It Cosmetics CC Cream has been one of my favorites since it’s been released. The coverage and hydration I get is unlike anything I’ve ever tried. I’ve repurchased both the original and illuminating version time and again, but the new Oil Free Matte version had me intrigued.
I’ve been since using all three formulas and have been super impressed! I always get a ton of questions on “which formula is best”, and it’s seems like preference really depends on your skin type. So I wanted to break down each formula’s ingredients, coverage, and wear time to make choosing the best one for you a little less daunting.
Each Version has 12 shades and costs 38 USD for 1.08 oz.
*My skin type type is dry to combo with hyperpigmentation. I usually wear light neutral foundation shades. (NC 20-25)
Original
Details: This color-correcting cream provides full, flawless coverage and protects skin with SPF 50+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum physical sunscreen. It is clinically tested to increase hydration, smooth texture, and enhance the look of brightness. The breakthrough formula doesn’t crease or crack and instantly camouflages imperfections, including dark spots. Plus, it’s infused with an advanced anti-aging serum made of hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and antioxidants that work in harmony to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and pores to create a more radiant, supple, and flawless-looking complexion.
Ingredients:
- Snail Mucin- (contains natural peptides and hyaluronic acid) extracted from bottom of snails; snails naturally roam over mesh, and filtrate is collected. No snails harmed in this process. Brand is cruelty free 🙂
- Mineral SPF 50
- Citrus Oils- lends itself to the lemon scent. May be irritating to those with sensitive skin
- Niacinamide-antioxidant; reduces pore size, corrects uneven skin tone
- Hyaluronic Acid- humectant; holds moisture in
- Colloidal Oatmeal- calming agent
- Collagen-helps with skin’s strength and elasticity
- Retinyl Palmitate- Vitamin A; improves fine lines/wrinkles and evens tone
- Ascorbic Acid- Vitamin C; brightening antioxidant
- Peptides- repairs and smooths skin surface
Water, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Magnesium Sulfate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hexyl Laurate, Stearic Acid, Calcium Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium Edta, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Niacinamide, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Cholesterol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Lactobacillus/Honeysuckle Flower/Licorice Root/Morus Alba Root/Pueraria Lobata Root/Schizandra Chinensis Fruit/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root/Sophora Japonica Flower Extract Ferment Filtrate, Perfluorohexane, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Perfluorodecalin, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sprout Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Pentafluoropropane, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Steareth-20, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Colloidal Oatmeal, Hydrolyzed Silk, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Tocopherol, Thiamine Hcl, Riboflavin, Retinyl Palmitate, Pantothenic Acid, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Niacin, Folic Acid, Chrysin, Carnitine Hcl, Biotin, Ascorbic Acid, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Chlorhexidine Digluconate. May Contain: Iron Oxides (Ci 77492, Ci 77491, Ci 77499).
Finish: Natural with a slight dewiness; skin-like
Coverage: Medium to Full. I can build to full coverage with a second layer. My sunspots still poke through very slightly.
Wear Time: 6-8 hrs
Matte
Details: Developed with plastic surgeons, Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte delivers color-correcting full coverage, anti-aging skincare, and SPF 40 broad-spectrum physical sunscreen—all with a poreless, natural-looking matte finish that lasts. This multitasking, complexion-perfecting breakthrough instantly camouflages skin imperfections including dark spots without creasing or cracking and is clinically tested to reduce shine and control oil for up to 12 hours. It’s also infused with charcoal to detoxify, colloidal clay to absorb oil, and tea tree extract to combat blemishes—plus, an advanced anti-aging serum made of hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and antioxidants. You’ll see powerful results instantly and more dramatic results over time.
