Almay Smart Shade CC Cream™

My skin, having the unfortunate sunscreen phobia that it does, has caused me to arrive a little late to the whole BB/CC cream/creme party.  I've wanted to give many of the fancy balms a try, but unfortunately, if an SPF over 15 is in the product description, I could basically bet my life on it breaking me out.  It's really the worst.  But when I saw Almay's new Smart Shade CC Cream, I decided to give it a go.  After all, they're the only brand with a foundation that contains sunscreen over SPF 6 that I've ever been able to use.  Shout out to TLC Truly Lasting Color Makeup (even though the formula has recently changed and I am clinging to my last bottle of original formula like it's the last bottle of water on a desert island... Also, I'm still bitter about the formula change- just in case the Almay higher ups are listening)! 

The first impression I got of the Almay Smart Shade CC Cream was not a good one.  When first applied it looks pretty greasy.  However, after about 30 minutes, it dries down to a more tolerable matte-ish finish.  The coverage is sheer to moderate, perfect for minimal makeup summer days.  The lasting power on me, sans primer or finishing powder, is about three or four hours, which is definitely impressive on my oily skin in the summer.  Also, you've gotta love the SPF 35 on this bad boy... "Wait, did you say SPF 35?," said my skin, starting to freak out.

Almay Smart Shade CC Cream™freshly applied

Before you know it, this CC cream and its SPF had also broken me out.  I was so upset, too, because after using it for two days, I thought I had found a sunscreen match for my finnicky skin.  Unfortunately, that is not so.  Also, as much as I would like to, I cannot vouch for its complexion correcting properties since I did not get the chance to use it long enough.

I was pretty bummed out by this product as I now have to add it to my long list of sunscreen disappointments.  Even after all this, though, I still recommend trying it for yourself before forming an opinion based on my post.  Please remember, my skin is verrrrry sensitive.  At $10 a bottle, it's not a bad investment.  Ulta is currently having a promotion online where Almay Smart Shade CC Cream is buy one, get one 50% off.  Try it out and let me know what you think!

Have you gotten in the BB/CC craze?  Have you tried the Almay CC Cream?  Love it? Hate it?