Her beauty secret: A potent acne- and inflammation-fighting salve made of nopal, aloe vera, jojoba, and oranges.
Using plants as medicine is nothing new. Many cultures all over the globe have used them for centuries in healing work, but according to Prados Beauty founder Cece Meadows, they can also act as powerful soothing agents for the skin.
“As a young girl visiting my grandparents in our colonia in Sonora, Mexico, there were a lot of plants that were used as medicine and skincare,” she shares. She even touts one universally loved skincare ingredient as helping to heal her skin inflammation and breakouts. “I had a bit of acne one summer, so my grandmother would take nopal and aloe vera plants that grew on our land to make a skincare salve for me. The salve contained raw nopal and aloe salve with a mixture of jojoba and oranges. The aloe and nopal salve that the plant naturally excretes was for the acne but also to heal the skin that I had been picking at that summer. The jojoba was for the inflammation that I was experiencing, as it is a natural vitamin E and B complex to heal skin. The oranges were for vitamin C to keep my skin looking healthy by brightening it, helping to heal scars, and reducing dark spots from picking at my acne.”
Using her environment as her healer inspired Meadows in many ways, but especially when it came to creating her makeup brand, Prados Beauty. Jojoba is a shrub that grows in dry regions like Mexico and offers somany healing benefits. Many already use it as a skincare oil, but Meadows had another use for it in mind. “I have a makeup remover currently that contains jojoba oil. When removing makeup, you want to nourish the skin as you wipe awaygunk and cosmetics off your face. I believe if you can use it during and after the makeup-removing process, the skin will become nourished, making it easier to bounce back from a long day of wearing makeup,” she says.
Her culture inspires every aspect of her brand, from ethics, sustainability, and formulations to storytelling, affordability, accessibility, and philanthropy. “I always want to be a representative of my people and where I come from, so creating a brand that pays homage to that requires a lot of respect and care. It starts from who I work with on designing packaging, sourcing high-quality ingredients that are safe and aren’t putting lives at risk to acquire them, [and] making them affordable and accessible. Then taking the money that I make from selling my products and sowing it back into my people and our communities. I often tell people that this is more than just a beauty brand; it’s a brand for all people who wish to buy beautiful high-quality products and do more with their money by helping me give it back to those who are in need,” Meadows says.
Recently, I flew to Scotland, but before I got there, I had a layover in Iceland. At first, I thought I was benefiting from the layover, in that I only had to get through five hours of flying time before I’d be able to stretch my legs and get a snack. (I’m an anxious flyer, so I loved that the stop broke up a long trip.) Upon arriving in Reykjavik, though, I noticed something. There was a wealth of skincare products adorning the airport walls. Suddenly, I realized I was benefitting from the layover in another way—I could go skincare shopping.
As a beauty editor and someone who’s engrossed by global beauty products, ingredients, and traditions, this was major. I did some recon, deciding what products I’d scoop up on the return layover. I knew I’d only have so much room in my carry-on and a limited budget after spending a week in Glasgow and Edinburgh, so I planned accordingly. I decided to only pick up a few products, but I made sure to take pictures of the rest so I could research them later. Ahead, check out 18 Icelandic skincare products I thought were promising enough to either buy directly from the airport or snag online once I got home.
Good-quality moisturising lotions are also known to include other high-grade skincare ingredients, such as retinol, vitamin E, green tea extract, niacinamide, aloe vera and vitamin C – all contributing towards not only nourishing your face, but also to help with various skin conditions (such as acne, rosacea and eczema), tackle breakouts, calm itchy and flaky skin and even reduce appearance of fine lines.
When should you moisturise?
First, remember that regardless of your skin type, it’s important to moisturise all year round. And with winter fast approaching, moisturising is more important than ever, especially for the dry-skinned. After all, it’s the time of year in which skin goes into overdrive – skin barriers are easily depleted, and all moisture is zapped in the blink of an eye, both of which are most often caused by the combination of the bitterly cold British weather (yikes) and the constant need to have the central heating on at all hours of the day.
What do dermatologists recommend for very dry skin?
