But there are a few simple things you can tweak to help your dry skin, whether you need to make these adjustments year-round or just during the colder months. Here are 10 reasons your skin is dry even if you moisturize, plus what to do so you can get on your way to more hydrated, glowing skin any time of year.

Why is my skin so dry even when I moisturize?

I’m sharing tips primarily focused on the face, but I included a few notes about how to deal with dry skin on your body, too! Here are my best tips for a winter skin care routine.

1. You’re using the wrong moisturizer & serum

It’s not uncommon to feel like your regular moisturizer no longer is enough when the temperatures drop. It can also feel dryer in the summer from more sun exposure. A simple solution is to get a thicker, more hydrating nighttime moisturizer. When you wake up, your skin will feel more hydrated, and your usual daytime moisturizer may be enough. If not, you may also need to switch your daytime moisturizer. Some people are able to use their nighttime moisturizer during the day, and others find it too heavy.

When looking for a more hydrating moisturizer, look for something that is anti-aging since that will always have ingredients focused on dry skin since skin loses its hydration as we age. You can also look for moisturizers or serums with with hyaluronic acid to keep your face hydrated ALL day. (This Oliveda F59 Corrective Face Serum is great serum for dry, aging skin. It also has para cress which lifts and smoothes, which is why some people call it “Botox in a Bottle”.)

I use the Oliveda Corrective Face Cream (F42) during the day, and this Oliveda Regeneration Intense Face Cream (F74) at night since it’s thicker.

2. You’re skipping a face oil

Another option if you don’t want to buy a new moisturizer (or you need even more hydration) is to add a face oil to your routine. You can layer it under your moisturizer, mix it in, and apply both together, or apply it as the last layer on top of your moisturizer. I would suggest trying all three since the feel is a bit of personal preference. My esthetician said that applying the oil last, i.e. on top of your moisturizer, will help lock in the most moisturizer since it seals it in.

I use the Colleen Rothschild No. 9 Face Oil and I just ordered the Oliveda Cell Active Face Oil (F63) since it’s supposed to be a huge hydration booster. Don’t be scared of adding an oil to your routine if you are breakout prone. Your skin NEEDS oil to be its healthiest! Oftentimes, breakouts are caused when the skin is too dry, so it produces more oil and clogs pores. Adding in a high-quality oil designed for your skin type helps prevent that. (Here are more tips for clear skin!)

3. You’re using the wrong mask or no mask at all

Many people think of clearing out junk when they think of masks, and yes, those masks have their place! There are also incredible masks that help hydrate skin and give back to it! My favorites are the Colleen Rothschild Intense Moisture Mask, and the Oliveda Black Olive Face Mask (F18). If I could only recommend one, I’d get the Oliveda mask since I don’t love the smell of the CR one but I do like that I can leave it on over night.

4. You’re not properly hydrated

We all know water intake is important – eight glasses a day, right? You may need more than that in the winter and you definitely need more if you work up a hard sweat when you workout. Aim for your urine to be pale yellow. You may also need to add a pinch of salt or electrolytes to your water (I use LMNT) to help you actually retain your water intake if your urine is always clear and you pee often.

The right foods can also help. Citrus fruits, nuts, whole grains, broccoli, and eggs are particularly helpful at hydrating skin. They are high in vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, and E — all of these nourish skin and improve water retention. While you’re looking at your diet, look at how much sugar and refined carbs you are consuming since those can impair the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

5. You’re not exfoliating

Your moisturizer can’t absorb into your skin if dry skin cells are getting in the way. Using a gentle exfoliator, just 1-2 a week, will help remedy that. I use the Oliveda F81 AHA + HT Serum Face a few times a week and this Oliveda Honey Enzyme Face Mask once a week.

6. You’re not using a toner

A toner was something I never used since I always felt like they stripped my skin, leaving it feeling raw and dry – the opposite of what I wanted. But the right toner will increase the hydration of your skin, balancing it after cleansing, so your treatments and moisturizers absorb and work better. For dry skin, the Oliveda Corrective Facial Tonic (F67) is amazing.

7. You’re ignoring proper bodycare

If your face is dry, your legs and arms probably are feeling it too.

First, make sure you have a high-quality body wash.

And I hate to break it to you, but your two-dollar body wash probably isn’t the best option for dry skin. (Never mind it’s likely filled with harmful chemicals. Look it up on the EWG Skin Deep website and/or check it against this Never List.) Many times irritated skin is caused by a reaction to a chemical in cheaper products. So, make sure your body wash isn’t exacerbating problems. This goes for your face cleanser too!)

Also, when you’re showering, turn the temperature down just a bit so you’re not blasting blazing hot water. I LOVE a hot shower or bath but it does contribute to dry skin, so just adjust the temp a bit. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using warm, not hot water to cleanse.

Next, exfoliate your body.

Just like your face, dry skin can prevent your moisturizer from fully absorbing. I like to use a dry brush a few times a week and a good body scrub once a week. I like this Osea brand for body scrub.

Swap your lotion

In the summer, I use a more traditional body lotion (this Oliveda Anti Aging Body Lotion). In the winter, I use a VERY thick body butter that contains shea butter. I love the Primally Pure body butters. A body butter typically will feel a bit greasy at first, but it absorbs after a few minutes. For me, it’s worth it to deal with that I don’t have itchy skin call day.

You could also purchase a body oil to mix in with your regular body lotion! This Oliveda Lavender Body Oil Serum is perfect. It moisturizes, softens, and smooths the skin.

Noticing a trend here? All the things you do for your face also apply to your body!

8. You don’t use a humidifier

This will help add moisture back to your rooms. I always plug in our humidifier in the winter months about an hour before I head to bed and let it run all night! While I don’t love having it sit on my nightstand, I do love healthy skin, so it’s worth it

9. You don’t consume collagen

Some people swear by collagen for increasing their skin’s moisture levels. Collagen is the main structural protein in our skin and as we age, we lose collagen which causes skin to break down, causing fine lines and wrinkles. So many people purport that consuming a collagen supplement can help improve skin breakdown, and therefore improve hydration. But, there is actually little research or data to prove that. So, take it if you want to, but don’t rely on it as a quick fix or as your only avenue to improve dry skin! I take the Oliveda Beauty Fountain liquid collagen every single day since I want all the help I can get!

10. You think skincare ends after your morning routine

If you still feel like your face is parched by the afternoon, no matter what you do, keep a face mist in your purse. A lightweight mist will add just enough hydration without causing your makeup to slide off. Bonus: it just FEELS good. This Primally Pure plumping mist is the one I use.

My Dry Skin Must-Haves

The post Why is my skin so dry even when I moisturize?? – 10 Tips to Save Your Dry Skin appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

As someone who loves real botox, (I got it a few years ago before getting pregnant with my second baby), this was obviously the first product I wanted to try. I LOVE the way botox worked for me, so I was slightly skeptical of all the raving reviews of this “liquid botox”.

Now that I’ve been using it for about 1 month, I’m sharing an initial, honest review. In short: I wouldn’t go as far as to say that this is just like real botox, HOWEVER, I do think it’s wildly effective for fine lines. And it’s my #1 pick from Oliveda’s products since it can be added to any skincare routine and makes a huge difference. My fine lines around my eyes and mouth and the wrinkles on my forehead seriously have decreased after a month of using it. I have some before and after photos below!

Let’s get into all of the details.

Does Botox in a Bottle really work?

First, what is Botox in a Bottle?

The term “botox in a bottle” has become the tag line for Oliveda’s most popular product: The Corrective Face Serum (F59). That’s because this serum is designed to smooth wrinkles and fine lines and give your skin a “lifted” effect, just like botox.

It’s made with concentrated hydroxytyrosol (which is a super powerful antioxidant) combined with para cress extract which lifts and smooths your skin. Para cress contains spilanthol, which is an active ingredient that has a paralyzing effect and can reduce muscle contractions. That paralyzing effect is what gives it botox-like effects.

Depsite the high-performance and results, it’s very gentle. It’s great for sensitive skin because of its soothing properties, and even stimulates the production of collagen which will improve skin’s firmness with continued use.

Oliveda also has two other products with botox-like effects. One is called the the Corrective Eye Elixir (F64). It’s the same as the Corrective Face Serum, but it’s made for your eyes. I always tell people to get both. You don’t want to smooth the lines and wrinkles all over your face and forget your eyes.

The other is by Oliveda’s sister brand, LA DOPE. LA DOPE is a skincare line that includes hemp, which is known to help with inflammation. For that reason, I always recommend that someone use LA DOPE products when they have super sensitive skin. The LA DOPE 002 Finer Pore Dope Face Elixir has a very similar composition to the Oliveda Corrective Face Serum, but it also contains cannabidiol which is great for soothing the skin and refining the pores.

Other brands of botox in a bottle

The term “Botox in a Bottle” is trending outside of the Oliveda sphere as well. There are many beauty brands that are making serums that produce similar effects to botox without the injections or high price tag. Most of them claim to smooth wrinkles and plump and hydrate visibly tired skin to give you a more youthful complexion.

However, all of these serums are made a little differently. Some use a peptide Argireline solution to create the same neurotransmitter inhibition that is responsible for muscle contraction (The Ordinary’s Argireline serum does this), and some are made with Matrixyl 3000 which promotes the formation of collagen and elastin and makes your skin look firmer.

Oliveda’s Botox in a Bottle is made with para cress, which contains spilanthol – an active ingredient that has a paralyzing effect and can reduce muscle contractions. It also stimulates collagen production. I love that Oliveda’s products are all made with clean, organic ingredients.

Not all of these products are equal, and the term “botox in a bottle” is simply a way to describe the effects of a serum. I haven’t tried other brands’ versions of botox in a bottle, so I’m only speaking to Oliveda’s Corrective Face Serum in this post.

Key Ingredients

• Para Cress – This gives your skin the same “lifted” effect as botox and stimulates collagen.
• Hydroxytyrosal – This is a powerful antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress and hyperpigmentation. It also improves elasticity and firmness. All of Oliveda’s products contain hydroxytyrosal.

