Review: Smashbox Camera-Ready CC Cream

Ever since the BB cream craze, I've been on the hunt for one of these double-letter products that will actually work. As you've probably seen from many reviews, I went through quite a few different BB's, always complaining about two major drawbacks: they either didn't provide enough coverage or they made my skin oily (or both). I'd finally found one I liked, when Garnier released a BB cream for oily and combination skin. Hooray that it was a drugstore one too! The only thing I didn't like about it was that its consistency is watery (nothing major).

Of course, BB's have been out for far too long. So now they're being followed by CC creams (and in some cases DD creams), which are intended to provide more coverage and address uneven skin tome. If you have any hyperpigmentation you want to disguise, you probably noticed that a lot of BB's didn't offer you the coverage needed. Rest assured, CC's are here to treat and help.

The first of the CC's I've decided to try out was from Smashbox. I purchased the shade Medium-Light as I wanted something with just a hint more color for the spring and summer months. I've gotta say, I'm pretty sold on its efficacy. What really sold me was that it's supposed to moisturize, treat, and cover all while giving you a matte finish. Unlike most BB's that are meant to give you a little dewiness (which for me translates to grease fest), CC's are meant to give a natural-skin-like finish while still providing coverage. In other words: This isn't only good for those with perfect, youthful, problem-free skin, and you while your skin will look flawless, it won't look like you're wearing makeup. Sign. Me. Up.

Alright, so here's what Smashbox has to say about it's CC cream:

It's an advanced light-weight formula that neutralizes and brightens skin for a more even complexion. It's also proven to fade dark spots, sun spots, and post-acne marks instantly and over time. 

• Primes, protects (with broad spectrum SPF 30), moisturizes, and controls oil.
• Immediately evens skin with a tinted formula and prevents discoloration in the future.
• Wear alone or under foundation for full coverage
• Available in five shades
• Contains 1.0 fl. oz. of product
• Cost $42

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream comes in a squeeze tube, which is great for travel, more hygienic, improves control over how much product you squeeze out, and lets you get to more of the product in the tube.

I was pleasantly surprised by how well this worked. I don't think I've ever found a product I liked so much on the first try. Here are some of the things I noticed after using this for a month:

• It has a really nice creamy consistency but doesn't feel heavy on the skin
• The finish is beautiful. It looks like natural skin while providing great coverage and correction. In other words, I look like I'm not wearing makeup and my skin is awesome. Cha-ching!
• Blends easily
• Didn't make me look shiny or oily throughout the entire day
• Provides medium-light coverage. I sometimes spot build more coverage in certain areas that need a little more coverage. For example, I'll go back and add I little extra to hide under eye shadows or mask a blemish. Note: If you have really dark under eye circles, you may still need a little concealer. But apply the CC first, then see how much concealing you actually need to do.
• Has impressive lasting power. I've worn it all day running errands and it stuck around. 
• Works as an excellent primer. When I'm aiming for full coverage, I wear this under my foundation and have to use much less foundation because it does so much to even out my skin. It also helps my foundation last all day, which I recently put to the test during my visit to NYC. I would wear the same makeup all day long (we're talking 10+ hours easily with lots and lots of walking)
• With daily use, I've noticed my skin looks healthier and more even. 
• I didn't experience any breakouts. 

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream swatch to give you a better idea of the product's color and consistency

Admittedly, this isn't an inexpensive product. But, in my opinion, it's worth the money. First of all, you don't need to use a lot, so it will last you a good amount of time. Also, it's definitely a great all-in-one product. I only reach for my foundation now when I'm going for a more dramatic night-time look or heading to an event. And my daily moisturizer is probably feeling a little neglected. I still use a serum, but mostly because I like how serums work and they're so lightweight  anyway that they don't add much bulk to my routine (not because this product doesn't moisturize).  Considering this could replace your primer, sunscreen, daytime moisturizer, and foundation (for those who don't wear full coverage on the daily), $42 doesn't seem that steep anymore.

Check out my video demonstration to see how this looks when I apply it:

Have you been curious about CC creams? Would you give Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream a try?