If you follow me on Instagram (which you should be) I demonstrated the new e.l.f. CAMO CC Cream and talked about how it’s a great “dupe” for the IT Cosmetics CC Cream. While it’s a very similar product, there are a few differences that I thought I’d discuss today.
What’s a CC Cream?
So what exactly is a CC Cream? Think of it as a medium to full coverage foundation that also has skincare benefits. This product will help to hydrate and plump your skin as well as increasing the skin’s elasticity. Other concerns like hyperpigmentation, redness, and dark spots are also targeted. The formulas will contain an SPF, so you’re also getting sun protection. It’s an all-in-one type product.
How To Wear A CC Cream
The best way to apply a CC Cream is either with your fingers or a makeup brush. I absolutely love the Heavenly Luxe Perfection Brush. It buffs the product right into my skin perfectly. It’s also a dual-ended brush, so I can use it for concealer or blending in small areas like the corner of my eyes or under my nose.
If you choose to apply with your fingers, my suggestion is to pump one pump first and dot towards middle of your face and work the product into the skin upwards and outwards. If that isn’t enough coverage, then add a second pump and do the same. Less is more with this type of product and it’s better to start with less than too much.
Can you use a makeup sponge? Yes, you can! It’s totally up to you. Sometimes I’ll use a makeup sponge as the last step to blend it all in and make sure I have no lines on my neck or chin. There are no rules with makeup! Psst, these makeup sponges are incredible and are only $10.00 for a 6 pack!
IT Cosmetics CC Cream
The IT Cosmetics CC Cream has been a staple in many makeup routine for quite a while now. It’s an amazing product and probably one of the best formulas on the market. It hides imperfections, dark spots, and redness easily! The formula features some key ingredients that will help to brighten, hydrate, and protect your skin.
The product is a full coverage foundation in my opinion, as it offers a lot of coverage. Even on days when my redness is bad, this CC Cream will cover it with no issues. So my best advice is to apply a small amount and work up to more if you need it.
- Collagen
- Niacin
- Peptides
- Antioxidants
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Physical SPF 50 (Titanium Dioxide 9.0% / Zinc Oxide 6.3%)
- 12 colors available (I’m a mix between Fair Light and Light)
- Radiant Finish
Ingredient List
Active: Titanium Dioxide 9.0% Zinc Oxide 6.3%. Inactive: Water, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Magnesium Sulfate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hexyl Laurate, Stearic Acid, Calcium Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Niacinamide, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Cholesterol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Lactobacillus/Honeysuckle Flower/Licorice Root/Morus Alba Root/Pueraria Lobata Root/Schizandra Chinensis Fruit/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root/Sophora Japonica Flower Extract Ferment Filtrate, Perfluorohexane, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Perfluorodecalin, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sprout Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Pentafluoropropane, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Steareth-20, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Colloidal Oatmeal, Hydrolyzed Silk, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Tocopherol, Thiamine Hcl, Riboflavin, Retinyl Palmitate, Pantothenic Acid, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Niacin, Folic Acid, Chrysin, Carnitine Hcl, Biotin, Ascorbic Acid, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Chlorhexidine Digluconate. May Contain: Iron Oxides
With the IT Cosmetics CC Cream, I do find that I need to set it with either a setting spray and a setting powder. I get oily in my t-zone, especially in warmer weather, so if I don’t set the CC Cream, I will have some oily issues. As far as how it wears, this is an amazing long-lasting product. I don’t have a lot of issues with it oxidizing (shade changing) or anything like that.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
The e.l.f. Camo CC Cream is the new “it” product of the moment right now on social media. If you follow anyone who talks all things beauty, you’ve likely seen this CC Cream being compared to the IT Cosmetics. I was massively skeptical as I feel like the IT Cosmetics CC Cream is a pretty perfect formula. Obviously I had to compare the two.
e.l.f. products have come a long way from when they first started (2004) and I don’t think it’s fair to completely rule them out when it comes to brands to try. First of all they’re Vegan and Cruelty-Free! Also, their products have a great price point, yet feature high-end ingredients. The brand keeps prices low with minimal (to no) advertising and relies on word of mouth.
e.l.f. Camo CC Cream
I feel like the e.l.f. Camo CC Cream is honestly the closest “dupe” I’ve ever tried for the IT Cosmetics CC Cream. The packaging is nearly identical (beside coloring), the ingredients are similar and are made to help hydrate and plump the skin, and the formula features an SPF 30. It also wears beautifully on the skin, just like the IT Cosmetics CC Cream.
- Octinoxate 7.5%, Titanium Dioxide 4.45%, Zinc Oxide 13.72%.
