5 BeautyCounter Products That Made Me A Believer

BeautyCounter products, makeup free, no makeup, clean skin care — 33, no botox, and au natural! Lately I’ve been going sans-makeup on the regular because I feel so comfortable in my skin. I honestly haven’t done that since high school; it’s so refreshing! I owe the credit to some my favorite BeautyCounter products, listed below.

Let me start this post by telling you an honest truth. I was skeptical of BeautyCounter products prior to trying them.

I hate that I was skeptical at first, because from the start I’ve valued all that the brand stands for; they’re a clean beauty brand and major player in activism, after all! Supporting brands like that is something I’m passionate about. When it came down to it, I was skeptical on if BeautyCounter products could work as well because they are clean-focused. I know that sounds terrible, especially as someone who believes so much in those types products and their purpose, but it was real.

To give myself a little credit, I’ve tried so many “clean” AND non-clean beauty brands that simply fell flat for me. Some caused weird reactions, rashes or breakouts. Others, I was disappointed to later discover, weren’t actually as clean as they promised. No thank you to all of the above! It seemed like I’d tried everything, and for one reason or another, the products I used were never the perfect mix of being a product I could feel good about putting on my skin, while being effective for my skin.

I have a huge post coming soon on clean beauty, why it matters, and the often-tough journey of my skin. In the meantime, I wanted to share this post because I can definitely attribute BeautyCounter products to igniting the “clean beauty” spark in me.

Clean beauty, Best BeautyCounter products — Shown here with minimal makeup on. Feels good to feel CONFIDENT!

Multiple things happened simultaneously that enticed me to try BeautyCounter products.

JESS and BLAIR – My friends and fellow bloggers, Jess and Blair, started to talk about more about BeautyCounter. Through following their journeys over the years, I started to learn more and more about the “WHY” behind the importance of clean beauty products. I decided to finally invest more time in learning about these products and trying them for myself.
BETHANY. I met Bethany (Hey, girl!) at a Mother Honestly conference back in the winter. I love how passionate she is about BeautyCounter and spreading the word about clean beauty. I was encouraged to learn more about how I could be involved in a company that was clearly driving positive change.
CATE. My dear friend from high school, Cate (Love you!) held a social at her house. Of course I went to show support! After already having a few months under my belt with some products, I added a few more to my routine, and was continually impressed with the results.
ME. Through months of trying different products and intentionally learning more about clean beauty and why it matters, my eyes were opened. I saw how important the products we put on our bodies are, and how they really do affect our greater selves. I wanted to be proactive for myself and for my family.

…In other words, I was influenced by the amazing women around me who were passionate about this world. I wanted in.

As noted before, I have a huge, in-depth post on clean beauty – and why it matters – coming in the following weeks. Before that, however, here are some facts that took me by surprise.

5 Things You Can’t Un-Know About The Industry

Fact #1: Decades of studies indicate that serious health issues (like cancer, infertility, and asthma) are on the rise and due in some part to our ongoing exposure to toxic chemicals
Fact #2: The U.S. has not passed a major federal law governing the cosmetics industry since 1938. 80 YEARS. (What?!?! I’d bet most of the chemicals around today weren’t even invented 80 years ago!)
Fact #3: 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 industries.
Fact #4: The European Union has banned or restricted 1,400 ingredients from personal care products. The United States has banned or restricted 30.
Fact #5: The FDA does not have the authority to remove harmful ingredients form the products we put on our bodies today.

All of this is absolutely crazy, right?! And what’s craziest to me is that, despite being a well educated person and considering myself to be generally well informed, I had no idea that any of this was the case before I dove into this world.

Selfie in mirror, clean beauty suggestions

So, here’s where BeautyCounter products come in.

