fave products // alpha H-liquid gold glycolic acid exfoliant & serum

By now I’m sure you’ve heard about the benefits of exfoliating. Whether physical (with a scrub) or chemical (with acids), gentle exfoliating is a wonderful way to keep your skin fresh and healthy. Back in the day a certain apricot-scented physical exfoliant was super popular, but it’s become apparent that maybe that wasn’t the most safe, gentle, or effective approach we should be taking. I tend to stick to mostly chemical exfoliants these days, and I’m happy to report that Alpha-H Liquid Gold with 5% Glycolic Acid truly delivers results. Liquid Gold combines 5% Glycolic Acid with a unique low-pH delivery system to stimulate action at a deeper layer of the skin. Basically, this lower pH (2.8 - 3.0) temporarily compromises the skin barrier, which then enables deeper penetration of active ingredients. Sounds scary, but it’s a good thing- I promise!

Glycolic acid is a super popular exfoliant for good reason- it works to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, promote cellular turnover, diminish the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, and even help reduce hyperpigmentation! Talk about a powerhouse ingredient. Acids can be a bit irritating at first for newbies, so I recommend applying once every few days at first, and then working your way up to daily use. I’ve also been trying out the Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum at night, and let’s just say I think you should stock up on both of these products ASAP. This serum combines two of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients in the game- glycolic acid and granactive retinoid- which work to resurface and renew prematurely aging skin. Throw in tripeptide-5 which promotes collagen production, and ferulic acid to fight free radical damage, and you’ve got yourself a real winner. I’ve definitely noticed a more vibrant, youthful glow to my skin lately, and it’s all thanks to Alpha-H Liquid Gold. As a little added bonus, Alpha-H products are cruelty-free, made with a clean formula, and are made with locally sourced botanicals in Australia. Trust me, this is a line you’ll be happy you added to your routine.

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fave products // dermalogica smart response serum

If I had to choose one type of skincare product to take with me on a desert island, it would probably be serum. Ok, fine, sunscreen would probably be more important- but you get the idea. Serums are a super effective way to deliver a high concentration of potent product onto the skin, and they can be targeted for all sorts of varying skin concerns- from acne to wrinkles to dullness & more! The new Smart Response Serum from Dermalogica is a next-gen smart serum that protects skin by using four actives that hydrate, brighten, soothe, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It essentially delivers what your skin needs, when it needs it by reading the skin's micro signals and responding proactively. Sounds confusing, but just know that it works in real time to stop skin damage before it's even visible. You’re basically getting a personalized response with every use, which in turn gives you healthier, glowing skin.

I’ve been incorporating the Smart Response Serum into my routine lately (after cleansing and toning), and I’ve really been loving it so far. Its thin, creamy texture melts into my skin effortlessly, and a pump or two is all you need to see results. A few key ingredients are hard at work here: first off, plant-based M6P glycan visibly increases firmness. Then, whenever my skin seems dehydrated, hydrolyzed beta-glucan promotes hyaluronic acid production to give things a necessary moisture boost. Plus arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides (sounds freakier than it is) works to even out skin tone and helps slow melanin production.

I also love that this serum is cruelty-free, comes in recyclable packaging, and is free of nasty ingredients (think parabens, sulfates, phthalates & mineral oil). Woot woot! PS- if you’re looking to add another Dermalogica power player to your routine along with the Smart Response Serum, I highly suggest the PowerBright Dark Spot Serum! It’s great for uneven skin tone & texture, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and aging skin. These two really pack a one-two punch!

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 * 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 // nuori infinity bio-target super boost serum

Nuori is a new (to me) beauty brand that was very appealing for multiple reasons. This clean, non-toxic skincare is blended together in super small batches in Denmark. They use premium protective packaging and even mark each product with batch number and expiration date to guarantee maximum freshness and potency. Not to mention, I’d heard Nuori products were highly effective. Checking practically all the boxes- yes please!

The Infinity Bio-Target Super Boost Serum targets your specific skin concerns by allowing you to choose concentrated boosters that you add to the serum to make it a totally personalized solution. Boosters are focused on varying skin concerns, like Dullness, Impurities, Loss of Firmness, Uneven Skin Tone, and Wrinkles, so you can totally personalize this serum just for your specific needs! It was hard to narrow it down, but I ended up selecting Impurities, for its clarifying and pore-minimizing benefits, and Uneven Skin Tone, which helps with depigmenting and brightening. Heads up, this serum is not cheap, but a little goes a long way, and the potency of the product really ensures you get your money’s worth.