“As the weather turns colder, skin tends to become drier and more sensitive,” shares Dr Alexis Granite, CeraVe’s consultant dermatologist. Dr Granite also advises to really take the time to massage your chosen product in, ideally for at least 30 seconds to really maximise the effects. “And if you find yourself reaching for it several times a day, you might want to consider a richer product,” she adds.
Which brand of moisturiser is best for dry skin?
When it comes to choosing the one, it all comes down to your personal preferences and budget. Are you after a quickly absorbing lightweight formula that doesn’t cost a fortune? Check out the BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream. You also can’t go wrong with the CeraVe Moisturising Cream, which is a firm fav in the GLAMOUR office. A good mid-range option is the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, featuring a water-gel cream consistency and is packed with skin-loving proteins and nutrients that maintain your skin’s natural elasticity. But if you’re budget allows you to splurge, we recommend considering the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, which contains a trifecta of skin lipids – pure ceramides, natural cholesterol and fatty acids.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter@deniseprimbetand Instagram@deniseprimbet.
Every year seems to bring with it a new host of trending skincare ingredients, and in 2024, adaptogens are set to be the next big thing. Long since used in traditional medicine, adaptogens help the body to adjust to the impact of stressors, and in skincare, they help to repair stress-induced skin damage. This ties in with the growing trend for stressed-skin solutions but also, according to Bee, a return to heritage and traditional skincare therapies.
“The world of skincare has become increasingly scientific, complex, and, in some spaces, culturally less accessible and somewhat cold,” she explains. “In adjacent categories like food and health, we are seeing a return to ancient wisdom, looking back to discover our core needs and strip back any unnecessary complications. This movement is present in skincare, too, perhaps most tangibly with products that draw from traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic ingredients.” So expect to see the likes of ashwagandha, neem, reishi mushrooms, ginseng, and Moringa popping up in your skincare formulas over the next year.
If you’re not already familiar with Dieux, the brand’s other superstar moisturizer that was launched prior is Instant Angel ($45). This lipid-rich moisturizer is designed with dry skin in mind, but it’s also labeled as noncomedogenic, so you may still be able to use it if you’re prone to breakouts. I loved this formula, but I think it was slightly too rich for my skin and ended up causing a pimple or two. I was incredibly bummed but was ecstatic when the brand dropped a lighter version for us oily folks. The brand’s co-founder Charlotte Palermino loves them both equally. “My personal favorite is layering the two,” she shares. “Because Air Angel floods the skin with hydration, I treat it almost like a hydrating serum and lock it all in with Instant Angel. Normally, I do this at night, and I’m glowing when I wake up! If I had to choose between the two, Instant Angel is my favorite. That’s because I have dry skin, and Instant Angel doesn’t sit on the skin. It sinks in and really reinforces your barrier. The glowiest skin is always happy skin, and that’s what these two do.”
Joyce de Lemos, cosmetic chemist and co-founder of the brand, gives us a bit more insight into Air Angel and what makes it really shine: “[It] was proven through clinical testing to hydrate and moisturize the skin for up to 12 hours after one application. Keeping the skin moisturized is important to maintaining a healthy and optimal lipid barrier function. Also, Air Angel was tested by people with self-perceived acne-prone skin, and it was found to be non-acnegenic and noncomedogenic.”
De Lemos also shares a few more benefits and what makes Air Angel such a smooth operator. “While Air Angel provides the same hydrolipid blend as Instant Angel, the lipid level is lower, and therefore, the texture is less rich than Instant Angel,” she says. “It’s perfect for those who simply prefer gel-creams, live in more humid climates, or have oilier acne-prone skin types that need hydration but not necessarily the heavier level of lipids. For drier skin types, Air Angel can also work great as a hydrating serum to layer underneath Instant Angel.”
I have a lot of things on my bucket list, and going to Greece is one of them. Blame it on my fixation with ancient history or the fact that I’ve watched the cinematic masterpiece that is Mamma Mia! probably 50 times in my life, but I would love nothing more than to leave my responsibilities behind and relax on an island in the Mediterranean for a couple of months.
