When my rosacea first started to bother me, one of the things that was driving me insane was that my makeup would not last past 3 p.m. Come mid-day, my cheeks started to flush through, my forehead seemed spotty as if the makeup had rubbed off, and I didn’t feel put together. One of my best friends suggested I give IT Cosmetics a try. Since then, I have been adding various products to my routine and I’ve loved most of them. A perk for me was, that when I showed my dermatologist what I was using, she approved them for my rosacea. Another thing I liked when reseaching the company, was that the founder and owner, struggles with rosacea herself. She personally would test every product to make sure it felt good on her skin. Now, IT Cosmetics is owned by L’Oreal, however, Jamie Kern Lima, the creator of the company, remains involved. The company first started by selling its products on QVC after being turned down by most major stores. Now, you can find great deals on QVC (my favorite way to buy the products because sometimes you get a bonus product or free makeup brush with purchase), and also stores such as Macys, Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, and more. You can also always shop from the brand’s site as well.
So whether you have rosacea, sensitive skin or not, these products could work for you. They all start as skincare first and foremost, and then have color added. So if you’re opting for let’s say their famous CC cream, it also works as your moisturizer, and SPF, too.
Here are my top 10 favorite products from the line.
1. CC+ Cream with SPF
I love this product in both the original formula and the illumination formula. For daily use, the original is my go-to, but for days when I want a little more of a glow or for nighttime wear, I opt for the illumination formula. Don’t be afraid of the illumination formula, it also works great for day time or even the office. There are no sparkles or glitter, just a beautiful glow that seems to come from within. There is also a matte formula, for those who tend to be a little oilier. I thought this was me, but after using it, I found that I preferred the original and a dab of setting powder over it if needed a more matte look. For me, the matte makes me look too flat. If you’re not sure which formula to check out first, I suggest you start with the original. You can’t go wrong. This works as a color corrector, a lighter option from your foundation, and as your SPF. Since adding this to my routine about 5 years ago, I have stopped using thick foundations completely. Even though this has SPF, it’s also a great option for nighttime wear.
2. Bye Bye Under Eye
This is by far my favorite concealer. I’ve tried other brands since using this one and this continues to be the one I love best. A tiny bit goes a long way. I’m talking pea size. So this tube can last you up to a year or more. I have the same relationship with the bye bye undereye that I do with the CC + cream, where I love both the original and the illumination formula. The illumination gives your under eye area a bit of highlight without any sparkles or glitter. It’s perfect for a night out, or when you want a little more oomf.
3. Confidence in a Cream
Again, I have trouble picking just one. The original formula of Confidence in a Cream feels so luxurious, I wish it came in a full body formula. Every time I spread this on my face, I also dab a little on my hands, because it just feels quenching on my skin. This moisturizer has really helped fix my skin’s moisture barrier and keep my rosacea under control. When my rosacea was at its worst, my dermatologist suggested I apply a little mid-day. So, after lunch, I would apply a bit over my makeup and my face felt instantly happy and hydrated. It also would not ruin my makeup from that morning. I use this daily in the mornings and in the evenings.
This moisturizer is good for a reason, it has been repeatedly rated as the #1 anti-aging facial moisturizer in America. According to IT Cosmetics, this moisturizer helps reduce fine lines, minimizes pores, and helps brighten the skin. And, it works for all skin types. It feels thick going on, but doesn’t leave a heavy feeling on your face. It also provides 24-hours of hydration and is infused with ceramides, squalene, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. I love this moisturizer so much that I have it on auto delivery from QVC (it also helps me save a few bucks and sends me two jars at once so I’m never without it), and I always have a tiny travel size portion in my purse for when I feel like I need a little quench to my skin mid-day.
Confidence in a Cream Rosy Tone, is one I use a few times a week. This feels just as luxurious and quenching as the original formula, but it’s enhanced with rosy tone pigments (don’t worry it goes on clear) to revitalize the skin by boosting cell turnover. This one is also good for all skin types, but ideal for aging skin since it gently exfoliates and stimulates natural surface cell renewal and helps smooth uneven skin tone. This is why I only use this one a few times a week, since it’s not recommend that those with rosacea exfoliate. However, this is so gentle that it does not cause my skin to react. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend you test a small spot first. This moisturizer is infused with iris root, peony extract, aloe leaf juice, squalene, chickpea extract, and lipohydroxy acid, just to name a few.
4. Bye Bye Makeup
This is my miracle cleanser to remove makeup. Have you tried washing your face after a night out and can’t seem to get all of the eye makeup off? Well, this will do it. I use Bye Bye Makeup any time I have any makeup on. Since my face wash is super gentle, it doesn’t get all the gunk off.
Bye Bye Makeup is a balm formula that melts into an oil on your face. A little of this goes a long way, too. Dab some on your face, and watch the blush, mascara, eyeshadow, red lipsticks, and everything just melt off your face. You will instantly be saying, “bye bye” to your makeup. You can wipe this off with a tissue or rinse off with water. I like to opt for water. And, if you feel like you need a little extra kick, you can also leave this balm on your face for a few minutes as a hydrating face mask. See what we told you about everything being skincare? I feel like I get such a satisfied clean face feeling whenever I use this balm. This is also one I have on auto-delivery from QVC.
This balm is a 3-in-1 sulfate-free cleansing balm, instant makeup remover, and a skin-softening anti-aging serum. According to the IT Cosmetics website, “proprietary skin-softening serum concentrate is activated on contact, providing a soft barrier of moisture that helps ward off free-radicals and pollutants for healthier, younger-looking skin.” Whenever I use this, my face never feels tight or dry after washing. Instead, it feels soft and hydrated, but most of all free of even waterproof makeup.
5. Your Skin but Better Foundation + Skincare
This ultra-light foundation is ideal for those “no makeup” makeup days. This product, which was launched during the pandemic, provides just the right amount of coverage needed for those online Zoom calls. According to the IT Cosmetics website, using this foundation for two weeks will give you better-looking complexion and better bare skin. I can’t attest if this claim is true, as I don’t consistently use it every day since I’m working from home and don’t see anyone for days at a time.
This foundation is buildable coverage, which means it goes on light, but you can apply more and it won’t feel thick and cakey. This is my go-to foundation for evenings as it provides just the right amount of coverage, minus the SPF. It’s so light, I hate to even refer to it as a foundation as it feels like a light moisturizer. IT Cosmetics claims it will minimize the look of pores and imperfections while delivering all day hydration with a natural radiant finish. It’s suitable for all skin types and is infused with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, plus vitamins E & B5.
6. Je Ne Sais Quoi Hydrating Lip Balm
I can’t live without this lip balm because it’s more than just a balm, it offers great colors along with hydration, too. Many days, this is my go-to, easy-to-wear lipstick. This balm comes in four colors: Your Perfect Pink, Rose, Love, and Honey. My favorite is Your Perfect Pink (pictured here). Though it looks like an almost clear/sheer pink, this shade is perfect for every skin tone as it reacts to the warmth of your lips to create an individually perfect pink just for you. My mom and I both own this one; it’s a favorite of hers too, and the color looks completely different on each of us. My second favorite color is Rose; it’s a beautiful barely there rose/mauve tone. This is ideal for when you want a little more color while still looking natural.
This lip treatment contains essential butters and oils, hyaluronic filling spheres and antioxidants. It also comes in a serum form, which provides more of a shine finish while still giving you all the benefits of the balm. I always have one or two of these in my purse.
7. Miracle Water 3-in-1 Micellar Cleanser
This miracle water is essential for the days when I need a little extra cleaning to remove makeup or sweat. After cleansing, I wipe a little over my skin to make sure all the gunk, makeup, and dirt is off my face. For days when I haven’t worn any makeup, but want a quick cleanse, this is what I turn to as it doesn’t have to be washed off. The product’s description notes that its “Skin-Brightening Radiance Booster helps purify, balance and brighten the look of your skin, the potent Anti-Aging Treatment Essence diffuses the look of lines and wrinkles, and the Skin-Softening Micellar Cleanser attracts, traps and removes dirt, oil, impurities and makeup”—all in one step. Miracle Water is infused with anti-aging peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, rose, aloe, rice, chamomile, green tea water, licorice root, vitamin C, illuminating Drops of Light Technology Concentrate and diamond powder.
