6 Skincare Companies Worth Knowing!

Post Contains Affiliated links

Last week I wrote about six independent beauty companies worth checking into because of their amazing prices, fabulous makeup quality and amazing makeup brushes. Click here for that review. This week I decided to spotlight six skincare companies that in my opinion not only offer quality products that actually produce results, but that also showcase quality ingredients without using harsh chemicals, alcohols, fragrances, fillers or binders that breakdown collagen and create free radical cell damage.  

These six companies are the ONLY ones you will see on my vanity bathroom counter year around.  I literally have nothing else there besides these six companies.  While you won't find these products in your local department store, drugstore or Sephora, however not finding them there doesn't mean you shouldn't be looking into them.  I am very picky about what goes on my face and ALWAYS do my medical research on the ingredients before buying a product.  It doesn't phase me who's name is on the product.  If it doesn't add up then its not worth damaging your face over. Period.  These six companies so far I have found to fit the bill and offer me the skincare quality I need to keep me looking young, fresh and alive day in and day out in any type of weather!

Paula's Choice

If you haven't heard about Paula's Choice its probably because you been living under a skincare rock like I was up to two years ago.  I started using Paula's Choice Skin Balancing line as my skincare routine and never looked back.  I came to hear about this company all by accident.  My physician friend one day notified me that if I wasn't using a good BHA/AHA/Retinol/Vitamin C at my age then I wasn't using anything at all. So of course I hit the internet to first find the medical literature on these ingredients and then the products themselves.  What a world of wonder I found.  Not only did I find tons of products from other companies full of crap ingredients but many were either harmful to the skin or no longer effective due to bad packaging.  So my search lead me on a massive product hunt for two weeks.  Hence when I found Paula's Choice.  Not only did they have actual up-to-date medical literature to back up their product claims, but they also have proper packaging for their products based on the ingredients they use.  Truly this company amazes me as you can find literally just about any BHA/AHA/Retinol/Vitamin C product to suit your skincare needs.  The prices are affordable, their shipping is realistic and their ingredients are quality.  You can literally shop for just about every skincare problem you have and for all seasonal issues.  90% of my skincare products are Paula's Choice.  I don't know how I got by before I starting using these products.  Nonetheless, I don't plan to ever get by without them again!

As a bonus, if you click on the Paula's Choice link here, for first time buyers you will get a $10 credit for any item you buy worth $15 or more! This company is truly worth trying out!

Colleen Rothschild

I first heard about this company from Youtube, where else!  Mrs. Rothschild is pretty brilliant.  She used the power of youtube and sent a few beauty youtubers products from her line to sample and review.  Needless to say it worked because it got me hooked not to mention others!  My first purchase ever was there Radiant Cleansing Balm which literally melted away all my makeup in one shot.  After that I tried their Clarifying Detox Face Mask which I love as well.  When it comes to an effective luxury brand, trust me this is one of them. This line has great ingredients in it which are worth noting.  A lot of their packaging is correct for the products they sell in order to keep the formula's stable.  In their line you will find products with retinol, vitamin C and salicylic acid which all make a really big difference on the face when packaged and used correctly.  Mrs. Rothschild also understands that when it comes to skincare, one product does NOT do it all and she makes that clear on her website.  You need to use a combination of products in order to tackle a combination of issues. However those products must contain certain stable ingredients that one needs in order for this happen which are found in this line.  Colleen Rothschild line offers a range of products from gentle face cleanser to more potent products like retinol.  I am slowly trying out more of their products as they are not cheap but well worth the money.       

Ageless Derma

I came to try Ageless Derma when one day I decided that I needed to use a Retinol Eye Cream with Vitamin K.  I searched high and low but could not find anything with these two ingredients put together.  I read in a medical journal article that putting retinol with vitamin K helped to diminished the look of fine lines and wrinkles but to also condition the skin to avoid the possible dryness that retinol can cause.  After trying this product out, I was hooked and ended up using at least four more of their products.  This company was founded by a medical doctor who did his research in order to create quality skincare products.  Their facial cleansers, skin brightening creams and moisturizers have some amazing ingredients in them that truly leave your skin with great results.  They lack the usual ingredients found in many skincare products like fragrances, alochol, fillers and so on which is a bonus.  I enjoy using this product line and always have a bottle of something of theirs either in my shower or on my bathroom vanity.  While they might be a bit pricey, but the results are worth every penny.

