- TeriLyn Adams https://terilynadams.com/beauty/skincare/skincare-product-reviews/ Realistic fashion, beauty & wellness Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:42:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://terilynadams.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-taicon-32x32.png - TeriLyn Adams https://terilynadams.com/beauty/skincare/skincare-product-reviews/ 32 32 Primally Pure Review – what I love & what’s just okay https://terilynadams.com/primally-pure-review/ https://terilynadams.com/primally-pure-review/#respond Tue, 06 Aug 2024 13:53:55 +0000 https://www.afoodiestaysfit.com/?p=44153 Use promo code TERILYN10 to save 10% on your Primally Pure order! I’m a skincare junkie and am always on the hunt for the best skincare that’s also safe. While...

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I’m a skincare junkie and am always on the hunt for the best skincare that’s also safe. While my skincare routine consists primarily of Oliveda right now, I have used Primally Pure products off and on for almost a decade and have tried almost every product they have.

So today, I’m sharing every product I’ve tried and my honest thoughts. Let’s go!

Primally Pure Review (what I love & what I don’t)

My top 3 products are the deodorant, body butter and baby balm so we’ll start with those.

Primally Pure Deodorant

I love Primally Pure’s deodorant (so much so that I have a separate review on it linked here). I’m a big proponent of safe deodorant i.e. no aluminum, clean ingredients, etc. Primally Pure’s Deo works and smells really good, which is saying something, since I hate anything scented. It’s not an anti-perspirant, so I do still sweat when I use this, but I don’t smell.

One note: many women have to switch natural deodorant brands every 9-12 months because our body chemistry changes, and some deo will stop working. I rotate among Primally Pure Deodorant, Agent Nateur Deodorant, and Necesairre Deodorant Gel.

Primally Pure Body Butter

I LOVE the Primally Pure Body Butter. In fact, it’s one of the only body butters I use when Thomas has really dry skin. It’s super thick and hydrating and it’s smooth to apply (which is nice compared to some grainier ones I’ve tried). The larger 4 oz size lasts a few months for me, and I use a quarter size amount every time. You can buy it in a set of three to try all the scents, which is what I recommend. They’re all amazing, but my favorites are the lavender and eucalyptus.

Read more about how to use body butter in this post.

Primally Pure Body Butter texture

Primally Pure Baby Balm

The Primally Pure Baby Balm is the ONLY thing that works on Thomas’ eczema-prone skin, and it’s gentle enough that I used it on Charles the day we brought him home. It’s also great to keep on hand for things like cracked nipples, stretch marks, etc. It’s made with lots of soothing herbs and healthy fats.

Primally Pure Plumping Mist

Next, the Primally Pure Plumping Mist. I have incredibly dry skin. And this mist is one of my favorite mid-day hacks for hydration (I also like the face mist from Dime Beauty)! I find that most of the face mists I’ve used make me feel dryer than before once the mist dries but not this one. My skin feels rehydrated immediately after I use this and for the rest of the day. The smell is amazing too. I keep this on my office desk for a mid-day spritz! It contains aloe vera, peppermint, glycerin, rose, and witch hazel.

You can use the Plumping Mist to set your makeup or after your cleansing step in your skincare routine, but I prefer it throughout the day since I already have a favorite toner for post-cleansing.

Primally Pure Fancy Face Serum

The Fancy Face Serum is a newer product from Primally Pure. It’s great for all skin types and SO effective at diminishing fine lines, scarring, age spots, discolorations and more. It comes in two versions; one is not made for pregnancy, but they have a specific version of this Fancy Face Serum that was specifically formulated for pregnancy and breast-feeding that is made without neem oil, thyme essential oil, cypress essential oil, and carrot seed essential oil.

Primally Pure Dry Shampoo

Primally Pure’s dry shampoo is SUPER popular for good reason. They have two versions: one for light locks and one for dark hair (I know brunette girls love to hear that!). This dry shampoo uses kaolin clay and organic arrowroot powder to absorb moisture while adding texture and volume, and it also contains organic essential oils of grapefruit (which has natural cleansing properties), lavender (soothes your scalp) and peppermint (stimulates hair growth).

Unlike most dry shampoos you’ve probably used, you do not spray this into your hair, but rather shake it into your scalp, sort of like baby powder. Use a few shakes on your roots, and then blend it in with your fingertips. If you use it before bedtime rather than right before you’re going out, you’ll have even better absorption. This product CAN make a little bit of a mess, so use it before you get dressed for the day!

Primally Pure Review – Body Oil

If you like a long bath or massage, you will LOVE the Primally Pure Body Oil. It makes a great gift because it’s so luxurious, smells amazing, and truly hydrates your skin. The body oil contains a blend of aromatic, nourishing and essentials oils, so your skin is super smooth and soft after using it. However, it’s pretty thick and a bit greasy so I prefer to use it at night rather than during the day, if I use it at all. I would say that this falls into the “just okay” category.

Like the body butter, the body oil also comes in a trio which allows you to try all three scents before committing to a full size. Paired with the body butter, your skin will be SO soft.

Primally Pure Clarifying Serum

This clarifying serum is my content manager’s favorite product from Primally Pure. She struggles with combination and breakout prone skin, and had never used a facial oil before this (the serum is in oil form). She was concerned about adding more oil to her already breakout prone skin (since we’re all taught oil = acne, which isn’t necessarily the truth), and once she tried it, she was shocked by how well her skin responded. I’ve learned over the years that the trick is usually getting your skin balanced to help prevent breakouts. If you dry your skin out too much with harsh ingredients, you may break out from that too!

The clarifying serum is made for acne-prone skin, so it’s a great option if you struggle with breakouts. The oil contains green tea with EGCG, marula oil and prickly pear seed oil are rich in vitamins C, E and K to treat active breakouts, acne scarring and sun damage. You don’t feel greasy after using it, but your skin does glow.

I’ve found that the best way to apply facial oil to my skin is to add it to my night cream and blend the two, or to apply a dropper of oil to the back of my hands and then use the back of my hands to apply the oil to my face. This helps prevent the oil from absorbing right into my palms, PLUS the back of your hands will appreciate the hydration.

Primally Pure Clarifying Serum

Primally Pure Review – Lip Balm

I’m a big lip gloss/stick/balm girl, and the Primally Pure lip balm is on my list of favorites. They use ingredients like tallow from grass-fed cows, coconut oil and organic cocoa butter. This combination helps hydrate and heal chapped lips. Since each lip balm is only $4, I’d make sure to add something else to your order so that you don’t spend more money on shipping than the gloss actually costs. That, or buy the set and get all 5 scents!

Primally Pure Gua Sha

If you’ve never used a Gua Sha or facial jade roller, you are missing out. Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique from TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). Using the Gua Sha stone, you lightly pull and lift your skin in massage motions to help promote lymphatic drainage and relieve muscle tension. I wish I was better about using my Gua Sha, since I know it requires time and practice to really appreciate the results. Even with just one use, though, you’ll notice de-puffing and the softening of fine lines and wrinkles.

Read how to use a Gua Sha tool properly under the “How To Use” section here. The Primally Pure jade roller also helps depuff your skin, but it requires less technique. I keep mine in my car and roll it on my tired face on the way to pilates or early morning appointments! Either would make a great gift paired with one of their serums and a cozy robe. If you need a bathrobe recommendation, try the Cozy Robe from LAKE Pajamas.

Primally Pure Review – Dry Brush

I’m adding the Primally Pure Dry Brush to this list since it’s SUPER popular, but I have to admit that I’m not consistent about using mine!

To use the Body Dry Brush, you’ll want to start at your feet and brush upwards in short, gentle strokes. Brush counterclockwise over your belly to help improve digestion, and then brush from your hands to your heart. You’ll always brush towards your heart. To finish, you’ll brush DOWN towards your armpits to flush out the toxins and promote lymphatic drainage.

For the Facial Dry Brush, you’ll start at your neck, brushing in downward strokes to promote lymphatic drainage. Then, work all over your face, moving from the center of your face towards your hairline. The goal is NOT to scrub your skin, but get your blood and lymphatic fluid moving.

You can order the brushes in a set, and it would be a great gift for a beauty or wellness guru!

Who owns Primally Pure?

Primally Pure was founded by Bethany McDaniel, who grew up in a family who started a beyond organic livestock farm in Southern California called Primal Pastures. Through that family business, she learned how amazing eating real food was for her health, and that inspired her to look into starting a beauty and skincare brand that focused on the same thing: real, whole ingredients.

Their motto is “fewer is better”, meaning, the fewer ingredients in a product, the better it is. All of their products are made with real ingredients that come directly from nature. And the most impressive part is that the products deliver legit results. I also love that they source many of their ingredients from family-owned farms.

Primally Pure Customer Service

I love Primally Pure’s team. They’re friendly, prompt, and helpful. They do a great job of making their customers and audience feel like family, even though the company is growing. I’ve always had great experiences with their customer service.

Primally Pure Shipping

You can get free shipping on every Primally Pure order over $75, which is what I always do. I wait until I need to replace 2-3 products, and order them at once to get free shipping. Since Primally Pure products are not cheap, getting to $75 isn’t too difficult.

They have a great return policy too. They’ll process returns or exchanges within 60 days of your purchase for any reason, so you have plenty of time to try products out. If you have any issues, they’re happy to help make it right. Orders processed after 60 days, will be given store credit.

You can use this form for any returns or exchange requests.

Is Primally Pure Worth It?

100% yes. I LOVE my Primally Pure products. While they don’t deliver the same results as some other clean beauty products I use, they are some of the BEST products I’ve tried when my skin is super dry and irritated and nothing soothes it. They are also pregnancy and nursing safe so if that is a concern, this is a GREAT brand.

Primally Pure products are “cleaner” than Beautycounter and Oliveda, but I don’t feel like they are quite as effective as anti-aging. But if SUPER clean, natural products are the most important thing for you or you struggle to get dryness or oiliness under control, this brand is definitely worth trying.

