I spent two weeks testing this product to bring you an honest elf camo cc cream review. You’ll get the real story about coverage, texture, and how it wears throughout the day on actual skin.
I have combination skin with large pores and acne scars, so I know how base products can either help or make things worse.
This review covers application tips, shade accuracy problems, and whether the claims match reality. You’ll learn if this $14 CC cream is worth your money or if you should look elsewhere.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and if it fits your skin type and needs.
What is Elf Camo CC Cream?
This CC cream promises medium to full coverage with color correcting benefits and SPF 30 protection. The formula contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide to brighten skin, and peptides plus collagen for skin health.
It’s designed to work like a foundation but with skincare benefits built in, meant to even out skin tone and hide blemishes in one step.
The product comes in a lightweight pump bottle with 1.18 fl oz of product. It’s available in multiple shades, though the range is somewhat limited compared to other brands.
At around $14, it’s competitive with other drugstore options. Part of e.l.f. ‘s Camo line, the formula is vegan and cruelty-free, which matters to many shoppers today.
My Experience with Elf Camo CC Cream
Here’s what happened when I used this product every day for two weeks.
Skin Type & Concerns
I have combination skin that gets oily in my T-zone. My main concerns are large pores on my cheeks and nose, plus some acne scars from past breakouts. These factors matter because they affect how any base product performs.
My skin type means I need something that doesn’t feel heavy or make me look greasy. The pores and scars also test if a product truly offers the coverage it promises.
Application & Texture
The consistency surprised me right away. It’s thick and sticky, almost like glue when it first comes out of the pump. This texture made blending harder than expected.
I found that using a hydrating primer helped a lot. Without primer, the product dragged across my skin and took forever to blend. With primer, application became easier but still required more work than most CC creams.
The process took about five minutes longer than my usual routine. I had to use a damp beauty sponge and pat it in carefully to avoid streaks.
Coverage & Finish
The brand claims medium to full coverage, but I got low to medium coverage at best. My acne scars still showed through, and I needed concealer for any real problem areas.
The product sits visibly in my pores, making them look more noticeable instead of hiding them. It also settled into fine lines around my eyes and mouth within a few hours. The finish looked dewy at first but turned heavy and almost mask-like as the day went on.
Wear Time & Longevity
After about four hours, I noticed a breakdown around my nose and mouth. By hour six, my chin area looked patchy and uneven. The product seemed to separate on my skin rather than fade naturally.
Using a primer helped extend wear time by maybe an hour. Without primer, the breakdown started even sooner. I had to blot and touch up more often than with other CC creams I’ve tried.
Shade Accuracy & Match
I ordered Fair 120 N based on the website photos. The shade itself matched my skin tone pretty well, which was the one bright spot. However, the website makes shades look different than they appear in person.
The online swatches seemed lighter and more neutral than reality. I got lucky with my choice, but I can see how others might order the wrong shade. Testing in store would be much better if possible.
Pros and Cons of Elf Camo CC Cream
Here’s a quick breakdown of what worked and what didn’t during my two-week testing period.
| Pros | Cons |
| Hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated throughout the day | Coverage falls short of medium to full claims |
| Niacinamide helps brighten and even out skin tone | Thick, sticky texture makes application frustrating |
| Peptides and collagen support skin health | Formula sinks into pores and fine lines |
| No dryness after all-day wear | Makes texture issues more visible |
| Fragrance-free formula causes zero irritation | Limited shade range for different skin tones |
| Pump packaging is easy and sanitary | Website photos don’t show accurate colors |
| One pump covers half your face without waste | Feels heavy on skin, not light like CC creams should |
| Good shade match (when you find the right one) | Uncomfortable by midday, makes you want to wash it off |
| Reasonable price at $14 | Transfers easily onto clothes and phones |
| SPF 30 protection for daily wear | Oxidizes slightly, turning darker after hours |
| Vegan and cruelty-free formula | Requires too much work with blending and primer |
Comparison with Other CC/BB Creams
The e.l.f. Hydrating Camo CC Cream offers better texture and easier blending. It costs the same but performs more like a true CC cream should.
Other drugstore options like NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil provide similar coverage with a lighter feel.
Price wise, this product costs about the same as competitors. However, the performance doesn’t match up. You can find better options at the same price point or spend slightly more for noticeably better results.
Tips for Best Results
If you decide to try this CC cream, here are some tricks I learned to make it work better.
- Always apply a hydrating primer first to make blending smoother and help the product sit better on your skin
- Use thin layers and build coverage slowly instead of applying too much product at once
- Skip this on rushed mornings when you need quick, easy makeup that blends fast
- Apply with a damp beauty sponge rather than fingers or brushes for the most even finish
- Set your T-zone and other oily areas with translucent powder to extend wear time
- Keep blotting papers in your bag for touch ups throughout the day as it tends to break down
- Give yourself an extra 5-10 minutes for application since this formula needs more blending time than typical CC creams
Conclusion
After two weeks with this product, my Elf Camo CC Cream review comes down to this: it’s not terrible, but it’s not great either.
The ingredients impressed me, but fighting with that sticky texture every morning got old fast. I wanted to love it at $14, but my skin deserves better.
If you’re still curious, grab it and test it yourself. Everyone’s skin is different.
Have you tried this CC cream? I’d love to hear your honest thoughts in the comments below, especially if your experience was different from mine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Elf Camo CC Cream work for oily skin?
Not really. The thick texture sits heavy on oily skin and breaks down quickly in oily zones. You’ll need frequent touch ups throughout the day.
How does the coverage compare to foundation?
The coverage is lighter than most foundations despite the claims. It works more like a tinted moisturizer. You’ll still need concealer for blemishes.
Can I wear Elf Camo CC Cream without a primer?
You can, but it won’t look as good. Without primer, the product drags during application and settles into pores. Primer makes a big difference.
Is the SPF 30 enough for daily protection?
SPF 30 provides basic protection for incidental sun exposure. For extended outdoor time, layer a separate sunscreen underneath or reapply throughout the day.
How long does one bottle last with daily use?
A full bottle should last about two to three months with daily use. The pump dispenses a controlled amount. You only need one to two pumps per application.
