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 first started using ILIA Beauty a few years ago when Beautycounter discontinued their concealer for a bit and I wanted a clean alternative. Then, in the fall of 2022 I picked up the ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation when I was at the LTK Conference in Dallas. Next, I tried the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint and fell in love.

I’m VERY picky about what I choose to put on my face and clean beauty is something that I’m passionate about. I’m always on the lookout for my new favorite product (I consider myself a pretty big skincare and makeup junkie – see my full makeup routine here), and ILIA has so many options to choose from. Today I’m sharing my ILIA Beauty review and my honest opinions on what’s worth picking up for yourself!

You’ll see a short description of each product and my take on each one. Lots of winners but a few I don’t love.

ILIA Makeup Review

ILIA Beauty is different from most makeup brands since they also incorporate active skincare ingredients to protect skin during the day from environmental stressors and sun damage. (I try to be extra productive wherever I can, so multitasking formulas get bonus points in my book.)

Sasha Plavsic launched this beauty brand in 2011 in Vancouver, using her background in homeopathic health and wellness to develop a safe makeup line that is still high-performing. Their clean approach to makeup prioritizes healthy ingredients, sustainable packaging, and skincare-led formulas to protect and improve skin texture over time.

I love this approach to makeup. More and more brands are starting to include skincare ingredients in their makeup, but that was part of ILIA’s mission from the beginning. Their makeup uses ingredients that renew your skin’s moisture barrier, which is especially great for dry, aging skin like mine.

I reach for their makeup when I’m going for a no-makeup makeup look and just want a subtle wash of color. It leaves such a glowy and fresh finish. Some of my very favorite influencers (like April Lockhart) wear almost exclusively ILIA and have such gorgeous makeup, which inspires me to try more ILIA products.

Is ILIA Beauty Clean?

Yes! ILIA Beauty is always made without gluten, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, mineral oil, talc, BHA/BHT, propylene glycol, PEG, cyclomethicones, or chemical screens. Their formulas are created using natural, non-irritating ingredients that are suitable for all skin types. I feel comfortable using their products knowing how much research and intentionality goes into picking their ingredients.

Is ILIA Beauty Cruelty Free?

ILIA Beauty is certified by Leaping Bunny and never tests on animals. Their brand focuses on sustainable practices through their packaging as well, using recycled aluminum, glass components, and responsibly sourced paper.

Is ILIA Beauty Vegan?

The only non-vegan ingredient used in ILIA Beauty is beeswax. Synthetic beeswax uses mineral oil, so Ilia uses ethically sourced natural beeswax to get around that. (Mineral oil is a byproduct of gasoline and clogs pores.) All Ilia Beauty products are vegan except the below. These do include beeswax:

• Limitless Lash Mascara
• Fullest Volumizing Mascara
• Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm
• Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment
• Multi-Stick
• Balmy Days

My Favorite ILIA Makeup Products

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

The Super Serum Skin Tint is a personal favorite of mine. The water-based consistency is similar to a tinted moisturizer and includes non-nano zinc oxide to protect skin from sun damage, blue light (love this!), and pollution.

It uses hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide to improve skin texture and hydration after a few uses. The lightweight finish stays intact all day and is so hydrating and natural looking.

My take: I go for this product on days when I don’t want to look like I’m wearing makeup, but still want to even out my skin and add a little extra glow. I do have to note, however, that it has a subtle smell when you first apply it…sort of like dog food. Gross, I know. The smell dissipates after a few minutes, but just a heads up if you experience the same thing. It looks and feels so good on my skin that it’s worth it for me.

This is far and away the best tinted moisturizer with SPF that I’ve tried. (I used Beautycounter’s Dew Skin for years but found it was too drying as I got closer to 40, so I now go for this Ilia skin tint instead.) I wear shade ORA ST6. Also, I wrote a full review of the Super Serum Skin Tint that you can read here.

True Skin Serum Foundation

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation is a medium-coverage foundation. The formula is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and safe for any skin type. Niacinamide, allantoin, and aloe help minimize pores, fine lines, redness, and uneven tones and the active skincare ingredients work even after you take off your makeup to improve your skin texture and dullness.

My take: This foundation is so breathable and natural looking, and it’s buildable so you can choose what coverage you’re looking for. And I also appreciate that the hydrating ingredients prevent it from becoming dry or cakey throughout the day. I love this one so much that I have a full review on this foundation which you can read here. And a round-up of all my favorite lightweight foundations here.)

Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

The Skin Rewind Complexion Stick is one of ILIA’s newest products. I was really excited to try it after loving Merit Beauty’s complexion stick, and while they’re similar, I prefer ILIA because the stick itself is bigger making it easier to apply. It also blends a little bit easier. It’s buildable for more coverage and look so natural! I wear Willow. It works well on my dry, mature skin but I do like a face oil underneath (I like this Merit Glow Serum). See how I compared it to Merit in this Instagram Reel.

True Skin Serum Concealer

The ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer pairs well with their Skin Serum Foundation, or on its own for natural-looking medium coverage. Vitamin C, mastic, and albizia julibrissin bark extract help improve skin’s appearance (particularly smoothness and dullness) while actively protecting your complexion from outside pollution. The crease-free formula is super creamy (like shockingly so) and blendable for easy application and a natural finish that lasts until I take it off at night.

My take: I really like this concealer for my cheeks, chin and forehead since it’s so easy to blend. I don’t like it as much for my undereye area since it’s not quite as full coverage as I’d like for that area. (For undereye, I prefer Tarte’s Shape Tape Radiant Medium Coverage Concealer.)

Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil

The Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil is super hydrating because it uses hyaluronic acid, meadowfoam seed oil, and salicornia herbacea extract. I hate when lip products leave a sticky finish, and the Balmy Gloss moisturizes your lips without stickiness.

The active skincare ingredients nourish your lips and don’t include phenol, menthol, and salicylic acid (which can make your lips feel more chapped), so I appreciate that this formula doesn’t include those.

My take: This is one product that I haven’t yet tried, but it’s sitting in my cart and I’m just waiting for a sale.

Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm

Tinted lip balms provide the perfect flush of color without looking like true lipstick. This is creamy and buildable and it helps with dry or chapped lips, both when you apply and over time. Salicornia, rosehip seed oil, and shea butter provide hydration. This was actually the product that started Ilia Beauty and is now a cult classic. It gives the most gorgeous. natural-looking tint.

My take: This is hydrating and creamy but you have to use a really light touch when you apply (at least with the color I have). It’s much more pigmented than most balms I’m used to and the product can bleed easily.

Multi-Stick

The ILIA multi-stick makes makeup so easy. It’s great on days when I’m short on time because it doubles as lipstick and blush. It leaves the prettiest long-lasting color and adds just enough to make you look fresher and more awake. It uses shea butter, avocado oil, and orange peel wax to condition, soften, and protect the skin. The multi-tasking formula is buildable, so you can customize how intense you want the color to be.

My take: It’s a great option to use if you’re running out the door since it’s so easy to apply. The buttery texture is super blendable and not too pigmented. It find it a little dry so I have to press harder than I’d like to apply but that may be the nature of my dry skin. I also haven’t found a shade I think works well as eyeshadow, but it works well for cheeks and lips for sure.

NightLite Bronzing Powder

The ILIA Bronzer is a talc-free powder that gives a matte finish. While the formula is powder, it feels almost buttery and is super blendable. Unfortunately I think ILIA may be discontinuing it. I was able to find a few shades available on Amazon, so be sure to order quickly if you’re interested.

My take: This stuff is seriously pigmented and it’s easy to go overboard… but if you like a matte bronzer, you will probably love it. My employee uses it daily and says to make sure to use a large fluffy brush to diffuse the pigment. We both have the lighter shade Drawn In.

Color Block Lipstick

The Color Block Lipstick gives a smooth, bold color while also hydrating your lips all day. It’s very full-coverage and uses organic castor seed oil which helps with the intensity of the color. This is probably my longest lasting lip color, almost like it stains them (in a good way) so I only do light touch-ups after meals.

My take: The lipstick is hydrating and two two shades I have are both very pretty. (I have both Amberlight and Rococco… I’m wearing Amberlight (no filter) below). I do find that I have to be super precise when I apply because it’s a true lipstick and not a lipsheer or balm-type formula.

ILIA Color Haze

ILIA Color Haze is another multi-use product! It’s a cream blush and lip color in one, and I can’t get over how long it lasts on skin! The most interesting thing about this product is that it’s dewy when applied to your cheeks, but has a matte finish on your lips. Just a tiny bit will go a long way––it gives the prettiest soft wash of natural color.