Use promo code TERILYN10 to save 10% on your Primally Pure order!

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Dime Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Review https://terilynadams.com/dime-beauty-hyaluronic-acid-review/ https://terilynadams.com/dime-beauty-hyaluronic-acid-review/#respond Tue, 06 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.afoodiestaysfit.com/?p=43204 Use code TeriLyn20 for 20% off your purchase! I heard about Dime Beauty for the first time on Instagram. Many of the influencers I’m friends with and follow were talking...

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I heard about Dime Beauty for the first time on Instagram. Many of the influencers I’m friends with and follow were talking about it and said amazing things, especially the eyelash boost serum. And as a beauty and skincare junkie myself, I decided to give Dime products a try! One of the reasons I tried Dime was because it’s a clean skincare brand. I already use almost 100% clean beauty and skincare products (I’ve even started swapping out some of my clothes for cleaner brands), so this was a big reason I was excited to try Dime.

I was super impressed by a bunch of their products (and meh about others). You can read about my thoughts on each item I tried in this post. But one of the most impressive products I tried was the Hyaluronic Acid Serum. I was honestly SHOCKED by how much I liked this, considering I already had another hyaluronic acid serum I use and love. So in today’s post, I’m giving the Dime Beauty Hyaluronic Acid serum it’s own review.

Let’s jump in.

Dime Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Review

First let’s talk about the role of Hyaluronic Acid. It acts as a humectant, helping skin retain water and thereby plumping it. Hyaluronic Acid is also a hydrophilic humectant, which means it draws water from the air to helps replenish hydration over time too. The Dime hyaluronic acid serum contains only 4 ingredients, and all of them help promote hydration. We all have HA in our skin, but as we age, that decreases over time, so that’s where a serum can come in.

I have very dry, aging skin skin and I use some pretty expensive serums, peels, moisturizers and night creams. I was skeptical of the Dime Beauty’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum given its affordable price tag. For just $30, I thought there was no way this stuff was actually good. I was wrong!

Ingredients

I really love how Dime Beauty explains their ingredient lists. You can click on each ingredient and learn more about the amount they use, why it’s used, and if there is any controversy on the ingredient, that’s usually explained too. They show the EWG rating for each ingredients as well. (You can read more about the safety concerns in beauty products in this post.)

Water

The number one ingredient in the Hyaluronic Acid serum is water. This is purified and filtered to be as clean as possible. Water is the base for this serum and helps provides hydration, in conjunction with the other ingredients that actually help the skin retain that water.

Sodium Hyaluronate

This is a substance that is actually already present in the human body. Most of the time you find this in your eye ducts and joints. The sodium hyaluronate used in the serum is created in a laboratory and is also known as hyaluronic acid.

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative, and Dime Beauty has been working on stability test to make sure that this ingredient is as safe as possible. While there is a little bit of controversy regarding this ingredient, it’s a preservative that is necessary for killing and preventing microbes since this serum contains water. I feel fine about using this!

Ethylhexylglycerin

This is also a preservative, but it’s somewhat new to the market and super gentle and safe.

Texture

The texture of the Dime Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum is super smooth, and almost jelly like.

Drying Time

The serum dries extremely quickly. I apply it when my skin is still damp from my essence to help draw in the moisture from that and lock it in. After I spread it evenly on my skin, I let it dry before applying moisturizer on top. It dries very quickly, in about 15 seconds.

Scent

This serum has no noticeable scent. I’m super sensitive to most smells (although I actually LOVE Dime’s perfume), but this has no scent at all.

Results

My skin feels distinctly more hydrated when I use it and my smile lines are less noticeable and my makeup applies more evenly. I always apply a moisturizer on top to seal in the hydration of the serum. For even better results, you can use this serum in the morning, and then use the Dime Beauty Super Firm Serum at night. The Super Firm serum is great anti-aging product for fine lines, and brightening your complexion. They’re a great duo when used together since one helps with cell turnover and one hydrates.

Price

The Dime Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum is $30 and the Oliveda Hyaluronic Serum is almost $95 so Dime is significantly more affordable.

If I had to pick between the Dime Beauty HA serum and the Oliveda Hyaluronic Serum, I would probably go for the Oliveda one, but the Dime Beauty one works really well and is cheaper.

Overall Review Of The Dime Beauty Hyaluronic Acid

Like I mentioned above, I’ve had and used Beautycounter’s Hyaluronic Acid serum for years, so I was interested to see if the Dime Beauty HA serum stood a chance. For the $30 price tag, I’m shocked. It truly works just as well. My skin is significantly more hydrated immediately after using this, and I notice that my skin looks more alive and awake throughout the entire day. I use this serum in the morning or night time when I’m feeling extra dry.

Since I have a pretty extensive skincare routine already in place, I use this serum as needed in place of the serum I would usually use. I will note, the only downside to this product is that the bottle is very small for daily use. I went through it quickly, and I was not using it twice a day daily. Thankfully, the price is low enough to repurchase as needed.

A few other Dime beauty products to note are the Blue Facial Oil which is anti-inflammatory (perfect after a day in the sun), Super Firm Serum (like botox in a bottle, great for firming your skin), the Thirsty Face Mist (great for sensitive skin and the only face mist I actually like!), the Gentle Jelly cleanser which has raving reviews —and the Luminosity Eye Serum, which is truly amazing. Read more of my Dime Beauty reviews for skin care in this post.

Hyaluronic Acid results on face
Dime Beauty skincare products

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Colleen Rothschild Skincare Review: the best products for aging skin https://terilynadams.com/colleen-rothschild-skincare-review/ https://terilynadams.com/colleen-rothschild-skincare-review/#respond Fri, 05 Apr 2024 13:57:51 +0000 https://www.afoodiestaysfit.com/?p=44193 Use code TERILYN20 for 20% off sitewide! I used Colleen Rothschild skincare for the first time about nine years ago. I had just turned 30 and was working in Corporate...

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I used Colleen Rothschild skincare for the first time about nine years ago. I had just turned 30 and was working in Corporate America, and was fighting some serious adult breakouts. And I was so embarrassed by my skin that I even called in sick to work a few times. However, someone from Colleen Rothschild reached out to me via my blog. I had never heard of the brand, but they offered to send me some products to try and I happily accepted. In fact, I had tried EVERYTHING and my breakouts never improved and so willing to try ANYTHING.

When the products arrived, it was a night and day experience compared to the other products I’d used. They FELT different. They SMELLED differently. And they APPLIED differently. I finally understood what high-quality skincare was all about. And I felt beyond cool that the brand sent me fancy products.

Colleen Rothschild Skincare Review

After I used the Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm for a week, my skin started to clear up. And that is what truly began my skincare journey. Years later, I LOVE skincare and am a total skincare/makeup junkie and love trying new products. I also love helping others with their skin via this blog and my skincare 101 course since I know how much skin impacts confidence, and I want to help others feel good in their own skin.

As I started researching why the Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm was so effective for me, I realized that I actually had DRY skin. I assumed that I had oily skin given my breakouts and was using acne and oil controlling products. The products I’d used in the past had harsh and/or used cheap ingredients that made my breakouts much worse. This happened even with the brands my dermatologist recommended. When I finally started using gentler products made with high-quality ingredients that were right for my skin, my skin transformed. And I NEVER take that for granted. (I have a review of the Colleen Rothschild cleansing balm here that shares what I learned.)

Sounds dramatic, sure. But when you’re fighting breakouts in your 30s and something finally clears your skin up, it’s life-changing. I even cried when I met Colleen two years ago at a work conference, since I was so grateful, even years later. Slightly embarrassing but true story.

I’ve loved Colleen Rothschild products ever since I first tried the Cleansing Balm and when I recently got it again, it made me so nostalgic. (I didn’t know I could be nostalgic about skincare products, but here we are.) CR is one of the brands I go back to again and again. I’m always amazed by how well their products work AND how luxurious they feel. They also SMELL amazing; I am very sensitive to smells but honestly love the subtle scents of their products. I’ve been using Colleen Rothschild products daily as part of my AM and PM skincare routines for about 2.5 years now. And my skin has honestly never looked better.

The founder, Colleen, has been in the beauty and skincare business for decades and cares about creating science-backed, high performance skincare products. She works hard to make sure the ingredients in all of her products provide both immediate and long-term results. It’s truly high-end skincare, and it feels like it when you’re using it.

Today I’m sharing a full review of Colleen Rothschild, the products I’ve tried so far, and whether or not they’re worth the money. If you read that intro, you can probably guess if I think they’re worth it. Okay, let’s jump in.

Who is Colleen Rothschild?

Colleen Rothschild, the founder of Colleen Rothschild Beauty, has been in the beauty industry for over 30 years. At the beginning of her career, she worked on the manufacturing side of beauty where she spent time behind the scenes in a lab. Through that experience, she learned about ingredients and methods that provide real results (and the ones that didn’t).

Colleen started her first retail based beauty business with her husband Stan, which they eventually sold to a competitor. Colleen Rothschild is their newest venture and is still a relatively small business, which I didn’t realize until I met her in Dallas two years ago. I love that aspect since I know each of their employees truly cares about getting great products out into the market (and as I’ve gotten to work with their team over the last few years, it has only made me love them more. They are LOVELY). Additionally, Colleen is a breast-cancer survivor so she understands the importance of safe formulations and they even have a butter designed to help with breast self-exams.

Best Colleen Rothschild Products

Let’s get into a review of each of my favorite products.

Before I list out ALL of my favorites (since there are a ton), I wanted to share my top 3 picks. If you were to only buy a few items, get these:

#1. Radiant Cleaning Balm – This is the most hydrating cleansing balm I’ve ever tried. And it removes your eye makeup without stinging or irritation. I have a full review of the cleansing balm here. Compared to other brands (I’ve tried a handful of other best selling cleansing balms), this is the best by far.