Benefits of Botox in a Bottle

• Lifts the skin and increases firmness
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Targets hyperpigmentation and lightens sun spots
• Reduces pore size
• Balances the skin

How to use

Serums should be the third step in your skincare routine. You want to start by cleansing, applying an essence or toner to prep the skin, and then you’ll apply your serum. I use a very small amount of Oliveda’s Corrective Face Serum (F59) – probably 1/4th of a dropper. I apply it all over my face, gently massage it in, and then follow with any other serums I’m using, moisturizer, and SPF.

For the the Corrective Eye Elixir (F64), you want to apply it underneath your eye cream. I use both in the AM and PM.

If you want more information about a full skincare routine and what to use for your skin type, join my free skincare course here.

Results

I shared before and after photos below, but I’m shocked by how much firmer my skin looks since I started using Oliveda’s Botox in a Bottle. The smoothing results took about a week to become noticeable, but the firming effect is instant. I love how much tighter and taut my skin feels, and it’s definitely more radiant and youthful. I also really like how it smells – it’s super natural, not intentionally scented.

I’ve honestly felt more confident since I started using the Corrective Face Serum than I have since my son was born almost five months ago. I’m by no means trying to look “ageless”, but I want my skin to age more gracefully. This is the best face serum I’ve ever used with that in mind!

Before and After

I’m BLOWN away by how much of a difference I can see in these photos. The lighting is different obviously, but look at the line between my brows! It’s SO much less prominent now. I also notice my skin looks so much more glowy and youthful in the after image, likely due to the high concentration of hydroxytyrosol in the Corrective Face Serum (and all other Oliveda products).

I took the after picture 4 weeks after I started using Oliveda.

Is botox in a bottle safe for pregnancy?

Oliveda’s is, yes! I can’t speak to other brand’s versions of botox in a bottle, but everything Oliveda makes is pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. I’m currently breastfeeding and using the Corrective Face Serum (F59) and the Corrective Eye Elixir (F64) twice a day. As always, I think it’s best to talk with your doctor before starting anything new.

Where to buy Oliveda Botox in a Bottle

Buy the Oliveda Botox in a Bottle HERE! It’s sold online at Oliveda.com, and I’ve seen a few retailers selling it on Amazon, but I’m not sure I’d trust that since the company says they are the only authorized retailer in the US. If you do place an Oliveda order, I’d love it if you selected me, TeriLyn Adams, as your consultant at checkout. I will follow up on your order and help answer any questions you have.

Be sure to add the the Corrective Eye Elixir (F64) to your cart at the same time.

Unfortunately, this stuff sells out SUPER quickly each time it comes back in stock. If you want text updates about restocks, click this link and the hit send when it populates the word “oliveda” in your text composer. If you have trouble, text OLIVEDA to 336-554-7262.

You can also get my restock alerts on this Oliveda Restock IG Channel.

The post Does Botox in a Bottle really work? appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

While this seems like a lot of steps, it takes less than 5 minutes and I’ve seen a big difference in my skin’s appearance and texture since I started doing a full skincare routine with all the basics steps (cleanse, tone, treat, hydrate, protect) and doing it consistently. And I NEVER EVER sleep with makeup on!

If you want to learn more about the basics of skincare and how to choose the right products for your skin type, sign up for this free mini skin-care routine 101 course — it’s all sent right to your inbox over the course of a few days.

Additionally, I have promo codes for a few of the brands listed below but I know it’s a long post so I wanted to call them out here as well.

• OLIVEDA: Free shipping on orders $50+ and a FREEBIE when you take this quiz and buy two products.

• COLLEEN ROTHSCHILD: Use code TERILYN20 for 20% off

For all the products listed below, a little goes a long way, so less is more.  You’ll find that just 1-2 pumps (or a black bean size amount of product) is enough for most of these (and for some, even less). If you’re used to using drugstore brands, you may feel like it’s not enough but they’re very concentrated and you won’t get more benefit by layering on thick amounts.

I have normal to dry skin, so if you have normal, oily/acne-prone skin or combination skin, this may not be the right routine for you but if you, but if you fill out this Skincare Survey, I will send you personalized recommendations for your skin type! Oliveda is a clean, waterless skincare brand that has such good products for all skin types, I tend to recommend that brand most but there will be a few others included from time to time too. Read more about Oliveda here!

My Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

If I list multiple products, it’s either because I alternate days or because I have two products that I like and I just use whatever I have on hand. I’m a skincare junkie so I’m always buying and trying more than I need.

My morning skincare routine

1. Cleanse

Oliveda F71 Corrective Cleansing Gel – This is a smooth cleanser that foams just slightly with water. It’s very gentle and smells amazing.

2. Tone

Next I use the Oliveda F67 Corrective Facial Tonic as my toner step. It has hydroxytyrosol (a powerful antioxidant) and and camu camu (which is a vitamin C booster). I feel like my skin has been retaining moisture better since switching to this.

3. Serum

I layer a few serums in the morning, that I use in this order.

Vitamin C Serum – This is for skin’s overall brightness and evenness. I’ve been using Oliveda F83 HT + Vitamin C Serum. I love the bright red color.

Oliveda F59 Corrective Face Serum – This is my anti-aging serum. It’s nicknamed “botox in a bottle”, and I don’t think I’d go that far (I love the real deal), but since I can’t get botox right now (I’m breastfeeding), I’ll take all the all-natural botox I can get. I do think it’s helped my smile lines after just a few weeks. It’s made with hydroxytyrosol and paracress which give a lifting effect while reducing the appearance of pores.

4. Hydrate

For my day cream, I use the Oliveda F42 Corrective Face Cream. It’s made with extra hydroxytyrosol in it (a super powerful antioxidant) and it’s ideal for mature, aging skin. It’s smoothing, super hydrating, improves elasticity and reduces fine lines. It contains a sun protection factor!

5. Eye cream

Before eye cream, I use the Oliveda F64 Corrective Eye Elixir. This like “botox in a bottle” for your eyes. It has a triple hyaluronic acid structure and a ton of antioxidants, so it hydrates and plumps while also giving your eyes a more lifted, radiant look. I massage a drop around my eyes, and then follow with my eye cream. I use Colleen Rothschild Illuminating Tinted Eye Cream in the morning. Since this is tinted, I often think of it like concealer, but it has all of the eye cream properties you know and love (including caffeine which helps with puffiness).

6. Protect with SPF

I LOVE this Supergoop Glowscreen (also not the cleanest, but not horrible in terms of ingredients). It’s ultra lightweight and leave a radiant finish, but it’s not too shiny or glowy (just enough). It looks perfect under makeup.

My evening skincare routine

Best case scenario, I do my evening skincare regimen about 30-60 minutes before heading to bed. This gives my skin enough time to absorb everything before I put on my sleeping eye mask and put my face on my pillow (stomach sleeper here!). Most nights I change into PJs about an hour before I go to bed and do my skincare routine. Then, Tommy and I watch a show together before I go to bed.

1. Cleanse

Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm – This is super hydrating and smells amazing and removes every bit of makeup and grime from the day and my skin still feels amazing. I apply this to dry skin, then remove with a wet muslin towel or washcloth.

I also like the Oliveda F71 Corrective Cleansing Gel at night for a double cleanse.

2. Tone

Oliveda F67 Corrective Facial Tonic as my toner step.

4. Serum

At night, I start by mixing a few drops of Oliveda F82 Green Retinol Face Elixir into my serum. The Oliveda F82 Green Retinol Face Elixir is a natural alternative to retinol made with bakuchiol. It reduces fine lines and pore size, improves complexion, contracts pigmentation, AND protects against free radicals. Like I said, I mix it with my serum, which is the Oliveda F59 Corrective Face Serum (botox in a bottle).

Then I apply both to my skin.

5. Hydrate

For my night cream I use the Oliveda F74 Regeneration Intense Face Cream. The texture is really weird (like body butter), but its SUPER hydrating.

6. Eye Cream

I use the Oliveda F60 Corrective Eye Cream & Oliveda F64 Corrective Eye Elixir together for my eyes. Layer the Elixir under the eye cream.

7. Lip Mask

I love love love the The Oliveda F75 Olive Tree Therapy Lip Balm. It’s the best lip mask I’ve ever tried and I’ve tried a lot. Not only does it hydrate and my lips have completely stopped peeling since I use it, but they also look plumper and they have a more defined edge when I use it. It’s almost like it instantly improves the fine lines around my lips and decreases redness there. Once you try it, you’ll understand. It’s the best. 

As Needed

Colleen Rothschild Hyaluronic Serum – When my skin needs an extra boost of hydration.

Oliveda F81 AHA + HT Serum Face – An overnight resurfacing peel. I use this 2-3X a week instead of my serums to improve skin texture, fine lines and skin spots.

Oliveda F76 Honey Enzyme Face Mask – Exfoliates the skin but has a warming sensation. I love using this (which says a lot since I usually hate doing masks).

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments section!

The post My Skincare Routine for my dry, aging skin appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

I love skincare. And one of the newest brands on my radar is Oliveda. While Oliveda is new to me, it’s actually not new to the beauty industry at all — it’s been in posh spas in Europe for 20+ years. However, it’s only been in the US for about a year.

If you’re a regular blog reader or follow me on Instagram, you already know that I love skincare. My love of skincare started with my personal journey dealing with horrific breakouts and learning that quality skincare matters. When I stopped using drugstore brands and invested in products with quality and safer ingredients, my breakouts cleared up. That was over a decade ago (and my skin looks better at 39 than it did at 25!) and ever since, I’ve been obsessed with trying different brands and different kinds of skincare, always looking for the most effective products for myself AND what to recommend to others.

