Clinique CC Cream Moisture Surge Hydrating Color Corrector SPF 30; Review & Swatches of Shades

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30;

(Clinique's NEW Stock Photo)

New for Spring 2014

Price: $37 for 1.2 ounces

(About $30 per ounce)

Clinique claims to have made the ultimate one-step anti-aging formula with their new CC Cream (aka Moisture Surge Hydrating Color Corrector SPF 30), and as it joins the ranks of countless other CC & BB Creams that claim to be a convenient miracle worker, you're probably wondering if Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream is right for you...Clinique claims that their Moisture Surge CC Cream is "one simple step for glowing skin, a lightweight formula that instantly colour corrects a range of complexion concerns so all you see is a healthy glow. Oil-Free Hydration and sunscreen mean a more flawless look tomorrow too. Each Versatile shade is appropriate for a range of skintones and undertones."

Clinique is right about the first part, Moisture Surge CC Cream will certainly deliver glowing skin in one step, but it's a very heavy glow that many people won't find appealing. The thicker texture can be difficult to blend and while it sets somewhat quickly for a formula like this, it isn't all that hydrating. Moisture Surge CC does correct a range of complexion concerns by offering the heavier side of light coverage which is alot more than many BB & CC Creams, but there are no long-term correcting ingredients.

The "oil-free hydration" can be a bit misleading. Make no mistake, there are emollients in Moisture Surge CC and even if it's not the most hydrating it certainly has a moisturizing composition that people with oily skin won't be too fond of.

Clinique's CC Cream does work well under makeup and has a very tenacious ability to stay on skin, but the formula remains shiny. The swatches in the images below were blended and sat atop primer before being photographed and they still have a distinctive amount of sheen, yet blending Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream is a bit more difficult than many BB & CC Creams and something that should be taken into consideration.  

If you already use Clinique's Age Defense BB Cream and your wondering what the difference between that and Moisture Surge CC Cream is- your answer is "not a whole lot." Moisture Surge CC Cream IS a bit thicker and does cover a bit more and is heavier, but that's about it. Both formulas resemble what you typically see with Lauder Company BB & CC Creams and while there are only a few basic formulas within the Lauder Companies, there's no rhyme or reason whatsoever in labeling one a CC vs a BB Cream.

Lauder-Owned Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream and Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream are now Cruelty Free so if you're looking for a BB or CC Cream, those two formulas are a good place to start. (The difference between the two is minimal.)

Clinique CC Cream; Moisture Surge, Hydrating Colour/Color Corrector SPF 30; 

Swatches of Shades Very Light, Fresh Peach, Light, Medium, Medium Deep, Deep

Clinique CC Cream; Moisture Surge, Hydrating Colour/Color Corrector SPF 30; 

Swatches of Shades Natural Fair*,Very Light, Fresh Peach, Light, Medium, Medium Deep, Deep

*I swatched the shade of Clinique CC that I have and while it is labeled "Very Light" it obviously is different from the Very Light swatch next to it so I have no idea if the SA mis-labeled mine OR if the shades are inconsistent. I'm guessing it was mislabeled because the shades are so incredibly confusing!

Clinique CC Cream; Moisture Surge,
Hydrating Colour/Color Corrector SPF 30;
Swatches of Shades Very Light, Light,
Fresh Peach, Natural, Natural Fair,
Light Medium, Medium, Medium Deep, Deep

Clinique CC Cream; Moisture Surge,
Hydrating Colour/Color Corrector SPF 30;
Swatches of Shades Very Light, Light,
Fresh Peach, Natural, Natural Fair,
Light Medium, Medium, Medium Deep, Deep