#2. Illuminating Tinted Eye Cream – I’ve never used a product like this before. It’s an eye cream and contains hyaluronic acid to help with water retention and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but the pigment in it acts as a concealer too! It has pearlized pigment that cuts the darkness of under eye circles and it also has a brightening/glowy effect. Many days I can skip concealer entirely after using this.

#3 Hyaluronic Acid Serum – As someone who struggles with extremely dry skin, this Hyaluronic Acid serum is one of the products that’s made a noticeable difference in the overall feel and appearance of my skin. I feel like my skin literally drinks it up. It provides moisture-binding hydration that helps prevent Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). My skin looks and feels plumped and hydrated after applying this in the morning. I use it right before my vitamin C serum.

Another note: If you have a handful of products on your wishlist, one of the best ways to try them without breaking the bank is to get the Discovery Set. This set includes a handful of their best selling products in travel sizes.

Alright, let’s get into a review of all of my favorite Colleen Rothschild products.

Skincare

Radiant Cleansing Balm

Starting with the O.G. – the Radiant Cleansing Balm. This is the first product I used from Colleen Rothschild. Like I mentioned above, I struggled with breakouts and I had been stripping my skin of all its natural oils, thinking it would help my breakouts. But it was actually just causing my skin to produce more oil to overcompensate. And that’s what resulted in the breakouts. It’s important to figure out if your breakouts are a result of over-drying your skin, or if you truly have oily/acne prone skin.

If you think your skin might be breaking out as a result of over-drying, use the cleansing balm daily and then a charcoal mask once a week. (But you have true oily, blemish prone skin, you will probably love the new Gentle and Clear line from Colleen Rothschild. My content manager has sensitive, breakout prone skin and that line has been transformative for her.)

I also LOVE how thick this balm is. It’s made with a blend of loofah seed and moringa oil, which help renew the outer layer of skin while also restoring the balance. The smell is amazing too – like the best day spa. I look forward to using this at night.

The balm comes with a muslin cloth which provides the perfect amount of exfoliation and helps remove your makeup. You apply the balm to dry skin, massage it in and then use very warm water to wet the cloth and wipe the balm (and your makeup) off. Finish with a splash of tepid water before patting it dry.

Now that I’m almost 40, I LOVE how hydrating it the Radiant Cleansing Balm is – my skin feels dramatically different compared to how it feels after other cleansers, even other popular cleansing balms. I use it at night to remove my makeup and it removes all traces (and never stings my eyes!). It comes in a mini, regular, and jumbo size and the jars lasts forever since you only need to use a very small amount. You can find all three sizes of the cleansing balm on this page.

Illuminating Tinted Eye Cream

I’m pretty picky when it comes to eye creams. However, this Illuminating Tinted Eye Cream one is the best I’ve ever tried for covering dark circles. Not only does it address dryness, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles, but the light peach tint helps brighten your under-eyes and helps mask blue toned shadows. I use this only in the morning since I don’t want to waste the product at night. I think of this as “fake awake” eye cream. This sells out constantly, so I always recommend that you add it to your cart if it’s in stock while shopping.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Like I mentioned above, this HA serum is in my top three favorite products from Colleen Rothschild. I use it in the mornings after cleansing and toning, and right before applying a vitamin C serum. My skin feels instantly more hydrated after using this, and it helps make me look more awake by plumping everything up. I also really like the texture of this hyaluronic acid because it’s super lightweight and layers well under my other serums. I tried five brands of hyaluronic acid serum last year and liked this best. It was a top pick in my Best of 2023 Beauty Awards!

Face Oil N°9

I’ve truly never used a more luxurious face oil than this N°9 Face Oil (and I’ve tried LOTS of face oils over the years!). The texture is unbelievable… like a blend of velvet and silk. Plus, it smells lovely. It’s incredibly hydrating and includes ingredients that protect from oxidative stress (which contributes to wrinkles and dark spots). It’s not greasy, but instead absorbs quickly, leaving your skin silky and smooth.

The best way to apply this is after your night cream to help lock in the moisture. I use this after my night cream and it’s helped my super dry postpartum skin SO much. Colleen also does her “Colleen Cocktail” by mixing the oil with the Extreme Recovery Cream in her hand before applying it. Try both ways and see what you like best!

Dual Enzyme Polish

This Duel Enzyme Polish face mask is impressive. It’s gentle, but still manages to make my dull skin look fresh and radiant. Cliche word, but true. I’m always blown away by how clear and bright my skin looks after just 10 minutes! It’s like I had a facial at home. This mask uses a blend of fruit enzymes and AHA to exfoliate, and also contains comfrey and argan oil to rebalance the skin.

I use this once a week or so (I actually HATE doing face masks because I feel like they take too long, but this one is so effective that I force myself to use it once a week by leaving it in my shower). You apply it all over your skin in a thin layer, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, and then gently wash it off, massaging your skin with the beads.

Intense Hydrating Mask

This Hydrating Mask is the first overnight face mask I ever used and I STILL remember what it felt like the first time I used it! Throughout the first weeks of postpartum after having Charles, I would apply this to my face every time I got up in the middle of the night to nurse. It smells heavenly, feels light, but hydrates SO well. (It’s one of my postpartum must haves!)

I actually like applying this before long flights to help keep my skin hydrated. I also really like the Matcha Tea Hydrating Balm when I fly. It’s a stick that you can apply to your skin throughout the day. It’s cooling and hydrating (and smells amazing). I like to keep this in my travel bag for flights too.

Glycolic Acid Peel Pads with Blue Agave

I use the Glycolic Acid Peel Pads once a week. If you’ve never used a peel skincare product, they often have a tingling effect, like the Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel (review linked) or iS Clinical Active Peel Pads (review linked). However, these Glycolic Acid Peel Pads are formulated for sensitive skin, so they don’t tingle the way typical peel pads do, making them a perfect option for all skin types.

These peel pads use a 10% blend of glycolic and lactic acids, which help target fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. My skin feels SO refreshed after using these. I use these 1-2x a week, but not on the same night as the dual enzyme polish.

Age Renewal Super Serum

If you are like me and you have a million serums that you like to use, and knowing which to use and when feels a little overwhelming, let me introduce you to the answer to the confusion: the Age Renewal Super Serum. This serum is packed with ALL of the ingredients you want in any serum. It fights the six signs of aging: texture, dehydration, elasticity, fine lines, radiance, and tone. It contains 20 potent ingredients, including peptides, collagen boosters, amino acids, vitamins, and plant extracts. It’s a one-size-fits-all for anti-age serums, and a great option if you want to simplify your skincare routine.

Retinol Supreme Night Oil

The Retinol Supreme Night Oil is the best of two worlds. It has the powerful regenerative and anti-aging benefits from retinol, but it also contains vitamin C, which works with retinol to brighten and even your skin tone while promoting cell turnover. Since it’s an oil, it’s much less aggressive on sensitive skin than other retinols and retin-A can be, so it’s a great option for new retinol users. I noticed results after using this just one time – my skin was brighter and smoother!

This is used as your serum step in your skincare routine, so after cleansing and toning. You can follow with a moisturizer. I use this just a few times a week, alternating with my other favorite serums.

While almost everything from Colleen Rothschild is safe for pregnancy, this is not. I stopped using this when I got pregnant with Charles and switched to this Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel which is safer and actually just as effective, so it’s a great option if you don’t want to use a retinol.

Retinol Supreme Eye Serum

The Retinol Supreme Eye Serum goes hand in hand with the Retinol Supreme Eye Serum. It has the same blend of retinol and vitamin c, which is a powerhouse duo. While the vitamin C in the Retinol Night Oil evens skin tone, the main benefit of the vitamin C in the eye serum is antioxidant support. The serum is very gentle since the skin around your eye is delicate. It’s best to follow this with an eye cream.

Butter Lip Mask

The Butter Lip Mask is one of the most hydrating lip masks I’ve ever used. I took it with me to Utah (it’s super dry there, so this was a great test) and it made a huge difference in my dry, cracked lips. This is another postpartum essential.

I also really love the Colleen Rothschild Vitamin E Lip Moisturizer, and the best way to try both is with their Kiss and Tell Lip Trio (you also get a lip scrub!).

Hair Care

You can see the rest of my hair care routine broken down in this blog post.

Quench and Shine Restore Shampoo and Conditioner

I wouldn’t say I’m super picky about my shampoo and conditioner, and I do alternate between brands based on what I have on hand. But if I had to pick, it would be Colleen Rothschild’s shampoo and conditioner. It’s leaves my (thick) hair super smooth and shiny.

Quench & Shine Restorative Mask

This hair mask has become another one of my go-to’s (such a go-to in fact, that I’ve been using it instead of my regular conditioner lately). I’ve used lots of hair masks in the past few years, but this is my current favorite. My hair feels smooth and hydrated, with none of the heaviness that I get from some products. It softens and detangles just like conditioner, but the results last longer.

The scent is SO nice too!

Smooth & Shine Hair Serum

I have pretty thick hair that’s gotten a bit dryer and frizzier as I’ve aged and had kids, so I’m always looking for products to help keep it smooth and shiny throughout the day. The Smooth and Shine Hair Serum is what I use right before I blow dry and style my hair. It pairs well with my volumizing foam to help maintain the shine of my hair without sacrificing the volume.

Protect and Perfect Hair Styling Cream

The last Colleen Rothschild hair product I swear by is the Protect and Perfect Hair Styling Cream. I use this before blowdrying my hair as well, and it protects it from too much heat (I dry and style my hair most days), and also maintains shine. It also helps maintain my flyaways!

Hair Care Travel Set

The best bang for your buck, if you’re wanting to try all of Colleen Rothschild hair products, is their hair care travel set. The products are all travel size, but not too small that you’ll use them up in one trip. They come in a cute bag, and the set also includes a head massager, which is a fun touch.

hair care travel set from the Colleen Rothschild Skincare

Are Colleen Rothschild Products Clean?

Colleen Rothschild products are made with a blend of natural ingredients and advanced scientific ingredients. They do not use parabens, SLS/SLES sulfates, triclosan, formaldehyde, PABA, toulene, or benzene in any of their products. They are not certified gluten free or vegan.

