They grow up so fast. Happy 11th Birthday, Beauty Heroes!
How has it been 11 years since the Beauty Heroes launch? I remember meeting Jeannie Jarnot at Indie Beauty Expo in New York City when the idea of her subscription box was just rolling out. Way before the retail destination in Novato, CA was even an idea. And may I add, if you’re in Northern California, please add the store visit to your must-do list. It’s so worth it.
It was during my Beauty Heroes store visit that I learned from Jeannie that she actually spent some time working in my home city of Szczecin. And while it’s definitely one of the biggest cities in Poland, nobody really knows it all that well. Perhaps its spelling is the conversation. Anyway, happiest of birthdays to Beauty Heroes!
Below, I am rounding up a few of my favorites that sometimes don't get enough recognition. I hope you treat yourself to something special because the Beauty Heroes curation is exactly that.
Jane Scrivner Nourishing Cleanser
Iconic yet underrated. At least Stateside. The Jane Scrivner cleanser is a solid balm-to-oil which does not liquify with water. It melts away every trace of makeup and sunscreen and you’ll want to massage it into the skin for a few minutes because of its incredible aroma. It is best removed with a hot cloth (included), which you can turn into a cold compress to tighten the pores post-cleanse. Truly a spa moment worth of a sinkside detour. $55 (50ml) or $72 (100ml)
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser
This Indie Lee masterpiece is the morning cleanse of my dreams. Or a follow-up to an oil (or balm) in a double cleanse protocol. Imagine a gel-to-foam texture that smells like fresh strawberries and purifies the skin leaving it hydrated and ultra soft. Yes, it’s possible. Indie Lee wins big time with this one. Superb all around. No notes. $38 (125ml) or $68 (300ml)
Sahajan Balance Toner
First of all, I don’t often get excited about toners. The Sahajan formula feels like a true essence with serum-like benefits. It’s a viscous liquid solution that balances, hydrates, soothes, and micro-exfoliates the skin. If your complexion needs that subtle boost to go from good to great, this may just be the game changer you are looking for. Exquisite sensorial performance from texture to scent. $34 (120ml)
Maya Chia The Optimist
As both a face mist person and neroli aficionado, The Optimist from Maya Chia delivers the ultimate fix. And while the formula is absolutely spectacular, it is the misting nozzle that is the unsung hero. Not only does each spritz deliver a dose of glowing hydration, the fine mist it dispenses feels like the much-deserved indulgence. Aloe, sake, white tea, and chia seed extracts are just a few of the ingredients here that beyond justify the treat factor. $59 (100ml)
One Love Organics Brand New Day
This creamy clay formula is packed with alpha hydroxy-rich fruit pulp extracts to deliver one of the most satisfying masking experiences. And trust me, I would know. If you’re after a gentle exfoliator that delivers visible results, this is it. The soft yet slightly gritty texture buffs away dead cell buildup and revives dull complexion in just minutes. Excellent addition to your weekend self-care ritual. $49 (100ml)
Marie Veronique Soothing B3 Serum
My experience with the Marie Veronique brand is pretty limited but I will not stop raving about this Niacinamide serum anytime soon. If you want that one serum that focuses on hydration and glow but will also soothe and help with redness, try this one. An aesthetician advised me to ease into it by starting out every other day (great tip for those whose skin reacts to Niacinamide) but I had zero issues and can happily use it daily. Twice a day when traveling because it often replaces a small wardrobe of serums in my arsenal. $115 (30ml)
AYUNA Nectar Lip & Eye
The most recent Ayuna launch is already stealing my bathroom shelf spotlight. Small but mighty is how I’d sum up my first impressions. I adored the eye serum previously, but this Nectar formula is now my preferred one. With the fragile and overexposed skin in mind, this dense, emulsion-like potion is laser-focused on increasing elasticity and barrier support. Packed with antioxidants, ceramides, and exosomes, it melts into the skin leaving it remarkably smooth. It is way too soon to speak about long-term results but Ayuna has yet to steer me wrong. $120 (15ml)
NINI Organics JuiCy Brightening Serum
Full transparency: I have not tried this serum. Yet! Because a bottle is on its way to me and I could not be any more excited. Since I adore gel-like serum textures and am always driven by the innovation in skin-brightening, I am beyond excited about trying this NINI gem. Alongside Camu Camu and Kakadu Plum—two of the most antioxidant-rich fruit extracts—the brightening agents also include papaya, saffron, and pomegranate extracts. I’m not gonna lie, I’m also very much looking forward to the uplifting citrus aroma everyone is talking about. Since not many US retailers carry NINI, definitely explore the Beauty Heroes edit of this joyful brand. $105 (50ml)
True Botanicals Skin Barrier Sun Shield SPF 30
If you’re after a luxe yet no-nonsense truly mineral sunscreen, True Botanicals is it. No fuzzy marketing or booster ingredients. Powered by 18% Zinc Oxide, the silky formula is also studded with powerful antioxidants. The creamy texture borders on lotion-like and never pills when applied after my water-based serums. In the warmer months, I often get away with just a couple pumps over my Vitamin C serum for a complete (and very solid) skincare routine. I really wish it was available in Europe—it’s one of the very few products I miss living in Spain. $65 (50ml)
Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream
This dense balm melts like a dream and the little jar will last you forever. Josh Rosebrook delivers impressive moisture perks in this powerhouse formula but with a twist. Yes, it indeed performs like an occlusive shield that is a signature move of balm textures. But there is absolutely no greasy slip or shine left behind. Packed with nourishing plant butters and hydrating, antioxidant-rich botanicals, it soothes, comforts, and heals compromised skin fast. And while technically, it’s a moisturizer for dry-skin types, I keep it on hand for travel and retinoid testing emergencies because it’s truly phenomenal. $95 (45ml)
Graydon Face Glow
This may be my all-time favorite skincare-makeup hybrid product at Beauty Heroes. Ever since its appearance in one of the monthly boxes, I continue to be impressed. And while I don’t currently have one in rotation, my core memory is as strong as this recommendation. It’s a lightweight lotion with subtle pigment that unifies uneven tone and adds glow. What makes this product so incredible is its subtle yet noticeable performance. There is no shimmer and it does not oxidize. It also blends in sheer and has a slight blurring effect. Most likely best for anyone except super fair skin tones. $54 (40ml)
Blüh Alchemy Nocturnal Repair
Spoiler: this is one of the best night creams out there. Rich and creamy, this Blüh Alchemy formula focuses on chebula extract, which helps to prevent collagen breakdown due to glycation. Because while sugar may taste good, it does not play well with skin protein like elastin or collagen. And while the process is unavoidable, some topical measures can help slow it down slightly. Excellent at barrier repair, this overnight moisturizer also layers great over other serums (retinols in particular). $85 (44ml)
Heads up: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them. It doesn’t affect your price (ever), but it does help support the time, testing, and caffeine that goes into keeping this blog alive and glowing.