My take: I love love love the Color Haze blush. It’s very pigmented but blends beautifully and is long lasting. Most liquid blushes dispense too much product, which leaves a mess to clean up but this deposits the perfect amount and gives the perfect “I just finished a good workout” flush. I find it a little too matte on my lips (just not my style) but I LOVE it for blush.

Clean Line Liquid Liner

The ILIA liquid eyeliner is highly pigmented without the use of Carbon Black. Carbon black is a commonly used ingredient in eye makeup but many people don’t know that it’s been proven to be a carcinogen. Ilia uses charcoal instead to produce a safer (but still effective) pigment. This water-resistant eyeliner stays put all day and the applicator makes it easy to apply, even if you struggle with liquid liners.

My take: The felt tip is flexible but firm enough to effortlessly create a smooth, clean line. It gives the perfect level of control. So many kinds of eye makeup smudge on me, but this one doesn’t. I don’t use liquid liner often but when I do, it’s this one.

In Frame Brow Gel

This In Frame Brow Gel is a very easy-to-use brow gel for everyday. Most days I go for The BrowGal Clear Eyebrow Gel with the Glo Brow Pencil since I get a fuller brow that way, but I use ILIA when I’m more rushed.

Limitless Lash Mascara

The ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara is made of bee and carnauba waxes to nourish each individual lash and keep them lifted. The gentle formula is flake-free and water-resistant, so it stays in place until the end of the day. This product is made with shea butter and keratin to enhance lashes without being irritating.

My take: I have sensitive eyes and not only does the ILIA Limitless Lash mascara not irritate, but warm water easily washes it away without having to pull too much at my skin. However, this mascara isn’t my top pick (I prefer Tarte’s Tubing mascara), but it’s a great clean option, especially if you like a VERY natural looking, lengthened lash. I just prefer more volume and I have issues with mascara smudging, unless it’s tubing mascara. (More on tubing mascaras here.) Since this isn’t tubing, I can’t use it without smudges!

Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment

The ILIA Lip Wrap is an overnight lip treatment to help hydrate dry or cracked lips. It contains papaya enzymes, salicornia (sea succulent) and hyaluronic acid (!!) which work together to buff the dry skin off your lips and then provide majorhydration. You can use this in the morning and evening, but I tend to use it mostly at night.

My take: ILIA Lip Wrap is awesome. It’s super hydrating and doesn’t have a weird smell or taste at all. I use it every night!

Lip Wrap Reviving Balm

The Lip Wrap Reviving Balm is basically the daytime counterpart to the overnight lip mask. It’s an everyday balm that includes active levels of hyaluronic acid and salicornia (just like the overnight treatment), but it does not include the papaya enzymes, since those are what help to exfoliate and buff the flakey skin off –– and no one wants that during the day.

My take: I keep this in my purse at all times. It’s not tinted, but it’s the perfect balm. Seriously hydrating and makes lips look fuller without any craxy ingredients. It is kind of hard to dispense after a while so just know you’ll have to squeeze a bit harder than you expect as it starts to get about halfway empty.

Is ILIA Beauty Legit?

I am a big fan of many ILIA Beauty. Their makeup (especially their foundation and skin serum) gives such a natural-looking finish and hydrates my skin. They’re not my go-to when I’m looking for a more glam or full coverage look, but for everyday wear I love their products. If you’re on the hunt for subtle-looking makeup with clean ingredients, I would 100% recommend giving ILIA a try.

Where is ILIA Beauty Sold?

You can buy ILIA Beauty directly from ILIA’s website, but they also sell their products at a few other retailers including Sephora, Nordstrom, Revolve, Kohl’s, and even Walmart!

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One of the most frequently asked questions I get on Instagram is about my hair. It’s such a great compliment, and while I do think the majority of the credit goes to genetics (and a great hairdresser), I have spent countless hours learning how to style it well and figuring out which products work best on my hair type. And my most-used hair tool is my T3 Hair Dryer and it’s time for a review since I have strong feelings about, considering I also own the Dyson blow dryer (andI also have a review of the Dyson Airwrap).

