fave products // cosmedix simply brilliant & bakuchiol complete serums

I love a powerhouse serum. One that boasts many anti-aging benefits and works its magic all the while nourishing your skin at the same time is a big winner for me. A couple that have been at the top of my list lately are the Cosmedix Simply Brilliant and Bakuchiol Complete Serums. On their own, and used back to back, they’ve been showing me some impressive results, so I wanted to share them with you!

Simply Brilliant is a 24/7 brightening serum that works to restore radiance to dull, discolored skin. A key factor at play here are the antioxidants, which help protect your skin from environmental stressors like free radicals (a major cause of hyperpigmentation and discoloration!). Plus, lactic acid gently exfoliates the skin to help promote a more even skin tone. I’ve noticed the my skin gets its nice, dewy glow back when I add Simply Brilliant to my routine consistently- a much healthier-looking complexion overall. Use it post cleansing and toning, and then follow it up with Bakuchiol Complete or your fave moisturizer (& SPF for daytime)!

Bakuchiol Complete is an uber hydrating serum that utilizes the plant-based alternative to retinol called (you guessed it) bakuchiol. This ingredient has become popular in the last few years as a more gentle alternative to retinol, and one that is safe for those with sensitive skin, or who may be pregnant or nursing. It’s known for its ability to reduce the apperance of fine lines & wrinkles, as well as promote an overall brighter, more even complexion. Yes please! Because of its oilier consistency (thanks to squalane, jojoba seed & moringa seed oils), I’ve actually been using Bakuchiol Complete as more of a moisturizer, applying it after another serum like Simply Brilliant to really lock in moisture. It goes on super smooth, and leaves my skin feeling oh so hydrated and supple. I’ve definitely noticed an overall more radiant complexion with continued use of both these products. More Cosmedix winners (like the Elite line I’ve also been loving) now added into my regular skincare rotation!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // goop beauty goopglow vita-c brightening eye cream

I feel like I’m getting to that age where an eye cream is definitely a good idea. Mid 30s, two kids… you know what I mean. The skin under your eyes is super delicate, and is also quick to show signs of aging (or lack of sleep!), so adding a nourishing eye cream to your skincare routine can be highly beneficial. The Goop Beauty GOOPGLOW Vita-C Brightening Eye Cream does just that and more, thanks to an epic anti-aging combo of vitamin C and niacinamide. The gel-cream goes on smooth and silky, working its magic to depuff, color correct, and brighten right away, while also giving you firming, smoothing, and lifting benefits with continued use. If this sounds like it’s checking all the boxes, then we are on the same page! There’s even a plant-based retinoid alternative at play that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I’ve found that the light, hydrating texture absorbs into the skin easily, and is not irritating in the least. Plus it plays well with others- aka goes on nicely under makeup with no pilling! Here’s your sign to add GOOPGLOW Vita-C Brightening Eye Cream to your top shelf stat. I mean, hey, if it’s good enough for Gwyneth, am I right?!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // omorovicza even tone serum

Uneven skin tone. Never a fun thing to deal with, but a condition that is all too common when it comes to skincare. There are many ways to treat it, from using specific ingredients in your everyday products to more intensive treatments like peels and lasers. While lasers may be more effective, they are also more expensive and need to be done regularly to really see results. I think a good first approach is to add a highly effective product to your daily routine and see if you get the results you’re looking for. Even Tone from Omorovicza is is a daily serum for uneven skin tone that targets all the causes of unevenness, working to improve the homogeneity of your skin. If you’re suffering from any hyperpigmentation (think age spots or sun damage), applying this serum regularly can help correct that, as well as smooth the overall texture of the skin.

A key ingredient at play here is amber microalgae, which works its magic to target areas of excess melanin only, preserving the skin tone. Plus gentle exfoliating acids like mandelic and gluconic help stimulate cellular turnover, resurfacing skin texture to smooth the complexion. I’m a big fan of niacinamide as well, and always seem to be impressed by products that contain it. Its ability to help reduce post-blemish discoloration and redness, while also balancing sebum production and clearing the complexion is super clutch. Paired with Omorovicza’s patented Healing Concentrate, which is a mineral elixir containing Budapest’s thermal waters that help boost collagen and elasticity, you’ve got yourself a really impressive serum to add to your routine! What’s great is that while Even Tone is super potent and effective, it’s also gentle enough even for those with sensitive skin. It’s formulated for both light and dark skin tones, and can be safely used in your morning and evening routines. A more even skin tone and refreshed complexion is in your future!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // the ordinary niacinamide serum & azelaic acid cream

Skincare comes in many price ranges, and just because something is on the cheaper side, does NOT mean that it isn’t just as effective as some of the higher end products out there. Enter The Ordinary. Perhaps you’ve heard of this budget-friendly brand with a serious cult following by now. For whatever reason, I was late to the game in trying them out, but I’m so happy I finally did! I started with two products I’d heard rave reviews about: the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum and the Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream.