Another great thing about Colleen Rothschild is that most of their products are safe pregnancy or breastfeeding!  Of course, you’d want to discontinue use of the retinol products while pregnant or breastfeeding, but the rest should be just fine to keep using. As always, consult with your doctor since everyone’s health is different.

Is Colleen Rothschild Cruelty Free?

Colleen Rothschild products are never tested on animals, which follows their cruelty-free philosophy.

Is Colleen Rothschild Worth the Money?

100%. I’ve been SO impressed by the results I’ve seen almost immediately after using many of their products. After using the Dual Enzyme Polish, my skin feels completely renewed and plumped, the No. 9 Face Oil calms and hydrates my skin with visual results, and the Cleansing Balm removes my makeup and leaves my skin feeling hydrated (and ever tight, like some cleansers).

I also notice immediate results when I use their hair mask. My hair is smoother, softer, and shiner without any extra weight.

I really do think of Colleen Rothschild as luxury skincare. I highly recommend ordering the Discovery Collection so that you can try their best-sellers in smaller sizes before committing to the full size products. 

The one product I haven’t loved is the extreme recovery cream. I have another night cream from Beautycounter I use that has an even thicker texture that I LOVE but this is a very close second! If you don’t love a thick night cream since they feel too heavy, you’ll probably love this since it absorbs right away. I prefer a little layer to remain. 😉

Colleen Rothschild is on the pricier end for skincare (compared to drugstore prices), but it’s honestly very comparable — and in some instances — much less expensive than many other high-end skincare products. I reached out to the brand to ask for a promo code for my followers and they VERY generously provided a 20% off code when shopping at ColleenRothschild.com!

Use code TERILYN20 for 20% off site-wide.

Colleen Rothschild Before and After

It’s hard to find a great before and after photo to show the results of my favorite Colleen Rothschild products since I have used so many high quality skincare brands for over a decade. But the picture below is when I VERY first started using Colleen Rothschild and finally ditched Cerave and other popular skincare products full of nasty ingredients.

woman showing her skin before using Colleen Rothschild Before

And here’s what my skin looks like today, eight years later. If that doesn’t convince you that the quality of your skincare matters, I don’t know what will. 😉

Where to Buy Colleen Rothschild

Popular beauty and skincare retailers do not carry Colleen Rothschild. It’s only sold through Colleen Rothschild’s website, and every once in a while you’ll find products being sold on Amazon. However, since Colleen Rothschild does not have full control over Amazon sellers, I’d recommend you order directly from CR. This is also the only place my discount code will work!

Happy shopping!

Use code TERILYN20 for 20% off site-wide!

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Beautycounter’s Vitamin C Serum – my review & results! https://terilynadams.com/beautycounter-vitamin-c/ https://terilynadams.com/beautycounter-vitamin-c/#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:06:00 +0000 https://www.afoodiestaysfit.com/?p=30049 Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps...

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Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps linked in this post, but this Oliveda Vitamin C Serum is the best alternative I’ve found.. Also, be sure to join my email list so you can be the first to know when your Beautycounter favorites come back.

While I had a solid skincare routine for years, I never really thought about a vitamin C serum, other than trying random samples I got years ago when I still used BirchBox. But when Beautycounter launched a vitamin C serum a few years ago, I quickly tried it since I love all their skincare.

Fast forward a few years and I’ve been using the serum consistently since I first tried it. It’s a MUST in my skincare routine. I thought my skin was bright – I mean, honestly it was. But now I feel like it glows so easily, with or without makeup. AND I feel like it helped keep my melasma at bay this past year while I was pregnant with Charles. I didn’t notice it popping up at all!

Since the weather is starting to heat up and summer is on the horizon, Vitamin C is an extra important step for your skincare routine, so today I’m re-sharing this post with my detailed review of the Beautycounter All Bright C Serum (since it’s the most effective Vitamin C serum I’ve ever tried). The best alternative I’ve found is this Oliveda HT + Vitamin C serum.

Let’s dive in!

TeriLyn Adams holding the Beautycounter Vitamin C Serum Review

Beautycounter Vitamin C Serum Review

Before I get into all the details, I thought a little “before and after” of the Beautycounter All Bright C Serum would be fun. The difference was SO impressive after just a couple weeks.

Before and After

After Vitamin C Serum

Here is a photo of me after using the All Bright C Serum for a few weeks when it very first launched. And you can see from the picture above, my skin has even more of a glow after using it for a few years.

TeriLyn Adams showing her after using the beautycounter vitamin c serum

Before Vitamin C Serum

This photo was taken about two months before the All Bright C Serum. My skin looked great, but I immediately notice that my age spots on my cheeks and nose are a LOT lighter now. And my skin just looks like it has a true glow and is almost bright from within in the photos above.

woman showing her face before using beautycounter vitamin c serum

What does the Beautycounter Vitamin C Serum do?

  • Brightens and evens skin tone.
  • Defends against environmental stressors and free radicals that negatively impact skin’s appearance.
  • Helps prevent and reduce dark spots and discoloration (e.g. age spots, melasma, acne scars) to boost and brighten skin.
  • Supports the skin’s natural collagen production to make skin look more youthful.

Beautycounter All Bright C Serum Key Ingredients

  • 5% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate – This form of vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and boosts skin brightening to reveal more youthful-looking skin.
  • 5% Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate – This form of vitamin C moisturizes while also providing antioxidant benefits that protect skin from damaging environmental stressors—and this helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Turmeric Root – Helps even your skin tone and improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
  • Camu Camu Fruit Extract: This helps reduce the appearance of dark spots while brightening to visually improve signs of skin fatigue.
Serum swatch on the back of hand
All Bright C Serum consistency

What is the best Vitamin C serum?

When people ask about the “percent” of vitamin C, they often think higher is better, but actually, super high potency can cause irritation. And, while most brands on the market use 15%, you also have to look at the stability of those products and the type of vitamin C used in them. Many brands that claim 15% actually don’t live up to the percentage claim when they are tested. When tested off the shelf, the Vitamin C in them aged and degraded, even before they sat in a bathroom at home.

What Percent Vitamin C Serum is Best?

Most popular, high-end vitamin C brands use a less stable form of Vitamin C, 15% L-Ascorbic Acid. Alternatively, the Beautycounter All Bright Serum uses a total of 10% of ultra-stable Vitamin C from Japan. The two types are 5% bis-glyceryl ascorbate and 5% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. These were specifically selected for their stability and efficacy over time.

Additionally, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is effective at lower concentrations, which means less potential for irritation. This formulation is also lipid-soluble, so its effects are deeper and longer-lasting in the skin. It actually penetrates the skin, which is a much better delivery system. L-Ascorbic Acid, on the other hand, is tricky to formulate with. It loses efficacy when it comes into contact with water. That’s why you are seeing high-end brands sell DIY products that mix the Vitamin C with the serum at point of use to help avoid that.

So, all that to say, when you look buying a vitamin C serum, make sure you look at the type of vitamin C used, not just the percentage.

How much does Beautycounter Vitamin C Serum cost?

One of the leading Vitamin C serums on the market (which is considered the gold standard in Vitamin C serums) sells for for $166 for 30 ml, while the Beautycounter Vitamin C serum is $90 for 30 ml.

Bottom line: I think Beautycounter’s All Bright Serum is your best bet in terms of efficacy, cost, and lower risk for irritation.

Beautycounter Vitamin C Serum Review

Beautycounter’s Vitamin C Serum Benefits

Packed with antioxidants

The all Bright Serum uses Turmeric Root Extract to give the serum its bright yellow hue. They never use dyes.

Turmeric (curcuma longa) is an antioxidant superstar that helps even skin tone and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains Camu Camu Fruit Extract to help reduce the appearance of dark spots while brightening to visually improve signs of skin fatigue.

The ingredients in this serum (especially the curcuma Longa (turmeric) root extract, myrciaria dubia fruit extract), are powerhouses.

Stable and won’t oxidize

Like mentioned above, Vitamin C products can be very unstable and lose their effectiveness quickly. Beautycounter’s vitamin C serum is a blend of two ultra-stable forms of vitamin C. If you’re currently using a Vitamin C product, check to see what form of Vitamin C it contains. Most on the market contain the L-ascorbic form, which turns brown. The Beautycounter All Bright C Serum won’t oxidize and lose its potency.

10% Potency for results without irritation

When a serum’s concentration of vitamin C is too high, there’s a chance of skin irritation—but when it’s too low, it doesn’t deliver as many benefits. Beautycounter’s vitamin C is the best of both worlds: effective without irritation. It uses:

  • 5% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: This antioxidant helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and boosts skin brightening to reveal more youthful-looking skin.
  • 5% Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate: A second form of vitamin C, this ingredient moisturizes skin while providing antioxidant benefits known to protect skin from damaging environmental stressors—and helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Safer

The All Bright C Serum is formulated without ethoxylated ingredients (including PEGs) due to reproductive and developmental concerns (as well as toxicity to the aquatic environment). It’s also formulated without dyes. As always, every ingredient used by Beautycounter has gone through rigorous raw materials screening and testing to ensure it’s safe.

Absorbs quickly

I’ve tried a ton of different vitamin C serums over the past few years, and I always go back to Beautycounter because it feels better on my skin. It absorbs quickly, feels natural, doesn’t leave a sticky or tacky residue, and my makeup applies perfectly on top. Some other brands I’ve tried either feel a little tacky or sticky as they dry, or they don’t look great under makeup. I also really like the slight scent – it’s not strong, but smells a little bit like summer.

All Bright C Serum FAQs

How do I use the Vitamin C Serum?

Use the All Bright C Serum as a “treat” step with any regimen. After cleansing and toning in the morning, use your regimen’s regular serum, wait about 30 seconds, then layer All Bright C Serum on top. Apply to face, neck, and décolletage. Follow with your moisturizer, eye cream and sunscreen. If you’re looking for a more in-depth how-to for a skincare regimen, you can join my skincare course (for free!).

