e.l.f. Discovery

What is CC Cream and How to Use Color Correcting Cream

By Brooke Sager

When applying makeup—whether it be for every day or an evening out—a gorgeous, even complexion is always the goal. While basic foundation gets the job done as your base makeup, a color correcting cream (a.k.a. CC cream) offers a great solution for you. Many traditional makeup formulas can weigh your skin down, but a hydrating CC cream provides a game-changing alternative that doesn't compromise on the coverage or skincare benefits.


The great news is you can have it all with our Camo Hydrating CC Cream—the ultimate multifunctional makeup product that also delivers skincare benefits. This hydrating tinted cream gives you epic full coverage color correction, SPF 30 protection and skin-loving perks thanks to a blend of tremella mushroom, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vegan collagen. The easy-blend, cruelty-free formula also leaves your skin with a dewy finish for a smooth, plumped-up, healthy-looking complexion—no heavy feel or cakiness here!

Like our original Camo CC Cream, this new, extra-hydrating version also comes in 30 shades to suit a wide range of skin tones (fair, light, medium, tan, deep, rich) and undertones (cool, neutral, warm). TL;DR: there is a Camo Hydrating CC Cream for everyone!

If you’re ready to put your best face forward, it’s time to get acquainted with our newest multitasking dream cream. Read on for the 411 as we break down the benefits of our Camo Hydrating CC Cream, share application tips and help you pick the right finish for your skin needs.

What is CC Cream?

CC cream—aka, color correcting or complexion correcting cream—is a makeup product that is typically used to help color correct skin. This hydrating makeup goes beyond traditional foundations by utilizing color theory to neutralize skin imperfections (e.g., using hints of green help counteract redness). Color corrector can be used in place of foundation.

Key Benefits of CC Cream

  • A medium-to-full-coverage color correcting cream feels lightweight on the skin

  • Long-lasting hydrating formula that nourishes while it covers

  • Helps minimize the look of dark under-eye circles and skin imperfections

  • Provides a smooth color corrected complexion and reduces uneven skin tones

  • Packed with skincare benefits including extra hydration and skin-loving ingredients

  • Broad spectrum SPF protection against sun damage

  • Perfect for achieving a natural, color corrcted “no makeup” makeup look

  • Various finishes for different skin types (matte, dewy, illuminating)

What is the Difference Between BB Cream and CC Cream?

You may have also heard of BB creams—aka, beauty balm creams—which are another fan-favorite product among beauty lovers. CC creams tend to be fuller coverage since they have a little more pigment than BB creams, and are specifically used for their one-stop-shop, color-correcting abilities.

When to Use CC Cream in Your Makeup Routine

Beauty minimalists, rejoice! If a lengthy, 10-step skincare and makeup routine is not your thing, you’ll love the all-in-one advantages of using a color correcting cream (CC Cream). With just one hydrating product, you can color correct uneven skin tones, nourish your skin, conceal imperfections, minimize dark circles, provide SPF protection and give your skin a full-coverage, airbrushed finish that feels incredibly lightweight.

Since CC creams are packed with pigment that helps to minimize discoloration and smooth out the look of your complexion, they’re an ideal everyday product for those who want to help cancel out redness and conceal imperfections (e.g., acne scarring, fine lines, blemishes, uneven texture).

Plus, thanks to their skin-loving benefits, CC creams are great for use on a range of skin types—from dry skin, to oily skin and combination skin.

How to Apply CC Cream?

Ready to achieve a smooth, even, dewy complexion? Here’s how you apply CC Cream like a pro in five easy steps:

  1. Prep your skin: An even makeup application always starts with clean skin. Start with cleansing, then exfoliate, tone and moisturize your face before applying your CC cream. Pro tip: Follow up with with applying a **face prmer **to ensure an extra-long-wear application.

  2. Apply CC Cream: Dot 1-2 pumps of your color correcting shade around your face (cheeks, forehead, chin and nose). Apply to the areas that need the most color correcting first to help even out skin tone.

  3. Blend thoroughly: Use circular motions using the larger brush head of our foundation brush.

  4. Target problem areas: For more precise coverage, apply small dots on dark undereye circles, blemishes, or red spots and blend with the smaller brush head.

  5. Set your look: Lock in your look with a dusting of loose setting powder and a makeup setting spray.

Choosing Between Hydrating and Semi-Matte CC Cream Formulas

CC creams come in a variety of finishes, each one offering specific benefits that are tailored to your skin type and its needs.

  • Camo CC Cream: Delivers medium-to-full coverage with a semi-matte finish. The skin-loving formula is ideal for use on a range of skin types, but those with oily skin or mature skin will love the natural, shine-free effect of the semi-matte look.

  • Camo Hydrating CC Cream: Offers the same medium-to-full coverage with additional hydrating benefits. Perfect for dry skin and those who are seeking a dewy, plumped-up complexion.

Both CC creams are long-lasting, multitasking color correcting creams that work to smooth and perfect the appearance of skin while delivering hydrating benefits and SPF 30 broad spectrum sun protection.