Unfortunately, I haven’t made it there yet, and to be honest, I don’t see myself making it there for a while. To tide myself over until I’m finally able to book a plane ticket, I can turn on Mamma Mia! again or turn to one of my favorite skincare brands—Korres.
There are a lot of reasons I love this Greek skincare brand. One of the top ones is that it cooperates with local farmers and uses traditional ingredients to create its effective formulas. These formulas target a variety of skin concerns. Do you struggle with dark spots and discoloration? Korres makes a few products that can help. Dryness and irritation? Yep. What about loss of firmness and elasticity? Definitely. Ahead, check out my favorite Korres products. Plus, see proof that they can make your skin glow like a Santorini sunset.
Simply put, epigenetics is the study of how your lifestyle habits and environment can change the way your genes express. I’ve always found this to be a super-interesting topic in itself, but Parker took it a step further to explain how it can specifically affect your skin. “Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression (not changes in genetic material), influenced by environmental factors and choices including diet, exercise, and preemptive skincare,” he explains.
You’ve probably heard it a thousand times before, and this will come as no surprise, but you should definitely be wearing sunscreen, and Parker is here to explain why. “Rationale Skincare represents a comprehensive, customized, epigenetic approach to skin health that addresses the major cause of skin aging—the sun. Eighty percent of facial aging is caused by the sun. Our skin genes, which determine how we respond to the sun and pollution, are given to us by both parents. We cannot change this. However, we do not necessarily have to express genetic skin weaknesses—e.g., acne, pigmentation, rosacea, etc.”
One of my favorite things to brag about when I mention this product is just how clean it is. It’s made out of ingredients that you can see and feel that are also high performance. I asked the founder, Devanshi Garg, how this product came to be, and she told me everything.
“Cleansers are the first step in our skincare routines. I believe they can either set us up for a great skincare journey or potentially take us back a couple of steps, which we then must make up for. In spite of being ‘the most used category’ of any skincare product and one used by the largest range of skincare customers, ranging from least sophisticated to the most, cleansers and face washes are overlooked by brands and consumers alike,” she said. “Personally, I found that a lot of cleansers were either irritating my skin from fragrance, sulfates, or a high pH, or they were doing nothing. I was inspired to create a cleanser where one can see and feel a difference immediately—a product packed with such beautiful, high-performance ingredients [that] it becomes just as important to someone’s regimen as a good serum or moisturizer that they love.”
Not only that, but Penzi says cloudberry can also stimulate collagen and thus “contribute to firmness and elasticity of skin” while “diminishing fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of photo-aging.” In other words, it’s inherently anti-aging as well as brightening and barrier-strengthening.
Not to sound like a game-show host of yesteryear, but that’s not all! Believe it or not, there’s yet another benefit of cloudberry. It’s anti-inflammatory thanks to its flavonoid content. (Flavonoids are phytochemical compounds). “This helps to soothe and calm irritated skin (eczema-prone, rosacea-prone, inflammatory acne, etc.),” Penzi says. “Additionally, they are rich in omega fatty acids that help to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture.”
So, yeah, it almost sounds too good to be true, but it’s not. Cloudberry can brighten, soothe, protect, and strengthen the skin barrier all in one go. No wonder it’s been trending lately.
We’ve been waiting on pins and needles for the formal U.S. launch of Prada Beauty since August. Sure, we had the brand’s initial launch of lipsticks and eye shadows to keep us temporarily satiated, but we could hardly wait to see what else would come from the sought-after luxury brand. Would it be more modern makeup formulas? Would it be—gasp—a designer skincare line that could stand up to the likes of Chanel‘s or Dior‘s?
Well, six months have passed, and we’re happy to report that Prada Beauty did, in fact, drop a skincare line (and it’s currently exclusive to Nordstrom and the Prada Beauty website). True to what we’d expect, the products are high-tech, thoughtfully formulated, and incredibly chic. In other words, they have Prada written all over them.
