For the past few months, I’ve been stuck in a bit of a rut. I promised myself that I would limit my Sephora purchases to the essentials. And I kept that promise, but as a result, I haven’t been trying out new products the way I usually do.
Sure, I’ve snapped up a new acne treatment patch here and a new eyeliner crayon there, but my weekly trips to Sephora or Ulta just to see what was new have stopped. Great for my wallet, not awesome for blog content. But with spring just around the corner (I know, it’s technically here, but it snowed Friday. I’m jaded.), it’s time to expand my beauty horizons once again.
This is where you come in. What’s the best beauty or skincare product you’ve discovered recently? I know, we all want to sing the praises of the tried and true, but in keeping with the spirit of the post, let’s try to keep our reviews to products discovered in the past six-months. If a new product has blown up your group chat, let us know in the comments.
I for one, am looking forward to incorporating some of your recommendations into my shopping list. Right after I restock my go-to fragrance.
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Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask! Obsessed.
Drunk Elephant Protini moisturizer! I got a little sample and ended up buying a full size. I’ve been using it day and night and my skin looks so refreshed and smooth! I’ve always been wary of new moisturizers since I have very temperamental, acne prone skin but have had no issues after two months.
Yes! me too! I got it with the birthday sampler and it cleared up all my redness and spots. LOVE IT. will be buying it soon.
Yes to protini and their retinol! And want to try their just released cleansing balm.
I second the Drunk Elephant retinol–in the past I’ve experienced all the side effects (peeling, redness, etc) but not with this product!
Acure Incredibly Clear Sheet Mask. I loved it so much I went back to the store and bought their entire stock. Sorry not sorry fellow Navy Yard Whole Foods shoppers.
You might have that Whole Foods has 25 percent off beauty products right now for Prime members. Did some damage at that same Whole Foods. 😉
Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant. My skin has never been smoother looking and blackhead free. I had a major blackhead problem.
I came here to say this! It’s been a great product for me too 🙂
ANYTHING by Paula’s Choice is amazing & reasonably priced. By entire skin care routine is from Paula’s Choice.
I’d also like to add that I never buy make-up/skin care products without first checking their reviews on Beautypedia, which is ran’s my Paula’s Choice. https://www.beautypedia.com/
They do an excellent job of reviewing products from a scientific, non-salesman, non-biased, real-world, perspective. And their web format is setup with a great filter so you can hunt for a specific product for your specific skin-type. I can’t recommend it enough. I used to have really oily skin with bad acne & since I’ve switched to Paula’s Choice for skin care and then use makeup products that they recommend on Beautypedia (by other brands), by skin is AMAZING. I feel completely comfortable going out in public without any makeup on now!
Thanks for sharing this resource!!
I started using a raw honey mask and am very impressed. I’ve stopped using sheet masks as much; it’s clarifying and moisturizing. A little messy, and stays on 20-30 minutes.
I need to restock my Luzern Labs products – I try to find cheaper options to add to the mix (usually Avene or La Roche Posay) but always turn back to Luzern. My favorites are the Micro-Exfoliant, Cream Cleanser, Pure Oxygen Mask, Hydraenzyme Mask, and Resurfacing Peel Pads. They also recently added some retinol creams to their line up that I would be interested to try. I used to use Luzern’s Force de Vie Lotion, which was a great weight for my skin, but switched to True Botanicals oil (the one for acne-prone skin). It’s hard to say if it’s worked since I started using it at the tail-end of pregnancy when my skin was clear, and I haven’t yet gotten my period back, so I’ll have to see what happens. I do like it, though.
Two by The Ordinary:
* AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (scary vampire-blood looking substance, but makes my skin look so smooth and clear!)
* Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (replaced my previous go-to, Pixi Glow Tonic, much larger bottle and less expensive).
Also, this funny-looking Herb essntls Cannabis Infused Lip Balm. Impulse buy at my local waxing parlor/apothecary, LOVE.
And lastly, I’m probably the last on board with this but RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up concealer. The best undereye concealer!
Seconded on The Ordinary’s ‘I look like I bathed in the blood of my enemies’ AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. Cheap, effective, and entertaining.
Where are you ladies buying this? Sephora is out of stock and I can’t find any non-eBay sources online (don’t trust eBay…)
Amazon has it (it’s just more expensive).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071D4D5DT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You can also order directly from The Ordinary.
https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-aha-30pct-bha-2pct-peeling-solution-30ml?redir=1
I don’t use this specific product from the Ordianry but I use the hylaurinic acid serum twice a day, the caffeine serum in the morning and the retinol several evenings a week. I have lucked out and never had a struggle ordering from Sephora. I honestly think it is hard to go wrong with their products. I don’t see a single pore on my face anymore and their price point cannot be beaten.
