Dec 28, 2021

CC Cream vs. Foundation: What’s the Difference?

All of the best makeup looks have one thing in common: a perfect base. There are a lot of products you can use to achieve a smooth, flawless complexion. However, you may get slightly confused by some of the options.

There are seemingly endless formulations when it comes to base makeup. There are CC creams, BB creams, foundations, and tinted moisturizers. These products also range in coverages, and you have to pick a skin-flattering finish and shade.

We are going to focus on the differences between CC cream and foundation. You'll find out what set's these two products apart and how to apply them.

What Is CC Cream?

CC cream is a color-correcting product that is marketed as an all-in-one product. They contain SPF, foundation, and moisturizer. They are also made with ingredients that calm your skin and give you a radiant complexion. While all brands aren't the same, some contain anti-aging ingredients, peptides, and vitamin C.

These products are also infused with light-deflecting particles that can help skin that may look dull or sallow. Some companies claim that CC cream works for all skin types, but it depends on the formulation. If you have oily skin and want to look matte, you may want to use a different product or have powder on hand to apply over the CC cream.

CC cream can even out redness and blotchiness. However, it's different from a foundation because the texture is lighter. If you're currently using a BB cream but struggle with hyperpigmentation, you may like a CC cream better. The color-correcting pigment can be a better option for people who need a little more coverage.

CC creams don't have a large shade range. Foundations come in a variety of shade options, you may have 40 to choose from, but CC and BB creams usually only have a handful of hues available. You definitely don't want to use a base product that's not a perfect match. It can throw the whole makeup look off.

What Is Foundation?

Foundation is the traditional option when it comes to makeup for your face. It has a thicker consistency than CC cream but is available in light to full coverage. Foundation offers the highest level of coverage and can give you that flawless skin look.

Foundations also come in many more shades and undertones, so you'll be able to find your perfect match. There are various finishes like dewy, satin, and matte. You can find one that fits your specific skin needs. You'll be able to rely on it for everyday use and special events.

People with dry skin may want a dewy or satin finish to achieve a more luminous complexion. Meanwhile, people with oily skin may like matte foundations that help them fight shininess. The finish you choose comes down to personal preference and how you want your skin to look.

You also have various formulations you can choose from when it comes to foundation. CC cream comes in only liquid, but there are powder, cream, and stick foundation formulations. You can also find water-based foundations that are better for acne-prone skin types.

Some CC creams and foundations can contain oils and other pore-clogging ingredients. However, water-based products won't cause you to break out. Plus, they won't make oily-skin types look even greasier. No matter which option you choose, aim for a water base.

HIDE Premium Foundation is a water-based liquid foundation. It has a semi-matte finish that offers medium to full coverage. It's buildable, so you can sheer it out if you want only a small amount of coverage or apply more for a flawless look.

The Best Option

When it comes down to choosing between CC cream and foundation, you must consider your desired result. Each product has its pros and cons. You have to decide what's most important to you.

Some people like to keep both a CC cream and a foundation on hand. However, if you only want one, a foundation may be the better choice since it's more versatile. Foundation offers amazing coverage and can even out your skin tone and hide blemishes. You'll be able to find one that matches your ideal finish and skin tone.

CC creams are ideal for people who want a single complexion product that isn't difficult to put on and contains skincare ingredients. They also provide enough coverage to camouflage discoloration and other skin issues.

CC creams also make the perfect "no-makeup" makeup look. However, you can also achieve this look with foundation or just a concealer. Select a concealer that's a perfect match for your skin tone and only apply it to areas you need a little coverage. Blend it out, and bam, you're skin still looks like skin, but better.

HIDE Premium Concealer provides excellent coverage and comes in a variety of shades. It's super lightweight so that you can wear it all day with an undetectable finish. Plus, it's also oil-free, so it works for all skin types.

How To Apply CC Cream

You may need to adjust your routine when applying CC cream. The way you put on your foundation may not be the best option. The dot and blend technique work best for a CC cream.

Before applying the product, clean and moisturize your skin, next, apply a few dots of CC cream to your chin, nose, forehead, and cheeks. You don't need a lot of product to get an even complexion. Use small pea-sized dots.

Starting in the center of your face, blend the product outwards. You can use a foundation brush, damp makeup sponge, or even your fingers to blend. However, a makeup sponge can be the best for a flawless finish.

Using this method will ensure you have coverage where you need it, which for most people is the center of their face. Most people also don't need a lot of coverage on the edges of their face, so sheering it out in these areas works.

How To Apply Foundation

Foundation can take a little bit more effort to apply, depending on the coverage level you desire. Since it's a thicker consistency, you have to make sure it's blended out, and there are no noticeable streaks.

Similar to CC cream, you want to start with clean, moisturized skin. This step is essential if you have dry skin since some foundations can dry out the skin even more. Next, dab on the foundation right onto your face or pump it out right onto your brush or makeup sponge.

Using a damp makeup sponge makes getting a full-coverage airbrushed appearance easy. You can blend the same way, starting in the center of your face and working your way out. Dab and bounce the sponge on your face, and avoid dragging the product around when using a sponge. Use a buffing motion when using a foundation brush.

You also want to start with less product than you think you might need. You can always add more, but applying too much at once can create a cakey appearance.

Final Takeaway

There are good reasons to use a CC cream or a foundation. At the end of the day, it comes down to what kind of coverage and finish you want. However, a foundation may be a better choice for people who can't find their shade in CC creams and want a product that can do it all.