FYI: These Are the Makeup Artist–Vetted CC Creams to Prioritize for Mature Skin

Finding the right CC cream can be a challenge, especially when you’re not sure which ones a right for your skin type. While it’s easy to gravitate to whichever ones are trending when you’re on the lookout for one (I’m guilty of doing this when short on time or on energy), familiarizing yourself with the best ingredients and products that will make a difference in your skin’s appearance as it matures is important. Remember when you were encouraged to incorporate a good eye cream into your skincare routine after entering your twenties? Here’s your sign to do the same for CC cream. 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about CC Cream from a makeup artist that’s a pro at working with mature skin and discover which products 100% deserve your attention.

Think of CC Cream as a multitasking makeup product formulated to combat and reduce redness, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone among other skin discoloration concerns. It’s name stands for ‘Color Control’ or sometimes, “Complexion correction,” referencing its unique ability to target problem areas. Its especially helpful when creating makeup looks for mature skin. “CC Creams typically have more skincare benefits than a traditional foundation and as we age, ensuring our makeup includes skincare benefits is essential,” says veteran makeup artist Laura Geller.

“CC creams are often moisturizing, and some include SPF, both of which help address common concerns of sun protection and hydration as our skin tends to dry as we age.” Geller’s namesake brand, founded in 1997, is celebrated for its approach to inclusive products and marketing (in fact, they exclusively uses women over 40 in advertising). CC Creams like her brand’s Quench-n-Tint Hydrating Foundation are only the tip of the iceberg.

When deciding which CC creams to use for mature skin, Geller gravitates towards ones that utilize Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate to repair and protect the skin barrier. “Less is more as we age, so this is a great substitute for foundation on those ‘no makeup’ makeup days,” she adds. “The moisturizing ingredients in your CC cream will ensure it won’t crease, crack, or settle into any fine lines or wrinkles.” According to Geller, CC cream should provide your skin with more benefits than a traditional foundation as it ages; a testament to the importance of the incorporation of ingredients that support healthy and beautiful mature skin.

For the best outcome, Geller recommends applying the product with the fingers and then blending outward and upward for an even complexion. “Ideally, it’s going to give me light coverage and color-correct any discoloration while also serving as a moisturizer,” Geller explains. “There’s nothing worse than a cream that will dry you out, especially for mature skin.”

Geller’s go-to product is her brand’s Quench-n-Tint Hydrating Foundation that she argues is more of a CC cream. “It has a refreshing, lightweight feel and includes Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture. It gives my skin a dewy, youthful glow!” To take it one step further, she pairs the CC Cream with her Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer in Hydrate for added moisture and coverage.

“Best product I’ve found for my mature skin and covering age spots” one reviewer writes. “This product is a total confidence booster for me, my age spots/sun damage is visible and this product does a great job at concealing without feeling like you are wearing a thick layer of makeup and setting into fine lines/wrinkles.”

This hydrating, anti-aging product is formulated with physical SPF 50+, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and niacinimide for a product that works brilliantly as a full-coverage foundation, a serum, and a sunscreen (hence the + following the CC on the packaging).

Offered in 30 shades, Elf’s Camo CC Cream is a full-coverage color correcting foundation infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and collagen, and SPF for healthy and vibrant looking skin.

Terry’s Cullularose Moisturizing CC Cream offers a nonoily texture that blurs fine lines, subtly tints the skin, and provides moisture for a healthy, glowing complexion that lasts.

This CC Cream uses a powerful blend of apple extract, red seaweed extract, and Irish moss to brighten, soothe, and protect the skin while also providing a smooth and glowing complexion for all skin types.

Using a lightweight, cream formula, this CC cream can be worn alone, applied over your favorite moisturizer, or under a foundation to help combat redness, dullness, and sallowness for a flawless finish.

Dermablend’s weightless and breathable Continuous Correction CC Cream gives its wearer full coverage without clogging pores, weighing the skin down for a radiant and healthy visage.

Here’s a CC cream that truly does it all by offering sheer-to-buildable coverage with a skincare-infused tinted moisturizer formula to brighten and even your complexion. The best part? It serves as a moisturizer, foundation, primer, and SPF.

“It Cosmetics CC Illumination is IT for me! The color (medium) is a perfect match for my skin, the coverage lasts all day, and the finish is dewy and healthy looking, especially for a full-coverage foundation,” a reviewer writes. “After so many different brands, high to low, this is my go-to.”

Leave it to bareMinerals to create a clean, multitasking moisturizer that’s available in a variety of shades, allows for sheer and natural coverage, and uses a blend of SPF 30 and other ingredients for a flawless finish.

This multi-benefit makeup primer uses SPF to prep the skin for longlasting foundation wear while also smoothing lines, diffusing the appearance of dryness, and adding hydration.

Next up, Here’s Exactly How to Use Color Corrector for Flawless-Looking Skin