If you’re looking for a lightweight, everyday makeup product that blends skincare and coverage, the Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream has likely caught your attention. But does it live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll cover everything from texture to longevity so you can decide if it’s worth adding to your daily routine.
What Is Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream, and Who Is It For?
It is a hybrid product that combines the simplicity of cosmetics application with the advantages of skincare. “CC” stands for “Complexion Care,” and this cream is designed to hydrate your skin, even out your complexion, conceal minor imperfections, and add a soft glow—all in one step.
It’s not as heavy or full-coverage as a foundation, but it gives you just enough coverage to look polished without looking “made up.” Think of it as your go-to product when you want to look fresh and put together in under five minutes. It’s especially popular among busy professionals and students who don’t want to layer multiple products into their morning routine.
Lakme positions this cream as an all-in-one solution for:
- Moisturization
- Light coverage
- Sun protection (SPF 30)
- Brightening effect
Who is it best for?
- Office-goers who want a natural look without the effort of full makeup
- College students who prefer something affordable and easy to apply
- Makeup beginners who want a simple product with minimal steps
- For people with normal to oily skin types—it gives a semi-matte finish that controls oil without drying out the skin
- Anyone who likes a “no-makeup” makeup look for daily wear
While it’s a versatile product, those with very dry skin might need extra moisturization underneath, and people looking for high coverage (e.g., for acne scars or pigmentation) may find it too sheer on its own.
Key Takeaway: Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream is ideal for anyone looking for an effortless, budget-friendly, and lightweight product that gives you a fresh, everyday glow without the heaviness of foundation.
Coverage, Texture & Finish: How Does It Perform on Real Skin?
When it comes to base makeup, how a product actually feels and looks on real skin is everything—and Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream aims to strike a balance between makeup and skincare.
The cream has a lightweight, mousse-like texture that spreads easily across the skin. It’s neither too runny nor too thick, which makes application quick and fuss-free. You can apply it with your fingers for a natural finish or use a sponge or brush if you want a more polished look. It absorbs well into the skin and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy—perfect for those who dislike the thick feel of foundations or layering multiple products.
This CC cream offers light to light-medium coverage. It’s great for blurring minor blemishes, reducing redness, evening out skin tone, and giving a soft, radiant base. However, it won’t completely cover dark spots, acne scars, or heavy pigmentation. You can build it up slightly or pair it with a concealer for problem areas. Think of it more like a skin enhancer than a skin transformer.
The finish is semi-matte with a healthy glow—not dewy, but not flat matte either. It gives your skin a natural, satin-like radiance that makes you look fresh and well-rested. For oily skin, the finish remains shine-free for a few hours, especially if you set it with powder. For dry skin, it doesn’t cling much to dry patches if you prep your skin with moisturizer beforehand. For combination skin, it sits nicely, though a little blotting or setting powder in the T-zone can help.
One standout feature is that it blurs pores fairly well and doesn’t settle into fine lines—something many budget products struggle with.
Key Takeaway: Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream delivers a smooth, natural finish with light coverage that’s perfect for daily wear. It enhances your skin without masking it, offering a “your skin but better” effect.
Longevity Test: Does It Really Last from 9 to 5?
One of the biggest claims is that it lasts all day. Here’s what we found:
- Normal to oily skin: Lasts around 5–6 hours before touch-ups are needed, especially around the T-zone
- Dry skin: May cling to dry patches after 3–4 hours unless moisturized properly beforehand
- Humidity test: Holds up decently but may fade if you sweat a lot
Key Takeaway: Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream offers decent staying power for light, everyday wear—but for a full 9-to-5 look, touch-ups or setting products are needed, especially if you have oily or dry skin.
Shade Range and Skin Tone Match: Inclusive or Limited?
When it comes to base products like CC creams or foundations, one of the most important factors is whether the shade range truly caters to a diverse set of skin tones. Unfortunately, this is where the Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream falls a bit short.
