We’ve had our fair share of BB Creams around that started out in Asia and have now exploded worldwide. It seems like every year brings a new brand with a new BB Cream. This year, Clarins will be joining in the fun. And yet, for some brands, BB (Blemish Balm) just isn’t enough. They differentiate themselves by having CC creams instead. CC Cream, according to our good friend, Wikipedia, means “Color Control” creams and is supposed to be a more refined version of BB Cream with higher SPF, better coverage and a less oily texture. Think BB Cream V2.0 – everything you did not like in a BB Cream improved.
The brand that first popularized CC Creams was Rachel K back in 2011 – you can see it in Watson’s stores locally and I will share my thoughts on the brand soon. I had seen it popping up on blogs back then and I’d seen it while browsing Watson’s stores in Singapore but never bothered to try because I still don’t do the whole all-in-one thing, the same way I don’t buy into BB Creams. Then last year, rumblings surfaced of Chanel doing a CC Cream for the Asian market.
My personal prejudices aside, I recently received a flyer in the mail to inform that the Chanel CC Cream was available here in Malaysia and that I could hop down to pick up a sample. So I did.
Suffice to say, I had a terrible experience at the Chanel counter, where a big song and dance was made about the fact I didn’t bring the flyer to collect the sample. It was interesting because there were no instructions to bring the flyer along, as was insisted. So we started off on a bad foot, Chanel and I.
That aside, I ended up with a 1ml sachet of CC Cream after standing my ground and telling them to check the system where my records are, and having provided personal details. What this means is if you don’t have the flyer, you couldn’t get a sample. Makes a lot of sense to me, Chanel! Anyway, I roadtested it for a day so this isn’t a comprehensive review by any means. It is my “Just Sampling” review to reflect the sampling bit and just to share my perceptions on texture, mostly.
The Chanel CC Cream is termed a “Complete Correction” cream which addresses 5 actions – soothing sensitive skin, moisturizing the skin, SPF30 PA+++ uv protection, protects skin against skin aging and evens out imperfections on skin. All this, if you ask me, sounds very suspiciously like what BB Creams already are so I can’t see the difference between this and your regular BB Cream, especially the newer incarnations.
In fact my theory is that Chanel is doing a CC Cream for vanity’s sake – CC = their logo and happily ties into the latest trend to hit counters 😛
The Chanel CC Cream comes in only 1 shade – 020 Beige. What this means is that it will not suit all skintones, only the fair. I believe that Chanel targeted this primarily at the China market so anyone of medium skintone and above need not apply. In terms of shade, it is a bit yellow but it worked for my skin primarily because it was pretty sheer. It didn’t oxidize unlike the Vitalumiere Aqua disaster so it was not bad. I seem to take Chanel B10 if that helps any and reports are that it will suit those who take anything from #10-20 in Chanel foundations.
The first thing you’d notice when you open the tube as I did at the counter, was the very strong scent in the product. It wasn’t flowery, but fruity. In fact, it smells exactly like the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation and Serum Gel Foundation. I kid you not. When you realise that Bourjois Cosmetics owns Chanel Cosmetics, it all makes sense. I’m just surprised it took them so long to adopt that beautiful texture of the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundations in Chanel. The difference is the scent is stronger and it lingers more compared to Bourjois.
The product is a little thick, reminding me more of the Healthy Mix than the Serum Gel formula. It is a little more yellow but like the Bourjois versions, it works with my skin. It feels creamy and it spreads well over skin but I’d say coverage is only medium as you will see below.
On left, is bare skin, spots, pigmentation marks and all in their glory in this difficult skin time 😛 On right is with 1 layer of the Chanel CC Cream, layered a little more over imperfections. It does even out my skintone, I’ll give it that. But it hardly covers my pigmentation and marks around the chin.
I also felt that it accentuated flaky dry skin on my chin which you can’t see in the picture but which I see when I look into the mirror, and my skin generally feels a little dry (I have combination-dry skin). After a few hours, I felt it was a bit oily to the touch, but my skin still felt dry. As a light foundation, I think it works well if the colour suits you. I wouldn’t use it on its own without my regular skincare and sunscreen but that’s me. I treat BB and CC creams the same – they are all foundation to me and personally, I’d rather wear proper foundation than either BB or CC Creams, except for weekends.
