Battle of the CC Cream: By Terry Cellularose Moisturizing CC Cream vs. Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Color Control Bright Moisturizer SPF 35

For someone who prefers light coverage with skincare benefits, CC (color correcting) cream seems like an obvious choice. It's great for everyday or daytime wear, more so during summer months because it allows the skin to breathe vis-a-vis soak in the moisture to prevent dry and dehydrated skin. You've seen me featured By Terry Cellularose Moisturizing CC Cream numerous times on the blog, it is for a reason: in terms of coverage, formula and longevity, it has become my go-to CC cream ever since I discovered it last year. I have repurchased it couple of times already, proof that it is really that good. So using it as my benchmark, I want to compare it with Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Color Control Bright Moisturizer SPF 35, a new acquisition which I have been wearing everyday for about three weeks now.

affiliate links

What the brand says on By Terry Cellularose Moisturizing CC Cream: "Pure botanical technology and color control concentrate, this CC cream gathers together in itself all the skincare and make-up actions in one single gesture. Its non-oily texture subtly tints, blurs imperfections and ideally adapts to each and every complexion. Instantaneously, the skin is unified, protected, luminous, smooth and plumped".

Key ingredients and benefits: Centifolia Roses Native Cells for intense hydration, Alba Roses Native Cells for deep glow, Vitamin E as antioxidant and for youth protection, Color-control corrective technology to even out skin tone and long lasting coverage.

My take: It renders a semi-dewy finish which blends nicely on the skin. It blurs pores hence creating an illusion of flawless skin. It makes my face look extra dewy and plump as the day progresses. The shade selection is limiting (there are only 4 shades) so finding an exact match is like going through a needle's eye. Beige is one shade off my medium skin tone but it's doable. It is slightly thicker than a tinted moisturizer and permeates a notable rose fragrance.

What the brand says on Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC "Give skin a well-rested appearance with this moisturizer that supports a radiant-looking complexion. It features SPF 35, and it is infused with an energizing, antioxidant complex that’s enriched with jojoba and macadamia nut oils. Its liquid mirror technology brings a pinky, rosy-looking glow to the skin—simply apply once to your complexion for a more fresh-faced and flawless face."

Key ingredients and benefits: Octinoxate 5% to protect against sun's harmful UV rays, macadamia and jojoba oils for hydration, "pinky rose" pigment which adds glow and radiance to skin.

My take: While it protects against UV rays, the active ingredient is a chemical sunscreen which may cause irritation to some (physical sunscreen titanium dioxide is listed as the very last). Thankfully, I didn't have any breakouts or reactions. It is thinner in consistency and fragrance-free compared to By Terry. It does illuminate my face without shimmer so it's good for dull and lackluster skin or in days you look sleep-deprived. The shade selection is also limiting, I settled for #4, which is one shade lighter than what I would normally prefer.

                                           By Terry CC                             Giorgio Armani CC

Coverage                         light to medium                                       light

Wear time                             6-7 hours                                          6-7 hours

Fragrance                         strong rose                                             none

Sun protection                     none                                                   SPF 35

Shades available                    4                                                         6

Dewiness                               yes                                                     yes

Best applied with             beauty blender                          fingers/damp beauty blender

Brightening                           no                                                       yes

Color correcting                   yes                                                      yes

Blurs pores                           yes                                                      no

Price                                    $86/ 1.4 oz                                         $55/ 1.01 oz

As you can see, there are strong points for each but overall I vote for By Terry CC because my skin looks far better each time I wear it. Hopefully, a reformulated version with sunscreen is in the can because that will definitely seal my fondness for it. 

Have you tried both? do you like cc cream? which brand is your favorite?