Every Sunday morning begins with a familiar routine in my home: the kids wake up and we plead for just a bit more sleep because, after all, it’s the weekend. Yet, neither my two-year-old nor my four-month-old seems to care about the significance of Sunday. After enduring the 46th rendition of “seeee-sawwww Margery Daw,” while they playfully rock back and forth on my head, I know it’s time to get up.

Sleepily, I shuffle to the nearby newsagent, conscious of not wanting to encounter anyone—my own version of the new mum’s walk of shame—as I head out to grab the papers (The Sunday Times is my go-to).

“Ha! That’s amusing, you’re buying your own column,” a voice suddenly calls out.

I glance up, surprised that someone would recognize me, especially while I’m sporting my unkempt hair.

“I’m Elizabeth. I had no idea you lived around here,” the woman introduces herself.

Staring in awe at her effortlessly radiant skin, I couldn’t help but ask, “Elizabeth, you look amazing! What’s your secret to looking so good during this Sunday morning outing?”

With my notepad and pen ready, I’m eager to capture her beauty tip.

“Oh, it’s Erborian CC Crème,” she replies, readily sharing her go-to product.

At that moment, I recalled that this was not the first time I had heard rave reviews about this Korean product. In fact, over the past week, I’ve had several conversations— including with a fellow beauty editor and even a stranger on the Tube—who recommended it. Despite being aware of it for some time, Elizabeth’s enthusiastic endorsement prompted me to try it for myself.

I initially doubted it would provide enough coverage, as I typically require a substantial product to conceal marks and post-acne scars. However, my assumptions were proven wrong.

To clarify, this isn’t a foundation. The product begins as a creamy white formula that morphs into a shade perfectly tailored to your skin upon application. It blended seamlessly with my complexion, acting almost like magic. For those struggling to find their perfect match, this is a game-changer. While it didn’t completely mask my redness, it did a commendable job of evening out my skin tone. I still had to use a bit of concealer afterward, but many would find it unnecessary. I highly recommend it as we gear up for the warmer months—think of it as the must-have lightweight piece for your makeup collection.

I’m now a devoted fan of CC creams, which stands for “color corrector.” These products can be your best allies if you’re dealing with redness, blemishes, or marks that need blending. I also recommend trying It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow SPF 40, which effortlessly evens out everything from minor imperfections to rosacea. It has quickly become my essential choice when I want coverage without that heavy makeup appearance. Another excellent option is Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30, a staple from their famed Moisture Surge range. This product strikes the perfect balance between a foundation and tinted moisturizer and is known for its seamless application, ideal even for male clients. Other brands like By Terry, e.l.f., and L’Oréal Paris are also making strides in the CC cream category. Welcome to the world of CC creams; your complexion will thank you!

@sarahjossel