The line was formulated with one thing in mind: helping the skin adapt to its environment in real time. As such, each product in the line contains the brand’s Adapto.gn Smart Technology, which is a proprietary complex of ingredients engineered to do just that. Keep scrolling to see the five luxe products worth buying, and learn how they can benefit the skin.
We are in the depths of winter and even Mississippi is having snow and ice. It is flat out cold outside. For those who have to venture out and deal with it, their skin might be effected by the temperatures. Skin can have a difficult time retaining moisture, leading to itchy, dry skin and cracked lips. In truly low temperatures, there may be a warning not to have exposed skin, a true sign of danger for the body and your beauty system.
Can CBD save your skin from cold weather? Yes, the right products have the ability to help fight the damages. CBD can hydrate and calm the skin which can make a difference – especially on the lips.
Photo by rawpixel.com
Studies have found ttopical CBD products are effective for hydration. The infusion of oils and Vitamins A, C, and E that can help deeply moisturize and protect skin along with CBD’s antioxidant-rich properties. Antioxidants are important for dehydrated skin because they can help protect against free-radical damage which can lead to skin looking more dehydrated and with more fine lines and wrinkles.
Make sure you look for products containing pure CBD oil plus along with other oils like grapeseed, coconut, jojoba, marula,or oregano oil for best results.
If you suffer from chapped lipped, look for a CBD-infused lip balm which can help your lips stay hydrated.
Photo by Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
Have you ever found yourself with more red spots or breakouts as soon as the weather starts to turn? CBD skincare products can help soothe your skin throughout the fall and winter. Studies show that CBD can help regulate and stabilize skin function. It’s also anti-inflammatory. That means it may help reduce acne and redness so you could have clearer, calmer skin this season. Plus, it may inhibit oil production so you breakout less over time.
If you suffer from a skin condition like eczema or atopic dermatitis that only gets worse or itchier as the season’s change, you aren’t alone. CBD is also effective to help with common skin conditions because of it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
But if you also take medications for a skin condition like eczema, always confirm with your dermatologist that it’s safe for you to add CBD skincare to your daily routine before starting.
The Lineup is a monthly series where we’re giving you an inside peek at the beauty lineups of cool fashion people, editors, makeup artists, hairstylists, and estheticians—all the people we trust the most. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at all the can’t-live-without products that make their worlds go ’round.
For Heming Willis, it all started when she began experiencing brain fog after becoming a mom. She sought help from a doctor, made the recommended lifestyle changes to optimize her brain health, and even started a complicated supplement regimen—which she quickly realized wasn’t sustainable. “I couldn’t find an all-in-one solution for women that would take care of their brain, body, and beauty. Everything was a pill or too complicated,” she says. “I said to my co-founder, Helen, that I wished I could take all these supplements and turn them into a drink, and that’s how Make Time Wellness was born.”
As a beauty editor, I’m lucky enough to test dozens of new skincare, hair, and makeup products each month. I’m constantly surrounded by them, and it’s literally my job to judge them, so I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on what’s good, what’s great, and what’s, well, not worth using. It’s only when I personally recommend a product to my friends that I know I really love it.
Two of my closest friends (hi, Ella and Hansi!) love swapping beauty news, info, and recommendations. I can’t even count how many times they’ve gracefully listened to my never-ending monologues on the subject. So when they came to visit over the summer, I naturally told them all about the products I’d been loving as of late, and they did the same. A week later, they left with a list of products to buy (and it’s only grown since). It wasn’t until recently that I realized every product on the list was $50 or less. Ahead, see all 15 products that I’ve recommended to them and learn why I love them so much.
I recently watched Saltburn, and I’m still reeling about three things: First, I never expected the ending and kept thinking about it for days afterward. Second, I’m still not over *that* scene (I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, but Saltburn viewers know exactly which one I’m talking about). Third, I was struck by how perfect the cast looked in the close-up scenes. And I don’t mean it in an airbrushed sense; I mean perfect in that their skin looked natural, flushed, and slightly sweaty at times. In a word, their skin looked real, like I was standing right next to them on a hot summer’s day.
