June 3, 2013

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream SPF 30

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream ($42) was one of the very first CC Creams that popped up here in the US earlier this March.

This is available in five shade selections and promises to fade away imperfections while preventing future discoloration while lessening the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and post ache marks.

Take a look!

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream

Unlike many brands at the moment who are skipping BB Creams and heading right to CC Creams Smashbox has already covered a BB Cream formula and moved forward with their CC Cream. I question the ability to create a good CC Cream if you haven’t even really made a BB Cream but hey, I guess many brands are just following the market trend. But props to Smashbox for being one of the first to tap the US BB Cream market and following up with a CC Cream soon after.

I’d say Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream is most comparable to the Clarins BB Cream formula. It’s thicker, creamy, and for lack of a better description, it kinda melds with your skin and creates a second skin-like finish. It does run quite dark from my experience. I was sent medium and it is QUITE dark. This is a tan deep tan almost bronze shade with orange-y beige undertones. Pigmentation is sheer but not so sheer it won’t offer basic coverage to even out skin tone and conceal minor problems such as redness, darkness, or some blemishes. It has a satin-like dry down that’s weightless and breathable. It does not provide any real moisture but blends easily on drier skin and does not accentuate drier areas. I’ve heard mixed reviews that within a few hours skin becomes oily during the wear but I had no issues. It wears for a solid five hours before showing minor wear and fading at around hour six.

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream SPF 30 Swatches

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream Swatches

For me it acted as more of a BB Cream/tinted moisturizer product. The coverage it offers is a step up from a tinted moisturizer yet the thicker, creamier texture resembles a BB Cream. I wouldn’t say it corrects necessarily but it perfects well enough so already good skin will look better. I like the benefits of a time saving product and this indeed saves sometime as it applies easily every time without a ton of fuss during application.

Overall, Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream proves a good pick for those who want the benefits of a BB Cream formula’s finish and texture while getting a step above a tinted moisturizer’s coverage. It’s subtle and sheer yet offers enough coverage to perfect skin and set a fairly good canvas for makeup. I’ve been using it a month now but can’t say its faded my dark spots. Hopefully with long term future use I’ll see some of those benefits.

At the moment, in comparison to Asian CC Creams, I’d say this leans towards being more of a tinted moisturizer product with a higher level of color pay off. There isn’t anything wrong with that at all as it’s fairly good lightweight coverage for Summer wearing! However, if you desire more color correcting benefits you might wish to explore Asian CC Creams.

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream 5

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream 6

This is available now at Sephora and Sephora.com

Anything try it?

Thoughts?

Do share!

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

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

  • Jas

    Psstt…. Hey muse! I am a real big fan of your blog and a subscriber. However, I kinda just wanted to point out a little typo in the beginning. Ache–>acne.
    Have a nice day! You rock 🙂

    • the Muse

      thanks sometimes my hands type faster than my head thinks!

  • Chelsea

    I quite like their BB Cream Formula, but if the CC cream runs dark, I’m SOL, because I find the lightest BB Cream shade a tad dark! I’ve done well with Missha Signature #13 because the shade is the best match I’ve had in any kind of base product.

  • Daniella

    I have to try this out! Do you like this better than Smashboxes bb cream?
    xx
    daniella

  • Rebecca

    I have Smashbox’s BB cream (travel size) when I want something sheerer than my go-to Missha Perfect Cover BB cream, so I’m quite curious to try their CC cream. But again, $42 for 30ml??

    Come on Smashbox, get off your high horse – you’re products aren’t miraculous!

  • Iris

    I’d like to try this (30 SPF = win!) but hope it’s light enough for my skin.