It Cosmetics

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Illumination with SPF50 Review

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination
| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello – welcome to / welcome back to A Brash Attitude!

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination

Today I’m reviewing the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Illumination with SPF50. I’ve previously tried the original IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream a few years ago (link is here in case you want to check it out). [info in italics taken from the IT Cosmetics website]

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination

Experience your best-selling, multitasking, CC+™ Cream with SPF 50+ beauty miracle—now infused with proprietary Drops of Light Technology™ for a subtle touch of radiance! Developed with plastic surgeons, CC+ Illumination™ delivers full, flawless, perfect coverage and protects your skin with SPF 50+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum physical sunscreen. Clinically shown to give you 179% of skin hydration, improve skin texture and enhance skin brightness without glitter or shimmer, this breakthrough color-correcting cream never creases or cracks and instantly camouflages imperfections including dark spots. Plus, it’s formulated with an advanced anti-aging serum made of hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A, B, C and E that work in harmony to diffuse the look of wrinkles, minimize pores and give you a more luminous, supple and flawless-looking complexion.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination

In the original formula, I had the shade light, but this year, I picked the newer light-medium shade as I found that light was just a bit too light for me for summer, and the medium shade looked like it would be way too dark for me. I also decided to try the new Illumination formula as I love anything that helps my skin look and feel radiant.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination

When I first opened up the package, the shade light-medium looked way too dark, but thankfully it just makes me look like I’ve gotten a little bit of sun – which is what I was hoping for. The formula feels similar to the original formula, and the coverage is buildable, I tend to wear it on the sheer side, just to even out my skintone and add radiance. When first applied it seems a little too dark and too shimmery, but once blended out and it dries down, it loses the shimmer, and just makes my skin look great (my wrist / inner arm is actually paler than my face right now).

Have you tried this one?

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: In case you missed it at the beginning, I purchased this!

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello – welcome to / welcome back to A Brash Attitude!

I ran out of TWO brow pencils in the same week – and by chance, IT Cosmetics was having their 30% off Friends and Family Sale, so I decided to try out their Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil after my mom raved about it to me. [info in italics taken from the IT Cosmetics website]

The original phenomenon! Developed with plastic surgeons, this #1 best-selling, award-winning pencil is infused with brow-enhancing biotin, lecithin, saw palmetto, nettle, green tea, antioxidants, grape seed, and vitamins A, B5, C and E, plus proprietary Brow Power™ Technology to give you your most beautiful, natural-looking brows—even if you have none at all! Brow Power comes in four universal shades to match every hair color—from the blondest blonde to the darkest brunette!

Brow Power™ features an exclusive oval tip that works on both thin and thick brows to mimic the look of real hair, plus a built-in grooming spooley brush for polished perfection. The revolutionary, budge-proof formula adheres to skin for long-lasting results, while the shade adjusts to your eyebrow color based on pressure and completely covers gray. Apply softer strokes for lighter hair colors, and press harder for darker tones. It truly is your brows but better! 

The four shades are: Universal Blonde, Universal Auburn, Universal Taupe, and Universal Dark Brunette. I chose the Dark Brunette shade because it looked to be the closest to what I usually use (especially when my brows are tinted). The shade match is perfect for my brows!

The tip shape and size works well for my brow shape, it’s not too big, not too little, and makes giving them some added shape a breeze. The spoolie brush on the end is great, so I don’t have to look for one. It is long wearing and smudgeproof. I like that you can adjust the darkness of the shade by the amount of pressure that you use – below is a swatch of varying pressure amounts.

I’m happy with my purchase! Have you tried this one?

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

Monthly Empties – March 2018

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Hello, hello!

Today I’d like to share my monthly empties with you. I’ve been making great progress in using up products in my stash and only purchasing replacements as I use things up!

Skincare:

Empties March 2018

Natura Siberica Saaremaa Moisturizing Hand Cream – I’ve been using this hand cream since I was gifted it when we were in Estonia in August. I’m sad that this one is empty, it was so good! Hopefully I’ll be able to get my hands on another tube via the Mr’s Eestie family. Review is here. (Gift from family)

Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream – This small pot of cream was heaven-sent! I used this one up during our cold snap and it really helped with any dry patches. Review is here. (Petit Vour subscription paid for by me)

The Ordinary Argireline Solution – At first I wasn’t sure that this watery serum was doing anything, but I noticed a difference after around 2 to 3 months. I use it on my forehead and around my mouth. I just got a backup of this one. Review is here. (Purchased by me)

Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Hydrating Sheet Mask – I actually remembered to keep the package for my monthly empties! This facial mask is gloriously rose scented and super hydrating. There is tons of essence / serum. I think I only have one more of these masks in my stash. Review is here. (PR Sample)

Sothys Crème Jeunesse / Youth Cream – This was such a beautiful facial cream. I used it day and night all winter. Very rich and hydrating without feeling heavy or greasy. Review is here. (PR Sample)

Farmacy Beauty Clear Bloom Cleansing Oil – This was probably the first cleansing oil that I had ever used. It works so well to effectively yet gently remove makeup and deep clean the skin without drying it out. I’m currently using the Farmacy Green Clean Balm, so I don’t need to replace this one just yet. Review is here. (Purchased by me)

The Ordinary HA 2% Serum – This might be the second or third bottle that I’ve used up. Since a lot fo the products that I use have HA in them, I don’t feel that I need to replace this for the hopefully upcoming warmer weather, but will probably return to this serum in the colder months. Review is here. (Purchased by me)

Makeup & Essential Oils

Empties March 2018

Now Essential Oils Peaceful Sleep / Peaceful Night Blend – This one is used nightly at our house. It is a lovely blend of orange, tangerine, lavender, chammomile, ylang ylang and sandalwood. I’ve already re-purchased the 30ml bottle. (Purchased by me).

Essence Volume Styliste 18h Curl & Hold Mascara – I liked this mascara, but I prefer the False Lash one better. Review is here. (Purchased by me).

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream – This was great because it has a high SPF, but I want something with lighter coverage. Plus I’ve had it since 2015, so it was time to get rid of it. Review is here (Purchased by me).

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Nude Cream – I never wear this pink toned nude lipstick, and the scent is starting to go off, so it is time to declutter this one from my stash. Review is here. (Purchased by me).

Empties March 2018

So there you have it, I think that I made great progress in working my way through my stash this month! How about you, have you finished up much this month?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure – all products have been identified as being either gifted (from family), PR, or purchased by me.

Best of 2016 – The Makeup Edit

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Hello, hello! Today I’m showing my picks for my “Best of 2016 Makeup” picks, a few are faves from last year, and most are new for this year.

Best BB/ CC Cream:

it cosmetics1

This one made my faves list again this year – the Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50 from IT Cosmetics. I only use it in the warmer months because the shade Light is too dark for me this time of year. I want to try it in shade Fair, but I have some things to use up first.

Best Liquid Foundation / Best Powder Foundation:

My fave liquid foundation is the Nars Sheer Glow yet again this year. But I have a tie for best powder foundation – the Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder (that I recently panned) and the Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation (that I’m close to panning). I’m trying to decide whether or not to re-buy, or to try something new.

Best Concealer:

One of the concealers is a fave from last year, the Nyx HD Concealer in Porcelain, and the other one is the Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector, both of which I use daily!

Best Lipstick:

This was a tough one to pick since I have so many faves, but I’ll go with my two most worn lipsticks – both are ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip in shades Dopey and Frick n Frack.

Best Highlighter:

ColourPop SuperShock Cheek - Butterfly Beach

Another ColourPop Super Shock Cheek, this time in the shade Butterfly Beach – the PERFECT rose gold highlighter.

Best Blush:

Nyx Ombre Blush

My most reached for blush is from Nyx Ombre Blush in shade Mauve Me, with an honourable mention going to the Essence Silky Touch blushes.

Best Brow Product:

Nyx Tinted Brow Mascara - Espresso

This year I have two picks that I’ve been using sometimes on their own, sometimes together – the Nyx Tinted Brow Mascara and the classic Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil.

Best Palette:

I only purchased one palette in 2016 because I own so many single shadows. I use the Tarte Tartelette Matte palette more than any other shadows in my collection!

Best Mascara:

This year I have a tie between the Essence I ❤ Extreme Volume and the Annabelle Big Show Mascaras – both in the Waterproof versions. Both give my lashes volume, are super black, hold a curl, and don’t clump or flake on me.

So there you have it, my picks for the Best of 2016 Makeup! Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Please see original reviews for disclosures, all are identified.

Weekend Away Makeup Bag

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

I just thought that I would show you what I’ll be bringing with me makeup-wise for my little weekend away in Toronto for the Ipsy Generation Beauty show. I’m trying to travel as light as possible by bringing only a backpack (with a foldable bag inside in case of shopping, of course).

I chose one of my makeup bags with the hope that I would be able to fit everything into it. And my brush roll case for my makeup brushes. I picked the makeup that I wanted to bring, photographed it, and then attempted to fit it all into my makeup bag at the very end.

Makeup bag:

Weekend Away Travel Makeup

Face products:

Weekend Away Travel Makeup

Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation (review)

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream (review)

Nyx Dark Circle Corrector (review)

Nyx Above & Beyond Full Coverage Concealer (review)

Weekend Away Travel Makeup

Milani Rose Blush (review)

Wet n Wild Coloricon Bronzer (review)

Eye products:

Weekend Away Travel Makeup

Concrete Minerals Electric Eye Primer

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Smokeout (review)

Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette (review)

Weekend Away Travel Makeup

Shu Uemera Eyelash Curler

Essence Cosmetics I ❤ Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara (review)

 

Weekend Away Travel Makeup

Crispy Brows Dual Pencil (review)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil (review)

Lip products:

Weekend Away Travel Makeup

Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid to Matte Lipstick in Wrath and Selene (review)

Nyx Matte Lipstick in Tea Rose (review).

Here’s the makeup bag with everything in it. Miraculously, EVERYTHING managed to fit!

 

Weekend Away Travel Makeup

*Not pictured is my brush roll (and brushes). I photographed them yesterday, but the photos have mysteriously disappeared, or got lost in the transfer from my phone to my Macbook. *

There isn’t going to be a post on Friday as I’ll be on the train to Toronto in the early morning hours for the Ipsy Generation Beauty show. I’ll be back on Monday to tell you all about it! Have a great weekend!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Please see original reviews, but I believe that everything was either purchased by me, or were giveaway winnings (from personal blogs).

 

 

 

 

 

Best of 2015 – the Make-Up Edit

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Best BB/CC Cream:

it cosmetics1

The CC+ Cream from It Cosmetics is my summer Holy Grail item since it contains SPF 50, doesn’t make my skin irritated or greasy, and it makes my skin feel like it can breathe (review). I plan on buying this again in the spring.

Best Foundation:

Nars 4

I’ve tried wearing liquid foundations over the years, and they’ve always made my skin feel like it is suffocating. The Sheer Glow Foundation from Nars is the first one that works for my sensitive skin that I’ve tried so far (review).

Best Concealer(s):

I have three that I use ALL THE TIME. And they are all from Nyx. The first one is for under-eye circles  – the Dark Circle Concealer (review), the second one is for general concealing and highlighting – the HD Concealer (review), and the third one is for any areas that need a little extra concealing power – Above & Beyond Full Coverage Concealer (review).

Best Lipstick:

I chose ColourPop Lippie Stix because 9 times out of 10, when I reach for a lipstick, it is one from ColourPop (reviews here and here).

Best Highlighter:

We have a tie for this one, the first being from ColourPop, and the second from Brazen Cosmetics (reviews here and here).

Best Blush:

Milani BB 1

Without a doubt, I will have to choose Milani’s Baked Blushes as the best (reviews here, here, and  here), I love them all equally!

Best Eyebrow Pencil:

My holy grail brow pencil is from Crispy Brows, with the runner up being from Anastasia Beverly Hills (reviews here and here).

Best Palette(s):

To be honest, I don’t own very many palettes. But my most used two are mini-palettes from Urban Decay, one of which I had won in a giveaway from Hello Kaily (reviews here and here).