According to the film’s hair and makeup designer, Siân Miller, that was on purpose. In an interview with New Beauty, she explained, “The makeup and hair team had to ensure the cast looked real, to contrive the uncontrived. This always takes some doing—if not more so than what’s blatantly obvious. Reality was essential in order to anchor these characters within the grandiose world of Saltburn.”
Part of creating that “reality” was ensuring the characters looked “hot, sweaty, and flushed” for their close-ups. It only makes sense, as they’re supposed to be relaxing (and plotting) at an English manor during the height of summer. Keep scrolling to see the exact $9 product Miller used to create this effect. Hint: it’s a cult classic, just like we’re predicting this movie will be.
There are a lot of organic bodycare brands out there, but it’s a bit rarer now that I find one that’s really worth shouting about. While I’m a huge advocate for higher standards when it comes to my skincare ingredients, some organic lines fall into the trap of being underwhelming or not working very well. Esker products, however, don’t fit this bill.
Featuring a range of high-quality organic bodywashes, oils, and body tools, Esker utilizes a CO2 extraction method that gives these formulas a unique edge. The brand’s founder, Shannon Davenport, broke it down for me.
“I was initially drawn to CO2 extraction because it made a superstar skincare ingredient more appealing,” she says. “Carrot seed oil (daucus carota) is a superb ingredient loaded with naturally occurring antioxidants, but in its traditional steam-distilled or cold-pressed format (as an essential oil) it has kind of a funky smell that is extra musky, almost bordering on kind of a barnyard scent. It’s not a bad scent per se, but not one with mass appeal.
“However, when the ingredient is CO2 extracted, it smells totally different! Earthier, lighter, and almost with a touch of a smokey mesquite aroma. I am obsessed with the scent and then subsequently learned how potent and clean CO2-extracted ingredients are. Our carrot seed process is done by basically putting organic carrot seed root into a sealed chamber and using pressure to allow carbon dioxide to pass through the plant matter leaving the aromatics and/or fatty oil content behind.”
This unique process gives each product an extra aromatic scent and I’m obsessed. Read on for my thoughts on a few favorites from the brand.
I had the privilege of sampling several Esker bodywash formulas, and this one was definitely a favorite. The problem I have with a lot of organic bodywashes is that they don’t lather enough and you have to use a ton to feel clean. Not the case here! This formula has a really nice lather and the scent is incredible. It’s earthy, uplifting, and leaves you with the softest skin. My only wish is that it came larger since I go through it a bit quickly.
My other favorite bodywash I tried from the brand was the clarifying formula. If you’re prone to body breakouts, give this one a go! It offers the same nourishing and softening qualities as any Esker bodywash, but vitamin E and cypress oil in this one help reduce skin inflammation and hydrate without clogging pores.
Honestly, every body oil from the brand is so good. I love that they all feature high-quality organic oils that are noncomedogenic. If your skin isn’t too sensitive to essential oils, then you may even be able to use them on your face! The firming formula is designed to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and tighten the skin. I can’t exactly say that this one product alone tightened my skin since I also use a body retinol, but I will say that the combination of the two keeps my skin feeling soft and looking healthy. Grapefruit and lavender essential oil really stand out in this smell-wise and I always feel like I’ve just gone to the spa after applying it.
For those with sensitive skin who can’t use essential oils, this one’s for you! This ended up being my favorite body oil of the bunch because it provides the most long-lasting hydration. It’s scent-free and contains ingredients like prickly pear seed which has powerful antioxidants, squalane, evening primrose, fractionated coconut oil, and avocado fruit oil. The formula overall is high in vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids that keep skin soft and nourished. I use this one after a shower in the evening and wake up with the softest skin of my life. It’s a perfect winter hydration staple.