I’ve been looking for a silicone-free foundation and sunscreen, and ordered several samples from The Detox Market. The company has a sample option on almost all of their products – you pick four and pay $10. Through that I’ve found Fitglow’s Vita-Active Foundation which I really liked, and Hynt Beauty’s Sun Prep Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, which smells like watermelon and doubles as a primer. Also sampled Zyderma Clarifying Cream, which claims its micro silver is antibacterial. Can’t tell yet if it helped with my breakouts, but it’s a great moisturizer so I’m getting it too. Really recommend Detox Market’s sample program.
I just started using the St. Tropez sunless tanning spray on my face and I LOVE it! Goes on nicely, doesn’t have that strong tanner smell, and is a nice subtle glow!
I am loving the honeymoon glow night serum from Farmacy and the apple cider vinegar resurfacing peel pads from Volition Beauty.
For those of us needing MAJOR moisture, I adore Belif’s Moisturizing Bomb face moisturizer.
I’m also a big fan of Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask.
For a peel, I’m enjoying The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (the crimson-colored one).
+1, belif saved my winter skin.
+1 for lip sleeping mask!
+1 for the lip sleeping mask! Love the stuff!
I got a sample of Beautycounter’s overnight resurfacing peel and was presently surprised. I purchased their Vitamin C oil but so far not super impressed.
I had a cancer scare a few months ago so I’m trying to be more mindful of what I’m putting in and on my body. I’m not trying to throw away my entire bathroom cabinet quite yet, but I’m looking for comparable replacements, especially things I’m exposed to repeatedly and over long periods of time. Allure says Beautycounter is the most searched brand on their website so I’m sure some other readers might like your reviews on their products.
I’ve been really curious about beautycounter products. I’ve read some great reviews, but I don’t trust the pyramid scheme sale structure, and at that price without samples? Nope, I need a better guarantee before I put that kind of money down.
Agreed on their sales structure. I would not recommend Beautycounter. And I push for anyone that’s curious about that brand to read review here before wasting their money. https://www.beautypedia.com/brand/beautycounter/
Agree that it’d be interesting to see a Beautycounter review here. My experience: I have tried or bought quite a few products as a friend is a consultant. Some of them are good, others just okay, but the only one that truly blew me away -the brightening mask- has been discontinued. I also liked their blush and the lip sheers (basically, a tinted lip balm in terms of color payoff). The oils and the eye cream gave me milia after a while (I have dry, sensitive, milia-prone skin). Products are nice, but a bit overpriced at that price point. Might be worth the cost for those who really care about high-end, clean beauty products. As a woman with medium olive/tan skin, I found most of their makeup shades too light or unflattering on me.
Hi! I’m a Beautycounter consultant and just wanted to offer a few thoughts here. One, any consultant is able to order and provide samples. I send out samples regularly to customers and prospects, or for locals, lend out sample sets, because everyone is able to make a better decision about products by trying them first. Secondly, it is a network marketing program, but two things I like about Beautycounter that I feel make us different in this capacity: one, you don’t need to shop with a consultant or have a membership or anything to purchase. You can just buy online directly from the company if you feel better about that. And two, I think that we often ignore the fact that companies like Sephora and others make a profit on their sales and often salespeople work on a commission basis. Thus, I always remind prospective customers that they can choose to support a friend or an acquaintance if they choose to shop via beautycounter. I share all of this to offer my perspective and don’t wish to argue..I know many people have had bad experiences with direct sales companies in the past. This is just my personal opinion. (And I do love the products. Was a customer for awhile before becoming a consultant.) I don’t want to blow up the comments section but would be happy to engage further at my email or website if anyone desires. Thanks for letting me chime in!
As a customer and consultant, my fave Beautycounter products are: peel, no. 1 oil, countersun sunscreen, dew skin, and lip sheers.
I LOVE midnight recovery by kiehls. It is worth every penny and leaves your skin feeling better overnight.
Katherine, I agree 100 percent! I can go to bed looking like death warmed over, throw on some midn8ght recovery oil and voila! Better in the morning. Love !1
Tried and LOVED the Kiehl’s sample. Went to Sephora, waffled on buying half-size bottle, talked to the consultant and was convinced to get an oil with retinol. So he gave me a sample of Sunday Riley’s Luna Oil. Smelled terrible, but it was amaaaaazing. Couldn’t decide which I loved more.
But the price! So I took the fiscally responsible route and picked up The Ordinary’s Buffet and 2% Granactive Retinoid. Dealing with retinoid flakiness now, not a fan. Guess I should have stuck with the Sunday Riley Luna!
I just took advantage of the 25% off of beauty at Whole Foods to try a few new things. So far, I’m really pleased with the products that I chose: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, Trilogy Nutrient Plus Firming Serum and Trilogy CoQ10 Booster Oil. All the products feel great on my skin!
For thin hair: Alterna’s CAVIAR Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Styling Mist. I have thin fine hair that gets gunked up by most products but this works and it’s lightweight. The first time I used the mist I was very impressed at how much thicker it made my hair look and feel. Pricey, but worth it.
(Wanted to add – I don’t like the shampoo or conditioner in this line. They smell weird and made my hair really dry. The mist is the only product in the line that I like so far.)