Comparison Swatches: (1) Chanel CC Cream 020 Beige (2) Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation #51 Light Vanilla (3) Dior BB Cream Light (4) Bobbi Brown BB Cream Extra Light (5) Nars Radiant Tinted Moisturiser – Finland
I find the Chanel CC Cream thicker than Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel but similar to the Healthy Mix foundation. In terms of shade, it was a bit deeper than #51 that I usually wear, but it sheers out. The Dior BB Cream is thicker than Chanel and offers better coverage but it is also a bit more pink than Chanel although not by much. Bobbi Brown BB Cream is lighter than Chanel in texture and colour but feels more comfortable on my skin. Chanel is also thicker than Nars in terms of texture but I find the Nars gives me better coverage and colour.
If made to choose from the BB Creams listed here, I’d pick the Dior BB Cream because it suits my skintone well, offers decent coverage and SPF50. My next choice would be Bobbi Brown for the same reasons. I would not pick the Chanel because it felt drying on my skin and accentuated flaky skin but it is otherwise not bad. But my ultimate choice would be the Bourjois Healthy Mix or Healthy Mix Serum Gel foundation. Its practically the CC Cream at a fraction of the price. Get that instead.
In a nutshell
Chanel is the first international major brand to introduce a CC Cream ahead of the BB Creams in the market. It claims to perform 5 functions in one cream which from what I can tell is pretty much what BB Creams are already doing – moisturise, sun protection, colour to even out skin imperfections. CC Creams are supposed to be better textured and offer more coverage and SPF than BB Creams. Based on my comparisons, I find them on par so I don’t get the hype. I found the Chanel CC Cream does even out skintone quite well, spreads easily and isn’t oily. I do however find it a little drying and seems to accentuate flaky skin. The scent is also very strong and it comes in only 1 shade so my advise is to check it out in person before buying, and if you are on a budget, just get the Bourjois foundations. They work just as well or better and cost a fraction of the price 🙂
Pros: Evens out skintone well, Light texture, Non oily, Does not oxidise
Cons: Strong fruity scent that lingers a little, Does not cover imperfections very well, Accentuates dry flaky skin, A little drying on my dry cheeks
Who will like this: Anyone who has oilier skin than I do, Anyone who prefers a lighter textured less oily all-in-one cream-moisturiser-sunscreen thingy
Here is the ingredient list from the back of the sachet
Ok I lied. This was supposed to be a “short review” and its turned out a thesis. Sorry! 😛 Was my experience of the product coloured by my experience at the counter? Well, yes, I am very sure that it did influence it. I deliberately waited 2 weeks before I tried it but I will admit that I’m probably not totally impartial. Shabby counter experiences do do that to you 🙂
Have you tried the Chanel CC Cream? Are you interested in it?
I believe this is available in Asia only for now. As you can probably tell, I was less than enamoured with it mainly because it reminded me too much of the Bourjois foundations. On its own, its not bad, really. But since I have a basis for comparison, I’d much rather pick up its cheaper sister that works beautifully well on my skin and doesn’t feel dry nor accentuate flaky skin. You can also read more comprehensive thoughts on the Chanel CC Cream from Tine (Beautyholics Anonymous) and Valerie (Ponikuta) who both have the full size versions and have had longer experience with it than my 1 day.
Paris B
Chanel CC Complete Correction Cream Price: RM165/30ml Availability: Chanel counters
Well i cannot stand Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation. It is too heavy and too strong in fragrance. Very orangey looking too. like most of the high street foundations.
Someone once compared it to Vitalumiere Aqua and i can say there is absolutely no comparison whats over. I was going to do a post about it because i researched all ingredients in each product and they had nothing in common.
I love my Vitalumiere Aqua because it is nice and light in texture while giving great coverage, so i will not be purchasing CC cream by Chanel.
I personally do not like BB creams anyway, just another way for makeup companies to get more money out of us. A perfectly good foundation that complements your skin type is all that is ever really needed and a good moisturiser underneath. I’ve been on this planet long enough to know that lol. Interesting post.
I’m not much of a fan of BB Creams myself but I have to say that some of them do work out quite well as a quick sheer “foundation”.i don’t buy into the skincare properties so like you I prefer going with a foundation for better coverage and texture. Vitalumiere Aqua was no good for me, sadly. Few Chanel foundations work for me being too orange, too dark or oxidizing but the Bourjois was a dream! Guess that’s why we have different brands to suit different preferences 🙂
My goodness, I can’t believe they expect you to jump through hoops for that tiny sachet that probably wouldn’t even cover my face. Not classy, Chanel, not classy at all.
I found the CC cream meh. Too much hype on something that just works like any other BB creams. For the price, I expected better. Might as well use that money and get a proper foundation instead.
