It Cosmetics CC+ Radiance Ombre Bronzer - Review and Swatch

I have had this bronzer for quite some time. So much so that it appears that mine is in the old packaging. The packaging is similar, just the name on the lid is different. I am not aware that there are multiple shades of this product but mine says Warm Radiance. I just checked Ulta's website and there is no mention of the shade or shades available - it looks like a one size fits all compact. I purchased mine from the Shopping Channel ages ago. I think I got it on sale, possibly with a free brush, but I don't recall for how much. It retails for $34 U.S. at Ulta.

This product to me is very pro and con. One pro is the amount of product that you get - 16.17g or 0.57 oz. It's huge. This may seriously last me the rest of my life. I can barely hold the compact in the palm of my hand! If you want to put things in perspective, a full sized compact of a Becca highlight is 8g or 0.28 oz. So this is double the size.

I like the fact that this product has a dual purpose, a 2 in 1 if you like. Highlight and bronzer in one place. Hello....why does no one else do this except in a big palette format? Makes perfect sense to me. It's a definite plus. You would think this would make the product ideal for travel but it doesn't because the compact is so darn big!

I have to say this is not one of my favourite bronzers. It is super shimmery. Not everyone wants a disco ball bronzer. The highlight is even more shimmery of course. I actually tend to use the highlight more often than the bronzer in this compact. It's not my favourite highlight either, but it's quick and easy to use if I'm in a rush. It's hard to over do it with this product, but it is definitely well pigmented. The bronzer is somewhat universal so I think fair to medium skin could pull it off. It's not too warm and it's not too cool.

Would I repurchase this? Probably not. I say that for two reasons. One because I will never hit pan on this product, it's just so big! Two because I have bronzers and highlighters that I prefer to this one. Considering the price point of many high end bronzers and highlighters these days, this compact is some serious value for your money as a 2 in 1 considering the amount of product you get. If you don't mind shimmery bronzer and don't have a huge makeup stash, this product could be right for you.

The packaging strikes me as a little cheap - drug store quality. Call me picky, but that is what I think.

This product goes on easily. It blends well and never looks cakey. Texture is soft and creamy. 

Here are the swatches. Highlight on the left and bronzer portion on the right.

Packaging: 4/10  

Pigmentation: 7/10
Easy to Work With: 9/10
Longevity: 9/10
Colour Stays True: 10/10
Texture: 9/10
Price: 10/10 (for what you get)
Ingredients: 9/10
Travel Worthy: 4/10
Attractiveness of Product: 7/10
Would I buy this again? Not Likely
Overall Rating: 7.5/10



I'm back! Makeup Geek Pan Porn

Okay, I am officially the horse's ass and there is no way around it. I haven't posted a blog in just over 2 months. I am so sorry friends. Was I in an accident, was there a family tragedy or did I lose my desire to blog? None of the above. I just got super busy and I let things slide a lot. I was away for two weeks in August - I went to Florida for a few days and then went on a cruise. Work has been bananas. I have had a number of social engagements in my spare in time and I have been doing some major spring cleaning. I got on a roll with the cleaning and I didn't want to stop. Rest assured, I threw out no makeup that wasn't "empty" or had spoilt. I'm not that crazy.

So I am back and will do my best to remain back. I have two courses I need to take for work this Fall and I have to be very regimented about budgeting my time, so I plan on actually scheduling in some blogging time each week among other things. I've got a bunch of new makeup and some old favourites and I am dying to chat with you about all of it!  I apologize from the bottom of my heart for being away. I missed you all and I hope you missed me even if only a little.

Quick post today. I have another 4 lined up over the coming days and I will make it happen if it kills me! Lots of empties coming up by the end of the week! It'll be a quarterly empties post. I really have let things slip...

I have a little pan porn I wanted to show you. Both are Makeup Geek (MUG) eyeshadows. In the picture above, I have Vanilla Bean on the left and Rockstar on the right. Even though I have hit pan on both, I feel totally different about them. I would like to start off by saying that I reach for Makeup Geek eyeshadows more often than I realize and I love most of them. There are some misses, but overall it is a fantastic line at a fantastic price. These are the first two MUG eyeshadows that I have hit pan on.

Some of you who have read my previous blogs may know that I never cared for Vanilla Bean. The shade is good, it's a great neutral, wash of colour eyeshadow etc. I just think the pigmentation isn't very good. Considering how solid most of Makeup Geek's eyeshadows are in terms of pigmentation, I am mystified with Vanilla Bean. I would like to note that this pan was purchased soon after Makeup Geek launched their eyeshadow line, so perhaps they have improved the formula on this one. I hope so. It has become a mission for me to finish this shade and move on to other similar shades in my collection. I really have to pack on this colour to get a good amount on my lid. I do not plan to repurchase this shade unless Makeup Geek has reformulated it. Makeup Geek's Baby Face, for example, has much better pigment. It is a slightly similar colour but more cool and grey pink. Not as brightening though.  

On to Rockstar. I wasn't sure I was going to like this colour when I first bought it, but I love it. When you have no idea what to slap on your lids, this is the ticket. It goes with so much and you can just add some black liner and mascara and you are good to go. I tend to use this shade at least 2-3 times a week. Great for work. Fantastic pigmentation. Lasts all day, blends in nicely with your lid if you are fair. Doesn't look obnoxious and is so versatile. I will be repurchasing Rockstar and looks like I need to do that soon.

Okay, that's it! I am actually going to work on another blog post for tomorrow so I better scoot.