It’s no secret that I’m a fan of luxury beauty, but lately I’ve been thinking more & more about ‘cleaning’ up — not in the sense of chores (of which I’ve got plenty), but with regards to the products I use. Beautycounter is a brand that’s still relatively new to me, but what makes it attractive is the fact that not only are the items free from over 1500 banned (and potentially toxic) ingredients, but the range’s aesthetic appeal is off the charts: everything performs as good as it looks.
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Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 (CAN $49.00/6.7 oz) | This has been a record sunny Summer here in Montréal (I’m totally NOT complaining), which also means that my family and I have been going through sunscreen like crazy. When this tube arrived, I couldn’t be happier — and that’s a first; in the past, it was usually colour cosmetics followed by skincare that ever elicited this kind of response. This lotion is the mineral type of sun protection (vs chemical that can be irritating to some people) with a 30 SPF and water resistance for up to 40 minutes, formulated with “non-nano zinc oxide and soothing California Poppy”, providing a physical defensive shield against harmful UVA & UVB rays. This type of ‘physical’ or ‘mineral’ sunscreen does not contain either Octinoxate or Oxybenzone, both ingredients that are known to contribute to the collapse of coral reefs, and its mineral natural also means it’s safe for babies, children, and those with sensitivities.
This lotion has a rich texture along with a very pleasant light citrus fragrance, spreading easily along the skin. It should be noted that while a little can go a long way, the general rule of thumb is that you need to apply a shot-glass full of product for the entire body, but that’s open to discretion (the more skin you need to cover, the more lotion). It does have an initial white cast which does seem to disappear once fully blended into the skin, but it also never becomes fully absorbed — something to keep in mind.
I’ve been testing this out under some pretty intense conditions i.e.: while playing tennis outdoors under a relentless sun and soaring humidity, and I was so happy to see that my skin stayed safe. Granted, being of Mediterranean decent means I don’t burn that easily, but I’m still quite concerned with sun safety just the same. I also like how moisturized my skin felt throughout the wearing, although I will most likely reach for something that absorbs better for under makeup or those times when I’m not doing any kind of activity outdoors. Barring that, I plan on definitely using this lotion, especially when I go on holiday.
Illuminating Cream Highlighter (CAN $42.00/each) | I have a major THING with highlighters and can’t get enough, and while powders tend to provide the highest amount of gleam factor, they sometimes have a tendency to sit conspicuously at surface level — as opposed to cream versions that blend seamlessly into the skin. What makes these highlighters stand out — apart from their ingredient list — is how easy & hygienic they are to use (no messy pots where you need to dip fingers in), their portability, and the natural radiance they impart to the skin. Due to their emollient nature, there will be some slip when applied to bare skin, meaning staying power might be affected; worn over foundation/primer, you’ll get a longer longevity. In a pinch, Bronze Glow can also double as bronzer or to play up lightly tanned skin, while Rose Glow can perform double duty as blush.
- Pearl Glow – light prismatic gleam
- Rose Glow – soft rose with a silvery sheen
- Bronze Glow – neutral bronze
I’m curious; who else has been considering switching over to cleaner beauty/skin care? If you have, please let me know in the comments below and also feel free to give me names of brands I should look into. That being said, I definitely recommend you give Beautycounter a look-see; I am definitely very impressed with the care and thought that has gone into every product I’ve seen & tried to date, not to mention how their packaging sits so well in my luxury-loving wheelhouse. Yes, I’m not ashamed to admit that details are important to me … betting I’m not alone in that, either.
Available online at beautycounter.com
Kindly provided by Beautycounter for my unbiased consideration
