
Expert Consulted: Lan Nguyen-Grealis
Foundation, CC creams, BB creams and bases in general are such a personal thing, and it's generally unheard of for an entire beauty team to be using the same ones. Everyone's skin is different when it comes to what it requires of a base. Those with oily skin tend to crave something mattifying; dryer skin types are always on the look out for formulas that dose skin up with dewiness; and then there's the coverage element - some want something light, others are adamant that full coverage is the only way forward. All things considered it's pretty darned impressive that these base buys have engendered loyalty from all of us Grazia beauty team. Here, we're delving into our editor approved best in the business. But first, an expert answers your most burning CC cream questions.
Meet The Expert
Lan Nguyen-Grealis is a Grazia beauty panellist renowned figure in the beauty industry, known for her creativity and innovation. As a multi-award-winning global makeup artist, beauty editor, and author, she has worked on editorial spreads, runway shows, and celebrity transformations, blending art with beauty.
What’s the difference between a BB cream and a CC cream?
'A BB cream is skincare with coverage. Often, the formula resembles a balmy moisturiser while providing a medium tint. A CC cream stands for colour corrector - it does what the name suggests. It's great for improving the look of skin tone especially for reducing redness and even out dark spots and pigmentation. The formula is light to medium and generally also brimming with skincare ingredients.'
How We Tested Them
Formula: When it comes to testing the best CC creams, considering how the formula itself feels on our skin was integral. Was it drying or did it feel light and comfortable? Was there any oily residue left behind? Or was there tightness and flaking? We shortlisted formulations that would combat excess oil, hydrate drier areas and cover blemishes.
Staying power: We don't have time for regular top-ups. When testing the best CC creams we ensured that the longevity was there - no slipping and sliding and no flaking. If we feel these CC creams will work best when teamed with a primer or powder then we'll let you know.
Ingredients: We were careful to ensure each option combined both hydrating properties with mattifying elements too.
Expert advice: Due to the nature of our job, we're lucky enough to have plenty of products in our (well stocked) beauty cupboard. During testing we made the most of these and set aside any that we thought might work well. We then divided these for testing, insuring we had at least ten each, before whittling down the list. We also harnessed the advice of a professional make-up artist too - the more CC cream skin experts, the merrier.
Real reviews: We looked to the Grazia Beauty Testing Panellists as well as our own in-house editorial beauty team to provide a real and authentic review of each product's performance on combination skin.
For more information on how we test, see our about us page.
Shop: The Best CC Creams 2025

www.spacenk.com
Visibly blur imperfections with Erborian CC Cream, a Korean multi-purpose colour corrector that combines skincare with lightweight coverage. Working as an SPF 30 sunscreen, this colour corrector also helps to soothe and hydrate the complexion.
Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'This CC creme has recently been upgraded and it's even better than it was before. First impressions? It's odd. It goes on white. Actually, almost grey. This is extremely bizarre, but it's a trust the process type situation. While my skin errs on the red side (and gets redder still upon application)it eventually settles down, providing a natural, even canvas that works with your natural skin tone. Blemishes and pigmentation are blurred, while my complexion has a decided glow to it. Less is more here - the lightweight texture is perfect for a no-makeup makeup day.'
Sameeha Shaik, beauty writer says: 'If you're looking for an every day, no-fuss solution to a perfect base, look no further than this. It is far thicker than its Water sister - yet still super breathable - and quickly evens out my post-inflammation hyperpigmentation with a luminous, buildable coverage. It comes out white, but again, the unique formula's encapsulated pigments change colour as you begin to rub it in, and leaves me with a natural, second-skin, satin finish. Trust me when I say the new version feels the exact same as the OG, only with the knowledge there's more skincare benefits in there. Obsessed.'
Pros
- SPF 30
- Now with added skincare benefits
- 6 adaptable shades
- Recyclable tube
Cons
- Some reviewers would like a higher SPF