Should I use Vitamin C Serum at night?

Nope! This is designed to be used during the day. For a product that works while you sleep, use the overnight resurfacing peel! The combo of the two is amazing! While the peel works overnight, the Vitamin C serum is designed for day use. It won’t hurt to use it at night, but it includes ingredients to help protect against environmental stressors and potential sun damage you’re exposed to during the day. So, that’s when you’ll get the most out of it! (This post explains more about the overnight resurfacing peel.)

Can You Use Vitamin C Serum Under Makeup?

Yep! I use it as my AM skincare serum, followed by moisturizer, SPF, and then makeup.

Is Vitamin C Good for Melasma?

Yes! Vitamin C helps reduce (and prevent) dark spots and discoloration, such as melasma. It helped keep my melasma at bay while I was pregnant with my first and now my second.

How is it different from the Beautycounter Brightening Oil?

The new serum has a much higher dose of Vitamin C compared to the Beautycounter All Bright Brightening Facial Oil. That means the vitamin C serum will be much more effective at brightening. Think of it this way: the primary job of face oils is to improve hydration and the brightening benefits you’ll get are secondary. If brightening, reducing dark spots, and/or improving dullness are your main goals, you’ll want the Vitamin C serum rather than the Beautycounter Brightening Oil.

Does Vitamin C Cause Purging?

Purging is when a new product causes your skin cells to turn over more quickly and results in a temporary breakout. Since Vitamin C does include fruit acids, it’s possible to experience some purging. However, I didn’t have that issue. I always recommend doing a patch test on your arm before using a new product on your face, so that you can determine if your skin is having a normal reaction while getting adjusted to a new product, or if the product is truly not good for your skin.

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Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel: the product that made my dull skin glow https://terilynadams.com/beautycounter-overnight-resurfacing-peel/ https://terilynadams.com/beautycounter-overnight-resurfacing-peel/#comments Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:50:14 +0000 https://www.afoodiestaysfit.com/?p=23944 Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps...

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Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps linked in this post and this Oliveda AHA + HT Serum is a perfect replacement. Also, be sure to join my email list so you can be the first to know when your Beautycounter favorites come back.

Ever since I switched to cleaner skincare products (namely Beautycounter and Colleen Rothschild), my skin has been in pretty great shape. Like any skincare routine, it took a little while to notice a difference but over time (and especially after months and years), my skin definitely improved with a consistent skincare regimen. I’ve gotten more compliments on my skin in the last few years than ever before in my life, and that’s pretty amazing considering I’m almost 40 and have two young kids!

There is one product that I noticed had an immediate difference when I started using it: Beautycounter’s Overnight Resurfacing Peel (this Oliveda AHA + HT serum is a great alternative). The first time I used it, I could tell my skin was softer, brighter and smoother. I used it for years, and then switched to a Retinol Oil for a little while (I’m a skincare junkie and love to try new products). But when we got pregnant with our second child, I switched back to the Overnight Resurfacing Peel since it’s a safe (and SUPER effective) alternative to retinol. And now that I’m breastfeeding, I’m still using and LOVING it. Actually, I’m wondering why I ever stopped using it.

Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel Review

What does a resurfacing peel do?

First, let’s talk about what a resurfacing peel actually does. While it sounds like it may be a product that you “peel off” your skin, that’s not actually the case. A resurfacing peel has active ingredients in it that help your skin cells turnover, which results in brighter, tighter skin. The peels like this are are referred to as “chemical exfoliators” because they penetrate the top layer of skin (epidermis) and encourage new collagen growth in the inner layers of skin (dermis) to reduce wrinkles and promote elastic, healthy skin. (source)

Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel Key Ingredients

  • Glycolic Acid – This improves skin texture, resurfaces, and exfoliates.
  • Lactic Acid – This stimulates skin cell turnover which results in a smoother, more radiant complexion.
  • Citric Acid – This helps refine and renew the skin.
  • Arginine & Fatty Acids – These soothe and nourish the skin (perfect when paired with the more active acids).

What acids are in the Beautycounter Resurfacing Peel?

Most acids used in skin care are either alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). They are effective in improving the appearance of the skin by breaking down dead skin cells on the surface of skin, like a chemical peel. The Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel uses a combination of acids, some that resurface skin, and others that soothe, hydrate, and protect skin. So, it’s an AHA/BHA Peel.

It also contains malic acid, phytic acid, and ascorbic acid to help gently resurface. Rather than hyaluronic acid, it contains sodium hyaluronate. Why do they use that instead? The molecule size! Sodium hyaluronate has a much smaller molecular size so it can more easily penetrate skin. This is a really helpful article about the difference between hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate, if you’re interested!

Benefits of the Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel

  • Improves skin texture
  • Promotes cell turnover for a smoother complexion
  • Boosts radiance
  • Minimizes the appearance of pores
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines
  • Reduces appearance of dark spots and age spots
  • Evens skin tone
  • Improves acne (as skin cells turn over, it will be easier to get gunk out of pores, which can lead to breakouts)

How to use the Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel

You’ll only want to use the peel at night, and since it contains active ingredients, you may want to start by using it every other night to allow your skin to adjust.

  • First, wash your face to remove dirt and makeup. I like to use a cleansing balm to wash my face at night.
  • Follow with your “prep” step. This is typically a toner, but I use an essence for my dry skin.
  • Next, apply 1-2 pumps of the Overnight Peel into your hand and gently spread a thin layer across your clean face. Be sure to apply it to your face, neck and décolletage. Applying product all the way down to your décolletage is often neglected, but it’s so important since that area shows signs of aging too!
  • Let the peel absorb and dry completely, for 3-5 minutes, before you apply your moisturizer. It’s normal for your skin to tingle a bit, especially when you first start using the product, but it’s safe for all skin types. I use Beautycounter’s Supreme Cream as my night-time moisturizer, but if your skin is less dry than mine, you may like this Adaptive Moisturizer better.

Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel results

Here’s what I’ve noticed about my skin since adding the peel in:

  • It’s smoother
  • My pores are smaller
  • Skin tone is more even and brighter
  • It’s SO soft – I have to stop myself from touching my face!
  • Acne scars that I thought would be lifelong blemishes are gone – they lightened up in about a WEEK
  • The deep wrinkle between my eyebrows has lessened

Beautycounter Peel Before and After

I even think my skin looks just as good without makeup now as it does wearing makeup. That alone is pretty amazing considering I had horrible breakouts for years.

Before

Here’s a photo before I started using the Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel (without foundation, post-workout, no filter added). I mean, it looks fine, right? This was a few years before I started taking my skincare seriously.

TeriLyn Adams showing her face before using the Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel

After

And here’s a photo (right after washing my face and moisturizing), again without any foundation or concealer, after using the Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel consistently. I particularly notice the acne scars around my lips and on my chin are gone and the sun spots on my nose have lightened. And look how flawless my makeup looks now that my skin is so healthy!

The Overnight Peel will give you quick results vs. some of the other Beautycounter products that take more time to notice a visible change.

A few tips:

  • Use the peel in place of your regular serum a few times a week. It’s considered a “treatment” in the “cleanse, prep, treat, hydrate” routine all good regimens should include. And you don’t need to double up on the treatment each night! Just use your regular serum in the morning.
  • Skip your face oil the night you use the peel. It won’t hurt anything but some oils may lessen its effectiveness.
  • Do not skip a moisturizer afterwards!!
  • If the tingling is intense, don’t use the peel again for 3-5 days. You can gradually increase use, using the peel up to 5x a week. If you have extra sensitive skin, you could do a patch test as well.
  • Leave the peel on overnight (don’t rinse!) and just complete your usual morning skincare routine.
  • Note: You should always be wearing sunscreen, but you especially need to wear it daily if you’re using this product. I love Beautycounter’s sheer face sunscreen and wear it every day under my makeup.
  • Your skin won’t actually peel, nor do you peel the product off. It’s the no-peel peel!

Is the Beautycounter Overnight Peel safe for pregnancy?

In short, yes (it’s what I used while pregnant, and I’m currently using it while I’m breastfeeding). It goes without saying because it’s a Beautycounter product (all Beautycounter products are pregnancy-safe), but this peel is a MUCH safer option than most anti-aging serums and peels on the market, including retinol or Retin-A. Beautycounter tests all of their products with safety in mind, especially for those who might be extra vulnerable, like pregnant women and babies. Of course, check with your doctor since every pregnancy is different, but Retinol is on their Never List for a reason. And the Beautycounter Overnight Peel does not contain retinol. (Your OBGYN will tell you to not use Retinol or Retin-A during pregnancy!)

The Overnight Resurfacing Peel is also formulated without synthetic fragrances, PEGs, or formaldehyde-based preservatives that are often be found in other peels. Many peels use high levels of one or two resurfacing acids which may cause irritation. Since this peel uses a combination of resurfacing acids and soothing acids, it improves cell turnover to improve skin texture while still being gentle on the skin. Basically, you don’t have to trade off to get the benefits you want!

More Skin Resurfacing Products

The Overnight Resurfacing Peel is effective on its own, but it works even better when paired with other skincare products. I’ve found that when I use a resurfacing product like the Peel one night, my skin needs to be nourished and hydrated (I call this recovery), the next day. I rotate my resurfacing products with hydrating, soothing products like a face oil, and my skin has never looked better. This is called skin cycling, which you can read more about in this blog post.

Once a week, I use Beautycounter’s AHA Face Mask for deep exfoliation and smoothing. It’s a super strong product, which is why I only use it once a week.

I also use peel pads once a week. I switch between iS Clinical Peel pads (more aggressive – review here) and the Colleen Rothschild peel pads, which are better for sensitive skin.

