IT Cosmetics CC Cream – Complete Guide to Every Formula

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream has become a staple in many makeup bags, offering a hybrid of full-coverage foundation and skincare benefits. With multiple formulas and a shade range that spans fair to deep, finding the right match can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down each variant, explains how to choose a shade, and covers UK availability so you can decide which CC Cream fits your routine.

The brand’s Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream line has grown from a single cult product into a family of four finishes: Original, Glow, Illumination, and Matte. All versions include broad-spectrum SPF 50+ and ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. But the texture, coverage level, and ideal skin type differ across the range.

Whether you are new to IT Cosmetics or looking to try a different finish, understanding the distinctions between each formula is the first step toward a satisfying purchase.

What are the different IT Cosmetics CC Cream formulas and finishes?

Key insights at a glance

• IT Cosmetics CC Cream offers four distinct finishes – natural, luminous, radiant, and matte – each with at least SPF 50 protection.
• The Original formula is highly pigmented, so a small amount goes a long way; many users treat it as a foundation substitute.
• The CC+ Nude Glow (often referred to as the Glow version) was the first CC cream formulated with 90% skincare ingredients.
• The Matte variant contains no oils and includes oil-absorbing clay, making it suitable for oily and combination skin.
• All versions include hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, but only the Nude Glow highlights 2% niacinamide for brightening.
• Skincare-focused ingredients like peptides, vitamin E, and green tea extract appear across the entire line.

Quick fact snapshot

How do I find the right IT Cosmetics CC Cream shade?

Shade selection is one of the most common challenges with this product line. IT Cosmetics provides a shade finder tool on its official site, but many users still need guidance on undertones and depth. The shade range varies by formula, with the CC+ Nude Glow offering the most options at 22 shades, while the Original and Matte lines include around 13.

Understanding the shade naming system

Shades are labelled with letters indicating undertone: (N) for Neutral, (W) for Warm, and (C) for Cool. For example, Fair Porcelain (N) is a neutral peach, Fair Ivory (W) is warm yellow, and Fair Beige (C) is cool rosy. This system helps narrow down choices but does not eliminate the need for testing.

The “Light” shade and common confusion

The shade called Light falls in the light complexion category and is described as warm yellow (W). However, reviews on blogs like Stephanie Marie Blogs note that it leans neutral for some, and the Light Medium shade is more nude-pink than a traditional medium. A helpful rule: shades tend to run darker than expected, so many reviewers recommend sizing down one level.

Available shades for different complexions

The CC+ Nude Glow range includes shades for fair (Fair Porcelain, Fair Ivory, Fair Beige), light (Light, Light Medium), medium (Medium), tan (Tan, Tan Rich), and deep (Rich, Rich Honey, Deep Bronze, Deep Mocha) complexions. Warm and cool undertones are represented at each depth, though the selection for deeper skin tones is narrower than for fair to medium.

Is IT Cosmetics CC Cream available in the UK?

Yes, IT Cosmetics CC Cream is widely available in the United Kingdom through several authorised retailers. The product line has grown in popularity here, and UK customers can purchase both the full-size and travel-size versions.

Where to buy

• Boots UK – Stocks the Original CC+ Cream and sometimes the Matte variant. Boots UK – IT Cosmetics CC Cream
• Sephora UK – Offers the full range, including Nude Glow and Illumination. Sephora UK – IT Cosmetics
• Look Fantastic – Frequently runs promotional codes (e.g., 20% off) on IT Cosmetics products.
• IT Cosmetics Official Website – Ships to UK addresses, but check for any Brexit-related import duties. (IT Cosmetics Official Site – CC Cream Collection)

UK pricing

The Original CC+ Cream retails at £36.50. Travel-size versions are also available for around £15–£20, which is a practical way to test the formula before committing to a full-size purchase. Prices for the Nude Glow and Matte tend to be similar, though occasional discounts at third-party retailers can bring the cost down.

What do real reviews say about IT Cosmetics CC Cream?

Customer feedback across retailers like Boots, Sephora, and Look Fantastic consistently praises the coverage and skin-improving ingredients. The Original formula has been called “hands down my favourite base” by Marie Claire UK, and many users report that it replaces foundation entirely.

Coverage and wear

The Original CC+ Cream provides full coverage, though some reviewers describe it as medium-full because a small amount blends out to a tinted moisturiser-like feel. It lasts all day with minimal fading, especially when set with powder. The Matte version is reported to feel lighter on the skin than the Original and requires fewer touch-ups. The Nude Glow offers buildable medium coverage with a brightening effect; after one month of use, some users notice visible skin brightening and improved texture.

Common criticisms

A recurring complaint is the thick consistency of the Original formula, which can look mask-like if not blended thoroughly. Users with oily skin sometimes find the Original too dewy, while those with dry skin love the hydration. The Matte version is fragrance-free, which is a plus for sensitive skin, but its full coverage can feel heavy if applied in excess.

How has the IT Cosmetics CC Cream line evolved over time?

1. 2008 – IT Cosmetics launched with the original Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, quickly becoming a cult favourite.
2. 2016 – The CC+ Cream Illumination was introduced, offering a radiant, light-reflecting finish for a lit-from-within glow.
3. 2018 – IT Cosmetics released the CC+ Cream Matte, targeting oily and combination skin with an oil-free formula.
4. 2020 – The Glow version (also known as CC+ Nude Glow) debuted, focusing on a dewy, luminous look with 90% skincare ingredients.
5. 2023 – The shade range expanded to 13 shades across most formulas, and the brand reformulated to clean ingredients (free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates).

What is known and what remains uncertain about IT Cosmetics CC Cream?

Where does IT Cosmetics CC Cream fit in the CC cream market?

CC creams (colour-correcting creams) emerged as a hybrid between foundation and skincare, and IT Cosmetics helped pioneer the all-in-one approach with its high SPF 50+ formulas. The brand competes with products from BareMinerals, Supergoop!, and Laura Mercier, but stands out for its heavy emphasis on skin-improving ingredients and full-coverage options.

User reviews often highlight the need for precise shade matching because the thick consistency can appear mask-like if the wrong shade is chosen. The Glow and Illumination versions are especially popular among those seeking a no-makeup makeup look, while the Matte formula appeals to those with oilier skin who struggle to find CC creams that control shine.

The product’s status as the #1 SPF foundation in America, according to brand claims, reflects its strong market position, though independent verification of this claim is not widely published.

What do customers and experts say about IT Cosmetics CC Cream?

“This CC cream has completely replaced my foundation. The coverage is amazing and my skin looks healthier.”

Sephora UK customer review

“It’s a bit heavy for everyday if you’re used to light foundations, but the finish is beautiful once blended.”

Boots customer review

“The shade Light is perfect for fair skin with neutral undertones.”

Blog review (stephaniemarieblogs.com)

These opinions align with broader feedback: the formula impresses on coverage and skincare benefits, but application technique and shade selection are critical. For a deeper look at how the CC Cream compares to traditional foundation, see our article on IT Cosmetics CC Cream vs. Foundation: Which is Right for You?

Is IT Cosmetics CC Cream worth the price?

Given the high SPF, skin-beneficial ingredients, and multiple finish options, many users find the IT Cosmetics CC Cream a worthwhile investment – especially if they can use it as an all-in-one base. The main drawbacks are the limited shade range compared to some competitors, the brand’s non-cruelty-free status, and the learning curve for application. Testing a travel-size first is a sensible approach before buying the full-size.

Frequently asked questions