Maelove’s The Glowmaker Serum. It’s evened out my skintone, made my texture way better. I absolutely love it… and the price point can’t be beat!
Burt’s Bees’ new facial oil has saved my skin this winter.
Peach & Lily’s new(ish) line of products! I tried a sample of their Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask and loved it so much I bought the full size after one use. That lead to me trying and subsequently buying the Glass Skin Refining Serum, the Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream, and the Power Calm cleanser. My dry, moderately sensitive skin feels calm and great.
I’ve been using Paula’s Choice products for a little over a year now, but she just revamped some of her line and I’ve picked up this face scrub (https://www.paulaschoice.com/the-unscrub/740-7407.html) and I LOVE it. She also recently introduced new “boosters,” which are serums to add to a daily routine.
The best part is most of her products you can buy in travel sizes to test since it’s a little on the pricey side.
Loving the Klorane mango hair mask, Hourglass mascara, and Glossier You perfume!
Just got my first Glossier order this weekend. Boy Brow is amazing. Still deciding how much I like the Stretch Concealer.
I’ve been delving into the May Lindstrom product line for a bit, but about five months ago started using the Blue Cacoon followed by the Clean Dirt daily in a steamy shower. I don’t think I need anything else. My skin is clear, even, hydrated, soft and looking much more youthful at almost 40 than it did at 35.
Don’t know how new it is but its new to me; I’m currently loving the Givenchy Prisme Primer. Its super soft and incredibly light. Right now I’m using the No. 6 Matte, but I will be trying one of the color correcting with SPF 20 versions next.
I was Instagram-influenced into trying the Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask for its fun turquoise color but I really saw the pore clearing and minimizing effects and the cool feeling perked me up for a nice start to the day. Just purchased a full size.
That cool feeling is very invigorating.
Dr. Jart’s Cicapair Tiger Grass cream. I have rosacea and red undertones and this green cream not only evens out my skin tone but has soothed inflammation too. When I started using it regularly, my sister commented that my skin was looking great and even luminous.
It’s a little expensive but it’s worth it!
Dior Lip Glow. I typically wear bolder lip colors, but this one is subtle, build-able, and natural feeling. It gives some color while still feeling fresh. It doesn’t last as long as my tried and true MAC, but I’m really looking forward to wearing it through summer for that hint of color.
OleHenriksen C-rush vitamin C gel moisturizer — just discovered this via claiming it as a Sephora VIB reward last month and have seen GREAT changes to my skin. highly recommend.
Dr Brandt needles No More Wrinkle Cream! I got it from Ulta for $45 and it has really smoothed out my forehead! I can’t use retinols so this has been a lifesaver.
Cannuka CBD & Manuka Honey Calming Eye Balm! Cannuka started in my hometown of Columbus, OH, and I was first introduced to this eye balm at a local face bar (Oasis Face Bar Downtown). Needless to say, i was pumped to hear Ulta is now carrying the full Cannuka line in all stores and online. This eye balm is calming and hydrating.
First Aid Beauty! I struggle with very dry skin in the winter (I think I am borderline on having eczema, I had it as a kid). This Christmas season I stumbled across one of those First Aid Beauty boxes in Sephora. I have now been using their Facial Radiance pads every other day or so. I also use the facial cleanser about three times a week. But I am obsessed with their Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration lotion and apply it twice daily. My 30 year old skin feels like its 18 again! Anyone in the Northeast, trust me, it’s worth it!
I use Caudalie’s Radiance Serum religiously. My skin is super sensitive and pretty much any amount of Vitamin C bothers it/makes me red. This has been amazing for brightening my skin without Vitamin C.
I’m a new mom so all of my “new” discoveries from the last 6 months come from the need to speed up my skin/makeup/hair routine.
New to me but likely an old favorite to others is Garnier BB Cream. Its perfect for me as a new mom because I can quickly apply it with my fingers and it has sped up my entire makeup routine.
Maybeline Great Lash in the big brush has been a favorite of mine for years but I recently tried the waterproof version with the small brush and it is a game changer. It holds a curl better and because of the tiny brush I can build out my lashes really well (I’m a southerner and a fan of big lashes).
Another new discovery is Living Proof Style Extender – it makes my blowout last at least a week!
Thanks to my daughter I also discovered the best night lip treatment – Aquaphor baby healing ointment advanced therapy. Its too greasy for her so I stole the tub. It may last me the rest of my life.
Lastly the CND Solaroil cuticle oil. My nails look better than when I was pregnant.
Boscia had a Daily Sephora Deal on their Baby Foot knock off and it FIXED MY ENTIRE LIFE. Or…. at least my feet. My heels were so dry and gross they were snagging on sheets, After 3 or so days, the peeling was disgusting, and I took a pumice to it. Thank goodness.
I’ve wanted to do this, but the peeling…Maybe when session is over.
I love to use Viss Beauty beauty products ???? ????. I had a transcendent experience using the hair removal device as it provided me with the long-lasting and desired result.