It Cosmetics CC+ Creme with SPF 50

Dang it, I really didn't want to like this deluxe sample of the It Cosmetics CC+ Creme as much as I did. I've already got new jars/tubes of my favorite two foundations (Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Creme Foundation and bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream), and just really do not need anything else. But this is niiiice.

So nice that I even cut it open to scrap out the last bits, which I only do when I really like something. Marketed as a full coverage color correcting cream with SPF 50 that can increase skin's hydration, smooth texture, and enhance brightness, it is chock full of beneficial skincare ingredients such as peptides, niacin, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants to help deliver on it's claims. The CC+ Creme seems to be striving for the standard set by Korean CC creams, which are supposed to not only provide coverage and sunscreen with some added skincare benefits, but also color correct (hence the CC) by reducing skin redness or sallowness.

Shade medium in outside light

The are five available shades and the medium worked well for my fair skin, but this is supposed to adjust to fit your skin tone. Considering my paleness and the mid-range shade is working for me....well, let's just say I doubt there is much here for those with dark skin tones, but maybe these adjust better then I'm giving them credit for.

Fully blended

I'd say the coverage is medium as opposed to full, but the finish is very natural looking. I did set it with powder but I do that will all foundations due to having oily skin. Wear time was a good 8-9 hours before I started noticing breakdown, and I had no problems with the CC+ creme causing breakouts or other irritation, so the formula seems to agree with me.

But ya'll, the price is a bit steep at $38. Yes, it's got skin enhancing ingredients and a high SPF plus you get 1.08 ounces, so there is that. I'm going to put this on a wish list for later in the year, maybe during the Sephora 20% off sale in November. By then I will have made a dent in some of my foundations and if this is still lingering in my mind, then I'll let myself pull the trigger.

It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Vol. 1 Matte Eyeshadow Palette

 Disclaimer:  I purchased this.

I've bought eyeshadow palettes that are languishing unloved and unused in palette purgatory (hello, more than one of my Urban Decay palettes), but Naturally Pretty by It Cosmetics is not one of them.  Containing 14 matte shadows and one transforming pearl shadow, this baby is getting lots of use.

First of all, I'm not sure I'd classify all the shadows as strictly matte.  Some veer more into satin territory, which is fine with me.  What is consistent across the board is how nice these are:  soft, smooth, good pigmentation, easy to use, and good performance.  Factor in a talc free formula that includes peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, acai, green tea, silk and antioxidants to enhance your lids, and I'm a smitten kitten!

Sun

Included in this palette are:

1. Sheer Joy - light cream-pink
2. Soft Light - light taupe
3. Warmth - nude
4. Soulful - pink-taupe
5. Mocha - warm taupe-brown
6. Violet - soft violet 
7. Midnight - deep blue
8. Noir - gray-black
9. Love - soft light pink
10. Sunrise - gold-taupe
11. Sunset - copper
12. All Heart - mauve
13. Java - warm brown
14. Iconic - gray-purple
15. Transforming Pearl - translucent pearl

Shade

The Transforming Pearl is designed to be used over any of the other shades to turn them into a pearl finish.  I mainly use it as an inner eye highlighter, but here are some swatches to show you the difference over the matte shadows.

 

The colors really work well together, and I find myself reaching for Sheer Joy as a browbone color and Warmth, Soulful, and Mocha as all over lid colors on a regular basis.  Totally worth the $42 I paid for it at Ulta!