When I am not pregnant or breastfeeding, I use the Colleen Rothschild Retinol Supreme Night Oil. This contains vitamin C, so it’s a total powerhouse. It helps improve skin texture and cell turnover, while also brightening dark spots. And it’s much better for sensitive skin than a typical retinol since this is in oil form. This is the first retinol I’ve actually liked!

The bottom line

The Overnight Peel is a MUST HAVE in my skincare routine and it’s a great addition to any skincare routine and it pairs beautifully with the All Bright C Serum in the morning!


If you’ve tried the Beautycounter overnight resurfacing peel, I’d love to hear what you think! And if you don’t have a skincare routine you love, fill out this quick questionnaire and I’ll help you!

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Beautycounter Cleansing Balm Review: My Dry Skin Must-Have https://terilynadams.com/beautycounter-cleansing-balm-review/ https://terilynadams.com/beautycounter-cleansing-balm-review/#comments Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:58:53 +0000 https://www.afoodiestaysfit.com/?p=28292 Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps...

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Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps linked in this post. Also, be sure to join my email list so you can be the first to know when your Beautycounter favorites come back.

I used the Beautycounter Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm for years until discovering the the Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm, which I like better. However, if safe and clean products is the most important factor in choosing a cleansing balm, the Beautycounter Cleansing Balm is the one you want. If you’re a little more lenient in terms of ingredients, I like the Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm more. (You can read my full review of the Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm here.)

Today’s review is focused on the Beautycounter Cleaning Balm since it’s a cult favorite and I used it for years., so I definitely can speak to it.

Beautycounter Cleansing Balm Review

I used the Beautycounter Cleansing Balm for years (I just recently started using the Colleen Rothschild Balm, which I mentioned above) and it thick balm worked wonders for my dry skin. It’s a daily makeup removing balm and cleanser that removes make-up and nourishes and replenishes skin.

The Cleansing Balm was the first skincare product I tried from Beautycounter that really made me look at switching all of my products to the brand since the results were dramatically better than everything else I was using at the time (including Origins, Ole Henrikson and other high-end brands). I ended up swapping the vast majority of my skincare (and makeup!) to Beautycounter soon after trying the cleansing balm years ago.

Let’s talk about the ingredients:

Beautycounter Cleansing Balm Ingredients & Benefits

Beautycounter’s Cleansing Balm has a few key ingredients that help promote and support healthy, vibrant skin. It soothes irritation while creating luminosity.

  • Jojoba Seed Oil and Avocado Seed Oil – for hydration
  • Lotus – skin-brightening properties
  • Apricot (prunus armeniaca) Kernel Oil – for hydration and to minimize signs of aging
  • Shea Butter – protects and hydrates skin

How to Use a Cleansing Balm

1. Apply the balm to dry skin

Before you apply the balm, make sure your face is dry and not damp. Then, take an an almond-sized amount of balm from the container onto your fingertips. (Trust me – you don’t need more since a little goes a long way!)

2. Massage the balm into your skin

Using circular motions, massage an almond size amount onto dry skin, applying gentle pressure to the cheeks, forehead, and eyebrows. This helps relax your facial muscles, promotes oxygen and blood flow in your skin and (perhaps most importantly) helps get the product into your skin and pores to really dissolve impurities and makeup.

How to use Cleansing Balm
3. Remove with a wet washcloth

Once the balm has turned into an oil and you’ve massaged it into skin, wet a cleansing cloth with warm water and gently wipe the balm off your skin. Wetting the cloth with warm water is key to help open up pores and fully remove the balm so your serum and moisturize can more fully penetrate.

Do not try to only rinse it off without a cloth!! The product is NOT designed to be rinsed off. You have to wipe it off with a cloth or your pores will clog.

4. Optional: Splash face with tepid water

I prefer splash my face with tepid or lukewarm water after I wipe it off. Never hot water though, since that will actually dehydrate your skin. Cool water is also okay to use.

5. Complete your routine.

Follow the balm with a toner, treatment (e.g. a serum) and a moisturizer.

To use the balm as an intense overnight moisturizing mask

First wash your face (whether with the balm or another cleanser) and gently pat your skin dry. Then, apply a thin layer (about a black bean size) of the balm to clean skin. Only apply more if you feel you need it – don’t pile it on. You need just a thin, even layer. Then just leave it on overnight and wake up to smoother, softer skin. You’ll just wash your face as normal in the morning. Since it absorbs overnight, you won’t need to wipe it off.

My Honest Beautycounter Cleansing Balm Review

It removes every trace of makeup without needing a second cleanse and without feeling like my skin is stripped.

My skin feels more hydrated after I cleanse with this, which is not what I typically experienced with face washes. Similar to coconut oil, the solid formula turns to an oil when you massage it into skin and it helps remove makeup, dirt and impurities without stripping skin. However, unlike coconut oil, it doesn’t leave your face feeling greasy. I tried washing with coconut oil for a month or so before I found Beautycounter’s Cleansing Balm and it was a total disaster for me! It made me breakout and it was just an oily mess. So while the texture is somewhat similar, the results are entirely different.

It feels easier to use than foaming face washes.

I used to dread washing my face at night – why does it feel like so much work?? But with the cleansing balm, it feels like less effort than foaming face washes, and it certainly feels more luxurious. I think since it’s applied to dry skin and removed with a cloth, it feels less messy than cleansers that get water all over the sink. (Hey, maybe I’m just a little messy but I think that’s part of why I like the balm formula so much!)

It’s a great bang for your buck since it is a multi-use product and a little goes a long way.

It can be used as a daily cleanser, as a replenishing overnight mask, and as a soothing balm for dry spots anywhere on your body. I’m often asked “how long does Beautycounter cleansing balm last?” And since you use an almond-size amount of product, each container lasts 6-12 months! (It will vary on how long it lasts depending if you use it AM and/or PM and how often you use it as a mask.)

It’s travel-friendly and minimizes what I have to pack for trips since I take the balm to act as both my cleanser and moisturizer.

While I don’t typically use the balm as my daily moisturizer, it can work for that. (I just use a tiny amount!) And, since it’s a solid formula, it’s carry-on friendly which means I don’t have to decant into a smaller container like I do with liquids. And that helps me travel with only a carry on!

What I don’t love about Beautycounter’s Cleansing Balm

Stings my eyes

I don’t like using it to remove my eye makeup since it can sting and if it gets on my contacts, it’s a blurry mess. I prefer to use an eye makeup remover or makeup wipes instead.

Quick tip:

Some people with acne-prone skin find that Beautycounter’s Cleansing Balm helps prevent breakouts since many times breakouts are caused by skin that is actually too dry. I personally experienced this for YEARS and couldn’t figure out why nothing helped my acne-prone skin. Then, during a facial an esthetician told me that I actually had very dry skin and I was using products that were far too harsh. My skin was overcompensating by producing more oil, which clogged my pores and led to breakouts. Once I started using skincare products designed for dry skin – like the Cleansing Balm – I very quickly saw an improvement in my breakouts.

So, while some people with oily, breakout skin love the Cleansing Balm, if you have naturally very oily skin you may not find this is the best cleanser for you. Those with oily skin are typically happier with Beautycounter’s CounterControl line, which is specially designed for oily skin. But, if you want to try the Cleansing Balm for your oily skin, Beautycounter has an amazing return policy. If it doesn’t work out, you can send it back in 60 days for a full refund (no matter how much product you’ve used).

My results with Beautycounter Cleansing Balm

After just one day of using Beautycounter Cleansing Balm, my skin felt incredible. It was so nice to not experience the tightness that I typically do with cleansers. After a few months, I started to notice that my skin was more radiant and even.

Now let’s fast forward to four years of using Beautycounter Cleansing Balm. You can see a visible difference and my skin is radiant without a trace of makeup (pictured below!). Okay, well I do have mascara on. But I don’t have any foundation or any sort of coverage on my skin. That’s right after wiping off the balm.

Beautycounter cleanser for dry skin

If I am being totally honest, my skin used to be pretty lackluster. Here’s what my skin looked like before I used the Cleansing Balm. While it was clear, there was zero brightness or radiance, even after my breakouts cleared up.

skin condition before

But when I added in the Cleansing Balm (and the Beautycounter Overnight Peel), I really started to notice an improvement immediately and especially over time. Here’s a photo after a few months.

beautycounter consultant compensation

And here’s a photo after three years.

Beautycounter cleanser for dry skin

And here’s what my skin looks like after 5 years!

Natural Spring make up look #LTKbeauty #LTKSeasonal

skin comparison now and 5 years ago My skin routine now includes the Cleansing Balm for my PM cleanser (these days I’m using the Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm as an alternative since it’s what I have on hand) and the Countertime Lipid Oil for my morning cleanser. (I prefer the balm at night but don’t love it as a morning cleanser for no reason other than habit.)

I use the cleansing balm as an overnight mask 1-2 times a week, and use the Beautycounter AHA Mask  once a week. While they are very different products, it’s perfect balance for me to help keep pores clear and also keep my skin hydrated!

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SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum Review (+Before and After) https://terilynadams.com/skinmedica-tns-advanced-serum-review/ https://terilynadams.com/skinmedica-tns-advanced-serum-review/#comments Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:47:16 +0000 https://www.afoodiestaysfit.com/?p=41344 My obsession with skincare began in my mid-20s when I was having serious problems with acne. I tried countless lines for years and nothing worked. Eventually, I found a brand...

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My obsession with skincare began in my mid-20s when I was having serious problems with acne. I tried countless lines for years and nothing worked. Eventually, I found a brand that DID work and I’ve enjoyed clear skin ever since. And now that I don’t have to fight acne, I feel like skincare is more fun! I LOVE trying new products and at age 38, I’m focused on hydration, preventing signs of aging and treating the fine lines and wrinkles I already have.

With those goals, I got a Diamond Glow facial two years ago at a local plastic surgeon’s office. It was one of the best facials I had ever had, and I appreciated that the product recommendations they suggested could be added to my current skincare routine. So, I walked away from my appointment like a sucker with hundreds of dollars of products to take home, as one does. 😉 But, thankfully, the products I got truly blew me away. I was shocked by how much of a difference I noticed with my skin after using them for a few months. One of those products is the SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum, which is what I’m going to review for you today. (The other was the iS Clinical Peel Pads, which I wrote a separate review on.)