Use code Ageless when checking out to get 20% of your order storewide!   

Poppy Austin

Poppy Austin was another company I found all by accident.  While searching for an authentic but decently price Argan Oil, I found this company.  What I just love about Poppy Austin is not just the fact that they use quality ingredients but that they don't charge an arm and a leg for all natural products either.  You also won't find unnecessary ingredients in their skincare line.  They don't incorporate fragrances, dyes, scents or alcohol in their products.  The only scent I have smelled so far is in the rose water which by nature it has a scent on its own. The products are completely decently priced and all the ingredients are listed on the bottle.  Their bottle sizes are amazing for the amount you get and pay for. You literally get twice the size of product versus in other companies when the bottles are about 1 oz or less.  They sell some amazing Roesehip Oil, Vitamin C Serum, Rhassoul Clay Mask and Eye Cream worth trying.  They also work with the community where they harvest their materials from in order to offer them paying wages.  This company is not only a great product line but humanitarians as well!           

VoilaVe

VoilaVe is actually a company that found me! And let me tell you I have not been disappointed one bit!  I have literally sampled EVERY product from this line.  Took about half the year to do it, but nonetheless it truly was well worth it.  This company is 100% USDA and Eco Certified Organic.  They do not test on animals and are all made in the USA.  They offer face serums from pure Hyaluronic Acid, to their 4oz Argan Oil, Rosehip Oil, Triple Action Vitamin C Serum to Eye Cream.  Their best product that I literally rave about is there Dead Sea Mud Mask.  I use this product twice a week without fault.  The majority of their products are 99% natural and they truly stand behind their products by not ever using scents, alcohols, fillers, binders or any form of ingredients that can cause collagen breakdown or free radical cell damage.  I use their products every day and have truly been amazed by their results.  I am so grateful that they reached out to me and gave the opportunity to sample their line.  If you want to try an all natural line, trust me this is it!!   

Cosmetic Skin Solutions

I started using Cosmetic Skin Solutions (CSS) when I first wanted to try a product with 1% retinol and a vitamin C + E serum as well.  This company is very comparable to skinceuticals but for literally a fraction of the cost.  You see no company can ever justify charging hundreds of dollar for a simple yet effective vitamin C serum.  I will not pay above $40 for any type of serum that contains the same ingredients you find in a $20 one.  CSS makes sure to not only make products that contain quality ingredients, but products that also have proven results with affordable pricing.  I have also tried their Hydra B Masque Advance Formula, and their Day Moisturizing Creme with great results.  These two creams helped to restore my face last summer when I suffered a horrific allergic reaction that literally burned my face and left it peeling.  This company also stays away from using products that contain alochol, scents, dyes and so on.  The majority of their products are properly packaged in order to keep the ingredients stable.   I love this company and love using their products every chance I get!

 If you shop from their site and use their promo code CSSPROMO you get 5% off all your purchases.  

So their you have it, my top six skincare companies worth trying out.  Let me know if you have tried any of these companies or other ones that offer quality ingredients with great prices and good shipping!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

FTC: I was not paid for writing this post and all opinions are my own.  Post does contain affiliated links.

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VoilaVe Total Youth Eye Gel Review

VoilaVe Total Youth Eye Gel - $21.95

I have been using VoilaVe skincare line since about the middle of this year and have not been disappointed one bit!  I was recently asked to review their Total Youth Eye Gel, and let me tell you it could not of come at a better time!

I am 33 years old, with three kids under the age of four and another one on the way which is due in March/April!  Needless to say I don't get much sleep....ever.  Since the day my first child was born I can't remember having a full night's rest without waking up constantly in the middle of the night to take care of one of my children.  Nonetheless no matter what type of parent you are and no matter how much you do for your kids, nothing can get you back your years that you lose due to lack of sleep.  Don't get me wrong I am use to working 14-16 hour shift as an intern and then as a therapist in my own practice. I know what its like to work 7 days a week around the clock,  sleep very little, eat very little and still look like you are in your twenties!  However all you need to do is become a parent to never sleep again!