This oil is the pair to the brand’s Restorative Body Wash. Carrot seed extract is the foundational ingredient in this formula that’s loaded with antioxidants to reduce the appearance of aging skin. Jojoba oil also makes up the formula which is rich in natural ceramides that help repair the skin’s barrier.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: $52 is way too much for a hand wash, but trust me, once you try this one, you’ll be hooked. While staying at the Conrad Hotel in Los Angeles once, the hotel’s spa director told me it’s all she uses because it keeps your hands so soft and it smells so good. I, of course, went home and tried it myself. She wasn’t lying. It contains a blend of essential oils that gently and thoroughly cleanse your hands without over drying. They also have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, keeping your hands extra clean. Trust me, this one is worth it. I’m spoiled now and probably won’t be able to use any other hand soap.
The last thing that made my list of top Esker products was the brand’s body planing tool. I wasn’t familiar with body planing until receiving a treatment with this tool. It’s great to have at home to remove any build up on your skin and promotes lympathic drainage without being overly abrasive.
As far as drugstore body lotions go, this is a favorite. It’s designed for extra dry skin so it’s great to reach for in the winter.
Rare Beauty’s newly launched hydrating body lotion contains barrier-supporting niacinamide, ashwaganda extract, and hyaluronic acid. I haven’t gotten my hands on this one quite yet, but I can’t wait to do so.
This is my all time favorite body lotion. It’s hydrating and rich in collagen-supporting ingredients, but is never too thick or greasy. Osea products also always smell amazing—there’s no artificial fragrance, they just smell naturally earthy and wonderful.
This luze vitamin C-rich body oil is a new find for me but it’s incredible. It has ceramides, New Zealand botanicals, and biotech lipids that keep your skin next-level nourished.
Celebrity aesthetician Ian Michael Crumm encourages tailoring your routine to your skin’s specific needs, as everyone’s skin is unique. “If you have specific skin concerns, consult with a dermatologist or aesthetician for personalized guidance,” he suggests. If you have aging skin, for example, Crumm recommends opting for products with retinol, peptides, and antioxidants. In that same vein, your skin type (combination, dry, oily, or normal) should be taken into consideration while piecing together an effective evening skincare routine. Even a change in weather pattern or season can influence the behavior of your skin! Your age can also majorly influence what products should be a part of your nightly skincare routine.
Up until a couple years ago, my skin type was normal, but within a month or so of my 24th birthday, I noticed it was feeling a lot drier, which called for transitioning products in and out of my skincare routine. For dry skin types, board-certified dermatologist Teresa Song, MD, FAAD, of Marmur Medical recommends using a non-foaming, hydrating cleanser followed by moisturizer, retinol, and then a second application of moisturizer, also known as the sandwich method, to offset potential retinoid irritation. “If still feeling dry, one can even add in a hydrating serum prior to moisturizer application,” says Song.
Alternatively, oily and acne-prone skin can benefit the most from foaming or non-foaming cleansers alternated with a sulfur-based face wash twice a week. According to Song, if cream-based moisturizers feel too heavy, but your skin tolerates retinol well, consider moisturizers with water-gel textures. If you fall into this category, prescription retinoid usage may also be effective. Unsure of where to start? There’s a fast and easy way to determine which products to try without breaking the bank or putting your skin’s health at risk.
There are quite a few ingredients derms say you should avoid if you’re pregnant, and board-certified dermatologists Divya Shokeen, MD, and Lauren Penzi, MD, shared a list of the top five ingredients.
Retinoids: Both derms agree that retinoids should be avoided. Even if you’re using a non-prescription retinol, it might be better to exercise caution and forego that for the duration of your pregnancy.
“Prescription retinoids, such as isotretinoin and tretinoin, should be avoided, as they have been associated with birth defects. Over-the-counter retinol products are also best to be avoided due to the potential risk they may pose.” — Shokeen
Salicylic Acid: “While low concentrations of salicylic acid in skincare products are generally considered safe, it’s best to avoid high concentrations or peels, as they can potentially be absorbed systemically.” — Shokeen
Hydroquinone: Both Penzi and Shokeen agree that hydroquinone should be left out of your routine.