As a huge fan of clean beauty and skincare, I was really excited to try Oliveda (especially because I was hunting for some alternatives to my favorite Beautycounter products that are no longer available). I’ve been BLOWN away, to say the least. Honestly, I’m really shocked. I try new skincare products almost daily, and it’s very rare that I feel passionately about a product as quickly as I did after trying Oliveda.

In this blog post, I’ll share a background of the brand, what makes their products unique, and which ones I’ve tried, along with my honest review.

Oliveda Skincare Review: My Experience as a Skincare Junkie

What is Oliveda?

Oliveda is a German-based skincare brand that formulates skincare products with extracts from olive trees. They’re known for their waterless skincare philosophy, which means their products are concentrated with active ingredients, avoiding the need for water and preservatives that can dilute potency and potentially irritate the skin (I’ll explain this in detail below). Additionally, all of Oliveda’s formulations are designed to be highly effective, free from harmful additives, and sustainable.

The brand was founded by Thomas Lommel after his own experience with the effects of using olive-based products internally. His first product was the I01 Elixir (a drinkable supplement), which then spurred him to create skincare products because he was convinced that what was best for the inside must also be best for the outside (our skin).

What does oliveda mean?

The name Oliveda comes from the Latin word for olive, olivae.

Why is waterless skincare good?

While water isn’t bad (at all), it does require preservatives and emulsifiers to stabilize the rest of the formula, so removing water as the main base of the product means the active ingredients aren’t diluted. Instead of using water as a filler, Oliveda focuses on using organic olive leaf extract called hydroxytyrosol, which is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. It’s also highly anti-inflammatory. Using hydroxytyrosol as the main base of their products means that every single ingredient is active. You can read more about Oliveda’s waterless formulations here.

Is Oliveda really waterless?

While Oliveda is known for being waterless skincare, you WILL see water on their ingredient list. This is because water is a byproduct of extracting ingredients from the olive leaf, but Oliveda never adds water to their products. And you won’t ever see water as the #1 ingredient on the ingredient list as is often the case with other brands (including ones I use and love).

To be clear, there’s no downside to including water in skincare products. However, Oliveda’s use of the olive leaf cell extract is an alternative that makes the rest of the active ingredients in their products even more potent and effective. 95% of Oliveda’s products are bioactive because the extract that’s used as the base is also active itself. Given that, you only need a very small amount of product when applying Oliveda products. It has actually been a bit of an adjustment to not use as much product as I was using previously with other brands (and it’s not like I used a ton prior). I truly only need a drop of the serums and a black bean size of moisturizer. A little goes a very long way!

Is Oliveda a clean beauty brand?

Yes. Since Oliveda is a German-based company, they are required to follow all EU beauty safety standards. The EU bans over 1700 ingredients while the US bans 11, so simply put, Oliveda is much cleaner than the majority of US beauty brands. No, it’s not Beautycounter with their 2800 banned ingredients, but I feel really good about the information I’ve learned about Oliveda’s ingredients. And considering I’m breastfeeding, safety is extra important to me right now.

One thing to note: As you’re reading through Oliveda’s ingredients, it can be a little confusing as a US consumer because things are labeled differently in Europe than they are in the US. Since Oliveda is an international brand, we just have to look at things with a different lens. I’ll break down some of the key things to know below.

Fragrance

In the US, the term “fragrance” is a loophole that brands can use to include anything they want, including harmful endocrine disruptors and allergens. In the EU, every ingredient in a skincare product has to be tested for safety, but once it’s approved to be used as fragrance, it doesn’t have to be disclosed. Oliveda does use the term fragrance on the back of their products, but everything they use has to be tested by the EU first, so it’s not a loophole to be wary of like it is in the US.

Retinol

In the US, we’re instructed not to use retinol while we are pregnant or breastfeeding, so when you see the term retinol on Oliveda products, it’s a bit jarring. But similarly to fragrance, in the EU, safe alternatives to retinol (i.e. bakuchiol) are screened, deemed safe, and then labeled retinol. For context, bakuchiol is what was used in Beautycounter’s Countertime line (more details here). The Oliveda product called “Green Retinol” has bakuchiol on the ingredient list, not a derivative of Vitamin A.

Oliveda carries 4 products labeled with the term retinol:

• F65 Corrective Midnight Elixir: Fish-derived retinol
• F82 Green Retinol Face Elixir: Bakuchiol
• F87 Corrective Kahai Elixir: Nut-derived Kahai oil retinol from the Cacay tree
• 004 LA DOPE Your Wrinkles Face Oil Serum: Nut-derived Kahai oil retinol from the Cacay tree

And while these do have retinol, they are natural retinols. Of course, this is up to personal preference, and you may still decide to stay away from natural forms of retinol. Beautycounter included Bakuchiol in their products (and Beautycounter had more stringent standards than the EU), so I feel fine about using the F82 Green Retinol Face Elixir especially.

How to know what to buy from Oliveda

Oliveda has almost 90 products in their lineup, so deciding what to get can be a bit overwhelming. And since the company is based in Europe, the names of their products is also a bit confusing. Their anti-aging line is called “corrective” for example. I thought the corrective line was for oily or breakout prone skin when I first heard it – like I said, it takes some getting used to.

To simplify things a bit, I’ve outlined what to get for each skin type. The great thing about Oliveda is that nothing is exclusive to one skin type — think of it as “good, better, best” in terms of your goals. The most basic cleanser will still work for you if you have dry, mature skin, but you’ll benefit more greatly from the cleanser made for anti-aging, if that makes sense.

Okay, let’s break it down by product type so you can decide what to buy:

1. Choose a Cleanser
2. Choose a Toner
3. Choose a Serum
4. Choose an Elixir
5. Choose a Moisturizer
6. Choose an Eye Cream
7. Incorporate “Add-On” products

Oliveda Products for Dry/Mature/Aging Skin

1. Cleanser

Oliveda really encourages double-cleansing, meaning washing your face with an oil to remove makeup, and then following with a foaming cleanser, so I’m linking both below. If you only get one, get the gel cleanser.

Corrective Cleansing Oil (F72)

An oil based cleanser for dry, aging skin. It’s made with olive fruit oil and lavender oil, which nourish and sooth/calm the skin.

Corrective Cleansing Gel (F71)

This is super gentle and very hydrating. It smells amazing, but the smell is very natural and not super strong (I’m sensitive to scents and love this). I use this morning and night and my very-dry skin isn’t stripped at all.

2. Toner

Corrective Facial Tonic (F67)

This tonic should be used as a toner, right after cleansing. This preps your skin for the serum and elixir you’ll use next. This is what I use daily. My skin feels like it’s maintaining moisture all day, now that I’m using this.

3. Serum

Corrective Serum Face (F59)

This is what people call “botox in a bottle”. It’s made with concentrated hydroxytyrosol (which is a super powerful antioxidant) combined with para cress extract which is an ingredient that lifts and smooths your skin. It also builds collagen. I’m a big fan of real botox, so I wouldn’t go as far as to say that this is just like it, HOWEVER, I do think it’s wildly effective for fine lines. I swear the fine lines around my smile have lessened since I started using it. It sells out super quickly each time it comes back in stock.

4. Elixir

Elixirs are similar to serums in terms of benefits, but they’re made to be mixed into your serum. When they are used together, you get the most bang for your buck. This is where you add your retinol or retinol alternative to your routine.

For mature or aging skin, these are your best options:

Corrective Midnight Elixir (F65)

If you’ve already used retinol in the past and love the effects, then you will love this. It’s a natural form of retinol that’s derived from fish. It can only be used at night, and it’s Oliveda’s strongest option.

Corrective Kahai Elixir (F78)

This is a natural form of retinol that’s derived kahai oil retinol from the cacay tree. If you typically react to bakuchiol (some do), then try this. If you need a retinol alternative for any reason, then get the Green Retinol Face Elixir (F82) (details below).

5. Moisturizer

Corrective Face Cream (F42)

This day cream is ideal for dry/aging skin because it has extra hydroxytyrosol in it (a super powerful antioxidant). It’s smoothing, super hydrating, improves elasticity and reduces fine lines. It contains a sun protection factor! Apply this like you would any moisturizer, but know a little goes a very long way.

Cell Active Face Cream (F08)

This is a good night cream option because it’s super hydrating.This is one of the thickest face creams Oliveda has. It provides cellular protection, prevents aging, and neutralizes free radicals. Apply just a TINY bit at night. A little goes a long way.

6. Eye Cream

There are two products I recommend here, and if you can get both, do it!

Oliveda F60 Corrective Eye Cream

This eye cream has a ton of anti-aging ingredients in it that will help boost your collagen and give you a smoothing effect around your eyes. It also helps under-eye shadows and discolorations. Apply a tiny bit around your eye, but avoid the upper lid. 

Oliveda F64 Corrective Eye Elixir

This is a game-changer for your eyes. It has a triple hyaluronic acid structure and a ton of antioxidants, so it hydrates and plumps while also giving your eyes a more lifted, radiant look. You apply this underneath your eye cream.

Oliveda Products for Normal/Combination Skin

1. Cleanser

Like I mentioned above, I recommend double cleansing, especially since that’s how Oliveda designed their skincare. If you are only going to buy one though, get the gel cleanser.

Arbequina Cleansing Oil (F78)

Nourishes and hydrates while removing impurities. Start with this, and follow with the gel cleanser.

Purifying Cleansing Gel (F38)

This gives you a super deep cleanse while also supplying your skin with highly concentrated antioxidants that help prevent signs of aging.

2. Toner

Activating Facial Toner (F11)

This is non-drying and does not strip your skin, but rather helps restore your skin’s natural balance.

3. Serum

Corrective Serum Face (F59)

This is the same recommendation I have for aging skin – I want everyone to use it. Most people refer to this as “botox in a bottle”. It’s made with concentrated hydroxytyrosol, (a powerful antioxidant) combined with para cress extract which lifts and smooths your skin (like botox). It also builds collagen. This will prevent future signs of aging while also helping with any current signs of aging you already have.

If you’re young (in your early twenties) and truly don’t notice signs of aging yet, then the Cell Active Serum is similar but slightly less concentrated and might be a better option.

