From byrdie

For many people, living a vegan lifestyle means more than eating a diet devoid of animal products. It also can mean extending that same philosophy to clothing choices and beauty products. If that’s you, then kudos, because sifting through the millions of brands and products to find 100% vegan-friendly formulations can take a lot of time, patience, and determination. Luckily, though, it’s getting a little bit easier every day as brands commit to producing more vegan-friendly products and being transparent about the ingredients and practices they use. (As far as makeup goes, brands like Kat Von D and Milk Makeup are making a name for themselves based on their 100% vegan-friendly product offerings.) After all, ethical beauty is having something of a renaissance.

That vegan beauty renaissance extends to skincare and, more particularly, sunscreen. While it seems that we see new and innovative sun protection products hit the market almost every day, there are a select few that customers love best. Here they are—the 13 vegan sunscreens backed by glowing customer reviews, brand ratings, and best-selling status.

Winter can leave your skin looking a bit dull, which is why we adore this release from Supergoop!, which gives your skin a glassy-but-not-glittery glow. A slight tint makes you look sunkissed without leaving you orange. Plus, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 both hydrate your skin while cocoa peptides prevent blue light damage. Plus, it’s reef-safe.

Coola is an amazing brand to look to for vegan sunscreen formulations. These “sun drops” offer full-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB, IR, and HEV light, meaning they protect your skin from both the sun and the harsh electronic light of your phone and computer screen. You can wear the drops alone by simply applying a few to your face and neck, or you can wear them under other skincare and makeup products.

Here’s another vegan spray (which we know some people prefer over cream formulas since it offers a quicker, more convenient application). It’s lightweight, sheer, and provides SPF 50 protection. Customers can’t get enough of it. One reviewer writes, “This is one of the best sunscreens I’ve ever used. After shaking it very well, I spray it twice into my hand, disperse it between my hands and rub that into my face and neck. This product has no scent that I notice. It goes on rather slippy but it dries down to an almost powder finish in a few minutes. I used this for a week in San Diego—and I’m VERY prone to burning—and I didn’t even get pink! Will continue to buy! And I love that the brand is cruelty-free!”

Most Sun Bum products smell like summer, meaning they have a tropical banana or coconut fragrance (which we typically love). For people with sensitive skin types, though, fragrance-free formulations are typically better for avoiding skin irritation. Or maybe you just prefer fragrance-free sunscreens for daily wear. In that case, reach for this vegan SPF 50 sunscreen. It also happens to be phthalate-, paraben-, and gluten-free.

HydroPeptide’s vegan sunscreen is one of Dermstore’s best-selling formulas. It’s specially formulated to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also unique in that it dries down to a sheer matte finish, making it a good choice for people who struggle with oily skin (like me)—because there’s nothing worse than applying sunscreen to oily skin and making it look even greasier.

This buzzy sunscreen from gen Z–beloved brand, Glossier, is totally vegan, which many people aren’t aware of. It’s marketed as “sunscreen for people who hate wearing sunscreen” since it’s completely sheer (you won’t see any hint of a white cast here). The lightweight formula is noncomedogenic, breathable, and great for layering.

Although Tarte isn’t 100% vegan yet, an overwhelming amount of the brand’s products are vegan-friendly. Like this sunscreen, for instance, which offers SPF 30 protection. It has 20,000 “loves” on Sephora’s website along with glowing reviews like this: “I don’t like to use regular sunblock for my face since it can be greasy, heavy and affect how my skin looks and feels as well as my makeup. This went on perfectly under everything. No greasy or heavy feeling and no weird scent. I purchased the smaller bottle to give it a try first and to throw it into my makeup bag easily for travel.”

Josie Maran’s new moisturizer-and-sunscreen hybrid is an updated version of her Argan Daily Moisturizer ($36). It’s lightly tinted to enliven the look of the skin, and it provides nourishing and anti-aging benefits thanks to the brand’s namesake argan oil in combination with antioxidant-rich green tea. Although it’s often sold-out on Sephora’s website, check back regularly for its restock. It’s inevitable, especially with reviews like this: “First of all, I absolutely love this product. Feels luxurious, smells like oatmeal, is soothing and melts into my skin, protects my skin well, and doesn’t break me out. Second, the size is a blessing, and it’s such an amazing deal, considering the 2 oz is $32. Third, I will always appreciate the sturdiness of the brown glass bottle, so light can’t penetrate and spoil the Argan awesomeness, along with its pump. I pump it twice and get the perfect amount of product. Josie Maran is truly phenomenal, and her brand as a whole is as well. I’m so happy!!”

