In my 20s my main focus as far as beauty products go, was makeup. Now, it’s all about skincare. It’s a big market and you can go down a rabbit hole of time and money with skin care products. But you don’t have to. Having a perfect skincare routine doesn’t necessarily have to be a multi-step process every day (and night). The key is getting the basics down like a cleanser, moisturizer, and of course, SPF. Once you’ve made that a habit into your daily routine you can start to add in other things more specific to your skin preferences and concerns like serums, face masks, and treatments.
So where to begin? There are a lot of products out there, and it may seem daunting to decipher which ones are legit and which ones are just a marketing mirage. You’re in luck! I’ve found a few goodies that I’d like to share. They are what I would consider, after months of research, the top brands out there to use. High-quality ingredients with scientific merit and appealing packaging make for a great top-brand combo.
Here’s what I’ve come up with…
Proven
Founded by two females, who came together to develop the “Skin Genome Project™ which is the world’s largest skincare database and the science behind every unique PROVEN™ formulation.” The brand boasts the ability to adapt to any life changes you have that may affect your skin, noting that “skin is always changing, and skincare should keep up.”
Backed by science their skincare products are effective for elasticity, anti-aging, and hyperpigmentation concerns, all the while providing your skin with a softness, glow, and radiance.
What I like…
You can take their Skin Genome Quiz to find out what products best suit your skin type and concerns so it’s customizable!
Their day moisturizer has SPF, so not only does it nourish and hydrate the skin, but it also protects it from UV damage.
Glossier
Originally called Into the Gloss, they brand themselves as a ‘for the people’ product, with a grassroots beginning as a sort of skincare forum and maintaining that value as they grew more mainstream. They have a clean, simple look and their quality does not disappoint.
Aside, from skincare, they offer makeup, body care, and fragrance options. In their skincare line, they provide all the necessities like cleansers, balms, and moisturizers, as well as, treatments, sets, and an entire section just for sunscreen.
What I like…
They just came out with the Summer Capsule Collection, with a bright, fun color scheme that includes all the essentials for those long summer days.
Their makeup line is phenomenal. They have a HUMUNGOUS color palette to suit any skin color and their makeup is so light it goes on like butter and lasts endlessly. My fav is the Brow Flick.
Thrive Causemetics
Makeup with a cause, how can you go wrong?! Thrive Causmetics products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Aaaaaand, for every purchase made, they donate to one of their 550+ non-profit partners across the U.S. They have a robust skincare line to match their extensive makeup line. They have a great assortment of shades and even show how a shade can look on different skin colors. They have a huge social following and will post real people trying their products, which is shows their relatable company-to-end-user connection.
What I like…
They’re not just a fantastic brand with killer quality products (love me some of that lip tint and eyeshadow stick), they have a great sense of community –fun fact, they name their colors after Thrive members.
Their moisturizers are packed with an active blend of 7 peptides, 5 ceramides, and 4 types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and increase elasticity.
They have SPF lip balm!
The Ordinary
My minimalist side looooooves this brand. So simple, yet so amazing, The Ordinary not only will get you started with your basics but will carry you through any additions you want to make once you have that routine down. In fact, they have a “Build My Regime” section to curate any combination that suits your skin type and concern. They also give you the option of finding a product based on skin concern, active ingredient (in case all you need is just a really good multi-peptide serum), or product type.
What I like…
They have a good variety of vitamin, amino acid, and mineral-rich products without any other ingredients added to diminish their effect.
They also have hair and body products to complement that blossoming skincare routine. (wink)
La Roche Posay
With French roots dating back to the 1400’s, La Roche Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique was first created to treat skin conditions. Leaning on the side of science they take their formulation process very seriously and work closely with leading dermatologists to “stay at the forefront of skincare science, pioneering cutting-edge topics like skin’s microbiome.” They don’t just consider their products to be enhancing but life-changing.
What I like…
You can really feel a difference when you use their products. It doesn’t take a lot of use to discover the high quality of their cleansers and moisturizers; it leaves the skin so clean and soft. The makeup remover is amazing!
They have a full sun care line and a section of products just for kids!
There are a lot of good brands out there, but there are also a million not-so-great ones. Not to mention new ones popping up all the time that become the next big trend. Just remember, no one knows your skin better than you!
A xo
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