Power Lift Plumping Cream
Power Lift Plumping Cream
Product Description
Product overview
Il Makiage Power Lift Plumping Cream is a lightweight, fast-absorbing anti-aging cream that doubles as a makeup primer. Powered by vegan collagen, retinol, and adenosine, it firms and smooths the look of skin, plumps the appearance of fine lines, and leaves a silky, blurred canvas for makeup. From the very first use, skin feels smoother, softer, and more hydrated. By IL MAKIAGE.
Vegan Collagen Boost
A plant-based collagen complex delivers a surge of hydration for smoother, softer, brighter-looking skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYVegan Collagen Boost
A plant-based collagen complex delivers a surge of hydration for smoother, softer, brighter-looking skin.
Retinol + Adenosine
The gold-standard anti-aging duo works to firm the look of skin and plump out fine lines with twice-daily use.
Makeup Primer in One
Silicone-rich blurring complex creates a silky, even canvas that helps makeup glide on and last longer.
Instant Hydration
The Aquaxyl humectant trio plus glycerin reinforce the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains retinol (a vitamin A retinoid). Dermatologists advise avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy and nursing. Consult your doctor.
Includes Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Hydrogenated Lecithin, which can feed malassezia.
Formulated with Parfum and Linalool. Those with very reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin should patch test first.
Retinol can make skin more sensitive to UV. Always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning.
Free from parabens, sulfates, harsh alcohols and added oils. Reef-safe and not tested on animals.
Avoid stacking with other strong retinoids or exfoliating acids in the same routine to limit irritation.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRetinol <1% (encapsulated)Proven
The most studied non-prescription anti-aging active. As a vitamin A derivative, retinol supports cell turnover, helps soften the look of fine lines and refines uneven texture over time. It sits near the end of the INCI list, indicating a low, gentle, beginner-friendly level.
- Source: Retinol has more peer-reviewed studies behind it than any other over-the-counter anti-aging ingredient.
- Note: Effects build gradually; consistent twice-daily use over 2+ weeks is recommended by the brand.
Adenosine Low %Promising
A cell-signaling compound found in all living organisms. Topically it is associated with a smoother, firmer-looking surface and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, which is why the brand pairs it with retinol for a firming effect.
- Source: Studies link adenosine to improved skin firmness and a smoother appearance with regular use.
- Source: Typically derived from yeast and well tolerated by most skin types.
Soluble (Vegan) Collagen Mid-listPromising
Marketed as the cream's signature "Vegan Collagen." This large-molecule humectant sits on the surface of skin, binding water and forming a hydrating film that helps skin look plumper and feel softer immediately.
- Source: Topical collagen works mainly through hydration and a temporary plumping film rather than rebuilding the skin's own collagen.
Glycerin + Aquaxyl Trio High (top 5)Proven
Glycerin appears second on the list, making it a primary ingredient. Combined with the Aquaxyl trio (Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol), it pulls moisture into the skin and helps reinforce a healthy barrier against water loss.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than AHAs or hyaluronic acid.
- Source: The Aquaxyl complex is built around a "3-D hydration" anti-dehydration concept.
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) Low %Proven
A stable form of vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, helping defend skin against free radicals that break down collagen. It also conditions and softens the skin.
- Source: Research shows vitamin E paired with vitamin C reduced sun-damaged skin cells.
30 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propanediol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Xylitylglucoside, Hydroxyacetophenone, Anhydroxylitol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xylitol, Parfum, Adenosine, Glucose, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Soluble Collagen, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, CI 42090, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Retinol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Linalool.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse twice daily. In the morning, apply after your serum and follow with SPF before makeup. At night, use it as the final nourishing step in your routine.
How to use
HOW TO USEStart with clean skin
Cleanse and tone, then pat skin until just damp for better absorption.
Dispense a pea-sized amount
A little goes a long way thanks to the lightweight, spreadable texture.
Massage into face & neck
Smooth upward and outward, extending down the jawline and neck.
Let it absorb
Allow about 30 seconds before applying SPF and makeup, or finishing your PM routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a 2-in-1 anti-aging cream and makeup primer
- You're targeting the look of fine lines, dullness and loss of firmness
- You're new to retinol and want a gentle, low-strength option
- You prefer a lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy finish
- You want a vegan, cruelty-free formula
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains retinol)
- You are prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- You need a fragrance-free formula
- You have very dry skin needing a rich, heavy cream
- You want a clinical-strength prescription retinoid
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESRetinol, adenosine and collagen target firmness and fine lines, the core audience for this cream.