Bare Republic’s SPF 30 sunscreen has kukui seed oil to moisturize, baobab extract to protect skin from free-radical damage, and algae extract to repair the skin. It’s paraben-free, non-GMO, and vegan. And it’s widely available at drugstores and even Ulta for less than $20 a bottle. It’s almost too good to be true.

Volition’s vegan sunscreen is all about providing radiance, which is nice considering that so many other sunscreens do the opposite by sitting atop the skin with a white cast. This one won’t do that at all. It has a pearlescent finish that reflects light to make the skin look dewy and glowy. It’s already sold out twice at Sephora and has developed a huge customer following. Take it from reviews like this one: “Can’t even deal with how great this. I have dark, ebony skin (and proud of it). Tried so many products. I found it absorbs right in and leaves just a hint of shimmer. I did notice it works even better after I moisturize. I have bought one for the car and one for home. A little bummed it is not water proof but I wear it everyday so it is worth that one con.”

This Suntegrity sunscreen doubles as a primer, which makes it perfect for wearing daily underneath makeup. It’s all thanks to ingredients like jojoba oil, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, essential oils, and green tea, which hydrate the skin and keep it looking fresh all day long.

This is perhaps a lesser-known brand, but one that’s worth mentioning nonetheless since it’s so effective and environmentally safe (and vegan). First off, it’s gentle enough for infants to use and proves soothing for sensitive skin types. Plus, it dries down sheer and provides antioxidant protection. Customers can’t get enough. One reviewer writes, “Only physical sunscreen I’ve found that I actually look forward to wearing. Unlike most physical sunscreens on the market, it leaves ZERO white cast. Get it!!”

Now that you’re in the know about a few of the internet’s favorite vegan sunscreens, make sure you check out the 12 best affordable sunscreens of 2020. Trust us when we say that they’re in a league of their own.

Opening Image: Mango

Next up, This Waterproof Makeup Is Approved by the Olympic Synchronized Swimming Team

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

It’s no secret we crave smooth, supple, radiant skin. In fact, we write about the products that will get us there on most days. In order to get our routine in tip-top, skin-smoothing shape, I called on a few skincare experts, the lovely Byrdie editors, and customers on some of our most trusted e-commerce sites (Sephora, Nordstrom, and Amazon) to offer their absolute favorites for the purpose of exfoliation, hydration, retexturizing, and skin-evening. Below, find their must-haves.

“Aside from the fact this fast-acting (i.e. 60-second) mask contains pore-refining ingredients like bentonite and kaolin clays, witch hazel, licorice root, and aloe vera, it also bubbles,” gushes assistant editor Erin Jahns. “You smooth it on like a gel and then as you massage it in, it begins to sizzle into this wonderful, slightly tingly foam. I’ll always be devoted to the Supermud (so I had low expectations) but couldn’t believe how smooth, bright, and even my skin was after my first use. And now I’m addicted.”

“The Triple Berry Smoothing Peel is a great one for sensitive skin because it’s only recommended to use once a week, and for sensitive skin types, you’ll only need to leave it on for five minutes,” celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau explains. “In fact, it’s so gentle (yet amazingly effective) that I have all of my celebrity clients use it the night before a big event because it completely smoothes the skin and creates a beautiful radiance—with no risk of irritation. Ever seen Demi Lovato at the Grammys or the VMAs?
Her skin is always glowing, and she uses Triple Berry Smoothing Peel faithfully before every special event.”

“If I’m on a mission to transform the texture of my skin, which turns dull and uneven when I’m tired and stressed, I slather these pads all over my face,” says Byrdie’s assistant editor, Maya Allen. “I tend to get blackheads the most on my nose. So annoying. And these pads contain 30% glycolic acid, which lifts dirt and smoothes over those rough surfaces. Since I have sensitive skin, I use one pad every two days as a preventative measure.”

Dermalogica’s Skin Smoothing Cream effectively maintains your skin moisture balance while improving its texture. It contains mallow and cucumber to restore suppleness, deeply hydrate, and leave you with better-feeling, softer, healthier skin.