Cell Active Serum (F06)

This serum helps smooth your skin and reduce pore size, but it mainly reduces dark spots and smoothes wrinkles. What I love most about this is that it has a skin-tightening effect. It’s an all around great serum for all skin types.

4. Elixir

Elixirs are similar to serums, but you actually mix them into your existing serum for the best benefits. These all have natural forms of retinol in them, and they’re great for all skin types, but you only need one. There are two options for normal/combination skin:

Corrective Kahai Elixir (F78)

This is a natural form of retinol that’s derived kahai oil retinol from the cacay tree. If you typically react to bakuchiol (some do), then try this.

Green Retinol Face Elixir (F82)

This is Oliveda’s most gentle retinol option, and I think of it as more of a retinol alternative. It’s a blend of bakuchiol (alternative to retinol) and kahai oil (natural retinol). Technically yes, there is vitamin A in this from a very low concentration of kahai oil, but because of how low the concentration is (and the fact that the Vitamin A in it is natural versus synthetic), I feel fine about using this while breastfeeding. This reduces fine lines and pore size, improves complexion, contracts pigmentation, AND protects against free radicals. This can be used morning and night. This one does have a unique smell. It doesn’t smell good but it doesn’t smell bad, just unique. If you know you react to bakuchiol (some people do), your skin will likely respond better to the Corrective Kahai Elixir (F78).

5. Moisturizer

Anti Oxidant Face Cream (F05)

This is a great basic everyday moisturizer. Get this as your day cream.

Regeneration Intense Face Cream (F74)

This is one of the more hydrating moisturizers from Oliveda but it’s designed for normal to combination skin (and even works well if you struggle with oily skin or breakouts). It reduces redness and helps balance the skin. This is a great option for your night cream.

6. Eye Cream

Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream (F09)

This is a great basic eye cream. I love the texture and it’s completely non-irritating. It tightens and reduces fine lines around your eye area.

Add-on products for all skin types

Corrective Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Serum (F86)

Hyaluronic serums are great for dry and aging skin because they deeply moisturize and hydrate. This serum also repairs oxidative damage and makes your skin look and feel more elastic/tight. You can layer this on top of your serum for extra hydration.

Acne SOS Face Drops (F85)

These drops unclog pores, balance sebum production, and reduces acne-causing bacteria. They contain salicylic acid which is ideal for fighting and preventing acne.

HT + Vitamin C Serum (F83)

This is Oliveda’s Vitamin C serum. It’s made with hydroxytyrosol which is a super powerful antioxidant, and it also contains camu camu. This has 1300% more power than vitamin C alone because of the hydroxytyrosol. It improves fine lines and wrinkles, neutralizes free radicals, and gives you a super radiant complexion. It also has carrot extract in it which makes it red, which is fun.

AHA + HT Serum Face (F81)

This is a chemical exfoliator that you can use 1-2 times per week at night. It’s a true hero product. It reduces scarring, improves elasticity, reduces and fights hyperpigmentation, and boosts collagen. It’s great for breakout prone skin because it gently exfoliates and sloughs off dead skin which can cause build up and breakouts. If you used Beautycounter, this is very similar to the Overnight Resurfacing Peel.

Honey Enzyme Face Mask (F76)

This is a face mask that removes dead skin cells so that the rest of your skincare products can absorb better. This is especially beneficial for dry and/or aging skin since you’re paying more for those types of products and you want to get the most out of them. (The women who give me my facials have been telling me for years that I need to use an enzyme mask regularly to see improvements in my fine lines and deeper wrinkles).

I also love that it has a warming sensation. I usually hate applying masks because it takes a long time and is usually messy, but I actually look forward to using this since I enjoy the sensory experience. And the green color is fun!

Olive Core Face Peeling (F10)

This is a physical face exfoliator. It’s a super fine facial scrub that helps remove dead skin cells and give you a fresh, glowy complexion. I’ve only used this once so far and it doesn’t hold a candle to the Bamboo Face Polish I loved so much from Beautycounter, but it does get the job done. I’m going to keep using it and let you know if my opinion changes.

Olive Tree Therapy Lip Balm (F75)

This is probably the best lip balm I’ve ever used. It’s super hydrating, like any lip balm should be, but it also makes my lips look full––almost like I’ve had lip filler (I’ve never had any filler). I’ve also noticed that the redness around the outside of my lips is lessened when I apply this. I typically put a little bit of foundation around my mouth to reduce redness around my mouth, and I don’t have to do that when I wear this lip balm.

Oliveda Skin Quiz

If you’re still unsure of what to buy or want even more personalized recommendations, the Oliveda Skincare Quiz called OliveBrain might help. It uses AI technology to determine a custom regimen for products that will work for your skin. Another cool thing about Oliveda is that when you take the Oliveda Quiz and buy two of the recommended products, you get a free full-size product as a gift.

However, the Oliveda quiz results can be a bit confusing (some of my friends have run into this problem), so if you fill out my personal Skincare Survey, I will send you my personal recommendations and thoughts for your exact skin type.

My review of Oliveda Skincare Products

Now that we’ve gone down the Oliveda brand background rabbit hole, let’s get to the good part: the products. Like I alluded to in the intro of this post, I’ve been shocked by the results I’ve seen from using Oliveda products for almost a month. I think it has a lot to do with the potency of the formulations (remember, no water added = no dilution of active ingredients).

I’m not the only one who thinks that, either. The before and afters that Oliveda has collected are honestly mind-blowing. The results speak for themselves, and I could see tangible differences after 3 uses versus about 2-3 weeks to notice changes from other brands. Specifically, my skin has looked brighter and plumper skin and my fine lines and wrinkles (particularly my smile lines and lines around my eyes) have improved.

I will work on getting some pictures up to compare my skin before and after. I didn’t intentionally take before photos but I take photos every day as part of my job so I’ll try to find one that shows the true state of my skin and its improvement.

Oliveda FAQs

Is Oliveda Pregnancy Safe?

Yes, ALL of the Oliveda products are pregnancy safe, but it’s fair to be extra cautious and avoid retinol – even natural retinol – when pregnant. Of the four retinol products I listed above, I feel most confident using the F82 Green Retinol Face Elixir since it’s made with bakuchiol (a retinol alternative) and a very low concentration of kahai oil (a natural from of Vitamin A). However, if you’re avoiding vitamin A entirely (even a natural form), then you’ll want to avoid all of Oliveda’s retinol products, which they call Elixirs.

One other note: the AHA + HT Serum does contain salicylic acid, so this may be something you may choose to stay away from, or consult your doctor before you use.

As always, consult your doctor and go with your gut. As an aside, Gigi Hadid switched to Oliveda while pregnant because she was looking for clean skincare.

Does Oliveda have free shipping?

Oliveda has free shipping on all orders $50+. I especially appreciate this since a lot of things are out of stock lately (many products have gone viral and lots of Beautycounter consultants and clients are now using this brand), so when something comes back, I can buy it immediately without having to pay shipping, even if I just ordered two days ago. (That’s exactly what happened this week; I ordered the F86 Corrective Vegan Hyaluronic Serum Face, and B15 Anti Aging Body Cream and then the F83 HT + Vitamin C Serum Face Serum was restocked an hour later so I just placed two orders back to back).

Does Oliveda have free returns?

While you can return an Oliveda product for any reason within 365 days, you do have to pay for return shipping. Read more about their return policy here.

Does Oliveda sell makeup?

They do not. However, Oliveda does have products besides skincare, including body and hair care and internals (i.e. anti-aging products you drink, like collagen). If you’re looking for clean makeup, you’ll like ILIA Beauty. I have a full review on ILIA Beauty linked here.

Is Oliveda an MLM?

Oliveda does have a direct sales business model here in the US, which is similar to an MLM but different because this one can be sold at retail locations. Similarly to Beautycounter, you can join Oliveda as a consultant and receive a commission from any sales you generate – very similar to an affiliate. If you’re interested in learning more about the business side, you can read more here.

Or drop your email in this consultant-interest form and I’ll follow up with you. 

Who owns Oliveda skincare?

The Oliveda founder, Thomas Lommel.

Is Oliveda all natural?

Oliveda uses raw materials from their own organic olive trees and their products are all bio active (bioactive ingredients are nutrient dense and our body recognizes them, so our body knows how to break them down) and organic. They do use some synthetic ingredients in their products, however, so I won’t say they are 100% natural, although they do lean that way.

But, keep in mind, natural doesn’t always mean safe. Lead is natural but it doesn’t mean it’s safe. What’s important is the testing around ingredients, specifically for safety, and Oliveda (and the EU) has done that.

The Bottom line:

I absolutely LOVE these products and some I like even more than the Beautycounter products I was using before. The jury is still out to see if I can find a replacement for my beloved supreme cream, all bright c serum and countertime eye cream. But, I love the smell and feel of these and the efficacy. I also appreciate the smaller packaging (much easier to store), I love the price point and I especially like free shipping with $50+ orders.

I’ll update this blog post when I’ve tried some other Oliveda products. If you have questions, let me know! You can also join my Beauty Broadcast to get more information about how to care for your skin and hear what beauty products I’m trying and loving (or what I think is overrated).

The post Oliveda Skincare Review: My Experience as a Skincare Junkie appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

I’ve been using Beautycounter alongside a handful of other brands for a few years now, but as a skincare and makeup junkie, I was always trying new brands so I have some great recommendations for the best replacements for your Beautycounter products.

Fingers crossed we’ll get our Beautycounter favorites back later this year after Beautycounter gets sorted out, but until then, the show must go on for our skin, ha! (Here’s a post about what happened to Beautycounter.) The best brand I’ve found for Beautycounter swaps is Oliveda. I’ve been using their products in place of all of my Beautycounter stuff for over a month now, and I can confidently say they are great alternatives (and even better in some cases) for your favorite Beautycounter products. Oliveda is a European brand that focuses on waterless skincare, so it’s extremely potent and the results are SO wild. I noticed a change in my skin within 72 hours!

