As a professional makeup artist for over 15 years, I‘ve tried hundreds of foundations, concealers, powders and more in my never ending search for that elusive perfect base. My combination skin with hereditary dark circles and discoloration around my nose, chin and forehead makes finding a flexible formula tough. On top of mastering bold eye looks and contouring, getting skin to look naturally flawless in photos still doesn‘t come easy.
So when a fellow makeup artist acquaintance raved about IT Cosmetics finally being that magical unicorn line solving all her redness and visible pore issues, I raised a skeptical brow. Hundreds of dollars wasted on glittering reviews yet mediocre products made me cautious of yet another shiny new beauty darling. Still though, the temptation of their confident claims proved too much…I had to see if this accessible luxury brand lived up to the promises. Could these makeup/skincare hybrids be the solution to aging skin needing both perfecting pigment plus restorative nourishment?
After 3 months of testing a range of over a dozen IT Cosmetics products, I’m ready to deliver the unbiased truth on what I view as…
The Good
Touted as problem-solving makeup or skincare makeup, IT Cosmetics takes clinical skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and peptides then combines them into makeup formulas for amplified efficacy.
Their proprietary Anti-Aging Armour Regenerating Complex contains collagen, ceramides, antioxidants and peptides aimed at visibly improving elasticity, hydration, texture, pores and fine lines over time. Many of the formulas add SPF protection against premature aging from sun damage as well.
While I’ve yet to see radically transformative anti-aging results, consistent use does impart gradual refinements and my skin feels healthier overall. Consistently reaching for these over my other makeup means my skin stays hydrated and reinforced every day rather than stripped.
Here’s my review of the top products delivering on beneficial ingredients with serious pigment payoff:
CC+ Cream Active SPF 40+
- Over 7,900 reviews and 4.4 stars
- Light-medium coverage
- Dewy radiant finish
- Color correcting pigments address redness, sallowness
- Sheer option for no makeup makeup days
- Stays put all day on oily zones without fading
I find this formula perfect for low key weekends or when I want an extra boost before applying concealer just around eyes. The coverage stands up to my oiliness better than expected and the shade range gives more options for medium skin tones like mine. I don’t love the stronger sunscreen scent but find it fades quickly after application.
Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer SPF 50
- Over 3,100 reviews and 4.3 stars
- Ultra pigmented, max coverage
- Minimizes pores and fine lines
- Dewy yet quickly dries down with no transfer
- Hydrates all day like a luxury cream
- Natural soft matte finish
For serious special occasions when I need serious coverage, this foundation pulls no punches. The ultra finely milled pigments provide opaque coverage that also creates a smooth, filtered effect. Yet I don’t get that heavy, cakey look on my combo skin. My nose stays shine-free for 8+ hours even without touch ups. Finding a good matte foundation not drying out my cheek creases has taken years!
Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer
- Over 1,900 reviews and 4.3 stars
- Extreme full coverage
- Brightens dark circles fast
- Ultra emollient and pigmented
- Minimizes fine lines
- 16 hour creaseless wear
I call this concealer magic in a stick – this tiny tube makes dark circles, redness and spots disappear instantly with just the teeniest amount. The ultra thick formula takes some blending skill but leaves no creasing. I love using a brightener shade first then my exact match on top since I have hereditary bluish circles. Even on late nights I look wide awake. My only gripe is avoiding product settling around my nose but careful prep solves that.
Confidence in a Compact SPF 50 Skin-Transforming Foundation
- Over 1,100 reviews and 4.5 stars
- Lightweight powder foundation
- Buildable sheer to full coverage
- Self-adjusting pigments match skin
- Blurs imperfections
- Talc-free, skin loving minerals
Finding a good powder that doesn’t cake, emphasize flakes or turn chalky after a few hours never ends. I adore this one as it contains pores minimizing, redness reducing skin care. The mess-free compact makes quick touch ups a breeze. I prefer using a dense brush to pat on lightly for seamless coverage that still lets my glow show through. Much more beginner friendly than overly mattifying pressed options.