“I have used this face cream for at least 30 years,” a commenter said on Amazon. “It is great in the morning and at night. There is no greasy feeling, and it works well under foundation. By far, it’s the best face cream I have found (and not as expensive as most). Hint: when you cannot squeeze any more out of the tube, stand it on the top for an hour or so then cut off the bottom of the tube. There is a lot left inside! I put the tube in a plastic bag until it really is completely finished.”

“It’s made with volcanic sand—not Earth-harming microbeads—and a blend of glycolic and lactic acids. So basically, it’s a physical exfoliator that also chemically exfoliates—a true win-win. The craziest part, however, is the fact that it actually warms up when you use it,” says Byrdie’s editorial director, Faith Xue. “Then, as you slough it in, it transforms into a cooling, minty tingle. The actual experience of using the scrub aside, the one thing that truly blew me away with this product was the fact that it left my skin feeling the softest it’s ever been since I turned 13 before I started my acne phase.”

SkinMedica’s HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ($178) instantly smoothes the skin, visibly blurs fine lines, and is so, so silky. It offers a blend of five forms of hyaluronic acid (the naturally occurring compound that best moisturizes your skin), but it’s different than other serums. The formula doesn’t just provide temporary surface moisture; it allows for eight hours of continuous hydration. I noticed a difference in the look and feel of my skin right away. After applying the lightweight, velvety elixir, my face felt softer than ever before, and my foundation went on so smoothly. Essentially my face felt like a cloud, and my skin looked like J.Lo’s after a day at the spa, no joke.

This spa-worthy peel is just as fun to apply as it is effective. Using a salon-type brush, apply the product to your skin to exfoliate and uncover refreshed skin in just three minutes. Rather than cause irritation, it stimulates the skin’s natural repair process, leaving your face silky and velvety smooth.

“I have used this product for years,” says one Nordstrom reviewer. “I love that it makes my skin tingle and you can really FEEL it working. My skin is so much softer and smoother after using this product. I use it once a week and it lasts over a year!”

“Think of alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA) as the blue jeans of the skincare industry: no matter your age, concern, skin type, or tone, they’ll work for you,” says writer Lexy Lebsack. This mask, in particular, is packed with 27.5% AHAs and BHAs, as well as other active natural skin resurfacers for glowing, super-smooth skin. The pomegranate grains exfoliate, glycolic acid and enzymes peel away dead skin cells, and white clay removes excess sebum and refines pores.

“Truly a do-it-all product,” notes managing editor Lindsey Metrus, “this peel brightens the complexion, reduces fine lines, heals breakouts, and minimizes pores. With just two steps, you can send your blackheads packing and smooth out your skin.”

For an immediate skin-smoothing effect, this one’s for you. According to the brand, with regular tri-weekly use, this formula will visibly minimize discolorations and small marks on your face, hands, and décolletage. Over time, though, facial lines are reduced and your skin’s texture will be significantly smoother and clearer.

“I have combination skin and I use this product once a week as part of a larger skincare routine,” notes one Nordstrom reviewer. “I LOVE it—just be kinder to your softer skin areas. I have large nose pores and this product really helps to break up the clogs, so that my other products can get in and clean. My skin feels so smooth after! Worth the cost as a little bit goes a long way.”

This vegan, gluten-free, fragrance-free facial oil contains moisture, vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants to support your skin’s natural lipid barrier (which helps to lock moisture in and protect against dryness and heat). Plus, it absorbs easily and softens, smoothes, and soothes upon contact.

“This is a very beautiful and luxurious product!” a Sephora commenter muses. “I have sensitive skin, fairly dry, but also prone to breakouts from time to time. I’ve been searching for a perfect moisturizer forever. It smells lovely, goes on silky rather than greasy, and absorbs fully. No breakouts. I live in a dry climate and I can get away with using this as a stand-alone moisturizer. As far as effectiveness goes—a couple of weeks of use and my skin is very soft and feels hydrated.”

“Biossance’s rose face oil is made with the brand’s plant-derived squalane, Chios crystal oil, vitamin C, and Damascus rose extract to seal in moisture, smooth fine lines, and improve skin texture and radiance,” says Xue. “Natural beauty lovers, the ingredient list is delightfully short and sweet.”

