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Friday, January 27, 2017

My Favorite High-End Beauty Product of 2016


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 SephoraUltaQVC, 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.
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24 comments

  1. I love this product too! I bought the travel size on a whim when I was in the checkout line at Ulta and loved it almost immediately. I have since purchased the full sized version. My excruciatingly dry skin looks so much better when I use this. It doesn't solve all of my skin issues, because as you said it's not a miracle, but my skin doesn't look nearly as parched and flaky as it used to. I love the scent and the texture too! It's my new HG moisturizer.

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    1. Lindsey, I am so happy to hear that it's working so well for your dry skin, too! That's fantastic to hear, and I'm glad I'm not alone in my love for this product. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience! :)

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  2. Before reading this, I thought "what was my favorite?"

    I chose the exact same product!

    I used a sample first and was so happy with the results that I bought the full size at full price just so I could keep using it.

    I have oily skin and this absorbs quickly and never makes me feel greasy.

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    1. No way! Catherine I'm so happy to hear that you love it too. I absolutely would have purchased the full size, like you, after finishing my sample. Even though this full size jar was sent to me, I will be buying another jar when I run out. I'm addicted to the whole ritual of applying it now, and how my skin feels the next day. Isn't it lovely how quickly it absorbs, but yet it makes your skin feel hydrated? So hard to stike that perfect balance for us oily skinned gals.

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  3. I'm happy to read this review. There was a foil packet of this in the most recent free 27 piece skincare set that I got from Ulta and I just started using it this week. I'm liking it so far!

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    1. I'm so glad you're liking it so far, Deanna. And I'm happy you were able to try a sample before possibly committing to a full size purchase. I totally forgot it was in that beauty bag! :)

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    2. Thanks for letting me know that theres a sample in that Ulta 27 piece sample (I have those samples) I have a jar of that moisturizer (which I received in my lucky bag from Beautish just sitting there) and I dont want to open a jar just to see if I like it if it fits mt skin. Thanks for pointing tgis out! :-)

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  4. I use CeraVe in the tub and I was always so grossed out by the time I got about 2/3 through it... I hate tubs! Now I use a small spoon or spatula to put It into a travel squeeze bottle that I bought at Target. Now I only open the tub three or four times before I'm done with it!

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  5. Instead of using my fingers, I dunk the butt of a beauty blender in jar creams. For me it applies the product just the same as fingers and removes the ick factor. Might want to give it a try!

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  6. Thanks for the review! I have really oily skin, and I've been really hesitant to give it a try. I'll definitely have to test it out this weekend. Thanks G!

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  7. How do u think it compares to the laniege water bank moisture cream?

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  8. Wow, now I'm debating of whether I should try this out ornot. I Bought Beautylish lucky bag this year and one of the oriducts I receuved was that jar from it cosmetics which I disliked receiving an had no interest in receiving (I was a actually looking to give it away to anyone who likes that) but now I dont know if I should try it based on your review and what othersare saying. Do they even sell a smaller version cause I will hate to open that big jar just to see if I like when someone else can use it (of course .ot once opened) now the question is what should I do...lol..

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    1. I was in Ultra the other day and they had tiny jars for $12

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  9. Love it cosmetics! ❤️ Can't wait to buy it and try it out. Thanks G!

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  10. Funny I just got a foil sample of this from Ulta too :) and have been meaning to try it, having awful dry skin this time of year! I love IT Cosmetics in general, their Illumination Celebration foundation is a HG power foundation for me, because no talc, yay! I just repurchased today in fact, now I'm off to try this cream and hope I love it, because I will spend on my skincare if the stuff works. Clinique's Dramatically Different cream has been my choice as of late for night time use, along with some Body Shop Vitamin E serum, but I'm almost out of the Clinique so excited to try the IT now! Thanks for the review, it's nice to see HE every once in awhile IMHO especially when it sounds like it works so well!

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  11. The nice thing about this is even with the cost is it'll last a long time because you only need a little. I love their good for you ingredients as well. A lot of mass brands have cheap ingredients and tend to stink badly of old lady (looks at Loreal). So in the end I find it well worth the cost compared to brands that in the end don't work well.

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  12. I love this too! I really hope IT repackages it so that it's not in a jar!!

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  13. I received this in my Beautylish lucky bag but haven't cracked it open yet. Now I'm excited!!!

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  14. Hey, G! Love the review! I miss them and your accompanying pics! I have super dry skin and recently flaky and sensitive too so have only been using coconut oil. If I have the opportunity to try a sample I am going to! Thanks for the info on this!

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  15. I trust Paula's Choice as my final stop before purchasing a product as they delve into all the properties of a product:
    http://www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia-skin-care-reviews/by-brand/it-cosmetics/_/Confidence-in-a-Cream

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  16. I'm so excited to see this! I just received two deluxe sample jars of this in the mail yesterday. I don't remember what I did to get these. Lol. It was a nice surprise. Really glad to hear that you love this product and I can't wait to try it out on myself.

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  17. Hands down my all time favorite face cream as well! I've tried everything from drug store brands to high end store brands. This is it! The answer to my skincare prayers. I also use their bye bye under eye cream and their bye bye line serum. I've been a proud It girl for years thanks to QVC. I'd have to say out of the hundreds of products I own 50% of them are It Cosmetics. I hit pan and empty jars on these products all the time. Best beauty investment I've ever made for myself. It Cosmetics makes it I'm going to try it! I agree about the glass jar. Although maybe they use the jar to make sure the quality ingredients stay fresh. I'd love if they had a recycle program like Mac has. That would be amazing!☺

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  18. The is one of my favorites too. I got two samples and ended up swapping 1 because I honestly didn't think I would like it. It seemed too heavy for my acne-prone skin. I'm not sure what made me try the other sample I had, but I fell in love. I am waiting for a 5x points on It at Ulta to buy a full size since honestly I need more skincare like I need a hole in the head, but I really want it and at 5x points I can rationalize the purchase.

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  19. It's only $43.64 right now at QVC thru 1/31

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