I have a pimple.
BAM! — right there on my chin.
I’ve named him Julian (hi, Julian!).
Julian really hurts and feels like he has roots that dig miles and miles into my skin. He probably came about due to a combination of factors — eating more dairy than usual, not sleeping enough, randomness and PMS.
Julian is kind of a pain in the @ss, but in light of everything happening in the world today, he’s manageable.
We’re all human. Bare skin is beautiful, but so is bare skin with pimples (although they can be very annoying and painful).
Now, I love Instagram. It feeds my creative well, and I just wanna gobble it all up! But sometimes all of that faux perfection makes me feel like I’m doing everything wrong in my life. I’ll be scrolling and thinking, “Geez, I must be mucking it all up royally.” All the perfect makeup, perfect bodies, perfect houses, perfect flat lays on perfect marble tables with perfect flowers. Hell, even the pets pose perfectly on perfect white furniture in perfectly lit rooms! It’s exhausting.
But you know what? I like my real life, with all of its messy mistakes and moments.
And that’s why you’re looking at Julian the pimple. 🙂
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full-Coverage Treatment Concealer ingredients
Cyclopentasiloxane, Aqua/Water/Eau, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Isododecane, Silica, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Polysilicone-11, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Butylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methicone, Hexyl Laurate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Zinc Oxide, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Colloidal Oatmeal, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Kaolin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Silk, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sulfur, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tribehenin, Ceramide Ng, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Steareth-20, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Magnolia Acuminata Bark Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Agaricus Bisporus Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499)
Weirdly enough, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, Julian has impeccable timing, because now I have a legit reason to test some new things from It Cosmetics. They launched a couple of new pimple cover-up products for fall — Bye Bye Breakout Full Coverage Treatment Concealer ($28) and Bye Bye Breakout Powder (also $28).
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Powder ingredients
Silica, Soluble Collagen, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aqua/Water/Eau, Benzoic Acid, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolyzed Silk, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Steareth-20, Glycerin, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Propylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Zinc Oxide, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Sulfur, Acacia Senegal Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Kaolin, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Sorbic Acid, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Metabisulfite, Colloidal Oatmeal, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Magnolia Biondii Bud/Flower Extract, Lentinus Edodes Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water, Alcohol, Mandelic Acid, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Mentha Aquatica Leaf Extract, Azelaic Acid, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Berberis Vulgaris Root Extract, Gluconolactone, Lactobacillus Ferment, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)
Both products contain A LOT of ingredients, many of them plant extracts, like willow bark and witch hazel, along with potent pimple-fighting compounds like salicylic acid, to dry out pimples and send them on their merry way. So instead of just covering up your pimple, you’re also treating it.
I like the idea of treating a breakout, and not just masking it, but I still feel like I need extra acne products like a benzoyl peroxide cream (my go-to is Kate Somerville’s Anti-Bac) to really move things along.
I wouldn’t depend on this makeup alone to treat a pimple, especially a juicy, painful one like Julian.
The liquid concealer is pigmented and covers errrrything, so it completely hides any redness, which I really like. It sits close to my skin, too, so as long as I don’t cake too much of it on, I can’t see where the concealer stops and my skin starts, which is important when you’re covering up a pimple, ya know? Of course, you still see the raised bump — because, let’s get real, this is makeup, not medieval magic — but there’s less redness and discoloration.
Also, for some weird reason, and I wonder if I’m the only person who does this, when I put makeup on a pimple, I keep my hands away from my face. For some reason, I’m less tempted to pick at a pimple and pop it than I am when I’m not wearing any makeup. Weird, I know.
As for the powder, I could take it or leave it. It sets the concealer, but so would any other matte powder you have around. I mean, I wouldn’t grab something with a shine or a sheen, because the last thing you want when you have a big pimple is a highly reflective big pimple drawing attention to it, but still.
The powder comes in just three shades — Translucent, which I can still kind of see on my skin, even when I carefully buff it in — Light/Medium and Tan/Rich, so the color selection is very limited. Plus, the 0.24-oz. jar is really small. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were to suddenly disappear into that mysterious makeup black hole in my condo (which I’m thinking is in my couch, haha!).
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
You know you have problems when you see a pimple on someone else’s face and want to pop it! It’s like a compulsive disease! HAHA! Those cystic, hurty pimples are usually hormonal but I find that spot treating with a clay, sulfur mask works pretty much overnight for me. I still have an old tube of Proactive (before I escaped their evil clutches) that does the trick. I’m sure there are lots of other options out there.
