IT Cosmetics’ New CC Cream Is a Game Changer For People With Oily Skin
If you've ever seen before-and-after photos of someone using the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream, you know the difference is jaw-dropping. Acne, pores, and hyperpigmentation disappear with the buff of a brush, similar to the pretty filter on Instagram Stories. The brand has a cult following because of these transformations, and ultimately made founder Jamie Kern Lima worth $410 million.
Within the IT Cosmetics family are two CC+ creams: the original and illumination. Now there's a third: CC+ Oil-Free Matte ($38), out July 27. The CC+ range focuses on both skin care and makeup, with sunscreen included in each. Illumination is meant to give the skin a radiant glow, but both original and Illumination are creamy and can leave the skin with a dewy finish. The biggest complaint from customers has nothing to do with the products' coverage or sun protection — it was that those with oily skin felt they couldn't wear it, which is why CC+ Oil-Free Matte was created.
Oil-Free Matte is made with three key ingredients, in addition to the others you love about the original: colloidal clay to absorb oil, charcoal to detoxify, and tea tree extract to help with breakouts. This cream promises 12 hours of shine-free wear; in the Summer, matte products can help keep makeup on longer.
POPSUGAR had the opportunity to try the product before it launches exclusively at Sephora on July 27, fittingly during the Los Angeles heat wave. It has the same coverage and feel of the other CC+ creams, and the makeup didn't move on our skin, even after wearing sunglasses. The formula also doesn't feel drying or tight on the skin, like some matte products. A few things to note: IT Cosmetics dropped the SPF factor in this one from 50 to 40. (The AAD recommends sunscreen that's SPF 30 or higher, so it still fits the bill.) Also, since charcoal is a detoxifying ingredient, this could result in blemishes for some people.
And finally, there have been complaints about limited shade range, but the brand seems to be working on this. On Lima's Instagram, she teased a shade expansion, although it's unclear if it is for the CC+ Creams, Bye Bye Foundation Full-Coverage Moisturizer, Bye Bye Lines Foundation, or another product altogether.
