6 Skincare Companies Worth Knowing!

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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 100% Organic Rosehip Oil

VoilaVe 100% Organic Rosehip Oil - $21.95 US

I have been using VoilaVe for the past few months and I have to say not one product has disappointed me.  Not only are the majority of their products organic, Eco Certified and USDA Certified, but they are not filled with binders and fillers which really does make a difference in skincare.   

When the company asked me if I was interested in trying out their Rosehip oil, I was so delighted!  You see for the last year I have been dying to try Rosehip oil.  However the majority of companies I looked into did not sell this in an organic pure form.  Many contained alcohol and other nonsense ingredients that I would not subject my face to!  So when I finally had a chance to try this beauty out, I was literally counting down the days and stalking my amazon account in order to see when the shipment would arrive!  I have tried one other form of rosehip oil in the past, but I was interesting in see how VoilaVe would compare.

I received a 4oz bottle of rosehip oil that came in a pump action form.  The bottle was opaque in color which is necessary.  You see rosehip oil is an antioxidant so it breaks down with light and air.  So the pump is great as it controls the amount of air and light exposure that occurs when one constantly opens and closes a product for usage.  The color of the rosehip oil was pretty interesting.  I was like a burnt orange color which I have never seen before in any other type of beauty oil.  

This rosehip oil is a bit thick so a little goes a long way.  Out of all the oils I have tried, this for sure was the most dense.  However when applied to the skin it went on smoothly with no problems.  Rosehip oil can be used for your face, skin, hair and nails.  It actually reminds me of Argan oil and the amazing properties it carries.  Rosehip oil can smooth out rashes on your face and body, help treat eczema and acne as well help with sunburns and dryness. 

I have to say I am really impressed by this product.  It doesn't leave my face oily and adsorbs into the skin right after application.  I never had issues with breakouts or any allergic reactions.  For the fact that I am pregnant now, I am very careful about the products I put on my face.  And knowing that this product is organic really makes me feel safe about using it.  Since finding out I was pregnant I have mostly switched all my skincare products to VoilaVe because I know it wouldn't cause harm to my baby and will keep my skin looking good while my hormones try to attack my face during pregnancy!

I highly recommend this oil if you are looking to try a beauty oil that is an antioxidant with great benefits!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana 

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September Favorites!

September is an awesome month!  Its when Fall returns and the leaves turn a beauty shade of Autumn colors!  Its a great time to start working on your makeup Fall looks!  Plus its also time to look further into your skincare routine and ramp it up.  Since the cold wear is approaching, its always good to start taking care of your skin now!  So Jenny and I decided to put together a few products for your makeup needs and skincare routine!

VoilaVe Triple Action Vitamin C Serum - $19.95 US

VoilaVe is a company that sells only quality products with quality ingredients.  My vanity is slowly morphing over to being a small VoliaVe display.  I so far have used all the products they have sent me for review and have replaced a lot of my other facial skincare products with there's.  This serum is a triple action vitamin c that also contains hyaluronic acid.  Come on, you know it doesn't get any better than that!  This leaves my skin feeling awesome and contains two products in one for that triple action punch!  Click here for the the full review on this product!

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - $23.00 US

Let me start off by saying, when it comes to loving a product the price shouldn’t really matter! I have a huge collection of mascaras (I swear every promotional gimmick gets me) that in all honestly I’ve wasted so much money on. I heard about this Too Faced mascara and read countless of great reviews.  So I figured why not! It’s not too expensive, it was actually under the $30 mark.

I ordered mine from the site and the shipping was fast and the packaging was pretty amazing! When I opened my box of goodies I grabbed the mascara first; it came with a travel size too!! The wand is super pretty! It comes in a pink shade and looks like it’s made for a real make up junkie like myself.  The best part, was that the magic of this mascara was instant as soon as I applied this on my lashes.  I was instantly a satisfied customer! What I love this mascara, is that it doesn’t clump if applied correctly! Also you can go from wow to WOW by applying a second (or third) coat!! Either way it compliments any look you’re going for and a must have for even the most natural beauties!

