@SouthJerseyChessMom, thanks. I needed some cc cream! 25% off is great!
I put mine on the back of my hand and warm it up that way. And then dab it on my face. I like the coverage I get when blending it in with a brush or sponge. I personally find that when I rub it in with my fingers the coverage is a little thicker than I like. Just personal preference.
I’m so confused by all the different products that are out these days – zillions of different foundation choices, BB cream, CC cream, tinted moisturizers, highlighters, zillions of different concealer options, powdered options, etc. What’s the difference between a BB cream and a CC cream? How are they different from foundations?
I’m very pale, and have felt like I look tired lately with dark circles and hollows under my eyes, puffy lids and redness around my nose and on my chin. I don’t have wrinkles but I’m feeling washed out and tired. Which of these formulations will magically fix these problems? 
I don’t normally wear a lot of makeup and I have fairly oily skin so makeup doesn’t really last all that long on me.
@nottelling - both BB and CC are tinted moisturizers.
I have tried both and I currently have Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer; I’m not sure if it’s considered a BB or a CC cream. However most days I wear a foundation that’s expensive but I’ve re-purchased because I haven’t found anything I like better. It provides what I’d describe as medium coverage. It’s from Guerlain, Lingerie de Peau Foundation. When I put it on it looks like my skin, only better. However, I have very dry skin so I don’t know how it would be on oily skin.
I have gone to makeup stores (Sephora, Ulta) and after getting recommendations/matched for a foundation, have asked for a little sample before purchasing. I find I need to wear it a while before I commit, to see how it wears after a few hours, how it looks in different light, etc. I’ve discovered I can go to the same Sephora but get totally different recommendations for face makeup depending on which person helps me.
I have tried a lot of BB creams; Dr. Jart, something else I bought at Costco, Loreal, Neutrogena etc. The best one I have ever tried is Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector. (SPF 20). It’s also pretty cheap. I don’t like to spend money on makeup. I spend a lot on rosacea prescriptions.
I like the BB creams because they are a little lighter and less cakey than foundation and seem a little less aging, but they still cover up the redness and blotchiness that is my problem.
Jamie presents her IT cosmetics on QVC quite frequently.
I’ve used (IT) bye bye under eye concealer for a year or so and love it. A few months ago, H saw Jamie’s infomercial and was sold- lol. He thought that makeup (IT) was amazing, and her commercial is quite impressive. I bought a tube and it definitely has full coverage. I use it when I’m going out, but stick with BB cream most days. I don’t like the feel of makeup on my face.
I’ve used bye bye under eye concealer for about a year now too and it’s the best product I’ve found to cover my very dark circles. It’s not perfect but nothing else has come close. I received a sample of bye bye concealer which I was told could also be used under the eyes but it’s not as good. Haven’t used it as a concealer so perhaps it’s better for covering up pimples or discoloration.
Thanks to the person who posted the 25% discount on the It Cosmetics site. I’m going to try the CC cream too.
The best undereye concealer I found is Laura Mercier 3 in 1. A very very little goes a long way. I sample many of them, including the ones touted by professionals…for $75 and up. Have a saleslafy show you how to apply. I think it’s around $40. I’m going to hold off on the castor oil until after my May getaway. Someone said they got an eye infection from it, and I don’t want to take the chance before then.
With oily skin, I don’t use foundation-I stick with mineral powders and a very good brush. Any foundation or BB cream I put on just smears after a few hours.
I’ll wash my face, use Zapzyt on spots that are breaking out (thank you hormones), and do a mineral powder all over. Then a blush (Nars Orgasm, best ever) on the crest of my cheekbones.
Lipstick is always Maybelline’s 24 hour stuff-literally bomb-proof.
At night I use Ziana, which is a very expensive Rx for acne, but as a retinoid does wonders for lines as well. Your insurance company will give you a ton of crap about it unless your derm sends them a letter saying yes, she’s middle aged and still has acne and needs this stuff, then they’ll cover it. It’s amazing, and does keep acne, redness and lines down to a minimum.
Under-eye stuff I can’t help with, but as I understand it it’s partially inherited, and partially due to a vitamin K deficiency. Watercress in your salad might help? (I love watercress)
Does anyone have a good recommendation for a light-weight, tinted moisturizer with SPF that is fragrance-free?
Absolutely NO smell is my most important criteria. I can’t stand the feel of foundation on my face, but would like something to even out my blotchy, freckle-prone skin and not set off my runny nose.
You might get creams that are scent-free, but virtually all unscented products will have some faint smell. It is inherent to the ingredients used.
This one is supposed to be good:
http://www.philosophy.com/supernatural-poreless-flawless-spf15.html
This lightweight foundation is terrific. I highly recommend. It’s much more comfortable and natural looking than the It Cosmetics CC cream and doesn’t have that weird fake citrus smell. http://m.sephora.com/product/P393356
Thanks. Going to look into these. I need something, but it gets so overwhelming trying to purchase something that works with my needs.
@sryrstress, I know clinique makes one. I only used samples, a couple of years ago, but they seemed fine.
I bought the smaller travel size of the IT CC online. I got it in Light. I’m going to have to get it in Fair. I guess I’m still ghostly. Hurrah for the smaller size!
I want to try the IT makeup! Does ulta carry the base/concealer? I only see the mascara on the website.
I picked up a sample of It cc cream at ulta this week and used it today- followed @deb922’s advice about putting it on back of hand to warm it so it spread easier. I used very little- great coverage and feels wonderful on this super sensitive skin ( actually Rosacea)!which get a good test in upcoming 80 degree heat- so far so pleased !
@SouthJerseyChessMom Did you use your finger tips to apply or brush or sponge?
^ fingers to apply- after face washed without anything else applied -
was concerned about heavy look so applied very little- the 25% deal at IT cosmetics expires tonight and I’m so tempted but I like ulta’ easy return policy -
@AllThisIsNewToMe At Ulta online, I put “IT Cosmetics” in the search box and it pulled up the collection. If you shop at the IT web site, there is a coupon code for 25% off. Good luck!