Just like skincare and makeup, I love trying new hair products. Since I work in the beauty industry as a content creator, brands often send generous PR packages with product to try, and I also spent a good bit of my own money on beauty products since it’s something I’m passionate about. Overall, I’ve tried a ton of hair products, styling tools included, and I think I can officially name my all time favorite hair dryer: The T3 Featherweight Style Max.

Here’s why:

• It has automatic heat and speed adjustments (you just program your hair texture and it does the rest)
• The technology is designed to smooth and dry quickly without damage
• It’s lightweight and easy to use
• The Volume Boost button helps give my hair that extra lift I love
• It’s cheaper than my Dyson
• It dries my hair in 5 minutes flat – and my hair stylists over the years have always commented how much hair I have

In today’s post, I’m sharing all the details on this hair dryer, including how it holds up to my previous favorite, the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer.

Get 20% off your T3 order with code TERILYN20.

T3 Hair Dryer Review & How It Compares to Dyson

What is T3?

T3 is a hair tool company that started in 2003 as a part tech start-up, part beauty venture. Their goal was to create hair tools that were technology forward and designed with high performance and great results in mind. They make a ton of hair tools including 4 different hair dryer models, flat irons, curling irons, and other hair styling accessories. and I love every single product I’ve tried.

Here are the T3 products I own:

• Travel sized hair dryer
• Curling irons in almost every size
• AireBrush AND the AireBrush Duo
• Hot Rollers

and of course, the Featherweight Style Max which I’m reviewing today.

T3 Featherweight Style Max Features

Let’s get into details about the T3 Featherweight Style Max.

The T3 Featherweight Style Max is T3’s most impressive and robust hair dryer model. They make 4 different hair dryers, and I’ve found that the Featherweight Style Max is the best bang for your buck because of the automated technology. The most similar option from T3 is the AireLuxe, which is also a great hair dryer, but it’s all manual in terms of the settings (and for the same price, I think the Featherweight is far more impressive).

The Featherweight Style Max auto-customizes heat and airflow to your personal hair texture, and dries quickly, evenly, and with less damage. There are 5 heat settings and 3 speed settings that the hairdryer automatically adjusts for, which is a really cool feature. All you have to do is input your hair texture, and it does the rest.

The T3 hair dryer also uses Digital T3 IonAir Technology. The IonAir Technology powers a smart microchip that helps minimize temperature fluctuations and prevents over-drying. It’s made with a fan that propels two times wider than other hair dryers and the 1 ion-rich airstream dries the hair super quickly while still retaining the hair’s natural moisture, so you you’re left with shiny, healthy hair that’s not damaged or tired. The ion generator also tames static frizz. That’s a lot of techy talk, but the short of it is that they’ve created a gentle but effective hair dryer that makes your hair look amazing.

Here are the main features:

• StyleMax Technology: a smart microchip that auto-customizes the heat and speed settings to your hair texture
• Wider Airflow: T3 uses a Digital T3 IonAir Technology which gives the hairdryer a wide, ion-infused airstream which gently (but quickly) dries hair and gives body and shine
• Ion Generator: Minimizes static frizz by smoothing the hair cuticle and boosts shine
• Multiple Heat Settings: 5 different settings for all hair types and textures
• Multiple Speed Settings: 3 different settings for drying and styling
• Volume Boost Switch: Helps boost texture and volume
• Cool Shot: blasts cool hair to helps lock in your hair style
• Lightweight: It’s really easy to handle and comfortable in your hand

T3 Hairdryer vs Dyson Hair Dryer

Size and Weight

A huge selling point of the T3 Featherweight Style Max is the size and weight (the name gives this away). It weighs 16.6oz (cord not included), and the cord length is 9 ft, so you’re never struggling to dry your hair, even when your outlets are inconveniently located.

The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer weighs 1.8 lb (almost double) and has the most annoying block on the cord that bangs into my cabinets every time I use it.

Volume Button

One of my favorite features of the Featherweight Style Max is the Volume boost button. This button turns off the negative ion generator to give your hair extra body.

My Dyson does not have this.