I naturally, by genetics, have dark under eye circles.  My two year old daughter has them as well.  Normally with dark under eye circles, very little besides surgery can really correct that issues.  However puffiness, dull eye skin, swelling, wrinkles and redness can totally be helped if a great eye cream is applied to the area.  However with that being said, not all eye creams actually do what they claim to do.  Most eye creams are great moisturizers.   However if you are looking to correct under eye issues, then you need more then just a cream to see a difference in that area.   You actually need a cream that is load with certain type of ingredients that are clinically proven to show results.  

VoilaVe Total Youth Eye Gel is made with organic ingredients and contains plant stem  cells, matrixyl 3000 to help tighten and firm the skin, hyaluronic acid to help plump out the skin and diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles, cucumber and aloe to help smooth the skin and reduces puffiness and swelling, vitamin E; and other great ingredients to cause a difference underneath your eyes!

The product is bottled in an air tight and non see through pump which is great to help keep the product stable and free from bacteria that is transferred from our fingers to the cream when we stick our hands in jars.   It dispense just the right amount with one pump.  A little goes a long way since your under eye area is small.  

I used this product for about three weeks, and while it hasn't been able to get me back my years of lost sleep (can't have it all) it has been able to help reduce the swelling and puffiness around my eyes I get from water retention due to lack of sleep.  It has improved the looked of my starting crows feet around my eyes (gasp!!) and it has help plump out my skin and keep it conditioned and bright looking.  While my dark under eye circles will always exist, nonetheless lack of sleep just makes them look worse.  This under eye cream really has made a difference on my eyes!  It never stung my eyes, or had a smell to it.  It never irritated or burned my skin either.  I once tried an eye gel that peeled the skin underneath my eyes right off and turned them yellow!!  Needless to say, I am careful with any eye cream I try!  Thankfully this eye is formulated right with no adverse affects to my eyes.

I am grateful to see a company that is able to offer an eye cream that does just more than condition the skin.  This cream is truly worth the try if you ask me!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

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VoilaVe Dead Sea Mud Mask

VoilaVe Dead Sea Mud Mask - $29.95 US

Well, its been about a few weeks since I seriously posted on my blog.  I have been pretty sick and it has seriously slowed me down.  However I am back and ready to write!

So recently VoilaVe came out with this amazing product! Dead Sea Mud Mask! If you ever read my blog before, you would know that I am in love with everything mud!  Well for skincare needs that is.  About two months ago I tried a mud mask and while I loved it, I couldn't get over the stinging burning sensation it kept leaving me.  And though it did leave my skin all nice, smooth and hydrated, it still always felt like it was burning my face.  After a closer look at the ingredients I realized that it contained eucalyptus oil which is a known irritant for the skin.  After finding this information out, I realized I would have to discontinue the use of that dead sea mud mask in order to avoid irritating my face. 

However nothing like VoilaVe to save the day!  The reason while I love VoilaVe so much is because they actual have quality skincare products that are not only packaged right but they are formulated correctly.  Also, this mask is certified organic which means all the products used in this mask natural.  I received this product about two weeks ago and couldn't wait to try it.  When I open this jar, the first thing I noticed was just how big it was.  It came in a 16oz jar.  The consistency of it is very creamy and smooth and the color is a dark green.   I took a knife and mixed it well in order to make sure it applied to my face evenly.   It went on pretty smooth and a little went a long way.

I left it on for 15 minutes and used it twice a week.  I noticed that I had no burning sensation whatsoever during the whole time I had it on.  I did brace myself for the pain, but it never came. Thank goodness for that!  It dried to a nice hard but soft texture. So I was still able to talk, somewhat without my face cracking and falling off.  After I washed it off my face, I noticed it came off easily with no green residue left behind and no tightness to my face.  It left my face feeling well hydrated.  I honestly was in love with the glowing results this left me.