First, a little about the brand: SkinMedica is a medical grade skincare brand that makes all kinds of skincare products. It was co-founded by a renowned dermatologist, Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, so everything was created with a doctor’s knowledge behind it, and it’s all incredibly high performing.

SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum Review

Like I mentioned above, I first learned about the SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum from the esthetician who did my facial. I told her that my main concern was aging skin and wrinkles, particularly with some deep smile lines, and this serum was her #1 recommendation. It’s not a retinol, but it does target signs of aging.

What does the TNS Advanced Serum do?

It’s designed to visibly improve the appearance of coarse wrinkles, fine lines, appearance of skin tone and texture, AND it’s clinically proven to address sagging skin. After using it for two months, I noticed that my skin has MUCH more elasticity and the deeper lines around my mouth lessened significantly.

These fine lines have really started to bother me in the past 2 years as they’ve become more pronounced. I get that aging happens, but these bother me especially for some reason. However, they improved significantly when I started using the TNS Serum and weren’t as deep and noticeable when my face is at rest and when smiling.

You can see a significant difference in the lines in these photos.

TeriLyn Adams showing skin before and after using SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum

Here is a photo after I first started using it two years ago – I’d been using it for 60 days when I snapped this photo. (I set a reminder on my phone so I’d remember!) Impressive, right? But, of course, like a dummy, after going through a couple bottles, I stopped using it because I didn’t want to spend the money (and then I couldn’t use it once I ordered more because I got pregnant). And my smile lines have returned with a vengeance.

TeriLyn Adams showing her skin with no makeup and with makeup using SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum
The clinical trials also speak for themselves (source):
  • A third-party, validated psychometric scale revealed that patients felt they looked up to 6 years younger after 12 weeks.
  • Significant improvements in the appearance of sagging skin after 8 weeks (gives the appearance of youthful skin).
  • Subjects felt increasingly more satisfied with continued use measured over 24 weeks.

How long does it take for the TNS Advanced Serum to work?

It varies person to person based on things like age, skin type, and of course the intensity of a person’s skin concern. In SkinMedica’s clinical studies however, people noticed improvements in their skin within as little as two weeks of using the serum consistently. The most consistent you are, the more improvements you’ll see! Skin takes time to regenerate and form new collagen, so within a couple of months you’ll start to see the best results.

How often should you use the TNS Advanced Serum?

The recommended usage is twice per day: After washing your face in the morning and again in the evening after cleansing. However, since this serum is potent and contains a pretty high concentration of active ingredients, it’s best to start by using it once a day use to make sure you don’t have any irritation. I personally only used it once or twice per week since I prefer to alternate my serums each night (which is called skin cycling).

How long does the TNS Advanced Serum last?

It should last 4-6 weeks if you use it twice daily (it’s recommend apply to the face morning and night), but since I was only using it 3 times a week, it lasted me about 6-7 months.

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum Key Ingredients

Let’s get into the key ingredients. There are two chambers in this serum that both dispense when you pump the serum into your hand. Together, they create a blend of marine extracts and peptides that support the collagen and elastin in your skin. It’s worth noting that the product is fragrance-free, so if you’re sensitive to scents like I am, this one shouldn’t be an issue.

Chamber #1

TNS®-MR

This formula acts on multiple levels to help give you the anti-age results you’re aiming for. TNS-MR is a highly active blend of two peptides: Progeline (Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2) and Prolixir S20 (Dimer Tripeptide-43)

Progeline helps your skin repair itself by stopping progerin (which interrupts important tissue repair processes, leading to visible signs of skin aging). And Prolixir S20 is a dimer tripeptide designed to help sustain successful aging (less sagging and wrinkles).

In simpler terms, it’s a combination of next-generation growth factor blend that supports healthy skin functions and an innovative peptide complex that nourishes your skin.

Chamber #2

Renessensce (RSC) Advanced

The second chamber contains Renessensce (RSC) Advanced, which is a mixture of  a highly active blend of botanicals botanicals, marine extracts, such as chlorella, saccharide isomerate, hydrolyzed linseed extract, and grape stem cell extract (the grape extract contains antioxidants that help maintain adult skin cell production). These support results of the ingredients in chamber #1.

  • French flax seed — Supports repair functions
  • Spanish marine extract — Supports skin’s renewal processes
  • Green microalgae — Supports collagen and elastin levels

This blend of extracts and peptides includes other ingredients as well, which you can find here.

Does TNS Advanced Serum have retinol in it?

No, it does not. However, the results are somewhat similar. The TNS Advanced+ Serum contains a blend of peptides, growth factors, and other active ingredients that help reduce the appearance of find lines and wrinkles along with other signs of aging.

If you want a retinol, I recommend the Retinol Oil by Colleen Rothschild or an Oliveda retinol, which are detailed in my Oliveda review.

How to Use the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

Step 1

Cleanse your face with your nightly cleanser. I love the Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm (read my full review of the cleansing balm here).

Step 2

After cleansing, apply your toner or essence. I use the Countertime Essence (my Essence review is linked on the blog too).

Step 3

Once your toner or essence has absorbed, dispense a single pump of the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum onto your fingertips or the back of your hand. Blend the product before applying to your face. Avoid applying too close to eyes, but apply all over the face and bring any leftover product to your neck and chest (key for making sure your decolletage stays youthful!).

Step 4

Follow with your night time moisturizer and eye cream. I love the Countertime Supreme Cream and the Ultra Renewal Eye Cream.

My Honest Review of the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

Amazing results

When you’re doing your research, you may come across SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum and wonder what the difference is (I did!). To make things simple, the SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum is the original serum that SkinMedica made, and the TNS Advanced Serum is the updated version that gives results faster. The Essential Serum is hard to find these days, but in case you do–both are great skin care products, but for just a smidge extra, you get faster results of the TNS Advanced Serum. Maybe if you don’t have that many signs of aging or you’re a bit younger than I am, the cheaper option could be a good one to start with!

TNS Advanced Serum Before And After

I was really hopeful that I would see great results since the cost of the serum is high. And I was shocked by just HOW good the results have been. I saw visible improvements in my smile lines and the line between my eyebrows after about three weeks of using it. My skin felt much more taut (without feeling dry or tight!), which is proof that was preventing/restoring sagging skin. It really was like my younger skin’s elasticity is coming back!

This side by side comparison shows the visible results pretty well. See how my skin has improved in 10 weeks of use? The next time I do a before and after, I’m going to try harder to have the same angle of my head since the way my head is tilted could possibly impact the appearance of results, but I could see myself in real life that it WAS working.

serum to improve wrinkles

Why is TNS Advanced Serum so good?

The blend of REALLY high quality, active ingredients mixed with a gentle formula that you can use daily makes this serum unique. It’s non irritating and incredibly effective, which is a hard duo to find.

Pros

Fragrance free

I’m sensitive to most scents, so the fact that this serum is fragrance free is a major bonus for me.

Lasts a long time

While the serum is very expensive, both bottles I bought last year lasted me 2+ months. Keep in mind that I didn’t use it every night and I didn’t typically use it in the AM, so the timeframe will be shorter if this is your daily serum, both AM and PM. Note that you don’t need to use a lot of product to get results. With all skincare products, you want just enough to cover skin. You don’t need a thick layer. A single pump dispenses a VERY small amount about a black bean size. It’s just enough to cover my face when blended in. And then, whatever was left on my hands, I put on my neck and chest and rub into my hands (another spot that shows age quickly!)

Not heavy or greasy

Some anti-aging products feel very heavy or make my skin feel tight.  That is NOT the case with this. It’s very lightweight and feels hydrating right away.

Easy to find

One great thing about this serum is that you can find it easily online. I’ve seen it on sale multiple times. I order wherever I can find the best deal. At times that’s at DermStore, and at other times, I’ve found it on LovelySkin or  SkinStore on sale.

Cons

High price point

It costs $295 for 1 oz, which feels extreme to me. But, given the results I saw, I obviously like it enough to keep ordering it.

Lawsuit

There was a lawsuit in 2014 involving SkinMedica TNS saying that it could potentially cause cancer given the growth factors it contains. The lawsuit was related to a different product. That was almost 10 years ago, and I’m not too concerned about it since I trust my medical spa, but it is a little disconcerting. The product I really want to try instead is this one from Chara Omni, which my friends have said gave them similar results and it’s a very safe product, but I can’t get my hands on it because it’s always sold out. And, it’s even more expensive.

This post is NOT sponsored and I paid for the product with my own money. 🙂 And as always, I share my very honest feedback!

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Beautycounter Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream Review https://terilynadams.com/mighty-plump-ceramide-water-cream/ https://terilynadams.com/mighty-plump-ceramide-water-cream/#respond Mon, 24 Jul 2023 19:27:15 +0000 https://terilynadams.com/?p=53087 Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps...

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Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps linked in this post. Also, be sure to join my email list so you can be the first to know when your Beautycounter favorites come back.

I’ve been hooked on the same daytime moisturizer for almost 4 years now. And considering how much I love to try new beauty products, that is saying something. I’ve just never found something I like better than the Countertime Soft Cream. That is, until I tried Beautycounter’s most recent product launch: the Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream.

When I first heard that this product was in development, I was intrigued but not convinced I’d like it as much as the Soft Cream. But as Beautycounter headquarters started doing clinical trials with the new Water Cream, and I started to hear about the results, I became REALLY interested. I kept hearing people say that it was like “instant filler”, so as soon as I could get my hands on it, I did.

And the verdict? I changed my daytime moisturizer for the first time in 4 years. I can’t get over how much I like this. It’s one of the better skincare products I’ve ever used, and today I’m sharing all the details (including some photos from their clinical trials to prove just how effective this is). I also took some of my own “before” photos and I’ll share a comparison once I have used it a bit longer to see if there is a noticeable difference “after” a few months of use.