I know that it’s a LOT simpler to order from one place vs. multiple retailers, so the majority of the links below are to Oliveda with a few Colleen Rothschild additions. And for the makeup section, almost everything is ILIA since that is currently making up the majority of my makeup routine. If you aren’t familiar with those brands, I have a review of Oliveda here, a Colleen Rothschild review here, and a review of ILIA here.

Oliveda’s website can be a bit confusing, and since the products aren’t organized the same way that Beautycounter organized theirs, it can be hard to know what to order for your skin type! The list below should help, but feel free to fill out this skincare survey and I will email you back with personalized recommendations! You may also notice that a lot of Oliveda products are sold out (things have been going somewhat viral!) but I’m sharing in-stock alerts in this Instagram Broadcast Channel, so be sure to join that for alerts.

I also send out text updates about Oliveda restocks. If you want to join my list, click this link and the hit send when it populates the word “oliveda” in your text composer. I know not everyone checks email or FB and/or IG all day (ahem) so hopefully this helps those of you who haven’t been able to get things when they restock before they sell out again! These are text messages that I send (not the company!) and I won’t blow up your texts unless it’s time sensitive or I think it’s important!

If you’re reading this post on a computer, that link won’t work. Just text OLIVEDA to 336-554-7262 to join.

The Best Replacements for your Beautycounter Products

Countertime

Countertime Cleansing Oil

The Oliveda Arbequina Cleansing Oil (F78) is the best swap for the Beautycounter cleansing oil. It smoothes, refines, and provides lipid defense, but it also removes impurities without destroying your skin’s natural barrier function.

Countertime Essense

The Corrective Facial Tonic (F67) is Oliveda’s toner for dry, aging skin. It works to soothe your skin while also getting rid of dead skin cells. It has hydroxytyrosol and the vitamin C booster camu camu which protect your skin from environmental stressors AND gives your skin a radiant/youthful glow. Nothing will ever be my beloved Countertime Essense, but this is a great alternative.

Countertime Radiance Serum

I wasn’t a huge fan of the Beautycounter Radiance Serum anyway. I tried the Oliveda F59 Corrective Face Serum a few weeks ago and my mind is blown. This is what people call “botox in a bottle”. It’s made with para cress which has a lifting effect similar to botox, but’s clean and safe. It targets fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. I’ve noticed a significant difference in my smile lines since I started using this.

I also just got the Oliveda Green Retinol Face Elixir and I’ve been adding a few drops to my Corrective Face Serum at night. This is a natural retinol made with bakuchiol, which is the same retinol alternative that Beautycounter used. This reduces fine lines and pore size, improves complexion, contracts pigmentation, AND protects against free radicals. If you’re only getting one serum, get the Oliveda F59 Corrective Face Serum, but add the Green Retinol to your wishlist since you can add it to your routine at any time.

Countertime Soft Cream

The best Soft Cream swap is the Oliveda F42 Corrective Face Cream. It’s ideal for dry/aging skin because it has extra hydroxytyrosol in it (a super powerful antioxidant). It’s smoothing, super hydrating, improves elasticity and reduces fine lines. It contains a sun protection factor!

Countertime Supreme Cream

It will be hard to find anything as great as the Beautycounter Supreme Cream, but the Oliveda F08 Cell Active Face Cream is a great alternative. This is one of the thickest face creams Oliveda has. It provides cellular protection, prevents aging, and neutralizes free radicals. You only need a TINY amount of this. Oliveda products are so potent that you can use much less product than you did with your supreme cream.

Countertime Eye Cream

The best swap for the Countertime Eye Cream is the Oliveda F60 Corrective Eye Cream. It’s hydrating, boosts collagen, and gives you a smoothing effect around your eyes. But the real game-changer is when you add a few drops of the Oliveda F64 Corrective Eye Elixir underneath the eye cream. It It has a triple hyaluronic acid structure and a ton of antioxidants, so it hydrates and plumps while also giving your eyes a more lifted, radiant look. You apply a few drops under your eyes, massage it in, and then follow with the Corrective Eye Cream.

Countermatch

Countermatch Foaming Cleanser

For the Countermatch Foaming Cleanser swap, you’ll want to use the Oliveda F71 Corrective Cleansing Gel. It’s made with hydroxytyrosol (this is the superstar of antioxidants, mainly found in olives and olive oil) and gives you a deep clean while counteracting pigmentation. It’s super gentle and very hydrating (I can even use this on my very dry skin). It smells amazing, but the smell is very natural and not super strong. (I’m sensitive to scents and love this.) I can use this morning and night and my very-dry skin isn’t stripped at all.

Countermatch Toner

The Oliveda Activating Facial Toner is the perfect toner for normal or combination skin because it’s non-drying and does not strip your skin, but rather helps restore your skin’s natural balance.

Countermatch Serum

The best recommendation for an alternative for the Countermatch serum is the Oliveda F86 Corrective Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Hyaluronic serums are great for dry and aging skin because they deeply moisturize and hydrate. This serum also repairs oxidative damage and makes your skin look and feel more elastic/tight. This can be used in the morning and night.

Countermatch Adaptive Moisturizer

The most similar in terms of benefits is the Oliveda F05 Anti Oxidant Face Cream but it will feel different. The consistency feels much thicker, but it’s not heavy on the skin. It protects, balances, and hydrates your skin, but it has antioxidants in it too that fight the effects of environmental stressors on your skin. This is lightweight (in terms of hydration, not feel!) and plumping.

Countermatch Eye Cream

The best eye cream option for de-puffing and brightening is the Colleen Rothschild Illuminating Tinted Eye Cream. It contains hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and caffeine targets puffiness and water retention. I wouldn’t use this at night though, since it also has coverage that you wouldn’t want to waste. For PM, use the Oliveda F09 Anti-wrinkle Eye Cream. I love the texture and it’s completely non-irritating. It tightens and reduces fine lines around your eye area. You can use it in the AM too, but I just love that Colleen Rothschild Tinted Eye Cream.

Countercontrol

Countercontrol Cleanser

A great cleanser for oily or breakout prone skin is the Oliveda F38 Purifying Cleansing Gel. This gives you a super deep cleanse while also supplying your skin with highly concentrated antioxidants that help prevent signs of aging.

 Countercontrol Toner

The Oliveda F11 Activating Facial Toner is perfect for oily/acne prone skin. It helps clear away impurities while also soothing your skin with chamomile extract. It also refines pores and gives your skin tone a more radiant glow.

Countercontrol Serum

The Oliveda F81 AHA + HT Serum Face is a true hero product. It’s similar to the Overnight Resurfacing Peel in terms of benefits: reduces scarring, improves elasticity, reduces and fights hyperpigmentation, and boosts collagen. It’s great for breakout prone skin because it gentle exfoliates and sloughs off dead skin which can cause build up and breakouts. This is pretty potent though, so I’d only use it once a week to start!

For a daily serum, you’ll want to try the Oliveda F06 Cell Active Serum . This serum helps smooth your skin and reduce pore size, but it mainly reduces dark spots and smoothes wrinkles! What I love most about this is that it has a skin-tightening effect! It’s just a great all-around serum for most skin types.

Countercontrol Spot Treatment

For a spot treatment, you’ll want to use the Oliveda F85 SOS Face Drops. These drops unclog pores, balance sebum production, and reduces acne-causing bacteria.

CounterControl Gel Cream

The Oliveda F07 Anti Aging Face Cream is a great face moisturizer for oily/acne prone skin. It’s lightweight, improves skin elasticity, and overall just balances the skin’s hydration. It’s important to use a moisturizer, especially when you have oily skin since drying out your skin causes it to produce more oil to overcompensate.

Other Favorites

Cleansing Balm

I preferred the Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm anyway. I’ve been using it for years. I have a full review of the CR Cleansing Balm here.

Vitamin C Serum

We all loved the Beautycounter Vitamin C serum for good reason, but I think you’ll love the Oliveda F83 HT + Vitamin C Serum more. It’s made with hydroxytyrosol which is a super powerful antioxidant, and it also contains camu camu, just like Beautycounter. This has 1300% more power than vitamin C alone. It improves fine lines and wrinkles, neutralizes free radicals, and gives you a super radiant complexion.

Overnight Resurfacing Peel

The Oliveda F81 AHA + HT Serum Face is just like the Overnight Resurfacing Peel. It’s a chemical exfoliator that visibly reduces the signs of aging. It also reduces scarring, improves elasticity and firmness, reduces and fights hyperpigmentation, and boosts collagen. Everyone should have this in their skincare routine.

Sunscreen

Supergoop Glowscreen is my favorite face SPF, but it’s not a zinc-based sunscreen. If you want zinc, then the Acure Radically Rejuvenating SPF 30 Day Cream is perfect since it’s a clean option! (This post with non-toxics sunscreens has even more ideas.)

AHA Mask

I actually didn’t love the Beautycounter AHA mask as much as I already liked both the Colleen Rothschild Dial Enzyme Polish and Oliveda Honey Enzyme Face Mask. They’re similar, but the Oliveda Honey Enzyme Face Mask has a warming sensation that I love. It’s also green which is fun! It’s especially beneficial for dry and/or aging skin since you’re paying more for those types of products and you want to get the most out of them. (The women who give me my facials have been telling me for years that I need to use an enzyme mask regularly to see improvements in my fine lines and deeper wrinkles).

Bamboo Face Polish

I haven’t found anything like this, but the Oliveda Olive Core Face Peeling is also a physical exfoliator and it’s a great option even though I love the powder form of the Bamboo Polish.

#3 Balancing Oil

If you were a Balancing Oil fan, then the F25 Neroli Face Oil Serum from Oliveda is a great replacement.

The Clean Deo

All natural deodorants tend to stop working for me after about 12 months, including the Clean Deo. This is actually an issue that women commonly run into if they use natural deodorants, since our body chemistry changes over time. (It’s also why some clean deodorants work for some people but not others. For example, I CANNOT use Native but some people love it.)