“I received a small sample of the bottle I’d admired in Sephora on numerous shopping trips (but never took the leap to purchase) as a free birthday gift. I pressed it gently into my skin with my fingertips as I’d so often read to do and hoped for the best. Within just a few days of applying the oil, I already noticed that my skin looked clearer and my fine lines were less visible,” says Metrus. “Truly, by placing oil on top of my already oily and blemish-prone skin, they went away faster (and my skin was SO smooth).”

Rouleau explains, “When the skin is properly balanced and hydrated, there is less surface dry skin–cell buildup to lessen bacteria from forming in the pore leading to breakouts.”

“I wanted this formula to instantly create the glowing, dewy skin our products are known for while providing nutrition and additional high-performance ingredients to keep skin hydrated and luminous,” Tata Harper said of her aspirations for creating this product. “This formulation contains 22 high-performance ingredients from 14 countries that I hand-selected to deliver these effects.”

“Skin cell turnover reduces by 7% every 10 years, so exfoliation is a key part of any skincare routine—not only for the glow it yields but also for maintaining healthy, smooth skin. This formula contains seven sources of AHAs and two sources of BHAs, including salicylic, lactic, glycolic, citric, malic, and tartaric acids, which come from plant sources like meadowsweet, sugar maple, and bilberry.”

Use this super-fine textured crystal blend to buff away any dullness (while smoothing fine lines, roughness, and acne scars). The formula includes Dead Sea salt as well as lime and lemon peel, grape seed, and vitamin E to retexture skin while leaving it soft, smooth, and thoroughly nourished.

A Byrdie-editor favorite, this serum (which feels like a watered-down moisturizer) helps deliver an unreal glow. With lactic acid to speed up cell turnover and exfoliate away dullness and licorice root (an all-natural anti-inflammatory) to fight hyperpigmentation, smooth and radiant skin is just a few applications away.

Next up, 13 Incredible Black Women Who Started Their Own Beauty Companies

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

The importance of recognizing and championing black female entrepreneurs cannot be understated. As in many industries, black leaders are sadly under-represented in the beauty space. This is especially disappointing considering black women make up an enormous percentage of beauty patrons. Last year, EWG.com reported that though African-Americans make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, black consumers’ spending “accounts for as much as 22 percent of the $42 billion-a-year personal care products market.” So even the numbers prove it: Black women need more support and representation in beauty.

So let’s take the opportunity to support the following 13 women: inspiring entrepreneurs of color who have founded some of the best beauty brands on the market. From New Orleans-based indie brands to Sephora best sellers, their hair and makeup lines deserve both your applause and your dollars. Keep reading to meet 13 inspiring black women doing incredible things in the beauty industry. (As you scroll, don’t forget to check out their brands and add a few products to your cart!)

Nancy Twine

The brand: Briogeo

Nancy Twine had already led a successful career in finance for almost seven years before she made the leap to beauty in 2014. Her haircare line, Briogeo, made her the youngest African-American woman to launch a beauty range at Sephora. Plus, the products themselves are incredible—her ridiculously nourishing Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask ($36) has earned standing ovations from women of all hair types.

Miko and Titi Branch

The brand: Miss Jessie’s

Natural haircare brand Miss Jessie’s is one of the most beloved in the industry, and it all started with sisters Miko and Titi Branch, who built their business from the ground up. The brand is named after the duo’s grandmother, who taught them the value of independence (and how to concoct the best natural-hair elixirs from scratch).

Cashmere Nicole

The brand: Beauty Bakerie

You’d never know from the sugary-sweet aesthetic that Cashmere Nicole’s cruelty-free cosmetics line was born from struggle. After the now-32-year-old makeup artist became a mother in her teens, she was diagnosed with breast cancer but powered through it all to launch Beauty Bakerie. The brand was discovered by Beyoncé herself, and naturally, it skyrocketed from there. All of that without mentioning that the products themselves are lovely—check out the Matte Lip Whip ($20), which comes in a shade for every personality and skin tone.

Pat McGrath

The brand: Pat McGrath Labs

What would a list of beauty powerhouses be without Pat McGrath? The revered celebrity makeup artist launched her hotly anticipated line in late 2015, and now whenever she releases a new product, it is swept off Sephora shelves in seconds. (Her Lust 004 lipstick, $25, is back in stock for a limited time right now, so snag it quick!)