Attachments

This hair dryer comes with 4 different attachments:

• Drying concentrator: wide nozzle attachment to help dry hair quickly
• Styling concentrator: narrower nozzle attachment to concentrate airflow for precise styling
• T3 SoftTouch 3 Diffuser: softly diffuses the air which helps volumize and define curls, waves, and layers
• T3 Smoothing Comb: This attachment directs the air through vented teeth to lift roots, smooth strands, and stretch and detangle curls and coils

The Dyson hair dryer comes with 5 attachments:

• Flyaway attachment: Helps lift longer hairs to the surface to hide flyaways
• Styling concentrator: A narrow nozzle to help with styling
• Diffuser: helps reduce frizz and define curls
• Gentle air attachment: A wider nozzle that diffuses the air. This is the best for a rough dry
• Wide tooth comb: Creates volume and shape in curly or coily hair

Price

Another huge selling point of T3 is that it’s about 1/2 the price of the Dyson.

The Featherweight Style Max costs $199 (and you can use the code TERILYN20 for 20% off), and the Dyson is Over $400.

How the T3 compares to Dyson

I got the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer a few years ago when my super old hair dryer finally bit the dust. I loved it for years and hesitated to try the T3 because I was certain that the Dyson price tag meant that it was the best on the market, but I was shocked to realize I liked the T3 a lot better. It’s so much lighter, dries my hair just as fast and with much more control, and it’s so much more affordable, which you can’t beat.

I shared a few more details about what makes the T3 dryer better than the Dyson in this reel.

Styling Tips

Before I blow dry, I like to wash my hair and do my full hair care routine.

I have really thick hair, so I always do a rough dry before I start styling my hair. Once my hair is about 80% dry, I section it into layers and use this round brush to smooth each layer as it dries.

Then depending on my mood, I’ll either leave it straight or use my favorite T3 curling iron (I have a hair curling tutorial linked here). Some days I’ll use the AireBrush too, but if I use that, I dry my hair to 80% and then switch to the AireBrush for the last 20%. Here’s a video on how I use the AireBrush.

Get 20% off your T3 order with code TERILYN20.

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Right now (and always), I’m favoring natural, light makeup that still looks polished. In the cooler months I go for a slightly heavier eye with more eyeshadow and in the summer months, I tend to prefer cream formulas for blush and bronzer over powders since they look better and hold up more in the humidity.

My Cold Weather Makeup Routine (under 10 minutes!)

1. SUNSCREEN

My current favorite sunscreen is Supergoop Glow Screen. It’s ultra lightweight and leave a radiant finish, but it’s not too shiny or glowy (just enough). It looks perfect under makeup.

I also use the Supergoop Glowscreen Body sunscreen on my arms and legs. I love how easily it blends. I find it hydrating too.

2. CONCEALER

I love the Tarte Radiant Shape Tape Concealer. Tarte has lots of concealers but I prefer the Radiant formula over the regular Tarte Shape Tape since it brightens and conceals in one step. It’s also lighter weight which I appreciate. I wear shade 22N. If you want a heavier concealer, my review of the Tarte Shape Tape Original may be helpful!

3. FOUNDATION

After concealer, I apply foundation. I have a few that I really like so it just depends on what look and type of coverage I want. I have a post with all my favorite foundations for dry skin but I listed the three I’m wearing the most these days.

 On days I’m not doing a full face of makeup, I use this ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint – it’s a tinted moisturizer combined with skincare (read more details in my ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint review.)

ILIA Skin Rewind Foundation Stick – it applies so quickly with medium coverage and looks very natural. I use the ILIA Complexion Brush to blend. (Yes, I’ve tried the Merit foundation stick and prefer the ILIA one since it’s more hydrating. I have a full review of Merit makeup here. And you can see a comparison of the two foundation sticks in this reel) 

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation – If you prefer a traditional liquid foundation, this is a classic and my favorite of all I’ve tried. It’s very lightweight but has medium coverage that is hydrating and easy to blend. I have a detailed review of this True Skin Foundation here. I usually mix it with this Light Serum Highlighter. it’s so pretty and doesn’t look too shiny but just gives me a healthy glow and then I don’t find that I need a highlighter after my makeup is done. (But if I do want more highlighting, I use the one from this cheek palette.)

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Glow Tint – I love love love this foundation. It provides medium coverage and gives the most natural, radiant glow. It also lasts all day, which most dewy foundations don’t! I wear this the vast majority of days. I use this Tarte Blur Brush to blend it. I wear shade 24N.

4. EYESHADOW

I typically don’t wear a lot of eyeshadow – just one base color and one color for a little bit of definition above my crease (which looks best with my hooded eyes). 