Anyway, when one stops working, I switch to a new one. The one that has worked for the longest amount of time is the Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel. I’ve used it for 6 months without stank.

(If you do get stank with a natural deo, use the Bella Skin Probiotic Underarm Toner and it will help a LOT! I use it just once a month or so.)

Body Lotion

Wink Llama All Over Lotion, hands down. Yes, it’s a kids lotion but it’s so good. Tommy and I have both used it for years since it smells just as good as the Beautycounter Body Lotion (although it is a different scent) and it’s more affordable.

Shampoo / conditioner

I’ve been using the Colleen Rothschild Shampoo and Colleen Rothschild Conditioner for over a year now. The Colleen Rothschild hair mask is legit too. I use it in place of my conditioner a few times a week.

Body wash

Primally Pure Citrus Mint Body Wash is a 10/10. So hydrating and smells amazing.

Makeup

Skin Twin Foundation

The ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick is SUCH a good foundation, but if you want a liquid foundation, the ILIA True Skin Foundation is a good option (I have an ILIA foundation review here).

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer

I wasn’t in love with the Dew Skin tinted moisturizer anyway (it too drying as my skin aged), but I DO love the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 because it’s more hydrating. I have a full review of the Skin Tint on the blog here.

Cheeky Cream Blush

I’m super sad to loose the Beautycounter blush but the ILIA Multi Stick is just as good.

Cream Bronzer

I hate it because Beautycounter was set to launch new bronzers that I had tried and they are SO GOOD. I haven’t found an alternative yet, but the Tarte Shape Tape Contour works well as bronzer if you use just a touch and blend it out. I also love their Tarte Park Avenue Princess powder bronzer if you want to go that route.

Mascara

As much as I wish I could wear a regular, oil-based mascara, they always smudge on me. So I always shop for tubing mascaras that are water soluble. (Read more about tubing mascaras and how they work here.)

However, if you were a Beautycounter mascara fan and it didn’t smudge on you, you’ll really like the Tarte Maneater mascara. If you need a good tubing mascara recommendation, you can’t beat Tarte’s Tartelette Tubing mascara (read my Tartelette Tubing Mascara review here).

Concealer

The ILIA Concealer is a great (super clean) alternative. My preference is the Tarte Shape Tape Radiant concealer though since I only really use it under my eyes.

Lip Sheer

I just got the Ravie Beauty Effortless Lips in the mail a few weeks ago and they are UNREAL! They apply very much like the Lip Sheer (actually, better). See how each Ravie Beauty shade looks on me in this video. Go for Dahlia for the best everyday shade.

Lip Intense

I like the ILIA Colorblock Lipstick. It’s not quite as good as the Beautycounter lipsticks but it’s similar and a clean option. My all-time favorite lipstick is Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk.

Brow gel

ILIA Brow Gel is very similar to Beautycounter’s brow gel, but it doesn’t dry out as quickly.

Discount Codes

One silver lining to trying new products is that you can typically get a discount on your first order (and I believe all of my codes work on every order).

• Colleen Rothschild – Use code TERILYN20 for 20% off
• Tarte – Use code terilyn15 for 15% off
• Wink – Use code TERI for 15% off
• Primally Pure – Use code TERI for 10% off

Oliveda doesn’t have a promo code, but they do have good perks.

1. A freebie when you take the Oliveda skincare quiz and order 2+ of the recommendations. I have to note that I think their Skin Quiz results can be a little confusing to understand, so if you fill out my skincare survey here, I can help get you personalized recommendations.
2. Free shipping on $50+ orders (ALWAYS!)
3. 365 day product guarantee.

Okay, that’s all I have for now! Like I mentioned above, if you have good recommendations for Beautycounter swaps, please drop them below!

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The post The Best Replacements for your Beautycounter Products appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

On May 6, Beautycounter consultants found out that Beautycounter and its products won’t be returning until late 2024. That also means that thousands of Beautycounter consultants no longer have a source of income. I am disappointed since I love and use their products, and financially, it’s a big hit to our household. I’ve been with the company for 8 years and have consistently been one of the top 3-5 sellers in the entire company. While most consultants who made a significant income built teams to do so (and worked their booties off to support them), I made the vast majority of my paycheck from my own personal sales.

What Happened to Beautycounter?

In short, the founder of Beautycounter, Gregg Renfrew, sold the company to a private equity firm, Carlyle, a few years ago — I think that was the biggest mistake. However, I’m not certain Gregg wanted to sell to Carlyle. The rumor mill has said she was outvoted by the board, mainly one key investment group who wanted to divest.

So why did Carlyle buy it? My thought when they bought it was that their plan was to increase margins and then sell it to a larger company, like Johnson & Johnson, who wanted to get into the clean beauty business, using an established player rather than create their own formulations.

Beautycounter Controversy

While I disagreed with who Gregg sold the company to, as a business owner, I can understand why she did it. Growing a business is exhausting — exhilarating and rewarding, yes, but also exhausting. Add 30,000 women to the mix and yowza, that’s a lot of pressure (and drama). I don’t fault Gregg or the board for wanting to sell and make a substantial profit — companies do that all the time. When you start a business, an exit strategy is very often planned at the same time. The problem was with who purchased the company. If you know who Carlyle is, the massive implosion that followed can’t have been a surprise.

I don’t think Carlyle fully understood the consultant business model (which is why the compensation plan changes didn’t go over well), and when they couldn’t make the money they anticipated they planned to exit. They stopped funding the business (that part has been confirmed) and that is why Counter Brands went bankrupt.

Gregg Renfrew purchased back the intellectual property (IP) — the Beautycounter name, the formulations, etc. — but getting the company back up is much more complicated than a Poshmark transaction. When that happened, the original return date that was communicated of May 1 was laughable. I never even shared that date with my clients because it was truly unrealistic.

When that relaunch didn’t happen, I still never shared a return date since we didn’t have one. When companies have launches — whether it’s a new product, a new website or a new arm of the business — nothing is confirmed until it happens. And these types of transactions and ownership changes typically take MONTHS to iron out, not a week like Gregg communicated when she bought it back.

What happened with Beautycounter consultants?

They essentially lost their jobs. Gregg said Beautycounter will come back in Q4, but essentially, the company is gone. Counter Brands (which is different from Beautycounter) filed bankruptcy and went into foreclosure (which isn’t as dramatic as it sounds but rather a business move that makes sense financially) and Gregg’s new company – G2G – is just kind of a shell. It’s an LLC name that owns some assets (the IP, mainly); it’s not a functioning business where consultants can make money.

I didn’t realize I had so many Beautycounter consultants following me on Instagram but I’m getting lots of DMs about what this all means — I guess because I have shared my thoughts on it and been vocal that Beautycounter is NOT my only source of income — so while I had a call for just MY team, I also hosted a call for consultants who were on other teams. I will send you a link to the recording if you fill out this form.

I have so many more thoughts about all this from a business perspective– I worked in finance for 15 years, including at Goldman Sachs – and the fastest way to share information will be through a Zoom call for Beautycounter consultants. I also have thoughts for Beautycounter consultants and what their next steps should be.

Where can you buy Beautycounter?

While I get to try a lot of beauty brands for my job (and have a few I love), Beautycounter was my go-to when someone asked for help with a skincare routine. As you know, their products are clean and work VERY well for almost everyone.

You CAN still buy Beautycounter at Ulta. After that, there is not a confirmed date that the products will be back. I’m working on putting together recommendations to replace your go-to’s, whether you used Countertime, Countermatch, CounterControl or the beloved Overnight Resurfacing Peel and All Bright C Serum.

If you are one of my clients, that will hit your inbox soon. If you aren’t one of my clients, you can sign up for my beauty emails here. And, of course, my blog will be updated with that information ASAP too.

While many people lost their jobs yesterday — myself included — I have always found a way to be successful, even when things looked very dire in my personal and professional life. This will be no different. It will be stressful, for sure, but we aren’t the first people to lose our jobs and there is always a viable next step. Let’s go.

The post What Happened to Beautycounter? appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

That’s not to say that I’ve been perfect about wearing sunscreen ever since high school. I definitely still prefer a tan and am guilty of wanting a tan at the pool or beach or getting lazy in my everyday wear. Mostly because I hate the heavy feeling and smell of sunscreen. Thankfully there are great options now, both for my body and face, that I have no excuses to not wear sunscreen daily. And I do, 99% of the time. (I’ve also found a great tanning foam for my body and bronzing drops for my face and that helps scratch the tan itch too.)

Sun is the #1 cause of aging and causes 90% of visible changes to your skin.

And considering I’m nearly 40, aging is starting to show more on my skin these days – spots, fine lines, a bit of sagging. While I have a solid skincare routine to help keep my skin looking healthy, wearing sunscreen is the #1 must-have in my routine. (And a good retinol (or retinol alternative since I’m currently breastfeeding), and moisturizer, and eye cream. Okay, fine I’m a skincare snob and am loyal to my full skincare routine.)

When choosing a sunscreen, I look for options that absorb easily and don’t leave me feeling or looking greasy so my makeup goes on well. I also prefer ones that don’t leave much of a white cast. Thankfully, many zinc-based sunscreens have improved over the years so that’s not much of an issue as in the past. I do find that sweatproof and/or water-resistant sunscreens are more prone to leaving a white cast but I don’t care about those features for my face for daily wear. However, that is important (obviously) for sunscreens that are used at the beach or the pool.

I typically go for SPF 30 because I spend a lot of time outside in my day-to-day life between running and chasing a toddler, but if you’re mostly inside, an SPF 15 should be enough sun protection. I also opt for mineral sunscreens instead of the potentially harmful synthetic formulas in many chemical sunscreens. Non-toxic, mineral sunscreens have become more popular over the years, and there are many great options to choose from now.

