My mother has a to-die-for complexion. Sure, she's old enough to be you know, my mother, but you could never tell it by looking at her skin.
Although I'd like to think I take after mom, the mirror has me worried. That's why I was thrilled to try IT Cosmetics' new Bye Bye Collection. In addition to concealing problems, these talented multitaskers work to help you bid adieu to everything from dark circles and pores to stubborn makeup and fine lines.
When I told my dear friend Becky I was testing them, she immediately asked "What's IT?" So let me start by saying they're one of my fav anti-aging makeup (think SuperHero Mascara) and skincare lines. They work with plastic surgeons to develop serious beauty solutions based on ingredients that are both cutting edge and good for your skin. Nice!
I tried these eight products from IT's Bye Bye Collection, available at itcosmetics.com, Sephora.com and select Sephora stores. You can also find the eye cream, lip treatment and makeup remover at QVC and QVC.com.
What it is: A hard-working anti-aging serum proven to deliver 10 powerful clinical results to your skin. It takes on everything from dryness to wrinkles to give skin a younger, healthier look in as little as 10 days with more dramatic results over time.
What I like: Not your typical serum, this super-light cream leaves my skin silky smooth and glowing. It includes one of my go-to hydrators (hyaluronic acid) plus argan oil and babassu oil for an instant burst of moisture. Using it in the morning and at night after cleansing soothes my parched skin without any icky, oily feeling.
Perfect for all skin types, this must-have helps blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it's infused with skin-loving ingredients like caviar extract and collagen that help lift and firm while improving your skin's tone, texture and elasticity. Talk about a great way to rewind the clock! ($58)
What it is: A moisturizing, anti-aging eye cream that smooths lines and brightens while reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
What I like: Another must-have in my book, this do-it-all cream leaves your eyes looking like you've had plenty of shuteye. It tackles under-eye circles, my #1 concern, with a "dark shadow minimizing" blue tint that helps neutralize them. Kind to sensitive skin like mine, it nourishes the delicate eye area with collagen, essential oils and caffeine - no wonder it's such a wake-up call for my baby blues.
This little gem is packed with anti-aging benefits and moisturizers like hyaluronic acid. It glides on evenly and absorbs quickly with no flaking so it's easy to use under makeup. ($48)
What it is: A skin-perfecting, anti-aging treatment that helps conceal pores, fine lines and uneven texture while hydrating.
What I like: This velvety, pore-erasing cream goes on satin smooth to minimize and correct skin problems, reduce shine and create a smooth surface. Oil-free and super light, it feels hydrating without being heavy and provides a matte finish.
The look is perfect whether you wear this skin-enhancing primer alone (don't you just love lazy days?) or under makeup. Then it simplifies application and helps your work last longer. Either way, this clay-, charcoal- and papaya extract-infused look-launcher softens skin instantly. ($38)
What it is: A one-of-a-kind formula that blends a lightweight, anti-aging beauty fluid with sun protection to deliver smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin.
What I like: This sheer, color-infused skin friend is long on benefits. Skin-Perfecting Technology helps blur discolorations and imperfections. Universal color-correcting pigments that work for all skin tones mean you never have to worry about what shade to choose. Yes! And, besides hiding flaws, it includes SPF 50+ to protect against sun damage and help prevent aging.
This clever multitasker leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy. What's more, it hydrates, brightens and repairs your complexion, nourishing skin with anti-aging peptides, niacin, hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid. Think foundation but much, much smarter. ($38)
What it is: A skin-perfecting brush boasting bristles infused with anti-aging collagen, silk, peptides, niacin and antioxidants to help improve the look of your skin.
What I like: Long and loaded with custom-cut hairs, this unique blending brush does the work for you. You can use it to enhance application of your skincare, foundation, concealer, blush or any complexion product. Whether you choose liquid or powder, this skin beautifier helps soften the appearance of lines, pores and imperfections for a close to airbrushed finish.
In addition to loving the ahhhh-some results, I love knowing this brush is cruelty-free, animal-free and pro-hygienic so it's ideal for those with sensitive skin like mine. ($48)
What is it: An anti-aging, waterproof concealer that brightens, evens skin tone and covers dark circles while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What I like: A little goes a long way when it comes to this eye hero. For fabulous results, I put a tiny dot on the back of my hand, tap it under my eyes and on my eyelids with my ring finger and continue tapping to spread this thick cream all around my eyes. Then I swipe ITs great #702 brush (described above) around my eyes to blend and banish the depressing, dark circles below my eyes while lightening and evening the color of my lids.
Thanks to this handy cream, I look more rested and, since it's waterproof, the effect lasts all day - even when I use eye drops, a have-to when you have dry eyes like mine. What's more, this concealer doesn't sink into fine lines or wrinkles making them look more obvious than ever (a problem with some others I've tried - but we won't name names).
You also can use this little wonder as a spot concealer to hide other facial imperfections. The formula includes anti-aging hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, vitamins, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to help skin look younger. Plus, it features drops of light technology to give you a natural-looking glow. ($24)
What it is: An anti-aging lip therapy that revs up both hydration and your natural lip color.
What I like: In addition to being a godsend for dry, chapped lips, the ultra-conditioning formula practically eliminates lip lines. It also helps lock in moisture so lips feel soft and hydrated. Even better, there's no need for constant reapplication.
As a bonus, this clinically proven hydrator includes special pigments that react with the warmth of your lips to reveal your perfect, natural shade of pink. I love swiping it on when I'm on-the-go because it gives me a soft, barely-there pink glow without requiring use of a mirror. ($24)
What it is: A fast-acting cleanser, makeup remover and anti-aging serum all in one jar.
What I like: This luxurious treatment combines deep-cleansing extracts and botanicals to remove all traces of grime and makeup, including stubborn mascara, while hydrating skin. It's great for all skin types so even sensitive souls like me can use it without risking excessive dryness or skin irritation. And the ophthalmologist-tested formula is perfect for the delicate eye area.
Swiping on this bedtime necessity and wiping it off with a face cloth leaves my skin feeling silky soft, smooth and moisturized. When I have the time, I also enjoy using it as a mask and leaving it on for 60 seconds to up both the cleaning and hydration benefits. ($38)
We'd like to shout out a big "Thank You" to IT Cosmetics for providing samples for review and testing.
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