I’ve been using the serum for a while now, and can really notice a difference in the overall quality of my skin. Whenever I feel a blemish coming on, or even if one is already there, the serum works its magic quickly and efficiently thanks to niacinamide and witch hazel in the Impurities booster. I’ve also dealt with a bit of hyperpigmentation (melasma, sun spots, acne scars etc.) over the years, and have found azeloglicina and hops extract in the Uneven Skin Tone booster have really made them less noticeable after consistent use. Anti-inflammatory, reduced redness and irritation, less visible dark spots, and a brighter complexion sound like the makings of my ideal serum. If they’re all this good, maybe I need another serum with two more boosters in my life!? Not to mention, I’ve heard great things about the Nuori Infinity Bio-Renewal Night Cream as well…

 * 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 // timeless skincare 10% vitamin c e ferulic acid serum

I mean, honestly, who isn’t a fan of vitamin C these days? It has so many skincare benefits- from brightening dull complexions to maintaining skin texture to preventing uneven skin tone to promoting healthy skin turnover to stimulating collagen production to protecting against environmental stressors… shall I go on? Let’s just say vitamin C should absolutely be a part of your skincare routine, if it isn’t already.

Some vitamin C serums cost a pretty penny, but Timeless Skincare makes affordable, yet effective products that I find myself reaching for on the regular. They’ve had a 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum in their lineup for a while now (among many other great serums!), and I have to say it’s a pretty great dupe for another super popular product with similar ingredients. I’m a big fan of both, but the higher concentration of vitamin C can be a bit too potent for some, including myself at times! That’s why I was excited to learn that Timeless Skincare just launched a new 10% Vitamin C +E Ferulic Acid Serum!

This version contains a lower concentration of L-ascorbic acid, which makes it perfect for those with sensitive skin like me, as well as people just starting to incorporate a vitamin C serum into their routine. It is also great if you’re looking to split your vitamin C serum application between your AM and PM skincare routine. Even if you’re a seasoned pro when it comes to this powerhouse antioxidant, the Timeless Skincare 10% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum is a great addition to your routine. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and transparently into your skin, and gets to work improving the quality of your skin immediately. Not to mention, it’s super easy on the wallet, yet just as effective as some of the (much) pricier items on the market. Trust me on this, and order a bottle (or two!) ASAP. A bright, glowing complexion will thank you!

 * 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 // sunday riley CEO vitamin c brightening serum & face oil

I’ve been a Sunday Riley fan for as long as I can remember. Their Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment and Luna Sleeping Night Oil are cult faves, and repeat buys for me, for good reason. Plus, I love that Sunday Riley is Houston-based! Yay for amazing products coming out of my hometown in Texas! Since vitamin C products are such a crucial step in any skincare routine (in my opinion), I was excited to try out their C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum and C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil.

If dullness or discoloration have been getting you down lately, the C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum is going to be your new BFF. This lightweight serum absorbs quickly into the skin, and works hard to combat visible signs of aging (think wrinkles, loss of firmness, dark spots, etc). It also helps with any redness and sensitivity, which I struggle with a lot this time of year. I’ve found it to be super supportive to my skin’s moisture barrier, leaving me with youthful, glowing skin! Plus, it’s important to note that this serum uses an extremely stable, oil soluble form of vitamin C, so you know you’re getting the best quality available.

After applying the Brightening Serum, I follow it up with C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil. Like the serum, this is lightweight and absorbs instantly, which I love. Nothing worse than a face oil that just sits on top of the skin and leaves you feeling greasy! Of course, the same ultra-stable form of vitamin C (THD ascorbate) is at work here fighting fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, discoloration, redness, loss of firmness, and more. Plus, antioxidant-rich turmeric acts as an effective calming and soothing agent. Red raspberry and evening primrose oils join the party, giving your skin the ultimate luminous glow! Perhaps I need to try C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream next?! As always with Sunday Riley, these products are free of sulfates and parabens, and are cruelty-free as well! Such a win in my book- and your skin will thank you later :)

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 * 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 // dermalogica powerbright trx pure night cream & pure bright serum

Brighter, more glowing skin always sounds pretty appealing, am I right? Uneven skin tone can be frustrating, and although I try to be diligent in my use of sunscreen and other anti-aging products, sometimes the spots and discoloration still peep through. Thankfully, Dermalogica’s PowerBright TRx line of products is here to help us combat the dullness! I’ve been using the PowerBright TRx C-12 Pure Bright Serum and the PowerBright TRx Pure Night Face Moisturizer, and I can already tell a difference. I love how lightweight and quickly absorbed the serum is- it’s super potent, but still gentle enough that I can use it both day and night! This baby works to fight all sorts of hyperpigmentation, including brown spots, discoloration, and uneven skin tone thanks to ingredients like oligopeptides, phytic acid, and red & brown algae. Say hello to increased luminosity! Pure Night, with its rich and creamy texture, just adds to the impressive glow-factor you’ll be gaining. Its active blend of brightening agents (think vitamin C, niacinamide, pumpkin enzyme & white bird of paradise seed extract!) work their magic while you sleep, so that you wake up to more luminous skin. Um, yes please! If you’re seeking brighter, more even-toned skin, I highly suggest adding these products to your routine, stat. While you’re at it, check out some of my other favorite Dermalogica products as well!

 * 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!