They have what’s called “The Never List”, which essentially is a list of 1,500 questionable ingredients, that are never used in their formulations. Ingredients on “The Never List” include things like Parabens, Phthalates, Synthetic Flavor and Fragrance, Triclosan and Triclocarban, Oxybenzone, Formaldehyde, among many others. They haven’t just banned common culprits either, they’ve done all the dirty work to ban any ingredient deemed questionable. Their Ingredient Selection Process is extremely rigorous and socially responsible.

But they don’t just stop at their products. They’re also hugely involved in activism both on a U.S. and state level. In addition to loving their products, this was a key reason why I decided to be involved with them. I love that I have the opportunity to drive actual change.

And, very importantly, THEIR PRODUCTS WORK. I honestly can tell you I’ve never felt more confident and beautiful in my skin.

It should be noted that despite all the amazing things they’re doing, I took trying them – and then being a consultant – very seriously. I dove deep into the company. Attended multiple socials and asked lots of questions. Did my own research. Ordered a variety of products and tried them.

If I was to do this, I wanted to be all in. And I’m so excited to tell you I am! I believe in these products, their mission, and the change they can provide to our individual selves, families, and our greater whole. Again, will dive into this further with my clean beauty post, but felt this was very important to note as I hope you know I’d never promote products here that I’m not personally behind.

If you’re curious as to the products that made me a believer, here they are in no particular order. I’ve included why I love these and what, exactly, they did for my skin. It’s important to note that all skin is different, and what works for me may not work for you! But, I hope this is helpful!

5 BeautyCounter Products That Made Me A Believer

BeautyCounter Cleansing Balm

This is the balm that does it all. It works as a nourishing daily cleanser, makeup remover, and even can be used as an overnight mask. You know how ~~some~~ most cleansers strip your skin and leave it feeling dull and dry afterwards? This is the exact opposite. When I use this, my skin feels clean, hydrated, and noticeably looks brighter.

I never used a balm as a cleanser before but was convinced after being at a social and hearing that it was the host’s favorite product of all time. We’re not the only ones who are impressed! Get this: According to an independent study, 100% of women showed a significant increase in skin hydration after eight hours, with an average increase of 25%.

I will also note that a little goes a really long way. I’ve had my Cleansing Balm for a few months now and am still not through it. Every night, I apply an almond-sized amount to dry skin (that’s an important note — your skin doesn’t need to be wet beforehand!), and that’s more than enough to clean my whole face.

CounterMatch Intense Moisture Serum

Infused with two forms of hyaluronic acid, this intensely moisturizing age-preventing serum absorbs quickly to deliver a concentrated boost of immediate and lasting hydration, while vitamins C and E provide antioxidant protection and improve skin radiance. Breakthrough Bio-Mimic Technology harnesses the unique life-giving properties of plants to match the composition of skin, giving it precisely what it needs and nothing it doesn’t.

Morning and night, after cleansing, I use the Intense Moisture Serum before I moisturize. It goes on smooth and is easily worn under makeup. I equate it being like taking a shot of wheat grass for your face — it’s powerful goodness that helps to revitalize and protect your skin.

Here are some research results that are impressive and I can absolutely personally attest to: In a consumer panel test of women, 96% said their skin looked brighter and happier, 93% said their skin felt firmer and the appearance of fine lines were reduced, and 93% said their skin tone was more even and that the product improved their skin radiance.

CounterMatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion

Moisturizing is a daily must — it keeps your skin hydrated and helps to protect it from, well, every day life! If I don’t use moisturizer, it’s not a pretty sight. My skin flakes, looks chapped, and overall is more dull looking. I used to think that moisturizing could make my skin more oily, but actually the opposite is true — when your skin is dry it produces more oil to overcompensate, leading to breakouts. So moisture is a huge key to keeping your skin balanced!

I love that this moisture lotion is super lightweight and – get this – it actually adapts to what your skin needs. 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. I use this morning and night after I use a serum. It’s the last step in my skin care routine before I apply my makeup during the day!