Best Single Shadow(s):

This is a tough one since I have so many single shadows. But I will have to say that my favourite single shadows of this year would have to be Birthday Girl, Empire and Dare from ColourPop, followed by Stereo, also from ColourPop (reviews here and here). I chose these ones for their pigmentation and staying power.

Best Mascara:

Essence Get Big Lashes

I never actually did a review, but my go-to mascara is from Essence – the Get Big Lashes in the waterproof formulation. Most mascaras irritate my sensitive eyes, and because my eyes water easily (if I laugh, if it is windy out, or if my allergies are acting up), I need mascara that will stay put and not smudge. The price is ridiculously cheap too!

There you have it, my Best of 2015 for Make-Up.

Thanks for reading and have a Happy and Beautiful New Year! ❤ ❤ ❤

Disclosure: Please see individual reviews for disclosure of each product.

 

Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ (It Cosmetics)

| jodi - a brash attitude

Because I’m fairly pale, my skin burns really easily in the sun, so I try to always wear sunscreen. I’ve found that a lot of sunscreens do not work very well with other makeup and leave me streaky or causes my makeup to either crease or pill. I was browsing on the Beautylish website at the end of May to see what kind of sun protection products that they had and stumbled upon Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ (what a name!).

it cosmetics1

Here is what is says on the It Cosmetics website:

This highly pigmented multi-tasking beauty miracle truly covers everything, will not crease or crack in fine lines, and gives you a healthy, Your Skin But Better® glow. Paraben-free and SPF 50+ UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, Physical Only, Non-Chemical Sunscreen.

Developed with leading plastic surgeons, Your Skin But Better® CC+™ Cream with SPF 50+ is truly a multi-tasking beauty miracle. It’s your SPF 50+ UVA/UVB Physical only sunscreen that protects against the rays that both burn your skin and age your skin. CC+™ is infused with cutting edge Anti-Aging technology and is clinically proven to improve skin texture, brightness and increase skin hydration by 79%. The Anti-Aging hydrating formula is infused with Peptides, Niacin, Algae, Vitamins A, C, B, E, Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrolyzed Collagen along with Antioxidants and exotic natural botanicals for long-term brightening and color-correcting benefits.

it cosmetics2

And here is a little more info from Beautylish:

It’s 7 steps in one! It’s your moisturizing day cream, anti-aging serum, pore minimizing primer, skin brightener, dark spot corrector, and full coverage foundation, and sun protection all in one.

My experience: I chose the second lightest shade, as I was afraid that the lightest shade would be too ghostly for this time of year, since I do tan very slightly (not by most people’s standards, but I am far paler in the colder months). When I first opened the box, I thought to myself, “oh no, this is going to make me look like I have mud on my face”.  See how DARK it looks on my skin:

it cosmetics3

A little goes a long way with this CC Cream. If you are over-zealous in your application, you will be a cake face. I love that it comes in a tube with a pump, it makes application so much easier, with less mess. There is a lemony scent to the CC cream, but it fades quickly as the product sets. I’ve tried applying the CC+ cream with a foundation brush, a Beauty Blender knockoff sponge, and with my fingers. I have had terrible results with using a foundation brush, but I’m not sure if that is due to being new to using a foundation brush, or if the product doesn’t work well with that application method. Applying with my fingers gives me a good medium coverage, and with a damp Beauty Blender type sponge gives me a sheerer light to medium coverage. The photo below is of the CC+ Cream rubbed into the skin with my fingers – it blends in with my skin tone and warms it up.

it cosmetics4

I’ve been using my Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder in Naked Medium Light with it.

Overall, I find it to be moisturizing without feeling greasy, definitely pore minimizing, and I feel that it does make my skin look brighter. I will switch to the lightest shade (fair) in the autumn / winter months.

Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ comes in a limited range of 5 shades: fair, light, medium, rich and tan, $38 USD for 32ml (1.08 fl. oz). You can order it directly from It Cosmetics,  Beautylish, The Shopping Channel (Canada), Ulta, and QVC.

Disclosure: I purchased this! And I will purchase it again.