When it comes to beauty, it’s taken years but I’ve finally found a handful of brands that work well for me. I have combination skin, and if we’re being honest, I haven’t always taken great care of my skin. However, I think the years where I always heard I looked like a teenager have caught up with me. Sigh.
Equally important to me in the past year are products that are safer and healthier for my skin. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a completely “natural/safe” beauty situation but I’m heading in that direction. You know I love BeautyCounter, and another brand favorite is It Cosmetics. This is in no way sponsored (nor was Beautycounter) — and I feel awkward saying that — but this is me just finding brands and shouting from the virtual rooftops! I’ve discovered that It has a bit of a cult following, and now with its arrival in Sephora (it was previously only at Ulta and on its site), the brand is quickly growing.
Below are a few of my extra special favorites, including my favorite new way to apply foundation. The brush I’m holding is called BlendSmart… it basically rotates (think Clarisonic for makeup) to give you this flawless, airbrushed finish. I’ve also found I need less product, which is automatically awesome. To apply, just note I don’t put it on my hand — I put a few dots on my cheeks, forehead and chin and turn it on. There’s a fantastic little cheat sheet in the BlendSmart box that really helped.
CC+ Cream: This cream is everything, and was the first product that converted me to the It collection. This lightweight cc cream provides full coverage along with an SPF 50+ coverage to protect your skin from the sun. It’s worth checking this out, or ask for a sample at Sephora or Ulta if you’re hesitant. It’s probably among my top 5 beauty/makeup products, and the tube lasts a while. You only need the amount shown on my hand for your entire face. As I mentioned, I apply this with my BlendSmart brush, and then I use an oversized brush to lightly brush on Bye Bye Pores Pressed powder.
Hello 5-in-1 Lashes Mascara: it’s a toss-up between this and its SuperHero mascara. The Hello is often my everyday mascara, providing length and volume without irritating my eyes (it also serves as a lash primer and curler). To maximize impact with mascara, hold the brush at your root and wiggle it a little from left to right to really create volume at the base. This brush also has a little ball lash detailer to help get you the tiniest inner and outer lashes — it’s my favorite. For mega volume, the Superhero mascara is the jam… my lashes have never looked more bold.
Bye Bye Under Eye Corrector: this little jar instantly makes me look well rested. The light peachy hue neutralizes blue undertones (or small veins) and lightens dark circles while highlighting the area. This light-weight formula doesn’t crease or look cakey (critical) and has anti-aging and hydrating benefits so your skin doesn’t look dry or cracked.
Bye Bye Pores Primer: the newest to me, I’ve candidly only used the primer a handful of times and so far so good. I tend to use primer for particularly long days, and more often in the summer when the heat can melt my makeup in about .03 seconds. This oil-free formula minimized my shine and provide a seemingly more even texture to provide the CC cream. Would love your feedback if you try it.
Join the Conversation
Pauline@anti aging treatment by revitol
November 5, 2016 at 5:46 AMLoved all the products. Would definitely going to include these in my skin care kit. I am eager to include these in my skin care products.
Kris M.
October 24, 2016 at 8:37 PMI love your blog and the exact same IT products you use!
The Bye Bye Pores goes great with the CC cream! The bonus for me is if I rarely am too lazy or get home really late and fall asleep with make-up on, I don’t feel too badly!
I’m going to buy the BlendSmart brush–thank you!