Lightweight, silicone-smooth finish balances different zones without greasiness.
Absorbs fast and primes well, though it isn't fungal-acne safe.
Hydrating humectants help, but very dry skin may want a richer cream layered on top.
Contains retinol plus fragrance (Parfum, Linalool). Patch test before regular use.
Results timeline
12+ WEEKSSmoother, primed, hydrated
Skin instantly feels softer and looks more even, with a blurred surface ready for makeup.
90% noticedFirmer-looking skin
With twice-daily use, the adenosine and retinol begin to firm the look of skin, per the brand.
70% noticedSofter fine lines
Retinol-driven changes happen in deeper layers, so fine lines and texture typically refine around this point.
60% noticedOverall radiance & tone
Consistent long-term use brings the most visible improvement in glow, smoothness and firmness.
55% noticedRatings by platform
35K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Doubles as moisturizer and makeup primer
- Lightweight, cooling, fast-absorbing texture
- Beginner-friendly low-strength retinol
- Vegan, cruelty-free and reef-safe
- Backed by 35,000+ brand reviews
- Pleasant light, fresh scent
Criticized
- Premium price for a small 1.7 oz jar
- Contains fragrance (Parfum, Linalool)
- Not pregnancy or fungal-acne safe
- Can pill/leave specks if over-layered
- May feel too light for very dry skin
- Anti-aging results take weeks to show
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESDelivers a comparable gentle retinoid effect at a fraction of the cost. No collagen, primer feel or fragrance, and it's a treatment rather than a 2-in-1 cream.
Encapsulated retinol plus ceramides for barrier support. More of a targeted serum; lacks the blurring/primer finish and adenosine.
An affordable retinol-squalane blend for beginners. Strips back to the active only, without the hydration trio or makeup-priming silicones.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
6 MONTHSApproximately 6 months after opening — retinol degrades over time, so use it within the PAO window.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to protect the retinol.
Opaque jar that helps shield light-sensitive actives. Close the lid tightly after each use.
Yes — at 1.7 fl oz (50ml) it sits under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. Power Lift contains retinol, a vitamin A retinoid. Dermatologists generally advise avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you're expecting or nursing, choose a retinol-free moisturizer and consult your doctor first.
No. The formula includes Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Hydrogenated Lecithin, which can feed malassezia yeast. If you're prone to fungal acne, this cream is best avoided.
The cream already contains retinol, so avoid layering it with additional strong retinoids or with AHAs/BHAs in the same routine to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. Vitamin C is best used in the morning, and Power Lift can follow once absorbed. When in doubt, alternate actives on different days.
It's ideal for normal, combination and mature skin looking for a lightweight anti-aging cream plus makeup primer. Oily and dry skin do well too. Sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin should patch test first because of the retinol and added fragrance.
Hydration, smoothness and a primed finish are visible immediately. Firming benefits begin around 2 weeks with twice-daily use, while retinol-driven changes to fine lines and texture typically take 6+ weeks. The best results come from consistent long-term use.
Apply it after cleansing, toning and any serums, as your moisturizer step. In the morning, follow with SPF before makeup. At night, use it as the final step. The brand recommends twice-daily application.
It scores low (around 2/5) on the comedogenic scale. The base is built on lightweight, non-comedogenic silicones that sit on the skin rather than clogging it. Note that "low comedogenic" is not the same as fungal-acne safe, and this formula is not malassezia friendly.
Plan to use it within about 6 months of opening. Retinol is light- and air-sensitive, so keep the jar tightly closed and stored away from heat and direct sunlight to preserve potency.
Verdict: Il Makiage Power Lift Plumping Cream is a clever 2-in-1 that earns its fanbase of 35,000+ reviewers by pairing a beginner-friendly retinol with vegan collagen, adenosine and a hard-working hydration complex, all in a lightweight, makeup-priming base. It's an easy win for normal, combination and mature skin that wants smoother, firmer-looking skin and a flawless makeup canvas. Just go in with realistic expectations: anti-aging results build over weeks, the jar is small for the premium price, and the fragrance plus retinol mean it isn't suited to pregnancy, fungal-acne-prone skin, or the very sensitive. For everyone else, it's a polished, multitasking pick.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 3 |
Cyclopentasiloxane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|