This mask is 99% organic and natural. It has only one unnatural ingredient which is xanthan gum. However before you go running for the hills, the majority of all skincare and body care products have xanthan gum in it. This product is mostly used in order to help thicken the product and allow it to glide on smoothly.  It is considered safe for personal use and can be found in many different items.

One final note worth paying attention to. Since this mask is 99% natural and organic, its best you keep it in the fridge.  The majority of the dead sea masks that are organic and natural lack the properties needed for a long shelf life, which is good.  The reason why a lot of skincare products can last the dawn of time is because of all the crap and/or chemicals contained in them.  So in order to ensure that your mask stays fresh and last awhile, keep in the fridge and NEVER in your bathroom where the constant drastic change in temperature will affect it.

I have to say I truly love this mask and it is now my holy grail and top number one in masks!  I would for sure recommend you give this mask a try if you want to use real dead sea mud that is natural and organic!

I have to say, I have really been enjoying all of VoilaVe products so far and can say that I have slowly but surely been swapping out many of my skincare items for this company's' products.  I am truly satisfied with the quality of their products and how well formulated them are.   VoilaVe is for sure taking over my skincare routine and bathroom vanity!    

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

I received this product for consideration. I was not paid for this review and only write about products I believe and would use myself!

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VoilaVe 100% Pure LH Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

VoilaVe 100% Pure LH Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum - $24.95 US

When you end up getting two degrees from grad school (yes my friends, I am not just a pretty face but a pretty brain), the one thing you become good at is research.  My first internship landed me in a medical clinic where I worked for four years day in and day out seeing patients.  Working along side fellow colleagues (medical doctors) you learn all sorts of neat things.  From what types of meds you should take, should you ever catch a blood infection (thank God I listen that day, it saved my life two years later) down to all sort of stuff in dermatology.  In this area I truly listened and abused my colleagues for their knowledge (thank you Sam!).  

I get asked by companies all the time to do reviews on their skincare products and I turn down a lot of them.  Actually more than half.  The reason is because many of the ingredients that they have in their skincare lines suck.  I don't have any other nice grad school term to use here.  Again, after learning how to do proper research to graduate (twice) you realize that not everything that you put on your  face should be there.  I always ask a company FIRST for their list of ingredients before I agree to try out the product.  When VoilaVe contacted Everything Beauty and Beyond to first review their Argan Oil, I was truly impressed with the manufacturing of that product (click here to read that review).

When they asked me again to try out their VoilaVe LH Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, it was like Christmas in August!  Since I started writing this blog I started research on all the "new" and "old" type of serums and oils that are currently on the market.  I realized that Hyaluronic Acid had some components that truly made me go "OMG I need to try that!!"   However the majority of the companies I researched that sold Hyaluronic Acid, sold it in some adulterated and perverted form that I was NOT willing to use on my face.  That is until VoliaVe contacted me!

Now what is Hyaluronic Acid you ask? Good question! Let me tell you!! Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is found naturally in the human body and seen in high dosages in babies.  Have you ever wondered why babies and small children always look like they have beautiful supple plumpy skin?  Well its because of the hyaluronic acid in their system. Its a major component of skin tissue that give babies this beautiful plushy effect.  Skin in general holds about fifty percent of your body’s hyaluronic acid in it. However as we get older we lose a lot of it and thus aging takes it toll.  Hyaluronic Acid plumps and moisturizes skin and helps to heal and comfort it when its suffered damage.  Hyaluronic Acid also prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming and helps by retaining moisture in the skin and creating a cushion like effect to help plump out the lines as we age.  Needless to say, this is some good stuff!

However with all being said, HA only works when it formulated properly and is not diluted or adulterated with alochol, dyes or fragrances. VoilaVe Hyaluronic Acid serum is truly a work of science.  Their HA is formulated with low and high molecular structures which allow the serum to not only sit on the skin but to actually sink in.  It delivers a good amount of hydration to the skin by plumping it out and helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It contains no fillers, dilutions, parabens, alcohol (to many HA do), fragrances and is dye free.