Plus I appreciate IT not relying solely on talc the way less conscious brands do. Their mineral and bamboo powder alternative works just as effectively to control shine and blur pores without drying me out.
The Bad
With highly pigmented, full coverage foundations and concealers you often see complaints of settling into fine lines or accentuating dry patches. Many reviewers echo my experience – prep your skin carefully first and only apply the amount you need versus layering.
Using the brand’s hydrating primers and creams first allows their thicker formulas to spread smoothly without dragging. Those with oilier skin may still find some products break down faster than desired. Combination types like myself see the best longevity when strategically layering.
For the clean beauty crowd, IT Cosmetics does contain several controversial ingredients like chemical sunscreens, fragrance and silicones. Not surprisingly these show up on common cosmetic no-no lists for acne or easily irritated skin.
Additionally several foundations and powders involve talc despite growing concern over contamination issues. I prefer their mineral makeup options using bamboo powder instead for peace of mind.
While shade ranges expanded greatly in recent years, the extremes on both ends of the spectrum still struggle finding an exact match. The 75+ foundation options aim to be versatile universal hues but deeper skin deserves dedicated rich chocolate shades with correct undertones.
At $20-50 each the makeup costs align closer to department store prestige lines than budget drugstore. Yet during sales I’ve paid half off bringing costs down closer to L’Oreal True Match and Maybelline ranges. Signed up beauty insiders can also take advantage of regular 20-30% discounts plus free gifts and early access to new launches.
For newly clean conscious shoppers or those on tighter budgets, IT still contains more harmful controversial ingredients than ideal. Those able to splurge will justify costs based on efficacious anti-aging complexes and genuinely seamless application.
5 Tips to Get Flawless Application
After experimenting with technique and tools, I’ve nailed down strategies allowing me to leverage results from IT Cosmetics while avoiding common makeup mistakes. Take notes!
1. Double cleanse first – Ensure skin is free from dirt, oil and dead skin cells so base makeup won’t slide around. I massage an oil cleanser first to melt makeup and sunscreen followed by a gentle foaming cleanser.
2. Color correct unevenness – For sallowness around my mouth I pat on a peach corrector stick just there before foundation. My dark circles get a layer of yellow brightener concealer before my true shade.
3. Use a primer – I prefer IT Cosmetics’ Hydrating Primer moisturizer – massaging this gives an instantly plumped, supple base allowing better adhesion. Those with enlarge pores or texture may prefer their pore minimizing or mattifying primers.
4. Buff don’t rub Using short, upward motions with a dense flat brush allows me to press in pigment without lifting back up. I stipple gently versus rubbing back and forth to keep the perfected effect seamless. Fingers work beautifully too.
5. Set strategically Once base makeup sits perfectly only on my oilier trouble zones like nose, chin and forehead I sweep on pressed powder using a large fluffy brush. Avoiding putting powder all over prevents going flat and lifeless.
Bottom Line – This Makeup Artist Approves
The true test comes down to how skin looks and performs in real life, not just lab settings. After 12 weeks of wear my skin appears more even, smooth and radiant consistently without needing filters. Redness around my nose looks calmer. Lines seem gently softened and pores appear less noticeable.
What sealed the deal were all the comments from friends asking if I got fillers or peels recently! Now THAT proves overall skin quality visibly improved in addition to flawless makeup application.
While not 100% clean or organic, IT Cosmetics does deliver legitimate healthy skincare via many beneficial topical actives. Their clinical studies back up real tangible improvements when used over 6-12 weeks alongside a smart skin care regimen. Consider them an upgraded, problem-solving color cosmetics line versus mere decorative makeup.
For my combination skin showing early aging with discoloration, IT Cosmetics gives both perfected looking makeup days now plus cumulative positive skin changes over time. Exactly what I need to feel confident facing bright photography lights daily!