Ingredients:
Similar to those in Original version with the following differences:
- Mineral SPF 40; less sunscreen for less shine
- Contains oil controlling colloidal and lava clay
- Tea tree oil to help fight acne
- Niacinamide is a little higher up on list; may improve efficacy
- Contains NO citrus oils- may be less irritating to skin
Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide [Nano] / Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Chloride, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Triethyl Citrate, Ethyl Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Canadian Colloidal Clay, Moroccan Lava Clay, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract / Oat Kernel Extract, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Curcuma Longa Root Extract / Turmeric Root Extract, Sulfur, Cholesterol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Perfluorohexane, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract / Avocado Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract / Grape Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract / Willow Bark Extract, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Glycine Soja Sprout Extract / Soybean Sprout Extract, Perfluorodecalin, Serica Extract / Silk Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Perfluoromethylcyclopentane, Citric Acid, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Steareth-20, Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract – Tea Tree Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Ethylhexylglycerin, Charcoal Powder, Lactobacillus/Honeysuckle Flower/Licorice Root/Morus Alba Root/Pueraria Lobata Root/Schisandra Chinensis Fruit/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root/Sophora Japonica Flower Extract Ferment Filtrate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, [+/- May Contain: Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499 / Iron Oxides, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide].
Finish: Matte with a slight satin finish in t zone
Coverage: Seems identical to Original with medium to full. My sunspots still poke through slightly after second layer.
Wear Time: 8-10 hrs. Longest lasting of the three.
Illumination
Details: Infused with proprietary Drops of Light Technology™ for a subtle touch of radiance, Your Skin But Better™ CC+ Illumination™ with SPF 50+ delivers full, flawless, perfect coverage and protects your skin with SPF 50+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum physical sunscreen. Clinically tested to provide intense hydration, support improved appearance in skin texture, and enhance the look of skin brightness without glitter or shimmer, this breakthrough color-correcting cream doesn’t crease or crack and instantly camouflages imperfections, including dark spots. It’s formulated with an advanced anti-aging serum made of hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants that work in harmony to visually diminish the look of wrinkles and pores for a more luminous, supple, and flawless-looking complexion.
Ingredients: Most similar to the Original; the citrus fragrance is lighter but still contains the same citrus oils
Water, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Titanium Dioxide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Zinc Oxide, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Magnesium Sulfate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hexyl Laurate, Stearic Acid, Calcium Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium Edta, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Niacinamide, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Cholesterol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Lactobacillus/Honeysuckle Flower/Licorice Root/Morus Alba Root/Pueraria Lobata Root/Schizandra Chinensis Fruit/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root/Sophora Japonica Flower Extract Ferment Filtrate, Perfluorohexane, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Perfluorodecalin, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sprout Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Pentafluoropropane, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Steareth-20, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Colloidal Oatmeal, Hydrolyzed Silk, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Tocopherol, Thiamine Hcl, Riboflavin, Retinyl Palmitate, Pantothenic Acid, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Niacin, Folic Acid, Chrysin, Carnitine Hcl, Biotin, Ascorbic Acid, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Chlorhexidine Digluconate. [+/-: Mica (Ci 77019), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492, Ci 77491, Ci 77499)].
Finish: Radiant with apparent shimmer on close inspection; dewy finish at arms length
Coverage: Medium to Full Coverage; able to achieve full coverage with second layer. Highest Coverage of the three
Wear Time: 6-8hrs
To sum everything up, my favorite has to be the Illuminating formula. I love the dewy finish it gives and is the highest coverage of the three. I was also super impressed by the matte formula with the longest wear time and the smooth, poreless effect. It’s the first matte foundation I’ve found that doesn’t accentuate texture. The original formula is my go to for a day to day foundation. I just love the natural, skin like effect.
Find them here:
Original https://rstyle.me/n/dcn9nachrgx
Matte (QVC deal- luxe brush included!) https://rstyle.me/n/dcn9q8chrgx
Illumination https://rstyle.me/n/dcn9shchrgx
I hope this helped! I’d love to hear from those of you with different skin types as well. Did the CC cream work for you? Which is your favorite and least favorite formula?
To hear me delve more into the ingredients and to see each version applied, check out my YouTube. Thanks for subscribing, watching, and reading!!! xoxo
*This post is not sponsored | some links may be affiliate
the honest beauty review 