When I purchased my original CC Cream, I really wanted something that would cover the dark circles under my eyes, as well as some age spots and hyperpigmentation.
As usual, I read the reviews before purchasing and made note of suggestions recommending that, for mature skin, the matte version was better than the illuminating version. I opted for the Oil-Free Matte CC+ Cream and selected the Light Medium shade that I felt suited my skin tone best.
The Oil-Free Matte CC+ Cream claims to:
- act as a full-coverage foundation
- colour correct
- conceal dark spots without creasing or cracking
This was just okay for me. Too little product, and it barely made a difference in coverage. Apply more product and suddenly, it looks like you’ve bathed in the stuff. I do NOT like makeup caked on my face. I like my skin to breathe. Caked-on makeup may look fine and dandy for a professional photo shoot with perfect lighting, but not so much for a “I just want to walk around normally” kind of day.
Also, the matte was a bit too matte for me and left me feeling flat.
Not wanting to give up on this product entirely, I decided to give it another try to see if the CC+ Illumination version was any better, in the shade Light.
This illumination version of the cream offers the same benefits as the matte version, with the exception of the “Drops of Light Technology”, which is responsible for the glow. Also, the Illumination version has an SPF factor of 50+ UVA/UVB, while the matte version contains 40.
I should have gone with my initial intuition, because I love this version much better. I found it blended better, and it did leave a nice, healthy glow. As a bonus (to me anyway), it had a very, very light lemony scent.
As with the matte version, I apply this sparingly on the areas that I feel need more help, namely the tops of my cheeks, my hyperpigmentation and age spots, and under my eyes. Again, quantity matters here and makes all the difference. It’s a fine line between looking like all made up versus looking more natural.
Both versions settle into the fine lines underneath my eyes, with or without primer.
Interestingly enough, I watched a Youtube video this weekend from a makeup influencer discussing makeup trends, and she mentioned that the dewy-skin look was on its way out and matte was making its way back. Guess, I’m working against the trends in this case.
Both CC creams retail for $59 CDN.
Disclaimer: All reviews are my own. I purchased the product myself, and have not received compensation for my review.
The 50 Edit 