16 Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens

So today, what type of sunscreen is non toxic? In short, most mineral sunscreens and some chemical sunscreens, but it can be hard to know without doing lots of research. I did the research for you and I’m sharing the ones I like best for my face, for my body, for daily wear, and for days where I’m spending lots of time outside, like hiking or at the pool. I also shared my top sunscreen picks to use during pregnancy and for kids.

First, let’s break down the difference between a mineral and chemical sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreen is what you likely grew up using. It goes on clear, sometimes has that distinct “sunscreen” smell, and dries quickly. However, it’s also typically made with potentially harmful ingredients that can negatively impact your health and the environment. These sunblocks protect you by absorbing into your skin so that the chemicals are able to block UV rays.

Chemical sunscreens usually contain oxybenzone, octocrylene, ecamsule, avobenzone, and other toxic ingredients that can potentially disrupt your hormones, cause skin reactions, and worsen skin discoloration. They can also damage marine life and coral reefs.

Mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, works by reflecting the UV rays away from your body by sitting on top of your skin. The most common ingredient in a mineral sunscreen is zinc, which is safer than the chemicals typically found in synthetic sunscreens. Mineral sunscreen is a great option for most people with sensitive skin.

How to look for clean skincare and beauty products:

When you’re looking for clean skincare and beauty products, the Environmental Working Group has a great tool that can check how toxic your products are for you. EWG rates that are lower on a scale of 1 to 10 are safer. It’s not perfect, and it flags some products that can be safe for some people, but it’s a good place to start if you don’t know where to begin researching safe products. Some chemical sunscreens (like Supergoop) still score low on the EWG scale because they use clean chemicals and pass the test as safe, non-toxic sunscreens.

I shy away from the words “natural” when referring to skincare and personal care products since not all naturally-occurring ingredients are safe (e.g. lead is natural and it’s in many color cosmetics), but people often equate non-toxic sunscreens with natural sunscreens, and I think it’s important to distinguish between those two terms, since “natural” can be misleading if you’re not informed.

Okay, let’s get into some sunscreen picks so you can find the ones that will work best for you and get on with protecting your skin and enjoying your life!

Best non-toxic face sunscreens for your face, body & family

Dime Beauty Wonderscreen SPF 30

Dime Beauty’s mineral-based sunscreen provides SPF 30 protection without any toxic additives. Its key ingredients are zinc oxide, beetroot, and squalane, which help to soothe, protect, fight wrinkles, and hydrate the skin. It’s safe for all skin types, free from harmful chemicals, vegan, and cruelty-free. This is a little thicker than than some sunscreens so it takes a little more time to rub it, but it’s great once it’s fully absorbed and it’s not greasy. It also won’t leave you with a white cast. This is slightly more work to rub into skin, but I do like its packaging better.

You can read my review of other Dime Beauty products here

AnnMarie Sun Love Everyday Sheer Sunscreen SPF 20

AnnMarie Sun Love Everyday Sheer Sunscreen is a mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 30. It uses non-nano zinc oxide, buriti fruit oil, and pumpkin seed oil, and those oils help protect, nourish, firm, and tighten the skin (yes, please). The product is safe, natural, and non-toxic but it does not protect against blue light.

This sunscreen smells nice (a bit herby!) and absorbs easily. It does have a very mild texture to it… not gritty, exactly, but it’s just not super smooth like you’d expect. It doesn’t bother me, but it’s worth calling out. I love that this sunscreen has a lightweight, sheer texture that doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin, making it easy to wear alone or under makeup. If you want a natural-smelling sunscreen with anti-aging perks, I bet you’ll like this.

ECLIPSE Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

This is on my wishlist to try since I’ve heard so many good things. I’m also a sucker for the pretty pink packaging. Eclipse Sheer Mineral Sunscreen is a lightweight and clean SPF 30 mineral formula that’s non-irritating, blendable, and super hydrating. Macroalgae, green tea extract, and jojoba esters help protect from environmental stressors, blue light, and overproduction of oil (which we’re all more prone to in the warmer months) while making skin appear fresher and more radiant. It goes on sheer so it won’t leave a white cast, and doesn’t have the typical sunscreen scent so it’s perfect for everyday wear. If you’ve tried this, I’d love to hear what you think! I’m particularly interested in the macroalgae since I’ve used Osea moisturizers, which also uses marine products, and love them.

Best non-toxic spray sunscreens

Thinksport Kids SPF 50 All Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray

Thinksport Kids SPF 50 All Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray is a mineral-based, non-aerosol sunscreen spray that is specially formulated for children, but works just as well for adults. It has 20% non-nano zinc oxide and doesn’t contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or parabens. It’s hard to find sheer mineral sunscreens, but this one is great and leaves no white cast! I keep this one in my running shoe basket and apply it before all my daytime runs!

Best non-toxic body sunscreens

Florida Squeezed SPF 50 Sunscreen Non-Aerosol Spray

This is my #1 pick for a spray sunscreen since it applies clear and smells great. Florida Squeezed SPF 50 Sunscreen Non-Aerosol Spray is a chemical sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. While it is a chemical sunscreen, it has been deemed safe and does not include oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, or phthalates. It’s made with vitamin E, aloe vera, and naturally scented with Florida oranges!

The clear formula is especially great for re-applying since I find white casts tend to build over the day and it was just easier to use when I had sand on my body at the beach . This is also the one I keep in my golf bag so my hands don’t get greasy with a lotion and so my golf outfits don’t get ruined by a white cast.

EltaMD UV Active Full Body Sunscreen

EltaMD is super popular sunscreen brand (known mostly for their Glow Facial Tinted Sunscreen because of Haley Bieber) but my pick is the UV Active Full Body Sunscreen Lotion by EltaMD. Not only does it have SPF 50+, but it’s made with a blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work together to block both UVA and UVB rays. It’s fragrance-free AND won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. It has a VERY low rating on the EWG scale, making it a good option for many! This was also a top pick when I polled my Instagram friends on their favorite sunscreens!

Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 40

Badger Sport Sunscreen Cream SPF 40 is a mineral-based sunscreen made with organic sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E for extra hydration. The product is free from harmful chemicals, hypoallergenic, and unscented. This can also be used on your face, but some people complained of a greasy feeling, so if you have oily skin I would pass. This formula is water-resistant and made for outdoor activities and sports (which is perfect for hot North Carolina summers). This was another top pick from my Instagram friends.

Best non-toxic sunscreen for pregnancy

When it comes to choosing sunscreen during pregnancy, you want to make sure to look for products that are safe and non-toxic for both you and your baby. It’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before using any new skincare products during pregnancy, but this is a great non-toxic option:

Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen

Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. And not only is it great for pregnancy, but this is also a great good option for babies (which is actually who it’s made for!) since it’s been tested for skin irritation and allergy.

Best non-toxic sunscreen for sensitive skin

Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30+

Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30+ is a mineral-based sunscreen that is lightweight and non-comedogenic. Niacinamide, squalane, and vitamin E make this formula hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging. It’s free of harsh chemicals, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, making it safe for sensitive skin. Even though the formula is super nourishing, it’s not too greasy and doesn’t leave a white cast. This is one of the (MUCH) more affordable options for non-toxic sunscreens!

Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 for Extra Sensitive Skin

Babo Botanicals is an SPF 50 mineral sunscreen made for sensitive skin. It’s free of harsh chemicals, fragrances, and allergens, making it a safe and non-toxic option for people who are extra prone to irritation. It’s not too greasy and doesn’t clog pores or leave a white cast. It absorbs super easily into your skin, and the scent is very light and natural! This is another budget-friendly option!

Best non-toxic tinted sunscreen

I really only like to use tinted sunscreen on my face since tinted body sunscreens rub off on everything. For face sunscreen, these are my favorite tinted options:

Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40

Supergoop Glowscreen is a clean chemical sunscreen with SPF 40. Even though it’s a chemical sunscreen, it has a low rating on the EWG scale and doesn’t include any dangerous or toxic ingredients. It’s made with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and sea lavender, which help to hydrate, even out, and soothe the skin while providing a natural glow. To use, apply a small amount to the face and neck as the last step in your skincare routine. It can be worn alone or layered under makeup.

What I like about this sunscreen is that it not only provides sun protection, but also leaves such a radiant and glowy finish without making me look greasy. Its subtle tint makes a great swap for foundation on lighter makeup days! I always wear this when golfing.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

The Super Serum Skin Tint is a personal favorite of mine. It feels like a tinted moisturizer but has SPF 40, and it’s super lightweight and hydrating. It’s clean and non-toxic, and the active ingredients double as skincare. Hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide nourish your skin and improve its texture. It has a fresh, radiant finish and my skin looks gorgeous with this.

The downside is that it has a weird smell when you first apply it. It does fade after a minute or two, but just be aware! To me, it’s worth it because of how natural and glowy it looks. Apply it like a foundation for subtle coverage and follow with your regular makeup routine. This is my go-to for a no makeup-makeup look. It has slightly more coverage than the Supergoop Glow Screen.

Best non-toxic sunscreen for kids

Florida Squeezed SPF 50 Sunscreen Non-Aerosol Spray

This top pick for spray sunscreen also made the cut for kid-friendly SPF. It applies clear for a no-mess application with squirmy toddlers, and smells like fresh oranges. (The citrusy scent is a great way to get your kid excited about sunscreen!) I love that this product prevents white casts from forming, so it’s super convenient to use for both me and my 2.5 year old.

Thinkbaby Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30

This clear non-nano zinc formula is pediatric dermatologist recommended and extra gentle for babies. It has aloe and vitamin E for cooling and conditioning without any toxic or harmful ingredients. It doesn’t leave a greasy feeling or a white cast, and is another go-to for when I need to put sunscreen on Thomas since he won’t hold still long enough for me to rub in lotions that are very white.

Thinksport Kids SPF 50 All Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray

Thinksport Kids SPF 50 All Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray was one of my top picks for a non-aerosol spray SPF, but it’s also one of my top picks for kid’s sunscreen. It’s SO easy to apply, contains only great ingredients, and doesn’t leave a white cast.

