Deinde Instant-Calming Recovery Gel
I was first introduced to this biotech beauty brand for a CEW story, and its novel ingredients, proven results and wallet-friendly price point tick all the boxes. The Instant-Calming Recovery Gel just joined the Deinde family, and I’ll surely be using it after my annual laser treatment later this fall. Powered by the biotech-derived antioxidant DHK, this gel instantly soothes sensitive or compromised skin while repairing the skin barrier, and paves the way for a calm, even-toned complexion.
Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Bio-Boost Serum
This retinol-alternative serum originally bowed in 2019, and a new-and-improved formula drops today! Think two sources of bakuchiol, new clinical results and an inclusive formula that’s safe for all skin types, skin tones and even during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Victoria Beckham The Foundation Drops
I’ve fallen for VB’s concealer, mascara, eyeshadows and eyeliners, but my absolute favorite product is the Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator because the tinted version let’s me go makeup-free on good skin days, and gives my skin a dose of Augustinus Bader’s anti-aging TFC8 complex every time I use. Yes, I do feel $110 is a significant splurge for foundation (especially since I don’t wear it that often), but I’ll admit that I still want this. A lot.
RéVive Intensité Anti-Gravity Serum
For the price of roughly 4 ½ bottles of Victoria Beckham foundation, you can get one bottle of this “lifting” treatment. The key ingredients include three unique peptides, collagen-supporting botanical extracts, vitamins, amino acids and enzymes galore to firm, tighten, tone and sculpt the skin. My vanity was overflowing with RéVive products in my editorial heyday, and I can confidently say this brand is as good as it gets.
Typology T50 Serum Mascara
I’ve always been intrigued by Typology (especially the brand’s tinted and radiance serums) and I was reminded about this fact when I got word of the next-generation T50 mascara formula. The 99% naturally derived formula now features pea peptides, plant keratin and castor oil—and the new brush is designed to define and lengthen every lash without clumping.
Circe PhytoFacials Daily Cleansing Capsules
I know, waterless beauty products feel foreign, but there are plenty of upsides like sustainability and travel convenience. These solid capsules combine coconut-derived surfactants and an exfoliating powder that gently remove makeup, sunscreen and other impurities. Other standout ingredients (to me) include hydrating jojoba seed oil, detoxifying houttuynia cordata native to southeast Asia, and an adaptogen blend of reishi, turneric and ashwagandha. I’m sold.
MediCube Zero Pore SA Clear Cleansing Foam
At the very least, this cleanser reminded me how fun Korean beauty products are. I chose this formula because I still need a salicylic acid cleanser to prevent breakouts, and because it also contains AHAs, PHAs and ultra-fine silica for surface exfoliation. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or stripped, and I can’t explain the JOY I experienced when I discovered it comes out of the tube like cake frosting.
Maelys Get-Dreamy Overnight Toning Body Whip
Summer may be over, but my desire for tauter skin is not (and probably never will be). I was seduced by the “try before you buy” offer, and all I can say to Maelys is “well played.” It’s only been a few days, but I do believe this whipped delight is showing potential. It smells amazing, and I won’t be sending back any unused portion in 21 days.
Soft Services Theraplush “Hold” Overnight Repair Treatment
I’ve been using the original Theraplush since it launched, and I recently refilled with the newer “Hold” version and the only difference is a delicate, almost undetectable spicy-floral-musky scent. You get the same soothing and hydration, retinol to keep skin looking youthful and cuticles under control, and a gorgeous objet d’art for your nightstand.
Silicone heel cups
I tried to track down an article I read about medical pedicures last week (to no avail), but I had to share this takeaway. As someone who struggles with dry, cracked heels (apparently caused by psoriasis), I’ve tried too many foot creams and prescription-based lotions to count. These silicone heel cups act as an occlusive layer that drives moisture and other active ingredients into the skin—so they give any treatment product a leg up. I slip into them after applying my product of choice, pop on a pair of socks, and wake up to crazy smooth heels in the morning.
Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E
Fun fact: The patent on SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic expired earlier this year. With that said, I don’t think you need to spend $185 on an antioxidant serum (although I would probably stick with SkinCeuticals if I had unlimited financial resources). That’s why I gave this $25 Amazon product a try. It smells like C E Ferulic and it tingles like C E Ferulic, but has not changed color like C E Ferulic often does over time—and I’d get it again.
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