Chantecaille Eyeshadow in Copper – This isn’t really a cream shadow, but I find it applies more like a cream than a powder. I use my finger to apply and blend just below my brow bone and it makes my green eyes pop.

Tarte In Bloom Palette – When I want a powder eyeshadow, I typically wear something from this eyeshadow palette. I love this one because I actually use all of the shades.

5. EYELINER

Next, I tightline my upper lash line — never my lower waterline — since it looks more natural than lining above the lash line and helps make my lashes look thicker. (If you have no clue what I’m talking about, L’Oreal has an easy tightlining tutorial!)

I use this ILIA Clean Gel liner in brown to tightline my upper lash line (just the outer 1/2 to 3/4… not all the way across) to help open my eyes and make my lash line look thicker.If I want a little more pop of color, I’ll use Chantecaille pencil liner instead of black; I have this in Amethyst. It pairs BEAUTIFULLY with the copper eye shadow.

6. EYELASH CURLER & PRIMER

I curl my lashes everyday and I’ve used this Shu Uemera eyelash curler for almost ten years. It never pinches and creates a long-lasting curl.

Most days I wear just mascara, without a primer. If I do want a thicker lash that day for some reason, I love this Tarte Lash Primer. I coat my lashes in primer and then add mascara about 1 minute later after the primer sets just a bit but doesn’t completely dry.

7. MASCARA

Most days I skip primer and use just Tarte Tartelette XL Mascara only since it gives me long, thick lashes and is one step vs. two, and quick and easy is the name of the game in the warmer months! I have a full review of the Tarte Tartelette Mascara if you want to know why it’s my favorite (and I am a very big mascara snob). But, the bottom line is that it never smudges. Ever.

8. BROW GEL AND PENCIL

I fill my brows in no matter what, even if I’m not doing a full face of makeup. Most days I go for The BrowGal Clear Eyebrow Gel with the Glo Brow Pencil since I get a fuller brow that way. If I’m in a hurry, I use the ILIA Brow Gel or Merit Brow 1980 Gel.

9. BRONZER

I’ve gotten on the bronzer train in recent years and always feel better when I use it, particularly around my hairline since I’ve had some hair loss since having my son.

Park Avenue Princess Matte Bronzer – this is very matte and very pigmented and it’s easy to go overboard so tread lightly! But once I learned that, I fell in love with it. I use the shade Light Medium.

Beautycounter Cream Bronzer – Unfortunately, this is unavailable right now but I absolutely love it. It’s also the the easiest bronzer to use. Just apply with your finger and then blend in with a fluffy brush.

If you’d prefer to buy a blush and bronzer combo, I love this Clay Play To-Go Cheek Palete.

10. BLUSH

Depending on my mood, I’ll either use the powder blush or a cream blush.

Precious Gems Amazonian Clay Cheek Palette – This is my favorite option for powder! I use all of the shades and just decide based on how I’m feeling that day.

ILIA Multi Stick – This is a great cream blush option, and you can use it as a lip color as well.

11. PRESSED POWDER

Tarte Shape Tape Glow Powder – If I finish my makeup and I look just a litttttle too glowy, I use this. It still keeps my makeup looking natural and dewy but tones it down just a bit. It also helps set my makeup. I use the shade Starlit.

12. SETTING SPRAY

I’ve been finding that my makeup doesn’t stay on as well as I like so I’ve started using a setting spray almost everyday. I have this Shape Tape Setting Spray and like it but really want to try the Maracuja Setting Spray since I love all things Maracuja (they are more hydrating and glowy).

13. LIPS

I LOVE lipstick and lipgloss. I have tons of different colors and brands, but my current favorites are:

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Products (yes all of the different varieties!) – If you prefer a traditional lipstick, you’ll love the Lipstick Creme. If you like gloss but don’t like the messiness of the gloss, you’ll love the plumping or the juicy lip!

Ravie Beauty in Dahlia – this is the most forgiving color – I don’t even need a mirror to apply! It applies like a balm but looks like a lipstick and is very hydrating and it’s a very natural looking pink.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk – this is matte, but is very hydrating and the PERFECT nude color.

I also line my lips almost everyday, since I think it helps them look fuller (and we naturally lose lip definition and fullness as we age.) I like this Chantecaille lip liner in the shade Discreet.

This may seem like it takes forever, but it’s really only 5-10 minutes! This reel shows how I apply it all.

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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.

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