January 29, 2013

Chanel CC Cream Correction Complete SPF 30 Review & Swatches

Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction SPF 30

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.

Chanel CC 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.

Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction

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.

Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction Swatches

Chanel CC Cream Swatches

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!

Chanel CC Cream Ingredients

I purchased this item.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Barbara

    The yellow shade looks like it would be good for those of us who deal with redness, but I’ll have to pass based on the price. Thanks for reviewing it!

    • the Muse

      barb, your icon=AMAZINGS ;-D hehe! love! it might do well to reduce the appearance of redness due to the yellow base ;-D but yeah, little $$$ my pleasure!

  • Tiffany

    Thanks sooo much for reviewing this Muse. Was gonna splurge on this, but after reading your review, will pass as the shade wouldn’t match me anyway.

    • the Muse

      my pleasure tiffany! sadly, it isn’t something you absolutely positively need to have :-/

  • kimkats

    wow – sounds like a totally unncessary product. thanks for saving me a ton ‘o money!

  • Christy

    I’m going to skip on this one. Thanks for the review. I might have impulsed bought it,not good! lol

  • Teger

    I can confirm the Chanel CC cream will be at Chanel counters in early April. Should be launched before the summer collection.

  • Sai

    I got this immediately after it is launched in hk

    Kinda like its texture and coverage and the scent

    Sadly it is not really working on my dry combination skin in winter……maybe it will work during warmer spring

    Muse do u think this one or chanel aqua vitalumiere is more moisturizing ??

    • the Muse

      aqua vitalumiere def more moisturizing sai. for me this feels semi-matte kinda satiny not really moisturizing :-/ I was thinking the warmer summer weather would be ideal for this ;-D

      • Sai

        thanks muse! I will definitely try aqua vitalumiere next time

        I wanted to buy the aqua vitalumiere…..but the BA of Chanel said this cc cream is moisturizing

  • Eraser

    I agree with you about CC cream – IMHO it’s all hype. I just had to try an Asian one as soon as I heard about them & it was basically a substandard BB cream.

  • blueraccoon

    This actually sounds up my alley, as I have combo/oily skin and don’t want a ton of coverage–some is good, but actual BB creams tend to be a bit much for me sometimes. But I’m worried about the one-shade-fits-most not fitting me, as those things usually don’t go well with uber-fair skin. Maybe when it gets released in the US there’ll be more shade options and I can try it.

  • liyeun

    Oh I tried it and I love it! I realise this does not get much love from bloggers but I personally find this better than my vitalumiere, which lasted only 6 hours on me. This CC cream is smooth and has medium coverage. I received much compliments using this though. Hehe. Thank god or I will cry for my purse!

  • mkdallas

    Muse, this is somewhat related. I just purchased an Asian CC cream called “Wei To Go Ideal Finish” after reading some raves about it. I got it on beauty.com, but you can also buy it on Birchbox.com. It was included in a Birchbox sampling a while back and got incredible reviews. It comes in the funkiest packaging ever and does not have a sunscreen, but is reasonably priced and does a phenomenal job. Your BB cream loving self needs to get some and review it. Medium to full coverage, great skin-loving ingredients…

  • Sarah

    I bought this on Ebay as well and was completely underwhelmed. I agree with your review points….this didn’t suite my fair to medium skin (w/ neutral undertones)….it made me look ghostly. I could only use a little because of the pale factor so I couldn’t get adequate SPF….kinda pointless right? Letdown for sure.

    • the Muse

      sigh yeah sarah the color is just oddly off and the formula is a little meh as well :-/

  • Tres

    Tried this about 3 months ago. Too yellow/beige for my pale skin and overall just not that impressive. Had high hopes. Super disappointed. Just received a sample of Tarte’s BB Tinted Treatment Primer — they have it in “Fair” now so it’s perfect for pale skin. I think you only had “Light” in your review? Though not a true BB I guess, I’m really liking it a lot!! Urban Decay BB was a big orange mess on me. Haven’t tried the Philosophy Be Your Best BB yet. What’s your recommendation for the top 3 BB’s for pale/fair skin?

    • the Muse

      tres yeah, it was limited shades when I reviewed it and now the worldwide launch for spring there are new shades ;-D so sorry about the UD, I actually loved it 🙁 Haven’t tried Philosophy either, quite eager for it…..shills 8 in 1, skin79 snail and dear rose are all very pale/fair bbs

    • the Muse

      i don’t have large pores so can’t really say how well it does for larger pores.

  • Nadya Sadri Mulok

    Have this! But it kinda makes my skin dry..and yeaa color is a bit off..The laneige cc cream is nice!