- Niacinamide
- Soluble Collagen
- Hydrated Silica (Just an FYI)
- Sunflower Seed Oil
- Carrot Seed Oil
- 16 Shades Available (Cool, Neutral and Warm Tones)
- SPF 30 (Features both chemical and physical sunscreen)
Ingredient List
Active: Octinoxate 7.5%, Titanium Dioxide 4.45%, Zinc Oxide 13.72%. Inactive: Water (Aqua), Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene, Glycol, Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polyglyceryl-4, Isostearate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane,, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Hexyl Laurate,, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane,, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydrated Silica, Aluminum Hydroxide,, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Caprylyl, Glycol,, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium, Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Soluble Collagen, Canola Oil, Glycerin, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil,, Carbomer, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Helianthus, Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Beta-Carotene, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, 1,2-Hexanediol. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow Iron Oxide (CI 77492), Red Iron, Oxide (CI 77491), Black Iron Oxide (CI 77499).
Is this a good “dupe?“
Based on how the products both wear, then yes, I’d have to say that the e.l.f. Camo CC Cream is a good dupe for the more expensive IT Cosmetics CC Cream. They both wore nearly identical, other than the shade being off for the e.l.f.CC Cream.
However, there are some differences. Let’s dig into those:
- Even though e.l.f. product offers a Cool, Neutral, and Warm option; the shades really tend to wear warm. I have the shade 210N and being a Neutral, it definitely wore warm on me. The shades on this CC Cream need to improve as it WILL NOT work for a lot of people. THe 210N is slightly warm on me, but somehow works.
- The e.l.f. features an SPF 30, where IT Cosmetics features an SPF 50. The e.l.f. formula features both a chemical and a physical SPF
- If you look into ingredients, you’ll see more fragrance in the IT Cosmetics than the e.l.f. as well as some other differences. As far as ingredients goes, I think the IT Cosmetics would probably be more of a higher end ingredient list than the e.l.f.
- IT Cosmetics features only 12 shades and the e.l.f. features 16 shades. HOWEVER, the e.l.f. wears very warm like I said above.
- IT Cosmetics is 1.08oz for $39.50 (there are smaller and larger sizes available)
- e.l.f. is 1.05oz for $14.00
Overall, I’d have to say that the e.l.f. Camo CC Cream is a good “dupe” for the IT Cosmetics CC Cream based on how it wears on the skin. It looks fantastic and for $14.00, I’d gladly wear it! HOWEVER, if we’re going to compare ingredients, then no, I don’t think I’d consider this an exact dupe. The IT Cosmetics formula features some pretty impressive ingredients.
Also, the e.l.f. Camo CC Cream really needs better shades that aren’t so warm. For people with cooler and fair skin tones, this product will be an issue for them. I’ve had great luck with the IT Cosmetics shades and find that the Fair Light and Light seem to both be a match for me. The e.l.f. 210N had a major yellow tone to it, which I get for being a neutral, BUT it did wear warm. As far as color matching goes, IT Cosmetics was the winner.
Either way, I think both of these products are good. It just depends on which one provides you with the ingredients you need and which one has the best color match for your complexion. Let me know if you try the e.l.f. Camo CC Cream and what you thought of it.
Kate says
I’ve always been a big fan of E.L.F., and have been on the hunt for a new CC cream! Thank you for the amazing breakdown of the products <3
Green Fashionista
[email protected] says
If you can find a good color match, I think it’s a great option that’s only $14.00! It wears beautifully!
Dani Kloap says
Love these comparisons! I just got the elf cc cream and now I’m so excited to try it because it cosmetics has been my favorite but I would love a dupe at a better price point.
[email protected] says
I love the IT Cosmetics CC Cream. It’s one of my favorite base products. However, I have to say that the e.l.f. is a great option and it worked beautifully on my skin! I wish they’d improve the shades though as I need a better option! I’m afraid a lot of people will as well.
Carrie says
Hello! Thank you for the great breakdown of the two products! I was planning on getting the elf CC cream in 120N. My skin tone is quite light with neutral to cool tone (I’d say my undertone is a purple hue vs a pink, green or blue color). I’m wondering now if you think I should get the lightest cool option (150C, if I remember correctly), since you said the colors tend to be warm? Thanks for any help you can offer! Also do you think the elf CC cream has a similar hydrating and anti-aging property that the IT Cosmetics CC cream has?
Christine says
Great question! I do think that the IT Cosmetics is a tad bit more hydrating than the elf. At least for my skin type. As far as the color selection go, I feel like the 150C could be a bit too pink for your skin tone? Without knowing your exact skin tone, it’s a bit hard to say. For me, it went warm on my complexion, but I could add some color correcting drops from NYX and it helped!
Monique Hallal says
Hi,
I was wondering if you know what the shade equivalent would be for It Cosmetics CC cream if I’m using the Elf in 210N?
Thank you
Christine says
So the elf is showing it’s a light shade with neutral undertones BUT it does seem very warm to me? So without having the exact formula on me, I’d have to say I’d go with Medium to Neutral Medium for the IT Cosmetics. That’s a guess at least!
michelle araiza says
great write up! any dupes for the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40. I have oily skin so the matte finish would be ideal.
Christine says
I think that the L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation is a good matte complexion product. It’s not a CC Cream and it doesn’t contain any SPF, but it offers good coverage without feeling super heavy. NYX blur is also a good one if you’re wanting a matte product!