To be fair, I could have gone 2 uses with the sachet but once it’s opened I’m not the sort to use an opened pack of product. I do like the texture and at least it didn’t oxidize but at that price, I too will get a good foundation. It only makes sense.
I stole Tine’s for a day (haha!) to try and I was put off by the scent. That, to me is a deal breaker. Like you, I think it’s essentially BB cream marketed differently – to create a new niche? Like Apple and iPad? 😛
Hahaha I’m thinking this is like the iPad and the iPad Mini – same same but different 😀 it smells so much stronger than Bourjois though, which surprised me because Bourjois is pretty strong to start.
I experienced the same thing as well! And I ended up going home without the sachet, Ish so annoying!
But I bought it anyway after hearing good things about it online and I am loving it! <3
Haha so it wasn’t just me being sensitive about the sampling process! Whew! 😀 glad it worked out for you though. I do think its a nice product but my skin doesn’t like it much 🙁
It’s just a 1ml sample, for goodness sake. I hate it when brands do that. I had that mailer in my bag, and I went to a Chanel counter when I was in KL. I took a brief look at their Spring 2013 collection, felt ‘meh’ and didn’t even bother with the sample. It’s either I’m getting a hang of this no buy thing, or it’s just really meh.
Oh it’s meh! I looked at the Spring collection but nothing grabbed me, not even the powder which looks so gorgeous. I used to really like looking at Chanel collections but their latest ones don’t wow me. I wonder if its just me being jaded 🙂
Haha totally agree that Chanel was just waiting to cash in on the CC logo thing! Sad to hear this isn’t living up to all the hype, but I do quite like the Rachel K one 🙂
The Rachel K one isn’t bad at all, for the price! Ut yeah, the CC Cream was just made for Chanel wasn’t it?
On your before and after photo PB, I can see some differences in terms of coverage and thank goodness you say something about accentuating dryness of skin, I guess I’ll go for the cheaper route too! My fave BB cream as for the moment! (Candy bar BB Cream), I have a feeling more CC cream brands will arrive so all I have to do is wait and see 😀
I do think it does a fair job at evening out skintone but I was not happy at the dry skin showing up. I haven’t heard ofmCandy Bar BB Cream but its great to low you have found one to love! Oh and I’m very sure you’ll start seeing CC Creams in your part of the world very soon!
Oh no, sorry you had an annoying experience. It’s funny to me because they have absolutely nothing to lose (and everything to gain! Hello, potential loyal customer?) by just shrugging and handing you a minuscule sample.
I was really put off by the heavy fragrance, too, and here I’d thought Dior foundations were super fragrant (but put up with them because I love how they perform.)
Sigh, I don’t understand it either, Peach. It was quite mind boggling. I actually don’t even notice Dior foundation scents lol! So you can imagine how strong this one smelt! I’m going to use a Dior tomorrow and see what it smells like 😉
Hmm…isn’t 1ml a bit toooo little to really try a product? Shame on you Chanel.
I find that customer service at Chanel varies, depending on the SA that you got. I frequent the same counter here in Penang, and on separate occasions, I’ve been attended by 2 different SA. The lady was really, really helpful and understanding. She’ll shower me with samples if I express interest in trying a certain product. But I can’t say the same for the other guy. He just wanted me to go away and leave him alone.
Despite being a huge fan of Chanel’s skincare/makeup, I now have second thoughts about the Chanel CC cream. Was pretty excited to try it when I first heard about it. But now….hmm…think I’d just wait for the Clarins one. 😛
Nothing beats the NARS TM in terms of coverage eh? 😉
To be fair, I could have gotten at least 2 uses out of the sachet. The problem is there isn’t enough to squeeze out and I didn’t want to use an opened product again. So that was that. If you can snag a sample, I think is worth giving it a try. It’s not a bad product and if you have oily skin, you may appreciate it more than I did. But you’re right about the Nars TM. Damn! That one is love!
Aiyoh…Roll eyes…all the hoo haa for 1ml. Thanks for the review now I know its NOT for me again. Anyway, BB n CC are for people with good skin. I think I stick to my foundation.
I know! Calls had to made to HQ to confirm I can get a sachet. Sigh… I think you’re right about BB and CC Creams. People with good skin will benefit most form them. The rest of us will prefer foundation. That said, I’m less disappointed if I treat BB creams like a sheer foundation and use it to even out skintone and then dab on concealer, for a light natural finish.
Hmmm. Not good for dry patches mean a no-no for me! I didn’t know that Bourjois owns Chanel! Interesting! Now I see the similarities! The blushes, the shadows-DOH. No wonder I’m not a fan of the Chanel eyeshadows haha!
