Product Test Drive: Olay Total Effects CC Cream Review

CC Creams are the latest skincare craze to hit beauty shelves. CC Cream stands for "Color Control" or "Color Corrector" and is designed to correct uneven skin tones with more nourishing ingredients, more effective skin coverage, and a higher SPF. CC Creams also address two of the biggest complaints of BB Creams: blending issues (BB Creams were too light for some skin tones) and the oily finish. CC Creams are easily blendable and not oily, providing a natural, flawless result (info via Wiki).

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Today I'm sharing my review of Olay Total Effects CC Cream. It is the only drugstore CC Cream I've seen so far. I purchased this product, not only for curiosity purposes, but because I have uneven skin tone--my cheeks are perpetually red, and I had hopes the Olay CC Cream would fix those. It appears to me to be marketed for mature skin, with the age spots and anti-aging claims, but any age that has those issues should try it. I'm reviewing the light to medium shade. I've used this product for a couple of weeks, and will update this post, if needed, after I finish the bottle. Check it out:

PRICE: $23 for 1.7 oz.

SHADES: fair to light, light to medium, medium to deep

CONSISTENCY: thin, light, and similar to a BB Cream, and with SPF 15.

SCENT: no scent

APPLICATION: Apply with clean fingertips. Can be worn alone or as a primer. Skin will look very shiny at first, but after a few minutes it will soak right in.

CLAIMS: (via website)

Total Effects fights 7 signs of aging: 

• Fine lines and wrinkles: reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Uneven Tone: balances and helps even out tone

• Age Spots: reduces appearance of discoloration

• Gentle Exfoliation: Improves surface cell turnover

• Dryness: provides nourishing moisturization

• Moisture Barrier: strengthens skin’s natural defense against moisture loss

• Luminosity: recaptures youthful luminosity

BEST FOR:

• oily skin
• sheer coverage
• uneven skin tone
• light-feeling sunscreen

RESULTS:

As for the 7 claims:

• I didn't notice a reduction in fine lines, but I didn't notice these lines as enhanced, as some products settle into/emphasize them.
• My skin's redness disappeared.
• I don't have age spots.
• I didn't notice a surface cell turnover, but will once I use the entire bottle, I'll update.
• My dry skin was gently moisturized, making this product great for oily skin.
• My skin looked luminous, like when it is freshly-scrubbed, but without redness or sparkles.

NOTES:

The first thing I noticed on the box was that it had sheer coverage, which for some is the perfect answer, but not for me. I have redness, freckles, and huge pores, so I need coverage! So many of you respond that you don't like heavy makeup, so you will love this. I tried applying more than one layer and ended up with what I thought was a tan, but was informed it looked orange. Fail. I also tried using this as a primer, but I didn't see how it hurt or helped my foundation. Since it soaks in, I experienced no transfer onto my clothes, which is another positive. I am currently experiencing a breakout on my chin, which appears to be hormonal, but could be caused by the CC Cream, as it's the only new product I've tried lately. I will update this if the breakouts continue.

IS IT BETTER THAN A BB CREAM?

I don't think for me personally it is, but I think most users will like it better than BB Cream, especially if they have oily skin and want a natural look.

WOULD I REPURCHASE:

No, because I need coverage and a bit more moisture, and would like to try Rachel K, a popular favorite. However, if you want SPF that feels light, with sheer coverage, and that hides redness, you'll love the Olay CC Cream. I would recommend this.

For BB Cream reviews, click here.