I’m not a big social media fan but I’ll say this. It was the boys’ first day of school today (high school! sob) and I had a hard time finding a spot for them to pose for a picture. Between hockey equipment and soccer gear and baskets of folded clothes that haven’t been put away – not to mention recycling drying out on the kitchen counter – the house is usually in some state of mess. That said, I’d rather spend time enjoying them and my friends (in my messy house) than cleaning and staging pictures for strangers on the internet. It would be awesome to do both and I know people who can do it, but I’m WAY too lazy for that. And I like Netflix much more than dusting. 😉
There is this person on Youtube called (wait for it) Dr. Pimple Popper. Go look it up. It’s gross but you can’t look away once you’re in it, OMG!
I’ll check it out but I’m afraid I’ll be addicted like normal folks are with kitten videos. HAHA!
Kim,
Amen to you. I have had stuff on my front table for weeks that I have been meaning to deal with. I am just glad that my son (a high school junior starting today) finally cleared off his desk. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Oh, the time flies, doesn’t it? It’s exciting and sad to see them grow up so fast. I hope your son has a great year! PS I love seeing your comments because they always immediately make me sing (in my head) “Jane says… I’m done with Sergio”. Great song. 🙂
Since you’ve been posting about It Cosmetics recently, have you tried their Confidence in an Eye Cream? I got a sample of it from Ulta and I liked it so much I ended up buying the full size. It’s super hydrating and supposed to help brighten your under eye area.
Hi Kristen,
I’ve used it a couple times and remember liking it. I have to revisit it again and take it for a longer test run!
I’m finding a lot of gems in the line and adding them into my every day mix. What are your fave things from the brand?
Your review was helpful, and very brave.
Hi Laurie,
I’m glad that you found it helpful. If you have any other questions about the products just let me know!
Oh gosh I thought I’m the only late-thirties pimple affected person ?. I tend to photoshop my pimple away when I’m on Instagram… so much for wanting to look perfect ?.
I really like the sound of this it cosmetics- pimple covering concealer… I just wish it came with in between shades. I’ll be in between tan and rich as well, and buying two products instead of one is frustrating ??.
Three things …
I wouldn’t really on a concealer to treat a pimple. At all- on the contrary I’d avoid it if I was using other acne treatment products as three ingredients can clash or be too much, unless checked by a skin specialist.
I have pimples, my skin is acne prone and although I’m early thirties I sometimes feel like I’m 16! On a day to day basis, I will not cover every single pimple (no time!). Nor am I going to use a full coverage foundation to achieve a perfect finish. Saying that, a few spots here and there don’t hurt unless it’s a red lipstick I have on, which I’ll avoid day to day.
Instagram is interested… I personally post the real me everyday and not perfection. Or not Instagram perfection. I won’t edit my skin or put too much product on to cover- I’m a working woman and not a TV presenter. So, by people like me, and there are many, the real you is appreciated.
Nice to meet you Julian!
When it comes to social media all I can think is who wants all that perfection? It must be exhausting to not be able to let your guard down and relax once in a while. The great thing about being as old as I am is being able to embrace all my imperfections including my messy house that I never hired an interior designer for, my lovely husband with a receding hairline, my kitty who barfs only on the carpeted areas in the house, etc.
I even have Julian’s cousin Jonathan sprouting on my face. Except Jonathan has taken up lodging lower on my chin, at the point where it curves under. Bright red and bulging so that with or without concealer my chin looks lopsided.
Tatiana, you are so funny. I would love to meet you!
Thanks for the laughter!, but I am sorry Jonathan decided to visit you…
Kasia
Kasia-
You know what they say, “Only the truth is funny.” And all of that is the reality of my life. Seriously, why can’t my cat Nora barf in the toilet like a proper college co-ed?
I totally sympathize: I woke up this morning with Julian and Jonathan’s other cousin, Jeremy, on the bridge of my nose. There’s just no hiding that mess.
Karen, I started feeling ‘blah’ about myself after looking at Instagram perfection just yesterday. Then I remembered that the beautiful Princess Kate, with the perfect hair and wardrobe and teeth, will be hiding out in a darkened room tossing her cookies non-stop for the next few months. You can pretty it up all you want for the cameras, but behind the scenes life is still just ugly and messy and real and beautiful, no matter who you are. I love that you let us see Julian in all his glory.
Wait, Princess Kate tossing her cookies??!!! Is she pregnant again? Woo hoo! Another spare heir to the throne!