Lakme currently offers four shades in this range:
- Beige – for fair to light skin tones
- Honey – for medium skin tones
- Almond – for medium to dusky tones
- Bronze – for deeper skin tones
While these options are designed to suit a variety of Indian skin tones, the overall range is still quite limited compared to more inclusive international and even some newer Indian brands. Undertones aren’t clearly labeled either, so if you’re unsure whether your skin leans warm, cool, or neutral, it can be difficult to find the perfect match.
That said, the formula is somewhat adaptable. It blends into the skin and can work across a small range of tones within each shade. For example, someone between light and medium may still get away with wearing either Beige or Honey, depending on how it’s blended. However, this kind of flexibility only goes so far—it won’t help much if the shades don’t suit your undertone or depth.
Another important consideration is oxidation. Some users report that the product darkens slightly after application. If you’re trying it for the first time, it’s a good idea to test it on your jawline and wear it for a few hours before deciding on a shade.
For those with deeper skin tones, especially with cooler or olive undertones, even the darkest shade (Bronze) may not offer a good match. And for very fair or pale skin tones, the lightest shade (Beige) might still be a bit too warm or dark.
Key Takeaway: While Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream tries to cater to Indian skin tones, the shade range is still limited and not fully inclusive. Blending helps, but if you’re outside the medium tone spectrum or have unique undertones, you might struggle to find a perfect match.
Pros, Cons, and Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
After testing and evaluating the Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream, it’s clear that this product balances convenience and affordability—but it’s not without its limitations. Here’s a clear breakdown:
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable formula: Perfect for daily wear, it doesn’t feel cakey or heavy on the skin.
- Blends easily: The creamy texture spreads effortlessly, whether applied with fingers or tools, making it ideal for quick routines.
- Budget-friendly: Affordable for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a quality everyday product without splurging.
- Multi-tasking product: This tube offers skincare and makeup benefits—hydration, SPF 30, and a touch of coverage—in one tube.
- Natural semi-matte finish: Leaves the skin looking fresh and even-toned without an overly made-up appearance.
- Travel-friendly packaging: The compact tube is easy to carry and mess-free, ideal for handbags and travel kits.
Cons
- Limited shade range: Only four shades are available, which may not suit very fair, deep, or uniquely toned complexions.
- Low to medium coverage: Won’t hide prominent blemishes, acne scars, or pigmentation without a concealer.
- Doesn’t last a full workday without touch-ups: Typically holds up for 4–6 hours; oily skin types may see fading even sooner.
- Can oxidize slightly: After a few hours, the product may darken on the skin, affecting the initial color match.
- It is not ideal for every skin concern. It might cling to dry patches, and sensitive or acne-prone skin types should patch test before use.
Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream is a solid pick for anyone who loves an easy, natural makeup routine with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for daily wear, especially if you don’t need heavy coverage and prefer a subtle, polished look. However, if you’re looking for longevity, full coverage, or a more inclusive shade range, this cream might not check every box.
Key Takeaway: A great everyday makeup choice for light coverage and ease—but best for those with normal to slightly oily skin and low-maintenance needs.
Conclusion
Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream is a practical, budget-friendly option for anyone seeking light coverage and a natural, everyday finish. It’s easy to use, blends well, and suits simple routines—but it does have its limits when it comes to coverage, longevity, and shade inclusivity. If you’re after a quick, no-fuss base that enhances rather than hides, it’s definitely worth a try.
FAQs
Is Lakme CC cream suitable for oily skin?
Yes, it works well on oily to combination skin but may need setting powder for longer wear.
Can I wear it without a moisturizer?
You can, but applying a light moisturizer underneath is better for a smooth base—especially if you have dry skin.
Does it have SPF?
Yes, it contains SPF 30, offering basic sun protection, but it’s still recommended to use sunscreen underneath.
Will it cause breakouts?
It’s generally non-comedogenic, but if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, patch-test first.
Can it replace the foundation for daily use?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for a natural, everyday look with minimal effort.