If you’re not familiar with what makes Beautycounter different, this post explains what Beautycounter is.

Okay, let’s dive into today’s review. (And you can read more reviews by navigating through the Beautycounter category page on my blog.)

Beautycounter Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream Review

First of all, let’s break down what the Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream is. This cream is a water-based moisturizer that’s designed to be used daily and it works on all skin types. The formula is incredibly light and is made with two forms of hyaluronic acid along with ceramide, which hydrates your skin while protecting your skin’s barrier AND gives an almost instant plumping effect for many people.

What I noticed instantly is that my skin felt felt firmer, bouncier, and softer after applying this moisturizer. It’s also clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I didn’t notice the instant plumping but a lot of my lines are pretty deep. But, you’ll be shocked by the photos I included below with the results some other women have seen.

What are Ceramides?

Good question. Ceramides are fatty molecules (also called lipids) and create and protect the skin’s barrier. They are already present in your skin naturally, but you can also apply additional ceramides to your skin via skincare products. Ceramides are a popular ingredient in moisturizers because they help increase your skin’s moisture levels and heal cracked or dry skin. The more ceramides on your skin, the healthier and younger your skin will look and feel.

Key Ingredients

Three main ingredients in the Water Cream are what make it unique and effective.

Ceramide

Helps lift and plump the skin to improve the appearance of wrinkles while also helping to provide moisture barrier protection.

Sodium Hyaluronate

Helps to improve appearance of elasticity.

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Acts as a “flash filler” by decreasing the appearance of wrinkles.

How to use the Water Cream

I use the Water Cream as my day-time moisturizer. I cleanse and prep my skin with toner, and then apply whatever serum I’m using that morning. (Typically this is Vitamin C serum.) Next, I apply the water cream on top, let it absorb, and finish my routine with one of my favorite sunscreens. The Water Cream can also be used at night, but I still prefer this ultra thick night cream.

Benefits

  • Bouncy, weightless water cream that easily absorbs into skin.
  • Improves your skin barrier for plumper looking skin.
  • Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Provides instant hydration for lifted skin.
  • Improves elasticity with longer use for skin that appears firmer, renewed, and balanced.
  • Has a luxurious, velvety texture.
  • Scented with a refreshing blend of crisp water fruits, sea salt, and delicate violet leaf. I’m sensitive to smells but this is SO nice.

Results

The results are the most impressive thing about the Water Cream. Beautycounter did a study with 32 subjects who used the Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream for 8 weeks, once a day.

After four weeks of use:

  • 97% said appearance of fine lines and wrinkles was reduced
  • 100% said overall complexion looked improved

After eight weeks of use:

  • 91% said face appeared more lifted
  • 94% said skin looked more youthful
  • 97% said skin looked renewed
  • 97% said skin felt firmer
  • 100% said skin looked less dull and tired

While those numbers speak for themselves, what really sold me was the before and after photos. These pictures are taken right before applying the Water Cream and then directly after. Check out just how accurate the term “instant filler” is:

How do I know if Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream is right for me?

Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are both great for all skin types (even if you’re pregnant!), so everyone can use the Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream. But does everyone need it? Not necessarily. Ceramides are great for dry and aging skin since it helps improve the appearance of wrinkles, therefore this moisturizer will be best for those looking for help in those areas. If you have very normal or young skin, or if your skin is somewhat oily, you may like the Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion better since it’s a more basic option.

You can’t go wrong with the Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream, but if your skin feels hydrated as-is, you may want to spend your money on other skincare products that will be more effective for you.

Should I use this or the Countertime Soft Cream?

If you have fine lines and aging skin, you may already be using an anti-aging moisturizer like the Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream (which is what I was using). Since both are great for aging skin, here’s how I would differentiate them:

Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream

  • Cushiony, water cream texture
  • Subtle, refreshing scent
  • Key ingredients are Ceramide and Hyaluronic Acids
  • Results are instant plumping/flash filler
  • Designed for ALL skin types

Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream

  • Lightweight cream texture, a little heavier
  • No fragrance
  • Key ingredient is Bakuchiol, a retinatural complex
  • Anti-aging results with continued use
  • Designed for maturing skin

The Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream bridges the gap between full-on anti-aging skincare and a regular moisturizer. If Countertime feels too heavy on your skin, you will love this; however if your first priority is anti-aging, you may want to stick to Countertime since it’s purely designed for aging skin. I will likely go back to the Soft Cream in the winter months, since I imagine I’ll want a heavier moisturizer in the colder months, but we’ll see!

Bottom Line

I haven’t been this excited about a new moisturizer in years. I love the texture and I love how lightweight it is, but it still provides major hydration. The texture is hard to describe since I’ve never used anything quite like it, but I’ve yet to hear of anyone who doesn’t like it!

Add it to your cart here, and use code CLEANFORALL20 for 20% off your first order when you choose TeriLyn Adams as your consultant at checkout.

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Beautycounter All Bright Dark Spot Minimizer Review https://terilynadams.com/beautycounter-dark-spot-minimizer-review/ https://terilynadams.com/beautycounter-dark-spot-minimizer-review/#respond Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:18:37 +0000 https://terilynadams.com/?p=52009 Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps...

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Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps linked in this post. Also, be sure to join my email list so you can be the first to know when your Beautycounter favorites come back.

As I’ve aged, skin spots are starting popping up more and more. And while I’m diligent when it comes to wearing a hat or visor if I’m in the direct sun for any extended period of time, dark sun spots and pigmentation still happens. So, since I’m currently pregnant, I know that my melasma will come back. I didn’t have it too bad with my first pregnancy, but it was definitely there and I’ve already seen it start to appear.

However, Beautycounter recently launched a new product that is more targeted for skin pigmentation and I just started using it. So, today, I’m sharing all the details about Beautycounter’s new All Bright Dark Spot Minimizer.

Beautycounter All Bright Dark Spot Minimizer Review

Understanding Dark Spots and Pigmentation

First, let’s talk about what dark spots on our skin really are. Sun spots are also known as hyperpigmentation, which is caused by an overproduction of melanin in the skin. This happens when we have too much sun exposure, skin inflammation, acne scars or even hormonal changes (including pregnancy-induced melasma). While dark spots are very normal and they aren’t necessarily a sign of great skin health. In an aesthetic perspective, no one really prefers them.

What is Beautycounter?

If you aren’t familiar with Beautycounter, it’s a beauty and skincare brand that focuses solely on clean products. They have a “Never List” of ingredients that will never appear in any of their products, and on top of their rigorous safety standards, all of their products are also super high performing. I use Beautycounter for the majority of my skincare routine, and I also use a bunch of their makeup products.

Beautycounter’s All Bright Dark Spot Minimizer

For years, I’ve been using a this Beautycounter Vitamin C serum on my face each morning. It has been super helpful for improving dullness overall and protecting my skin from environmental stressors. While it wasn’t designed for lightening for stubborn pigmentation, the All Bright Dark Spot Minimizer is. The spot minimizer targets skincare products specifically formulated to address dark spots, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation issues. It’s not for your full face like a Vitamin C Serum, but it can treat smaller areas, like a spot treatment.

The All Bright Dark Spot Minimizer is made up of a blend of niacinamide, pomegranate extract, and a super stable form of vitamin C. Beautycounter calls this blend the BrighterTone Complex. This complex helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration to promote brighter, more youthful looking skin.

Key Ingredients

Ethylated Ascorbic Acid (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) – This is one of the most stable forms of vitamin C and it significantly improves the appearance of dark spots over time. (You can read in my review of the All Bright C Serum why the stability of Vitamin C matters more than the percentage.)

Niacinamide – This visibly reduces discoloration, corrects dullness, and brightens the complexion.

Pomegranate Extract – So, this antioxidant superfruit helps visibly renews the skin by improving the appearance of dark spots and blemishes, for a more radiant-looking complexion.

How to use the All Bright Dark Spot Minimizer

The Dark Spot Minimizer works as a serum step in your skincare routine. Start by cleansing your face and applying your toner, apply any of your regular serums and then follow with the Dark Spot Minimizer anywhere necessary. The applicator tip was designed to gently massage the product into your skin.

Let the Dark Spot Minimizer dry for a minute or so, and then follow with your moisturizer and SPF. Because Vitamin C makes our skin more sensitive to the sun, it’s extra important to wear SPF when using this product. (Read my review of the Daily Sheer SPF by Beautycounter for more details about my favorite face sunscreen.)

Results with the All Bright Dark Spot Minimizer

While I haven’t been using this treatment for long enough to see my own before and afters, the clinical trial results speak for themselves. The study was done with 50 subjects who used the product twice a day.

After 4 weeks

82% said it reduced the appearance of post-blemish discoloration.

After 8 weeks

  • 94% said skin looked brighter
  • 88% said complexion appears radiant and luminous
  • 90% agreed complexion appeared balanced

I have a few dark sun spots that I’ve started treating. So, I will share my after photos and thoughts here in a few weeks.

FAQs

Can anyone use the All Bright Dark Spot Minimizer?

Yes. This spot treatment is great for all skin types. However, like always when using a new product on your skin, it’s best to do a patch test on your arm to see if you have any adverse reactions.

How often should I use it?

You can use this product up to twice daily, in the morning and at night.

Will it irritate my skin?

Vitamin C can be irritating when the potency is too high for your skin type. While you’ll likely be fine, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Final Thoughts

It’s difficult to find products that are truly effective AND only use safe ingredients. This is the main reason I use so many Beautycounter products — they just do it best!

You can save 20% on your first order when you use the code CLEANFORALL20 and TeriLyn Adams as your consultant at checkout. If you want to learn more about Beautycounter, I shared all of my favorite products (and the ones I don’t love) in this review. And if you don’t have a skincare routine you love, fill out this quick questionnaire and I’ll help you.

The post Beautycounter All Bright Dark Spot Minimizer Review appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

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