The ultimate summer face product, guaranteed to take you from beach to bar.

You always remember the day a loved one comes into your life.

Well, at least if by ‘loved one’ you mean ‘a do-it-all, life-changing face product that doesn’t make you look orange, oily or cakefaced’ which I definitely do.

It was a stinking hot December day and my foundation was just shy of melting off my face when a colleague mentioned a new makeup discovery she’d been loving – It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Illumination SPF 50+, $58, available from Sephora.

I promptly bought one for myself that afternoon.

True love. Image: Supplied/Brittany Stewart

I know the price tag is enough to initially send you rummaging through a bargain beauty bin, but trust me it's oh so worth it.

Almost two years later, it remains one of my 'desert island' (or beach... or overseas trip... or work... or anywhere) essentials and because it would be frowned upon for me to shout it from the rooftops, I'm sharing just how good it is here.

A CC cream (that's 'colour correction' for anyone scratching their heads) that has the coverage of a foundation but the light and airy feel of a tinted moisturiser, it's the perfect summer face product that will take you from beach to bar, no touch ups required.

It makes skin look dewy without being shiny, covers any redness or imperfections without feeling too heavy and it even manages to make someone like me, who is usually relegated to the porcelain ivory section, feel tanned without looking orange.

Because we all know a new haircut doesn't reeeaaallly count unless there's a selfie on Insta to prove it, right? ???? Got my hair contoured by @franckprovostaus and loving it. Also finally getting round to trying out my @colourpopcosmetics liquid lipsticks. First impressions are decent pigmentation, but quite drying and not as long lasting as the Kylie Lip Kits. What do you reckon?

A photo posted by Brittany Stewart (@brittanybeautybts) on Nov 4, 2016 at 3:17am PDT

It also doesn't give skin that tired, dry feeling you often get with makeup in summer, helped by the inclusion of snail secretion, a favourite ingredient in high-tech Korean skincare (it sounds strange, but don't let that put you off).

You can apply it with a brush, a beauty blender or your fingers (I won't judge) and it goes onto skin smoothly. Use just one squirt for a light, natural coverage or add a bit more for a more 'done up' look.

So damn dewy. Image: Supplied/Brittany Stewart

It leaves all other CC creams I've tried in the dust and rivals most foundations too.

The shade range is still quite limited, but asking a sales assistant to match you will ensure you get the right colour for your skin.

I have quite dehydrated skin and have no problems with it but if you're on the oilier side, you can set with powder or opt for the non-illumination version. This is also a great option for mature skin if you're not a fan of the sparkle.

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I've just finished my fifth (yes really - fifth!) bottle and I'm already panicking about what I'm going to use until I can get to the shop and buy myself another.

Leave one for me, please?

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