Chanel CC Cream Correction Complete SPF 30 Review & Swatches – Musings of a Muse

Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction SPF 30 launched in Japan a bit ago. You’ll see CC Creams start trending into Summer 2013 with a bigger launch come Fall 2013 I’m sure. They are slowly starting to trickle into the US market. I surely hope that Chanel releases their CC Cream here soon (I suspect you’ll see it come late Summer into Fall) but I’m unsure of its launch as of yet.

I had a friend who lives in Tokyo pick this up for me when it originally launched however, online shops do have it close to retail.

Let’s take a look!

CC Cream provides the benefits of skincare in conjunction with coverage for a natural flawless complexion that treats skin as it acts as a base. BB Creams have similiar benefits as CC Creams but CC Creams seem to be the most beneficial to skin with more powerful anti-aging and treatment elements than a typical BB Cream.

The fusion of skincare along with coverage hopes to act as a single step product for you that soothes skin, moisturizes it, protects it with SPF, evens out dark spots, and offers sheer coverage to perfect skin.

This comes in a 1.8 oz tube. I believe I paid close to $55 after conversion from yen to USD. The tube is quite tiny for this price but I’m willing to splurge even more on an excellent base product.

But is it excellent?

Not really. I hate to say it but CC Creams are simply a reinvention of the BB Cream. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. CC Creams are an unnecessary reintroduction of something that already works so why do we need something new?

It’s funny as CC Creams are supposed to have higher SPF and better coverage than a BB Cream but in my experience they have either lower or about the same SPF as BB Creams, less coverage, and a thinner, more refined texture that’s considerably less rich and creamier than a BB Cream.

Go figure!

Perhaps you didn’t love the rich, creamy, hydrating texture of the original BB Cream that’s where CC Cream might impress you. The texture is softer, thinner, and considerably less hydrating with a sheer to medium coverage. Perhaps you wanted something more lightweight, less moisturizing…well CC Cream is something you’ll love.

Chanel has never released a BB Cream to my knowledge so they simply got on board with the next generation and launched their CC Cream. This only comes in a single shade so it won’t be suitable for all skin tones and will favor fairer skin. Personally it adapted well for me but since it’s made for an Asian market the single light beige shade with a bit of a yellow undertone will work well for that market. It adapted well on my skin but did come across a touch too pale.

The texture is thick almost gel-like but not as creamier as typical BB Cream. It has a strong, fresh floral scent that’s almost cucumber-like. I enjoy the scent to be honest but I think someone with a more sensitive nose will find it offensive. It applies and blends easily however, it isn’t nearly as moist as a BB Cream so I had some difficulty with how smooth it appeared. Moisturizer and primer are essential for those with dry skin for the smoothest possible finish. It likes to cling to dry, flaky areas which is why I highly suggest proper prepping prior. I felt like the dry down and finish was more of a semi-matte satiny feel…I typically prefer the more moist finish of a BB Cream but regardless it still looks fairly lovely if I prep well prior. Coverage seems to last all day on my skin without fading or oxidizing. I do think it lacks pigment so it’ll perfect already good skin but those with problem areas such as darkness, acne, etc…will feel it lacks the coverage they need for a flawless finish.

After many weeks of use I can’t say it’s done anything for my skin outside of offering basic coverage. Perhaps the long term anti-aging results will prove incredible but without a few years of use under my belt I couldn’t tell you and a quick look at the ingredients doesn’t show anything too exciting or groundbreaking in the anti-aging element.

Those with oilier skin desiring lighter coverage will like this. Particularly if you felt BB Creams were just a little TOO much for you.

Overall, Chanel CC Cream is simply a hybrid skincare tinted moisturizing product. If you want a true BB Cream experience I’d stick with Korean BB Creams on a whole. If you desire lightweight, more matte coverage you might enjoy this. It’s a very nice product and perhaps I’d consider a repurchase if it was a smidge darker as it does look and feel amazing on my skin but I think it will prove disappointing for those seeking a ton of coverage and skin healing benefits.

Quite a few E-bay shops sell it. I’d suggest AlphabeautyUK (not affiliated) for a fairly good deal.

Tried it?

Do share your thoughts!