“This skin-lightening ingredient is often used to treat hyperpigmentation, but its safety during pregnancy is uncertain and best avoided.” — Shokeen
Formaldehyde: “Found in some nail hardeners and hair-straightening treatments, formaldehyde is best avoided due to potential toxicity concerns.” — Shokeen
Chemical Sunscreen: Penzi says it’s best to avoid chemical sunscreens that contain ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, cinoxate, and more. To be safe, stick with a mineral sunscreen that only contains ingredients like zinc oxide.
A general rule of thumb is to use an exfoliant two to three times a week,” Camp says. “You may want to use it less often if you have a history of particularly sensitive skin.” He notes that overuse of exfoliators can cause redness, dryness, and irritation, so it’s best to start slow. Also, there’s the matter of sun protection. “Exfoliants can make skin more sun sensitive, so it is important to use an SPF moisturizer.”
Pavitt, on the other hand, operates on a philosophy of daily (but gentle) exfoliation. She recommends starting by using mandelic acid every other day and then amping it up to once per day. “This is the perfect acid for irritated, breakout-prone skin or even someone with super sensitivity,” she says. “The only thing I recommend is to isolate your actives within your routine. Don’t have four or five exfoliators in place with retinol, vitamin C, etc.; this is the only time I see people getting irritated when using mandelic acid (they’re using too many actives).”
To avoid going overboard, Pavitt recommends sticking to the essentials. “I recommend starting with a gentle non-active cleanser, followed by a mandelic clearing serum, a noncomedogenic moisturizer, and SPF if you’re using it in the daytime.” Oh, and if you’re not sure whether or not you’re using the right products, she has your back. “Use my pore-clogging ingredients checker at sofiepavittface.com,” she says. “You can input a product’s ingredient list into this search engine and it will tell you if that product has any pore-clogging/comedogenic ingredients in it.”
I’ll start by admitting that I may not be the best test subject for this kind of product. I’m 30 and don’t have many wrinkles yet, but I’m a firm believer in starting a youth-enhancing skincare routine at a young age if you want to see those lasting results. I was also just incredibly intrigued by the technology this product offers.
Housed in the brand’s iconic cobalt-blue bottle, Harmony L’Extrait immediately looks and feels luxurious. Although using the product for a week wasn’t a whole lot of time, I definitely noticed that my skin started to feel firmer and even looked brighter. I also have to note that the product does have a strong fragrance, which I don’t love. If this bothers you or your skin is sensitive to fragrance, you might want to skip this one.
I’ll also admit that I have crow’s-feet forming around my eye area. No matter how much eye cream I use, my eye area still gets dry (ugh). After using the Harmony L’Extrait for a bit, though, I noticed a visible difference in hydration around that area and a softening of those lines. I was definitely happy about that and even noticed a difference around my smile lines, which are getting pretty deep. What can I say? I love to laugh. I also struggle with breakouts from time to time. The formula isn’t really designed to target breakouts, but my skin still had a bit of extra radiance to it that wasn’t there before.
Overall, I really like this product and think that it actually works. I’m going to continue using it for the next few months to see what kind of results I see then. Again, I knew that given my young age and the use of this product for a few weeks, there wouldn’t be dramatic results. If anything, it can be a great serum to use preventatively. I’ve shared a photo of what my skin looks like now anyway. The fine lines around my eyes have definitely softened, and you can tell when I smile. After just one week of use, I’d say that’s extremely impressive.
If you’re looking for a product that’s groundbreaking in its technology and could possibly even act as an alternative to things like Botox or a face-lift, this just might be it. The technology is so revolutionary, and if you were to start using this in your late 20s or early 30s and stuck with it for some time, I think it could eliminate the need for more invasive treatments altogether. If you’d like to dip your toe into using a serum like this without fully committing to an $860 price tag, keep scrolling below for a few wallet-friendlier options.
By now, we all know that wearing sunscreen every single day (no matter the time of year or weather) is of utmost importance if you want to stave off damage and premature signs of aging. And thanks to the editor-approved selection of oil-free sunscreens below, even the oiliest, most acne-prone people can get by with that daily application sans irritation, clogged pores, and breakouts. Not all oil-free sunscreens are up to our high standards, but rest assured any of the below 15 have our discerning seal of approval. Keep scrolling!
