What’s new? A lot, actually. Pandemic and election related anxiety aside (for a moment anyway), I’ve been enjoying quite a few recently launched skincare finds. And since sharing is caring, below is a quick round-up of what truly impressed me lately. With seasons changing and yo-yoing weather playing all sorts of tricks on my skin, these picks are keeping things smooth, clear, and glowing. And supple. Supple is important. Enjoy!
Reflekt 1 Face Wash
Like clockwork, this time of year has me longing for a creamy face wash that lathers and cleanses without overdrying my skin, which my complexion is prone to during cooler months. The newly reformulated Reflekt 1 Daily Exfoliating Face Wash is suitable for twice a day use and checks off every possible requirement on my wishlist. It’s creamy, packed with glycerin, nourishing Vitamin B5, hydrating Sodium Hyaluronate, and mildly exfoliating Jojoba Esters, which melt away after providing gentle physical friction on the surface of the skin. The fresh and clean spa-like aroma and soft airy lather it creates are pure perks. While the Reflekt 1 wash is not my main source of resurfacing (I do rely on acid toners quite a bit), it makes for a fantastic morning cleanse for my combination skin. I just know it will take only a few weeks for me to go through my tube. Seriously loving everything about this one. $48 (5 oz) violetgrey.com
Elta MD Skin Recovery Toner
If you thought you didn’t need a toner, bear this in mind: not all toners are created equal. Point and case: the new EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner. Part of the recently released three-piece system, the liquid step is, hands down, my favorite. The blue hued solution (color comes from super skin detoxifying Malachite Extract) is powered by a proprietary blend of three amino acids to strengthen and renew the skin. So much more than a hydrating step, this unique formula balances and calms stressed skin while restoring its protective barrier. If you’re struggling with mask-related conundrums or your complexion is looking stressed, you’ll be impressed with this new formula. Quick absorbing and absolutely traceless, the Skin Recovery Toner can be applied with a cotton round or pressed directly into the skin. It’s also totally fragrance-free. $31 (215ml) dermstore.com
Augustinus Bader The Exfoliating Toner
The recent Augustinus Bader launch is laser focused on providing the skin with much needed hydration and always beneficial micro-exfoliation. Essence is actually an acid toner hybrid propelled by the brand’s proprietary TFC8 blend of vitamins and amino acids as well as a triple-acid blend of Alpha (Phytic), Beta (Salicylic), and Polyhydroxies (Gluconolactone). Slightly viscous in texture, the liquigel absorbs immediately and leaves the skin feeling plump and smooth, ready for your treatment serum or moisturizer. The mild yet effective formula boosts any routine with microexfoliation, the results of which is more even toned and radiant looking skin. There is no scent. In the world of acid toners, this is often a very good thing. $85 (100ml) violetgrey.com
Holifrog Galilee Antioxidant Dewy Drops
After successfully starting the very inclusive ‘situational cleansing’ cult, Holifrog launched their first ever leave-on product last month. Galilee Antioxidant Dewy Drop is a serum slash lightweight moisturizing lotion that delivers a dose of both moisture and hydration. What’s in it? Aloe Vera, Squalane, Glycerin, a blend of nourishing plant oils, THEN water, then Sodium Hualuronate, CoQ10, Azelaic Acid, Goji and Green Tea Leaf Extracts, and Vitamin E. Completely unscented but far from boring, this latest launch sinks into the skin in seconds and works brilliantly under either your morning or overnight moisturizer of choice. If you’re looking for a clever multitasker that kinda sorta does it all, this should be making the top of your holiday wishlist. $52 (30ml) at dermstore.com
Pestle & Mortar Glow Drops
If you’re anything like me, you want to look ‘slightly tan’ year round. And there’s nothing wrong with that. The new Glow Drops from Pestle & Mortar allow you to create a custom blend by combining a few drops with your serum, cream or oil that develop into a healthy glow or sun kissed look in a matter of hours. I mix 4-6 drops into my Holifrog serum in the morning and look like I’ve spent the day in the sun by dinnertime. The clean and completely non-toxic self-tanning option is also quite hydrating and won’t leave suspicious looking streaks after absorbing. Just be sure to blend it in well and to wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately afterward. $52 (30ml) lookfantastic.com
Jaxon Lane Relax And Repair Moisturizer
If you’re new to Jaxon Lane, the tightly edited range includes some key self-care staples: enzyme wash, sheet mask, and a fantastic lightweight sunscreen. A few weeks ago, the brand launched Relax And Repair, a daily moisturizer with a well-rounded one-size-fits-all approach. It’s a medium-weight cream that hovers somewhere between gel and lotion, spreads and absorbs like a dream, and is packed with some impressive key nutrients. What got me all excited you may ask? Soothing Tiger Grass, pore refining Niacinamide, moisturizing Squalane, skin plumping Sodium Hyaluronate and Ceramides as well as firming Ginseng and Algae Extracts. It’s also completely fragrance-free. Personally, I am loving it as my daytime moisturizer to counteract seasonal dullness. Another bonus is how well my sunscreen layers over it without any pilling. Ever. $36 (50m) jaxonlane.com
Circumference Active Restorative Moisturizing Cream
It’s been a while since I’ve been mesmerized by a moisturizer. The new Circumference Active Restorative Moisturizing Cream harnesses the power of ingredients that are the byproduct of the winemaking process known as Waste-Not Sourcing (a partnership formed with a family owned vineyard in North Fork, NY). Vitis Vinifera Extract (aka Grape Seed Extract) is the star here owing to its high polyphenol, antioxidant, and enzyme content, which help decrease inflammation and promote healthy cell turnover. Other bioactives in this whipped to perfection moisturizer are Prickly Pear Seed and Marula Oils as well as Chlorella and Snow Mushroom Extract. If your skin is dry, you’re going to love everything about this new launch. My skin can only handle this rich formula at night but since I’m on a prescription retinoid at the moment, that’s actually pretty perfect. There is a light, fresh scent to the silky cream but it barely lingers. $120 (50ml) circumferencenyc.com
Emma Hardie Amazing Lip Balm
It’s lip balm szn! But also, every time Emma Hardie launches something new, you can find me waiting by the mailbox. That’s how excited I get. The new Amazing Face Lip Balm comes in a chic compact with a mirror and has not left my side since its arrival. I bet you’re wondering about the aroma. Sadly, it does not evoke the neroli notes of the legendary Cleansing Balm. Do not fret though. The minty freshness very much reminds me of the La Mer lip balm of yesteryear (it’s been ages since I’ve used it but olfactory memory is real). The solid balm melts to the touch and is infused with Moringa Oil, Shea and Cacao Seed Butters, Vitamin E and the brand’s own Volulip lip plumping complex. There is no high shine glossy finish nor any stickiness when you apply this Amazing Face newness. You may want to touch up once in a while (after eating, drinking, etc) but I find it wears great, looks natural, and keeps my lips nourished and super soft. $19 (10g) emmahardie.com
