The 17 Best CC Creams for Glowing, Lit-From-Within Skin

The ultimate in no-makeup makeup.

model makeup
(Image credit: Fernanda Calfat)

Ever woken up in the mood for flawless skin, but without the hassle of using a bunch of products? Same. You're probably pretty familiar with foundation and tinted moisturizer, and you may know what a BB cream is, too. But allow me introduce you to CC cream, the skincare/makeup hybrid that promises glowing, lit-from-within skin.

What's the difference between CC cream and BB cream?

When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a MC writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.

CC stands for "color correcting," and CC creams promise to smooth out irregularities, flaws, and discoloration on the skin. (BB stands for "beauty or blemish" balm, and BB cream is considered a lighter, skin-friendly alternative to foundation.) CC creams are a little heavier than BB creams and designed to smooth out redness, discoloration, and signs of aging. They can patch over zones on your skin with irregular texture, like scarring or acne marks, too.

What else is CC cream used for?

Most CC creams include ingredients that are super nourishing for your skin, so you should consider CC creams a skincare/makeup hybrid. And while some CC creams require you to find your perfect match, like you might with any beauty product, others are one-size-fits all versatile hues that can provide coverage and quenching on nearly any skin tone. Ahead, CC creams from both drugstore and luxury brands for the skincare lover who doesn't just want to cover imperfections, but is committed to treating them, too.

Tatjana Freund

Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends. She's a fan of vodka tonics and creepy Wikipedia pages.