More panel results for ya! In an independent consumer study, after two weeks of use, 93% said it provides instant and long lasting hydration, 93% noticed skin feels smoother, and 90% said skin looks and feels healthier.

Overnight Resurfacing Peel

I know you’re not here with me as I type this, but I’m actually giving this product a huge round of applause right now. It’s so good. If you try one product from this list of recommendations, let this be it. This peel uses a unique combination of both resurfacing acids and soothing acids that hydrate, replenish, and protect skin.

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.

I can definitely tell you that this visually reduced the appearance of fine lines on my face, and has evened my skin tone completely.

I will note that “peel” is a bit of a misleading name for this product. When I think of a peel, I think of my skin literally being peeled off, and red spots that need to heal. No, no. Not this one — this is applied as more of a serum, though it does act as a dual exfoliant and protectant. The AHA acids helps to do things like brighten skin, improve collagen production, reduce fine lines, promote blood flow, and prevent acne. BHA acids simultaneously unclog pores and dissolve dead skin cells at the surface.

I use this at night, 2 – 3 times a week! I swear it’s a miracle worker and I’m absolutely hooked.

BeautyCounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel

Charcoal Cleansing Bar

I’ve had chest and back acne my entire teen and adult life. It’s embarrassing and has been a pain to keep under control as my skin is very oily and tends to break out due to, well, anything. Beyond birth control or prescription medication that made my skin so dry it would crack, nothing seemed to work on getting those annoying red dots under control for me. Until this bar!

This detoxifying cleansing bar absorbs impurities in your skin without drying it out, resulting in a clearer, smoother, and brighter-looking complexion. It’s made with purifying Japanese binchotan charcoal, antioxidant-rich organic green tea, and hydrating organic coconut oil; it’s a the gentle formula can be used daily on your face and body.

I use the Charcoal Cleansing Bar every time I shower. Added bonus: I’ve noticed that using this bar on my underarms helps my natural deodorant work better! If I’ve had a particularly eventful day — one where I’ve been outside and caked in sunscreen/perhaps even a little dirt due to #toddlerlife — I’ll also use this on my face in lieu of the Cleansing Balm.

It consistently leaves my skin feeling refreshed and clean, without being over drying. And it has noticeably gotten rid of my my chest and back acne, while helping to prevent future breakouts. Win, win!

Again, a little goes a long way with this bar! It took me 3 months to go through my first bar — I even took it to Greece with us! — and I just started my second.

Next Up To Try + Other BeautyCounter Products Worth Nothing

Now that I’m a believer, I’m slowly switching out all my products to clean beauty options. (Switching can be expensive so trying to be patient as I slowly do it!) While there’s plenty of clean beauty brands out there, it’s nice to go to one place that I know I can trust, but that I also know works well.

In addition to the skin care products mentioned above, I began to swap my makeup. Later this week I’ll be sharing my current daily BeautyCounter makeup routine that creates a lovely glow while taking 5 minutes to apply. (A must as someone who’s getting kids out the door and thus has zero time in the mornings!)

Next on my list to swap out are more hair, bath & body products. I’ll be getting the Daily Shampoo and Conditioner. For styling, I’ve heard the Sea Salt Spray creates a lovely natural wave! For my body, I’ll be replacing my body lotion with this Hydrating Body Lotion and I’m also looking forward to testing out the Body Oil.

I haven’t tried it yet, but BeautyCounter recently released their breakthrough Countertime Regime Set. This is making HUGE waves in the industry because they essentially developed an innovative, plant-derived replacement for retinol called Retinatural. While effective in skin care, Retinol also has scary side effects such as extreme irritation, making skin more sensitive to harmful UV rays, and it can even cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. You can read more about this line here — if you’re interested in clean anti-aging, this is definitely for you!

Phew! That was a novel, but I hope you can see how passionate I am about clean beauty! In closing, if you’re interested in learning more about BeautyCounter, their mission, and these products, here are some articles that you may find interesting: