1.31.2013

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.



35 comments:

  1. I love that you reviewed this. As you know, I've been wondering about these. I think I will save my $$

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  2. I have mixed feelings on CC creams, particularly Western ones. If the Western world couldn't get BB creams right how can they possibly get CC creams right? Till I get my hands on a genuine CC cream (perhaps the Rachel K one you mentioned?) I'll be sticking with my Asian BB cream!

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  3. I love the idea of combining foundation + anti-aging products. And fragrance-free! That's perfect, because I hate that tell-tale SPF smell. :)

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

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  4. You always have the best info on your posts. Wow! Thank you. You are much better than magazine or tv ads.

    Come get some of my snow, okay? we can pack it on dry ice and it should make it back. Only one, stipulation, YOU have to come here to get it. Then we can meet and laugh and have lunch together. yes!

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  5. This was a really good review! I prefer something with a little more coverage, too.

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  6. thanks for the review -- sounds great! now following :)

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  7. I was totally going to order this but need some coverage too so thanks for sharing!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  8. Thanks for the review! I think I would need more coverage, too.

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  9. thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I've been wondering what the hype about CC creams were all about.
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights

    the shop of worldly delights

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  10. Thanks for the honest review! Very helpful. :)

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  11. This is such an interesting review... ive heard a lot about it but never from anyone who had actually tried it

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  12. Have you tried Bobbi Brown's BB cream? I'm tempted!

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  13. Grat blog and nice post! I will be here more often, I'm ur new follower!
    Don't forget to visit my blog too!

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  14. That's good to know. I was curious about this product too, but I really need coverage esp for winter.

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  15. I used to use this. You write great reviews.
    Daphne.

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  16. Sounds like something I'd love–I'm a sucker for letting my freckles show through!

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  17. We don't even get CC creams here yet! But from your insight, it sounds like something I would want to try

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  18. So glad you reviewed this you just saved me $23.00. I think I'll be passing on this.

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  19. I've been wondering about this product...

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  20. My cheeks look a little red sometimes, so maybe I should try this product. Plus I do tend to battle oily skin.

    Tracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

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  21. I can't wait for DD creams! lol great review!!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE


    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  22. Thanks for the review! This seems like something that would really work for me, since I HATE wearing foundation and how greasy cream is.

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  23. Good to know! I've been using Garnier's BB cream for about a year now and love it but have been curious to try this CC cream. Thanks for the review.

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  24. Great review ! thanks.
    But it isn't the same product as their previous anti-ageing moisturizer and they just put a sticker "CC CReam" on the packaging ???
    Lot of people are mentioning about this....

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  25. @Jess Lee--I've not tried the product, but it does look similar with the added bonus of SPF.
    Covergirl did the same exact product with their CG Smoothers line and then repackaging as a BB Cream!
    Thanks for the comment.

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  26. I love how American went on the BB creme craze this summer and came out with a bunch of lower end products and now they're on the CC creme. We move fast.

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  27. Thanks for the review! Yeah I didn't like the sheerness of BB creams but my makeup pro friends said that's the point, you're supposed to layer your actual makeup over it so perhaps the same is true for CC creams. I think all the American versions are just hoping on a craze. I do like Smashbox's BB cream because it's thick so I just wear it like a tinted moisturizer and it doesn't dry my skin out.

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  28. Thank you so much for your detailed review, I find it very useful! I think this product would not be ideal for me either, because I need more coverage. I'm using Clinique foundation for oily skin and I find it great, just in case you are interested.
    Love
    Coco
    Coco et La vie en rose
    http://www.pinktopping.blogspot.it/

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  29. I like your review I've wanted to know what's better BB or CC.

    xo,
    Cindi
    Breakfast at Cindi’s

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  30. I used this way before they rebranded it as a CC cream and I must say I love it. I have oily skin and am using the Garnier BB cream that I'm not 100% in love with. And yes, it doesn't have the coverage of the Garnier but I really used it as a moisturizer/skin even outer before applying my Bare Minerals foundation and it worked like a charm, it was perfect for that. And I loved how it makes my skin feel. Great review again, Elle!

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  31. I'm glad to see a review for this product. I saw a commercial for it the other night and thought, "Huh...wonder if it would be a good summertime product."

    I've been using Armani's Maestro foundation and am astonished by how light it is for the coverage offered. Pricey, but totally worth it (for me at least).

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  32. I can't wait to get my hands on a CC cream as I have oily skin, xoxo.

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