When this arrived to my house I was so excited to use it.  I have only ever used one HA product for two weeks before I found out it had witch hazel and I threw it right out.  So trying this product was like a breath of fresh air in a HA world that I lost hope in!  It came in a dark bottle with a droplet.  The product was completely clear with no odor which I loved.  Again I don't believe fragrances or dyes should be in ANY skincare.  The consistency of the product reminder me almost of a hand sanitizer or clear gel soap.  It was very interesting to say the least.  Since it was a bit thick and slippery, all I needed was literally one drop for my entire face.  I was amazed at that.  Normally when I use Argan or Maracuja oil, I need at least two drops to cover my face and four drops for my Vitamin C serum.  So this was awesome that all it took was one drop to do it all!  Since this is not an oil but a serum, I didn't have any issues with greasiness, clogged pores or breakouts.  It dried very quickly on my face and by the time I hit the pillow it was well adsorbed into my skin. 

Now let's talk about results! You need AT LEAST 30 days for improvements to be seen.  I used it twice a day everyday for two weeks.  One drop in the morning and at night.  Since I take very good care of my skin and don't have any real wrinkles yet except on my forehead, I was amazed on how this made my skin feel.  It really plumped it out, made it smooth and soft like glass and really helped with my forehead.  That part really amazed me.   It even helped with certain dry spots I get on my skin on the side of my mouth from time to time.   

I actually plan on continuing to use this HA serum.  It is the best so far that I have found that is actually well formulated and meets all my standard do's and don't on skincare ingredients.  

I am very impressed with this company to say the least.  I still use their Argan Oil and even use it on my two year old daughters hair when I wash it!  So if you are in the market for a new Hyaluronic Acid serum, then for sure give this company a try!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

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Product of The Week: VoilaVe Argan Oil

VoilaVe Organics Argan Oil - $18.95 US

Recently Everything Beauty and Beyond was given a full size sample of this organic argan oil by the company VoilaVe.  To be honest, when they first contact me I was surprised as I had never heard of them.  However I have found many times that much smaller companies tend to provide better quality products.

This arrived to my house a little over two weeks ago and I was totally surprised by the size of the bottle.  It was a 4 oz size bottle which is considered massive (in my opinion) compared to the other companies that sell argan oil.  It came in a dark opaque glass bottle with a pump which was a first for me!  I actually loved the idea of the pump because it was great in not allowing unnecessary air, light or bacteria into the bottle.  This argan oil is also 100% certified Organic & ECO and USDA Certified.  So you know you are buying the real thing when you purchase this.  

When I first applied this serum, I was impressed by the texture.  This serum was so silky.  This for sure was something I have never felt before.  It didn't feel heavy weight or greasy (though we know its an oil) and adsorb really quick on to the skin.  It didn't have any rancid smell and no settlements so far have come out the bottle.  It was a yellow clearish color (if that makes sense) and wasn't runny or watery.  

I decided first to try this on my hands as a moisturizer because of the pump.  I tell you I was freaking in love with this pump.  I first applied it to my hands, arms and elbows and it really helped with the dryness with no greasy feeling left behind.  I then moved on to my face at night when it was time for night time skin care routine.  I normally use argan oil at night as my final step when I wash my face.  I loved how great it felt on my skin and no heavy or oily residue was left behind.  However I did have one issue.  Since this is a pump; I normally only use 2-3 drops of agran oil on face, neck and chest and this gave me way to much.  I had to rub the rest on my arms and elbows.  In this case I think the pump backfires by giving you more product then what you need if you plan to apply it to your face.  So try pumping it less then half way in order to get the right amount of oil you need for smaller areas of your body.  After that, I applied some more on my hair since I had just washed it in the shower.  I love the fact that it didn't leave it greasy or weighed down and really smelled and looked beautiful when blow dried my hair the next day.

To be honest I am in awe of the size of this bottle and the handy little pump it comes with.  When I first tried argan oil, it was a sample I received from my beloved Sephora from Josie Maran 100% argan oil.  However the price for that 1.5 oz bottle was outrageous and I refused to pay almost $90 for a bottle of that size let alone for a product I was unsure about.  I then went and hit the internet and found what argan oil needs to have in order to be considered 'real' and what the actual price ranges would be and trust me they were way more reasonable then Josie Maran.

So far this company has impressed me and I plan to keep using their product for all my argan oil needs!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana 

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