Over the last year I have been trying to switch over to a cleaner routine. I have switched a lot of my make-up and skin care items within the last year. Beautycounter has been one company that I have bought a lot of my beauty items in the past year.
Beautycounter’s Mission:
“Decades of studies indicate that serious health issues (including but not limited to asthma, cancer, and infertility) are on the rise and are due in some part to our ongoing exposure to toxic chemicals—whether it’s in the shower, on our commute, while we eat lunch at a local restaurant, or when we clean our kitchens at home.There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market today. Many don’t have any safety data. This is particularly true of those used in the skin care and beauty industry.What’s worse is that the Food and Drug Administration (the agency that regulates cosmetics in the United States) does not have the authority to remove harmful ingredients from the products we put on our bodies and on our kids’ bodies every single day, day after day.”
I care for my health, and want to make sure that I am focusing on what I am putting on my body, in addition to what I put in my body (I am still working on that, I still love carbs and sugar WAY too much). All of my beauty products may not be clean, but I am trying as much as possible to get there!
Skin Care Routine
CLEANSER
One of the first steps I take is to wash my face with a cleanser. I first tried Beautycounter’s Countermatch Pure Calm Cleansing Milk. I liked it, but felt that it did not clean off my make-up fully. Also, you have to use it on a dry face (NOT A WET FACE). I made the mistake the first time using it to apply it to my wet face because I have always used a cleanser on a wet face. I then read the directions after that first time.
I did return it, and tried the Charcoal Cleansing Bar. I was a little apprehensive about a bar cleanser, but I have REALLY enjoyed the Charcoal Cleansing Bar so far! I have been using it for about a month and will need to buy a travel case for it for when I am not at home!
When I am really shortened for time, I use the One-Step Makeup Remover Wipes. I have very sensitive skin and often cannot use facial wipes, but the
One-Step Makeup Remover Wipes have been great on my face. I have psoriasis that will start to form on my eyelids and the last few times I have used other brands my psoriasis comes back. The One-Step Makeup Remover Wipes have not caused ANY irritation.
FACIAL MASK
I have not been faithful about using a facial mask. My life is a bit busy right now, and I often just want to wipe my makeup off and get in bed. It is recommended to use the No. 3 Balancing Facial Mask two to three times a week. I am lucky if I do it once a week, but I have high hopes still on trying for a second day.
When I do use it, I love how soft my face feels. I use an extra makeup brush to apply the mask so my hands do not get super dirty, and leave it on for ten minutes.
“This nutrient-rich kaolin clay mask deep-cleans and balances, absorbing excess oil and drawing out impurities. Activated charcoal minimizes the appearance of pores, giving skin a smooth, refined appearance, while salicylic acid stimulates exfoliation. Perfect for those concerned with congestion and oily skin.”
I will often use the Charcoal Cleansing Bar after to make sure I washed the Facial Mask off completely.
FACIAL OIL
I never used to use a facial oil. I have combination skin and parts of my face get SUPER oily. I had heard GREAT things about Beautycounter’s oils. To test them out I first ordered the Limited Edition Glow & Go Mini Oils that were available around the Holiday’s in 2018. I was interested in the No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil because of the unevenness in my skin tone.
After I cleanse I put four drops of the No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil onto my finger and will pat all over my face. Overall I feel like my face is hydrated, but not super oily. My skin tone has looked great, and I feel great on days I do not wear makeup. I did not use the other two oils in the Limited Edition Glow & Go Mini Oils. I have heard great things about the No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil, which helps awaken skin, and the No. 2 Plumping Facial Oil, which helps with dry skin, loss of elasticity and fine lines.
MOISTURE LOTION
The Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion was one of the first products that I bought when I was making the switch to cleaner products.
“This lightweight lotion helps skin adapt to the ever-changing aggressors of modern life. Not only does it provide up to 24-hours of hydration — it actually adjusts hydration levels throughout the day for a smooth look and feel and radiant glow. Breakthrough Bio-Mimic Technology harnesses the unique life-giving properties of plants to exactly match the structure of skin, giving it precisely what it needs and nothing it doesn’t.”
This Moisture Lotion has been AMAZING. I love the feeling of it, even when I do not wear makeup. On those days I do not even feel like I need to wash my face at night (but I know I should). One pump is more than enough after using No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil, at times I have added the No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil to the Adaptive Moisture Lotion and apply them to my face at the same time.
ACNE CONTROL
I deal with the occasional acne here and there. It often is hormonal or stressed related, but it sticks around and I will have dark marks that want to stick around. Since I bought the Countercontrol SOS Acne Spot Treatment all of my acne has gone away and not scarred! I had a big spot right before I bought the Countercontrol SOS Acne Spot Treatment and it is still there!
A little goes a long way with the Countercontrol SOS Acne Spot Treatment. I only put it on spots that I can feel a pimple coming, or have one forming.
UNDER EYE
One area that is a big concern for me is my under eye circles, and the darkness that goes with the circles. I am currently in graduate school, work, and have an internship. Sleep is not always something that I get a lot of. The Rejuvenating Eye Cream helps with the darkness and circles.
It comes with an applicator to get the eye cream. I have already lost it, but just use my finger. A little goes a long way. You will not need to use much.
FUTURE PRODUCTS I WANT TO TRY
I have only heard great things about the Overnight Resurfacing Peel, that it is in my cart to buy in my next order.
“Goodnight, dullness. Good morning, glow. Formulated with 15 botanically-derived acids, this leave-on AHA/BHA peel improves skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and dark spots without irritation or over-drying. Glycolic, lactic, and malic acids clear away dull surface skin cells, while hyaluronic acid and essential fatty acids soothe and nourish to reveal a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion.”
Another item I have only heard positive results about is the Cleansing Balm. It is multi-purpose, with a lot of great benefits.
“This multi-tasking balm is brimming with uses and benefits. It’s a nourishing daily cleanser, a melting makeup-removing balm, and a deeply replenishing overnight mask. It also hydrates with nutrient-rich raspberry and cranberry seed oils and promotes a brighter complexion with radiance-boosting vitamin C. Simply massage an almond-size amount onto dry skin and let it break down oils, dirt, and impurities. Then dampen the soft 100% muslin cloth (included) to wipe everything away and rinse skin with cool water. Or, for use as an overnight mask, massage it into clean skin and rinse away in the morning.”
