CC creams – or “colour correcting” creams – have long been unsung heroes in the kits of make-up artists and beauty editors thanks to their hybrid benefits. Designed primarily to even out skin tone, most formulas also offer skincare perks, like hydration and added SPF protection.
Celebrity make-up artist Maria Asadi is a big fan. “Unlike traditional foundation or tinted moisturiser, CC creams focus on neutralising discolouration such as redness, dullness or pigmentation, all while offering lightweight coverage,” she says.
But not all CC creams are created equal. Asadi notes that some formulas use “micro-encapsulated pigments”, which appear white when applied to skin but release colour as the product is blended. “These pigments adapt to the wearer’s skin tone, creating a more seamless match, though they usually suit a limited shade range,” she explains.
Other formulas use colour-correcting technology based on colour theory, adds Asadi: “Green tones help neutralise redness, while peach or orange counteracts dark circles or hyperpigmentation.”
Asadi says that CC creams can either replace foundation, keeping the finish “lightweight and fresh” or act as a base underneath it, depending on your desired finish. “Once blended, these corrective tones balance the complexion without leaving visible colour on the skin,” she concludes.
To help cut through the noise and find the formulas that truly deliver, I’ve been testing a range of CC creams over the past few weeks. From lightweight, barely-there finishes to more coverage-boosting options with added skincare benefits, I’ve put them all through their paces. Keep reading for my top picks.
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The best CC creams for 2026 are:
- Best overall – E.l.f. camo CC cream SPF 30: £16, Elfcosmetics.co.uk
- Best for coverage – It Cosmetics your skin but better CC+ SPF 50: £24, Boots.com
- Best for dry skin – Clinique moisture surge CC cream SPF 30: £35, Boots.com
- Best for oily/combination skin – Dr. Jart+ cicapair soothing colour correcting treatment SPF 30: £24.65, Boots.com
- Best budget buy — Lumene color correcting cream: £14.90, Boots.com
How I tested
As a beauty director with 10 years of experience, some of these CC creams have long been staples in my make-up routine, while others are newer formulas I was keen to try. Each one was rated on coverage, finish and skincare benefits like hydration. They were applied over a layer of moisturiser and sunscreen, blending either with fingers or a brush depending on the texture. Wear was tested throughout the working day, on the Tube and even during workouts, with particular attention paid to how well they covered redness around my cheeks and nose, post-acne staining and dark circles.
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