www.cultbeauty.co.uk
The OG, the all-rounder, it's the one that started it all. Normal to combination skin? Take a punt on this one.
Annie Vischer, head of beauty says: 'Our line of work means we're constantly trying new products, so even if one ends up being a favourite, there's every chance it will get knocked off its pedestal as soon as a new and improved offering shows up. That this CC Cream has stood the test of time with all of us is testament to its quality. One of its biggest selling points for me is that it is packed with hyaluronic acid (each particle of this stuff holds on to up to 1000 times its weight in water and keeps that on your skin), so even when I'm subject to the most savage of office air conditioning and drying central heating, my skin stays hydrated throughout the day.'
Pros
- Bolstered with SPF50
- Skin beautifying ingredients
- A higher coverage option
Cons
- Will need set with powder

www.spacenk.com
Perfect the complexion with the Erborian CC Water, an ultra-light makeup formula that provides smooth, even coverage while hydrating and soothing the skin. Formulated with centella asiatica, the Erborian CC Water delivers a calming effect to the skin while helping to boost elasticity for a firmer, younger-looking appearance. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and glycerine, it provides intense hydration that helps plump up the skin for a younger and healthier-looking appearance.
Sameeha Shaik, beauty writer says: My first foray into the world of CC creams was byway of Erborian's CC Water. And boy was it an introduction. Unlike any base product I've ever tried, its uber-lightweight, watery, gel-like texture runs clear (aside from the encapsulated pigments that morph into colour when in contact with skin) somehow manages to leave me with a long-lasting dewy, light coverage that works incredibly well in summertime. Expect glow-giving, healthy-looking, plump skin.
Pros
- Non pore blocking
- Light weight
Cons
- Not ideal for those who want fuller coverage

www.boots.com
This colour correcting cream is 'the only product you need to achieve a natural looking complexion but with full-coverage.'
Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'This is the fullest coverage CC cream I've found - it applies exactly like a foundation so works best with a brush. The texture is thicker, but blends well provided your skin is well hydrated in the first place.The ingredients in here are the kind I'd expect in a formulation with a higher price point - there's collagen, peptides and niacinamide all well known for their ability to plump, hydrate and smooth. I'd recommend using the smallest amount here if it's a natural finish you crave - the pigments build up quickly. All that to say my skin did look smoother and more glowy. Bonus points for the appearance of your skin while protecting with SPF 30.'
Pros
- Contains peptides, colagen and niacinamide
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Doesn't blend well with fingertips

www.lookfantastic.com
A colour-correcting serum enriched with rose stem cells and vitamin E to brighten and clarify the skin.
Georgia Scott is a beauty and fashion product writer, says: 'So, why do I love it? Firstly, the shade: Sunny Flash instantly makes me look like I have had a two-week holiday tan, minus the jet lag or sun guilt. It's the most popular shade in the ever-growing line-up, and one that I used to regularly recommend to customers during my time working at SpaceNK, regardless of skin tone. The phrase 'universally flattering' gets thrown around, but this shade is designed to add warmth and radiance to every skin tone with its bronzy hue. Forget unflattering orange tones; the golden, bronze serum glides over the skin and instantly creates a hydrated and tanned finish.The texture mimics a hydrating, water-based serum you'd typically apply before moisturiser. However, this versatile formula can be applied as a primer, a complexion booster, mixed with your foundation or alone without any further make-up. The colour-correction formula helps to disguise any discolouration in the skin and treats any unwanted tones to leave the skin looking more even. Although this product doesn't gradually tan the skin, it instantly cheats the appearance of a warmer complexion, and I for one, would be lost without it.'
Pros
- Suited to all skin tones
- Several colour options
- Vitamin E to brighten in the long run
Cons
- Expensive
- Sunny Flash sells out often
FAQs
How to apply a CC cream
Lan says: 'For more natural skin finish dot in various areas and use hands to moisturise and blend into the skin in circular motions like skincare. For extra coverage and layers use a dense foundation brush or beauty blender.'
Who will benefit from using a CC cream?
Lan says: 'Generally those with uneven skin tones and redness. Skin that seems dry and mature skin can benefit from the extra hydration and lightweight formula.'
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism. After interning at Stylist and Harper’s Bazaar she dipped her toes into the world of beauty writing and never looked back