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer -$20.00 US

I received this shadow insurance primer as a sample when I ordered some other make up from Too Faced.  I have never felt the need to try eye shadow primer before, but I was getting ready for my friends wedding and did not want to deal with touching up my eye make up. I tried the sample and did not need more than a dab for my eyes. This probably means this sample size will last me for a long time before I need to buy the full size tube. I found this primer to be very smooth and easy to apply. It dried quickly on my eyelids with no residue.  I applied my gold eye shadow for the wedding, and needless to say when I got home my make up looked untouched and fresh! I was impressed!!! I did not have to worry about creasing or the eye shadow wearing off like I do most of the time!! This eye shadow primer is really worth its weight in goal!

Poppy Austin Rosehip Oil - $25.25 US

I have been using Poppy Austin since the start of the year and have truly fallen in love with this company!  I love that fact that they make pure and organic products that really show a difference in results.  I started using this oil three weeks back and have been truly amazed by the results.  My skin looks brighter, hydrated, plump and refresh.  It doesn't leave an oily residual behind and absorbs quickly into the skin.  I would for sure recommend this product if you are in the market to try new oils and/or have skincare issues you are looking to correct as Rosehip oil helps to deal with hyperpigmenation, acne scars, dryness and eczema to name a few.  To read my full review on this product click here!

There you have it, our September favorites for the month! Let us know what you think and if you have tried any of the products mentioned here!

Keep Smiling!

Jenny & Dayana!!

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VoilaVe Triple Action Vitamin C Serum

VoilaVe Triple Action Vitamin C Serum - $19.95 US

VoliaVe is an amazing company that I have had the privilege of working with by trying out their products the last few months! I am a total skincare junkie to the point where I am always on the look out for the next best quality product.  However throughout the years I have been greatly disappointed by a lot of high end and low end brands with their level of quality.  One thing I except from skincare companies is honesty and transparency with their ingredients on all their products.  I hate seeing companies that claim to be all natural, and yet upon a further look at their product list, you find things like alcohol, fragrances, witch hazel and fillers which really affect the health of your skin.

I particularly enjoy VoilaVe products because of their honesty and integrity to their consumers. So far all their products that I have used from them contain no alcohol, fillers, binders or fragrances (to name a new) in their bottles.  What you see and read is what you get.  Many of their products are certified organic, none are tested on animals and all their products are made in the USA.

I was recently sent a nice size bottle of their VoilaVe Triple Action Vitamin C Serum.  Now I was really curious in trying this out because I had never heard of a "triple action" vitamin C serum.  In my whole time of being a beauty blogger and learning about skincare products, I didn't really know how many different possible levels of vitamin C that existed.  Nonetheless VoliaVe was able to bottle this in one, PLUS it also contains hyaluronic acid which is awesome.  I remember thinking when I was waiting for this product in the mail "man if only it contained hyaluronic acid it would so totally rock!"  When I finally got the bottle and read the ingredients I was excited!!

This product comes in a long 1oz bottle in a pump action form which I thought was amazing.  You see, normally vitamin C comes (or should come) in the form of a dark opaque bottle with a droplet.  However the only problem with that, is that its a race against time before the vitamin C which is an antioxidant goes bad.  Normally you have about three months to use up a bottle of vitamin C before it loses it full effect.  So in this case bigger is not always better.  Antioxidants breakdown with light and air.  However VoilaVe vitamin C was packaged in a air tight pump action container with the companies logo and information wrapped around the bottle to protect it from light.  I thought this was brilliant because that meant I wasn't acting like a speed devil using useless amounts of vitamin C in order to finish it up quickly.  

The serum comes in a clear form and you honestly need only one drop for your whole face.  The pump action is very controlled so that a large amount does not dispense causing waste.  It glides on smoothly on the skin and absorbs quickly with no residue left behind.  This serum works great for those who have uneven skin tone, dryness and dull looking complexions. It helps with redness on the face and acne scars to name a few.  The hyaluronic acid helps to plump out the skin, diminish the looks of fine lines and wrinkles, and smooth out your skin.  VoilaVe also produces a Hyaluronic Acid on its own which is really worth looking into.  (Click here to read that review). 

After using this product for almost three weeks, I have to say I am totally pleased!  Everything this product claims to do it has done.  My face really feels the changes in the look and texture because of this product.  This products contains to even out my skin tone, reduce the redness around my nose and plump out my skin with a healthy looking glow!

 I have yet to end up with bad results or any allergic reaction from any of their products.  I honestly cannot say enough about this company and the amazing quality of products they put out.  I am thinking of self appointing myself as their official spokesperson in Canada! But shsss, don't tell them I said that!!  :-)

Keep Smiling!

Dayana             

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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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