Yep! Bourjois owns Chanel and not the other way around as most people think! That does explain the similarity in many of their products 😉
I really enjoy your reviews! My thoughts are exactly the same as yours on the CC cream 😀 The scent is exactly the same as their hydra beauty serum, and I was advised that I could actually use it without a moisturiser because I had combination skin. Even *with* moisturiser my skin was looking a tad dry in certain areas!!
Am looking forward to your thoughts on the CLARINS BB cream; however it only comes in one shade! It suits my NC20 skin perfect but as you mentioned, it really might be a tad dark for you.
Anyhow, CHANEL has been a bit disappointing for the past few seasons, they really need to up their game and come up with better products/makeup collections.
Hiya Xen! Thank you and it’s a relief to know I’m not alone in how I feel about this highly raved CC Cream! I actually dislike how people say you can use BB or CC Creams in place of moisturizer or sunscreen. Its just insufficient to me. I’m curious about the Clarins one so it’ll be interesting. I don’t know what I am in MAC Foundations but I think I’m either a 15 or 20 based on other brands of foundations so hopefully the Clarins one will work! I’m also glad I’m not alone in thinking Chanel need to step up their game. Honestly, they haven’t been very interesting at all for a while.
I drop by the Chanel counter to check what the hype is all about on their cc cream. I ask for sample and was given 2 sachet of the cream without any hassle. Well .. i think the SA was nice though. Of course the colour doesnt suit me. Im B50 but I use it as a base and quite please with the result but not planning on getting one though. I agree its more for the China market.
Wow that’s what we call proper marketing! I like that they gave you the sample even if the shade wasn’t suitable and better yet, that you found a use for it! 😉
Shall continue to stick to my bourjois foundations (read your review on it & never looked back) then….Chanel has always oxidise on my skin & makes me look like oily woman….funny coz whichever bourjois foundation i use, doesnt…
Oooh me too! Chanel foundations tend to oxidize on my skin while few brands do, and because no one complains about it, I always thought i was alone haha! Glad to know I’m not and glad to know the Bourjois works well for you!
Oops Im in Singapore btw. I don’t have any flyers with me and got the sample with ease.
I managed to pick up the sample in KL without any problems (although it may have been because I’d just bought the powder). Haven’t tried it yet though, but sounds like something that might suit me *fingers crossed*
Haha sounds like you got lucky, or maybe they did cos you bout the powder lol! I’ve found that trying to get a sample out of Chanel even when I buy stuff, is like pulling teeth so I don’t even bother anymore. Sigh… Hope it works for you! Or hmm… Maybe not eh? 😉
Think I will skip this. I rather spend on a good foundation than rather a bb cream which to me most of the time perform like a tinted moisturiser. Btw, the bourjois healthy serum didn’t quite work for me. However, the flower perfection version works wonders. The next foundation I hope to try is le métier beaute’s and Armani maestro.
At those prices, I’d do a foundation too. Most foundations these days are pretty good anyway at hydration and sunscreen and stuff. I haven’t tried the flower perfection one but I have heard its pretty good too. In fact it would seem that most Bourjois foundations aren’t bad. Wish we had them here so I could try 😛 I haven’t heard a lot about LMDB foundations but the Maestro one definitely gets a lot of raves. I didn’t like it on testing but I am curious enough to want to try it again because its so fascinating!
Review aside, I really disliked the attitude of the counter over a SAMPLE! It’s not like they are giving you a deluxe or full size of a product so what’s the fuss, Chanel!!
Haha my thoughts exactly. I thought I’d get a sample tube hence the fuss so when I was handed the sachet, I was like what?!?!
Samples are an invaluable sales tool, but they don’t work if you don’t give them out!
Stupid 😛
And this doesn’t sound like they can justify the “CC” at all – it annoys me when they treat consumers like we’re stupid.
Thanks for the sampling!
Hahaha! I like that – samples don’t work if you don’t give them out. Exactly! Ah well, I’m glad I got the sample. Although it cold well be that when my skin was feeling better, it could even be nice. But I wouldn’t know now, would I? 😉
Ouch I’m so sorry to hear about your experience! You shouldn’t have been expected to jump through hoops for a sample sachet!
I wouldn’t mind trying, but it for sure looks too light to my skin tone. I’ll wait till they add more shades to the line!
I’m sort of curious if they will add more shades. Would be quite interesting if they did! The texture is quite nice, I’ll give them that 😉