I’m no pro when it comes to skincare. I tend to seek out a few things that work well and stick with them for years, but every so often I’m tempted by a new product release or an online review and want to mix it up. I started to explore more clean products when I got pregnant last year, and while I’m still far from having a totally clean skincare and makeup routine, I did discover a few new-to-me favorites, most of them through Beautycounter. I like that every product on their site is clean and held to a higher standard than most products sold in the U.S., plus I liked being able to filter hundreds of reviews to find people with similar skin types. This isn’t sponsored in any way (I bought/reordered all of these myself) but they are offering 10% off sitewide right now if any of you are interested in trying something new! Without further ado, the ten products I tried with reviews for what I love, what I like, and what I can live without.
I took this photo in our outdoor shower on Nantucket this summer and some of the packaging has been redesigned since!
LOVE
Nourishing Cream Exfoliator, $35
If you order one thing from this post, make it this exfoliating cleanser. I typically use it in the shower and it’s a great substitute for this pricier Tata Harper cleanser. It makes my skin feel so clean without stripping it of moisturize. Highly, highly recommend.
Countermatch Recovery Sleeping Cream, $56
This has been my go-to moisturizer and I apply it after using the exfoliating cleanser. I love the innovative packaging (you press down on the top vs. squeezing a tube) and it’s the perfect consistency (I’d say it’s similar to La Mer but a fraction of the price).
I started using this shampoo a little over a year ago when I first found out I was pregnant. I’m obsessed with the fresh scent and appreciate that it doesn’t dry out my already dry hair. I think I’ve reordered it three times now and now Will’s using it as well.
I’ve been switching between this conditioner and this (not clean) drugstore brand for the past year and do think the combination has helped keep my hair long and prevent breakage at the ends since giving birth, though I’ve definitely had plenty of hair loss and regrowth around my face (if there’s a magic cure for that, I’ve yet to find it!).
Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask, $49
This mask is a must-have for anyone with acne-prone skin. The dark gray mask admittedly makes a huge mess if you get it around your sink or under your fingernails, but I was amazed at how immediately it cleared blackheads and how quickly it brought other impurities to the surface. If you like instant gratification from your skincare products, this is the mask for you, but you’ll want to use a moisturizer afterwearseds to counteract dryness.
LIKE
Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel, $63
If you never find time to leave a face mask on for 10-20 minutes, this resurfacing peel is an nice alternative that gives you a little glow overnight. Just apply before bed, top with moisturizer, and don’t worry about rinsing it off first thing in the morning. (Do be sure to use SPF in the morning though as peels can make your skin more sensitive to the sun!)
Countermatch Pure Calm Cleansing Milk, $32
I prefer the exfoliating cleanser above, but if your skin is super dry already and you want something super gentle, this is a safe bet.
Citrus Mimosa Body Wash, $25
https://www.beautycounter.com/product/body-wash-citrus-mimosa
This is a similar scent to the shampoo above and while it was a pleasant addition to my shower routine, I haven’t reordered only because I had a ton of other body washes on hand (none of them with totally clean ingredients though) and have a harder time justifying $25 for something that stays on my skin for five seconds.
CAN LIVE WITHOUT
Countercontrol All Over Acne Treatment, $39
I wanted to love this product after reading several rave reviews, but sadly it was too drying for my sensitive skin. If you have oily or combination skin, it might be worth a shot!
Counter+ No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil, $69
https://www.beautycounter.com/product/counter-plus-no-3-balancing-facial-oil
I was secretly hoping I would fall in love with this facial oil and be able to sub out Vintner’s Daughter, which has been my holy grail skincare product for several years now. If you’re new to facial oils and don’t have super problematic skin, this one is perfectly nice, but it’s not a miracle worker on cystic acne like Vintner’s Daughter has been for me.
What Beautycounter products have you tried? Any I should try next?
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