My Favorite High-End Beauty Product of 2016

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After I revealed my favorite drugstore beauty product of 2016 to you last week, I told you that I would tell you my favorite high-end beauty product of 2016 this week. So here you go:

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Transforming Moisturizing Super Cream - $48, 2 oz (available at Sephora, Ulta, QVC, and the IT Cosmetics website)

Full disclosure: a few months ago, I asked IT Cosmetics if they would send me a sample sized jar of this product. I told them that it would not be for review, but rather I wanted to try it because if it came up as a deluxe freebie at any of the various retailers, I could then share with you if I thought it might be a nice freebie to grab (at the time, I noticed that it was being offered as a free sample at various retailers, and I always like to tell you if I think a freebie option is worth grabbing). 

Well little did I know that IT Cosmetics would actually send me a full-size jar, instead of the sample that I requested. Very nice of them, yes. But I still didn't have any intentions of actually reviewing it, since you know I tend to stick to more affordable products to review for you, and this is a pricey cream at $48 for 2.0 oz. 

In between the time that I received a jar from IT and started to use it, I placed an order at Ulta or Sephora (can't remember which right now) and received a sample jar. So I started with that sample jar first, used the entire thing, and moved on to the jar you see below.

All the while, while using this product, I never intended to review it. But the more I used it, the more I absolutely fell in love with it. And now I can confidently (no pun intended) tell you that this is my favorite high-end beauty product that I tried in 2016.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream

Developed with plastic surgeons, the leading experts in skin rejuvenation, Confidence in a Cream™ is a quick-absorbing super cream that transforms your skin with each application by boosting its natural regenerative cycle for a supple, healthier, younger-looking appearance. The proprietary Anti-Aging Armour Regenerative Concentrate™ combines collagen and hyaluronic acid to plump fine lines and wrinkles, while niacin, peptides, a super ceramide complex and other high-performance ingredients are activated upon contact to immerse your skin in moisture, smooth texture, enhance firmness, and reduce the look of pores and discoloration. Perfect for all skin types, you’ll see powerful results instantly and more dramatic results over time!

 Clinically shown results!

100% said skin was soft, smooth and infused with moisture*

97% said skin looked and felt rejuvenated*

94% said skin felt younger and healthier*

81% said pores appeared minimized, and fine lines and wrinkles appeared less noticeable*

*Results observed in a consumer panel survey.

See full list of ingredients here. 

First let's get this out of the way. You know I don't like jars when it comes to skincare. I don't like dipping my fingers into things. But because of the results that I've seen with this product over the last few months, I'm willing to overlook that (although I HOPE that IT will create a version in a squeeze tube or airless pump later down the road!). 

Moving on to the actual performance of this product, IT suggests that you apply it morning and evening. You can certainly do that, but I have been using it strictly at night, because I prefer a moisturizer with SPF during the day. That said, I have worn this during the day and for reasons I'll get into in a second, I was very pleased with the performance during daytime use.

The first time I applied this at night, I loved the creamy texture and fragrance (it's a light, "clean" type of scent, with no floral notes that I can detect). But what I was surprised to discover was that, even though it's a thick, creamy moisturizer, it sinks into my skin and absorbs quickly. It doesn't sit on my skin in a heavy way. But it also isn't like a gel that absorbs so quickly that you think, "Did I even just apply moisturizer?" I have oily skin, but lately as I get older I have areas of skin, particular under my eyes and on my cheekbones, that are less oily than they used to be. And this moisturizer works beautifully for me because it seems to "find" those areas of my skin that need extra hydration and it delivers there, while at the same time it doesn't turn my super oily T-zone into a greasy mess. In a word, it moisturizers. And it does so better than anything I can think of that I've tried in recent memory. 

When I wake up in the morning after wearing this product all night, my skin is left incredibly soft, but not greasy. Over the few months that I've been using this moisturizer, I've noticed that my skin looks a bit more even, and more plump. I'm not trying to say that this is a miracle product that has solved all of my skincare issues, because that's a lot to expect of ANY product. But this moisturizer delivers some serious, deep hydration to my skin, exactly where and when I need it. I honestly feel like it was made for me, although I see in other reviews that people with normal and dry skin love it too. 

As for wearing it during the day, the few times that I did, I was very pleased with the results. Because it sinks into the skin rather quickly for a thick moisturizer, I didn't have to wait long to start applying my makeup, and it played nicely with my makeup during the day. I didn't notice that it "ate" my makeup throughout the day, nor did it make my T-zone any more oily than it usually is. But again, for the reason I explained above, I prefer to use this product only at night.

I also want to mention that I have experienced no breakouts or irritation related to this product in the months that I've been using it, and it plays nicely with any of the serums that I wear underneath it. I have also used this product as an eye cream at night, applying all over my face and then applying sparingly to my under-eye region as well as on my lids. No problems at all with stinging, irritation, or blurry vision. I also have not had any problems with milia after using this product. 

Since my original intention when I requested a sample of this product was to be able to tell you if I thought it would be a nice option if you see it as a freebie sample choice at one of the various retailers, I would like to follow up with that and say YES, I definitely think it's worth sampling. I know that all skincare works differently for everyone, so I think a sample is probably the best approach before diving into buying a full-size jar, considering the price. But I just wanted to share with you that, of all the high-end beauty products that I tried in 2016, this is by far my favorite. I am just so pleased with how well it delivers hydration to my skin, and how my skin feels after I use it. 

But don't just take my word for it. Give the reviews at Sephora, Ulta, QVC, and the IT Cosmetics website a read. And Makeup Alley as well. Hopefully you can better determine if this might be a good fit for you, after reading multiple perspectives. 

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.Blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews. For more information, click here.