New Clinique CC Cream and Should You Upgrade?

While BB creams are still launching in South Africa, the next generation, CC creams, are also starting to creep in. It all feels a little like a cellphone upgrade debate - whether the new model is really better than the old and whether you should switch now or wait.

 Clinique has just launched their CC cream this month, making them one of the first in South Africa. I haven't tried the product yet so I went online to see what others thought.

 So a quick update: a BB cream is  suppose to be a Blemish Balm. The idea is that it will provide light coverage while treating blemishes and sun spots and protecting with a high SPF.

BB creams have had mixed results - younger people often complain that they are too oily and I have heard older women complain that they are not rich enough. And while they are suppose to aid with breakouts, many actually cause them. Many people also feel they don't provide enough coverage.

This is obviously not across the board; you do get BB creams that are wonderful. But  look out for ones that are low in synthetic fragrances (which can irritate sensitive skin) and high in SPF (30+ at least for our climate). If you have oily or combination skin chances are you'll need to touch up with pressed powder through the day and take note BB's provide light coverage - like a tinted moisturizer - so if you want to cover scarring, blemishes or  coverage, stick to foundation or get a powder foundation to wear over the BB.

CC cream stands for Colour Control or Colour Correcting Cream. It is suppose to offer all the skin care benefits of the BB while providing better coverage and having a lighter, less oily finish.

The Clinique CC cream launched in stores this month. They promise that it will target complexion concerns like dullness, sallowness and redness, that it is lightweight and oil free, contains an SPF and is suitable for all skintypes.

In general people really rant about this product. Most of the reviews I've read say the texture is very creamy, that it covers well and that the finish is dewy. For some people the texture was too thick but then others commended this because it provided better coverage than their BB creams. So this is really a personal preference.

A few reviews did complain that the product was too dewy - bordering on oily. Others again complained that it had a chalky texture - so clearly this depends on your skin type. If you are older or have a dryer skin, make sure your skin is properly hydrated before applying this. I would not recommend using this instead of a cream.

I like the fact that it has a Broad Spectrum SPF of 30, which means it protects against UVA and UVB damage. I would still recommend using a higher SPF underneath though.

The product contains Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate the skin, Trehalose and Sorbitol to balance it in humid conditions and Vitamin E to protect against free radicals. It is also oil free and completely fragrance free, making it less likely to irritate acne-prone and sensitive skins.

It does seem like this CC cream ticks the boxes - providing better coverage while targeting complexion issues that spring up as you get older. Because moisture levels in young and older skin are so different, younger women will probably still need to apply pressed powder to control oil through the day.  

The Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Corrector retails at R355 and will be available at selected Clinique counters. For more information visit www.clinique.co.za    

Have you tried this product? Please give your feedback in the comments section below. If I do get to try this product I will give you an update.