer CC Blur

What I liked the most: This is like an Instagram filter for real life. KIKO Milano Skin Trainer CC Blur does more than just a little for your skin; it switches it into perfection mode. It blurs pores, mattifies, evens out tone and leaves your skin as soft as a peach. If you like that smooth, velvety finish that survives crowded public transport or a quick coffee in the heat, this is the product for you. Or cream. Actually, both.

Advantages: The effect is visible immediately after application. Pores appear to be minimised, skin is smoother and has a velvety matte finish that looks very ‘chic’. The texture is light and pleasant and spreads beautifully with your fingers or a brush. It is an ideal foundation primer, but it also works on its own if you just want a subtle, even tone without a heavy application. And the bonus? It brightens a little, so you won't look completely lifeless even on a no-makeup day.

Disadvantages: It does not contain SPF, which is not ideal. A sun cream underneath is a must.

Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging CC Creme

What I liked the most: It lightly tones, hydrates wonderfully (absolutely wonderfully!) and brightens. I love the packaging, ideal for travelling. I like the natural tone, as if you were born that way. Just more radiant.

Advantages: Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme CC cream is an absolute summer hit. Your skin won't feel it at all, but at the same time it will be beautiful and even. You just need a concealer, a little setting powder and a multipurpose makeup product, and you're good to go! The amazing hydration surprised me. It's like having a little hydrating shower above you all day. When wearing this CC cream, there is no need for highlighter. Just powder the naturally shiny spots.  

Disadvantages: SPF 10 is low for me, but I apply my favourite SPF 50 under CC cream anyway, so it's a drawback only for those who don't include a SPF in their morning routine.

Clinique Superdefense™ CC Cream SPF 30

What I liked the most: Clinique Superdefense™ CC Cream SPF 30 covers up imperfections and is ultra-light like an evening breeze. SPF 30 will ensure sun protection and brighten your skin nicely. No other combination can be expected from a CC. 

Advantages: You only need a little bit and need to spread it carefully. Surprisingly, it covers even larger redness nicely. It looks great on mature skin; I only powdered under my eyes, around my nose and in the centre of my forehead – and that was more than enough. It doesn't dry out during the day and is unscented, which I personally love. It doesn't weigh down skin at all and isn't visible in wrinkles. And I consider its staying power to be a big advantage. It stays put all day (and if you keep propping your chin up with your hand like I do, so that everything smudges, just carry it with you and touch up – this small package fits in your pocket).

Disadvantages: I didn't find any.

CC creams aren't just a quick fix for sleepy mornings. If you choose wisely, you'll get hydrating care, light foundation, SPF, and sometimes even a real-life Photoshop effect in one tube. Whether you're looking for a healthy glow, blurred pores, or sun protection, the best CC cream is the one that becomes your morning routine essential. And trust us, after this test, you'll know exactly which one to reach for.