Pipette Mineral Sunscreen – SPF 50

Pipette Mineral Sunscreen was recommended by a few of my friends on Instagram. Like the others in the post, Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a super clean, mineral-based sunscreen that uses non-nano zinc as the main active ingredient. It does not contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and synthetic fragrances, so it’s great for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This one gets bonus points because it also contains plant-derived squalane and glycerin, which help hydrate and nourish the skin while providing sun protection.

Hot tip for toddler moms: you can also take any lotion sunscreen and put it in this sunscreen applicator tool from Amazon for easy applying. My son even likes applying it to himself!

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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.

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.

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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There are so many things beyond skincare that you can do to help get clear skin! Nowadays, many influencers and companies claim to know the secret to clear, flawless skin. Whether they are recommending products or expensive facials, everyone seems to have ideas about how to get clear skin. (Yes, myself included! I also have strong opinions on this!) Although using products in your skin care routine can be fun and effective, you should know that there is more to healthy skin than focusing on the outer surface. So today, I’m talking about creating healthy habits for clear skin.

The phrase “beauty comes from within” is so important to remember because being healthy on the inside manifests on the outside. Although getting used to a routine can be hard to establish at first, it’ll all be worth it in the long run. Below are a few general healthy habits you can utilize in your daily life to get clear skin.

12 Healthy Habits For Clear Skin

In the beauty industry, more and more skincare companies flood the market, along with tag lines saying that their product can do wonders for all skin types. However, the reality is that people should develop habits that cater to their skin’s specific needs. Remember that your skin is unique, and some of these tips may work for you, others might not. However, in general, here are the research-based practices you can follow to achieve a bright, healthy complexion.

1. Wash Your Face Twice Per Day

Washing once isn’t enough if you want clear skin. This study showed that people who wash their face twice per day saw the least amount of pimples. Start your day by washing your face – it’s a great way to wake up! And washing your face at night is a great way to wind down as well. If you really can’t wash twice a day, PLEASE make sure you wash your face at the end of the day. This will remove makeup, dirt and pollution that piles up on your skin throughout the day. And I’d recommend using a washcloth to help remove impurities more than rinsing alone. So find a routine you like and will do even when you are tired! (Here’s my routine and the cleanser I use!)

Be sure to use a cleanser that won’t strip your face entirely of its natural oils (especially if you have dry skin). Those oils are necessary for balancing your skin, which helps lessen breakouts. Even if you have oily skin, you don’t want to strip it completely.

If you have truly oily, acne prone skin, you may want to try a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, since this will help prevent breakouts.

2. Cut Down on Sugar

The overconsumption of sugary food and drinks can impact your skin and may also be one of the causes of acne breakouts. One study found that people who frequently consumed more added sugars have a 30% greater risk of developing acne, and those who regularly ate pastries and cakes had a 20% greater risk. So before you opt for an expensive acne treatment, try to simply reduce dramatically or cut out sugar.

For starters, you can easily cut down your sugar consumption by reducing your alcohol intake, avoid food and drinks that have high sugar content on the nutrition label, and minimize processed carbs. And, of course, try incorporating more whole, natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, and grains. (This post has more ideas on how to reduce sugar intake!)

3. Destress and Focus On Relaxation

It’s no brainer that being stressed produces acne. Stress puts your body in that fight-or-flight state, which causes the brain to release more hormones, causing acne. If you have a busy and stressful lifestyle, make sure you still squeeze in a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise activities to help in de-stressing. (Want to start running? I have an online running course that’s great for beginners.)

Another idea is meditation or starting a journal and writing down your thoughts. Enroll in a yoga class, which is great for both fitness and relaxation. Even just listening to your favorite music and practicing intentional breathing will help you destress. I shared tips in this post on how I deal with stress and anxiety.

4. Stop Popping That Pimple!

As tempting as it sounds, popping a pimple is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. (I know, I know – it’s hard to resist!!) It causes acne scarring, and can actually force your pores to get clogged even deeper down. Plus, you can increase your chances of infection in what’s called “the triangle of death,” where an area of the face has nerves that directly connect to the brain. Pimple popping can increase the risks of acquiring an infection and may cause serious problems in the long run. One of the BEST glowing skin habits is to quit popping.

Instead, wash your face and keep your face clean and hydrated, and also apply anti-inflammatory creams to lessen the redness. Let pimples clear up on their own, and use an exfoliator to help them naturally extract on their own. I also like this spot treatment for breakouts. If you have acne scars from prior sins of popping, this gentle overnight peel will work wonders on scars, especially when paired with a vitamin C serum.

5. Always Apply Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the best protection you can use against harmful UV rays from sun exposure. Too much sun can cause issues on your skin surface, preventing it from looking super clear. You’ll be more prone to sun spots, hyperpigmentation and more. Not to mention skin cancer, which is REALLY why I wear sunscreen every single day. Also, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen works effectively against skin aging, which is a plus! The women in my life with the most beautiful clear skin all attribute part of it to wearing sunscreen.

I use this daily sheer sunscreen under my foundation. And I use this Countersun lotion, stick and mists for days that I’m in the sun a lot, e.g. at the pool, doing a long run or hiking.

6. Prioritize Moisturizing & Hydration

Moisturizing is one of the most underrated steps in your beauty routine! It’s an absolute necessity for giving skin that clear, dewy, flawless look. Hydrated skin is often less oily. Why? When your skin is too dry your body will produce more oils which will end up clogging pores. Moisturizing is also one of the easiest anti-aging things you can do for your skin too. The truth is, moisturizers keep the skin looking plump and supple, as well as keep your skin hydrated. But hydration also comes from the inside out. So drink up and make sure your body is hydrated to keep your skin hydrated.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting enough omega-3 fatty acids. These can help your skin’s oil production and improve the skin’s hydration.

Products such as the Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm and Beautycounter Countertime line are two of my must-haves for keeping skin hydrated. These products aim to restore moisture and hydration to the surface of skin and are just simply enjoyable to use (which I can’t say about all skincare products!)

7. Choose An Exfoliating Facial Cleanser To Use Daily

Regularly exfoliating helps purge the skin of impurities on a regular basis. Plus, it helps clean off dead skin cells that may end up blocking pores and can make your skin look dull. Regularly removing dead skin cells through gentle exfoliation will help your skin feel smooth, look clear, and illuminate vibrance. You don’t want to over exfoliate, as that can leave skin too dry (and we know what happens then!) but just a few times a week. I use this exfoliating mask 1 time per week since it’s both a chemical AND physical exfoliator.

8. Check The Ingredients in Your Hair Products

We all love a good dry shampoo, but did you know that the ingredients in your hair products can impact your skin negatively? Whatever is in your hair has the ability to get into your face and neck, especially if you’re working out or sweating from daily activities. So if there is anything that can irritate or clog your pores in your hair products, you might want to rethink them or use them less. Avoid these ingredients in hair products for clear skin: Isopropyl myristate, oils (except sunflower, safflower and tea tree tend to be okay), sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and sodium chloride. I share my hair care favorites in this blog post.

9. Use Vitamin E For Any Scarring

We all know Vitamin E can improve the skin and complexion, but it can also help reduce signs of scarring. So if you have any scars preventing your skin from looking super clear, add Vitamin E to your skincare routine!

10. Choose Safer & Check the Expiration Date

Many people focus on using organic skincare, but I would argue that choose safer is the most important aspect to look for in skincare. There are basically no rules around what skincare companies can put into their products. (Truly – the government hasn’t updated the required testing or regulations in over 80 years, despite thousands of new chemicals being developed.) So even if it’s labeled “organic” but still has parabens other harmful ingredients, it’s not a good option. And if it includes the ingredient “fragrance”, you don’t really know what you’re putting on your skin since companies can put literally any ingredients they want in something, call it fragrance and use the trade secret loop hole. Not. Great. Avoid fragrance like the plague!

So choose brands who test the safety of their ingredients and hold their products to a higher standard that what’s legally required. Beautycounter is my go-to and the EWG Skin Deep database is great resource to check the safety of your current products or other brands you’re considering. They also have a HUGE list of ingredients that aren’t allowed in any of their products called the Never List. And no matter what brand you use – conventional, organic or safer – check the expiration dates!! Yep, putting old expired products on your skin can do more harm than good. So go safer with your skin care routine, and double check the expiration date regularly as well.

11. Eat More Foods that Support Clear Skin

As mentioned earlier, food can be a cause for skin conditions like acne. Although some opt to use topical products such as benzoyl peroxide to address acne problems, healthy skin is also impacted by healthy living and eating. Some foods or drinks can trigger a surge of hormones that increase the production of acne. To avoid having breakouts, start changing your diet and focus on the following food choices:

• Low glycemic foods such as legumes, fruits, and grains.
• Foods that are rich in vitamins A and E.
• Vegetables that have yellow or orange skin such as sweet potatoes and carrots.
• Leafy vegetables.
• Herbs such as turmeric, garlic, cilantro, milk thistle, etc.
• Anything high in fiber.
• And drink lots of water!

Daily Harvest is a great way to increase your fruit and vegetable intake!

12. Take Probiotics & Improve Your Gut Health

It’s true that a lot of skin issues stem from our guts. So if your skin is consistently acting up, maybe its time to consider that your gut could be the issue. Probiotics are one of the fastest ways to improve your gut health. So add in a probiotic and try these healthy gut diet tips. I’ve been taking Seed Probiotics for years and have a full review here.

How Do You Get Clear Skin?

I hope these tips are super helpful for getting your skin to where you want it. I would love to know any clear skin tips and healthy habits that you guys have! Leave a comment bellow for any tips I may have left out so I can add them to my list! And if you want more inspiration for getting on a skincare routine, be sure to check out this post with everything I use. There’s also an option on that page to shoot me an email for getting personalized help since we all have different skin!

Clear Skin Routine Essentials

The post 12 Healthy Habits For Clear Skin appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.