First up, the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum is the perfect serum to reach for if you suffer from acne or blemishes. This high-strength vitamin-and-mineral blemish formula with 10 percent pure niacinamide and one percent zinc PCA is great for targeting pores and oiliness, and really helps keep breakouts at bay. Niacinamide (aka aka vitamin B3) works to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and signs of congestion, while also visibly brightening skin tone, and zinc PCA: Visibly helps regulate excess sebum activity. For only $6.50 per one fluid ounce bottle, it’s truly worth a try for those with problem skin!

The Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream is a multifunctional cream that targets numerous skincare concerns, from dullness to texture to acne. Azelaic acid works to brighten the skin tone, improve the evenness of skin texture, reduce the look of blemishes, and even offers impressive antioxidant support. If you suffer from any sort of hyperpigmentation or melasma, I definitely recommend adding this $10 product to your skincare routine! The Ordinary products are free of parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, mineral oil, oxybenzone, coal tar, and sulfates SLS & SLES. Plus, they’re also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free! I’d say all that plus their appealing price point makes them practically a must-try!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // jan marini skincare bioclear & luminate face lotions

For whatever reason, anti-aging serums and facial oils seem to be abundant in my beauty cabinet, but lately I realized that I’d been lacking in the simple, but effective moisturizer category. As the weather starts to warm up, I began the hunt for some new facial moisturizers, and I’m happy to report that I’ve found a couple real winners by Jan Marini Skincare. If clear, radiant skin is your goal, I definitely recommend checking out the Jan Marini Bioclear Face Lotion. This moisturizer combines glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acid to provide countless benefits for dramatically smoother, clearer, more luminous looking skin. The multifunctional resurfacing lotion works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, redness, acne scarring, large pores and uneven texture. Yes please! I’ve found the combo of cleansing with the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cleanser, followed by a generous layer of the Bioclear Face Lotion has really kept my skin glowing on another level.

If brighter skin is what you’re after, please do yourself a favor and try the Jan Marini Luminate Face Lotion. The highly concentrated solution uses turmeric, peptides, licorice, arbuten, retinol and more, all of which work their magic to reduce the appearance of discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, there’s no hydroquinone (an effective but irritating ingredient) in the formula, so it’s great even for those with more sensitive skin. If you suffer from melasma, post-blemish hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, you’re definitely going to want to incorporate the Luminate Face Lotion into your routine. For those who might be on the market for a whole skincare routine revamp, the Jan Marini Skincare Management System offers everything you need in one package- from cleanser to serum to moisturizer & face cream to SPF, it’s got you covered from all angles. It’s definitely an investment, but with the high quality level I’ve come to find with all Jan Marini products, I truly think you’ll be happy with your new routine!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // beautycounter counter+ all bright c serum

Who doesn’t want brighter, my glowy skin? Vitamin C serums are a dime a dozen these days, but not all are created equal. I personally look for a serum that is lightweight & absorbs easily, made of ultra-stable forms of vitamin C, while also lending a quick boost of radiance to my skin. I’m always impressed by vitamin C’s ability to promote an overall more even skin tone, and I’m happy to say a new find from Beautycounter really delivers.

The Counter + All Bright C Serum boasts an impressive and ultra potent 10% blend of two different forms of vitamin C. They work hand in hand to brighten skin tone and diminish the appearance of dark spots, while antioxidant super heroes turmeric and camu camu help prevent the appearance of new ones as well. I’ve been using the All Bright C Serum for several weeks now, and my skin just looks brighter, and even some of my hyperpigmentation spots are less visible! For an extra boost of radiance, I’ve been using the Beautycounter Glow First Priming Serum, which is goes on smooth and glowy, and combines the best of both skincare and makeup!

An added bonus is that Beautycounter products are vegan, cruelty-free, and EWG-verified, so you can feel good about applying them to your skin. A more youthful, glowing complexion is yours to be had- now, what are you waiting for?!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support!