Kim Etheredge and Wendi Levy

The brand: Mixed Chicks

Kim Etheredge and Wendi Levy created their curly-hair line out of a need for products that cater to people with multicultural backgrounds. Now their stuff is used by celebrities from Halle Berry to Jennifer Hudson. (Check out their incredible Leave-In Conditioner, $20).

Myleik Teele

The brand: CurlBox

Myleik Teele started her career in PR but soon went on to create this genius monthly subscription box for women with curly hair. The smartly curated subscription offers amazing curly-hair brands both well known and under the radar, from SheaMoisture and DevaCurl to Alikay Naturals and Uncle Funky’s Daughter. A true media mogul, Teele also has a web series, “CurlBox TV,” and a lifestyle podcast.

Iman

The brand: Iman Cosmetics

Another of the most successful beauty brands around was founded by Somali supermodel Iman. Her iconic line offers luxurious skincare and makeup for black, Asian, Latina, and multicultural women with an impressive range of shades and formulas. Her award-winning Radiance Liquid foundation ($16) is a must-try.

Eunice W. Johnson

The brand: Fashion Fair

One of the first black female trailblazers in beauty, Eunice W. Johnson founded Fashion Fair in 1973 after discovering that there weren’t nearly enough makeup shades for women of color on the market. Johnson died after a long, illustrious career in 2010, but her brand remains the largest black-owned cosmetics company in the world.

Dawn Fitch

The brand: Pooka

You may not be familiar with this holistic beauty line yet, but it’s absolutely worth a perusal. Dawn Fitch founded the line after she fell mysteriously ill and embarked on an epic mission to transition to an all-natural skin- and haircare routine. The ingredients she uses in her line are free of preservatives, dyes, phthalates, parabens, and sulfates, and all the products are aromatherapeutic and utterly divine—we recommend her Forever Lavender Body Oil ($18).

Niala and Tia Howard

The brand: Magnolia Makeup

Some of the brightest, most colorful makeup available comes from this New Orleans-based brand. Sisters Niala and Tia Howard had a lifelong infatuation with makeup before launching their playful, highly pigmented line, which was created to suit all skin types and tones. (They even created a version of last year’s viral Rainbow Highlighter, $40!)

Next up, I’ve Tried Over 1000 Lipsticks, and These 14 Are the Best

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

Eyeliner is cool, as is mascara, but no makeup product holds my heart like lipstick. When I only have two minutes to get ready in the morning, a bright lip is the first thing I grab. When I’m in a crummy mood, a vibrant pink or red color turns that right around. And on those weird days when my face looks tired or just off somehow, lipstick is my saving grace. Over the years, I’ve tried hundreds of lipsticks, maybe even over 1000, and I currently own at least 100 (thank goodness lipstick tubes are small!).

But truth be told, there are only a few select gems in my daily rotation. That’s because I have a pretty particular taste in lipstick: I love ranges that offer both really vibrant brights and subtle everyday shades. I like a creamy, plumping texture—nothing so matte that it’s going to dry out my lips. And I like silky application and long staying power.

Out of all the lipsticks I’ve tried, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 14, ranging in price from $5 to $55, that meet these requirements. Curious to know this lipstick fiend’s favorites? Just keep scrolling.

These bright, crazy-pigmented shades are what I’ve found myself reaching for all summer. (Tough Tomato and Arancia Adore are my personal favorites.) I layer the demi-matte formula over a thin layer of balm for a vibrant look that’ll last for hours without feeling dry. Also, a moment of silence for the beautiful clear packaging.

Sephora Collection low-key always has the most luxury-quality products for the best prices. This glossy lipstick in the shade Stay Together (currently on sale for $7!) is a staple in my collection. The formula is super layerable so you can go sheer or high impact depending on your vibe, it feels like a hydrating lip balm, and it tastes subtly like candy.

Nars’s lip crayons are iconic for a reason—the texture is creamy but not drying, offers budge-free color payoff for days, and the thick crayon shape makes applying the color easy.

I’ve said it 800 million times, and I’ll never stop: Though this lipstick costs as much as my internet bill, it’s completely worth it. It’s my ride-or-die red lipstick for so many reasons, from the elegant black tube to the angular, jewel-shaped tip to the blindingly bright payoff and featherlight feel—ugh, I could gush for hours. But for the sake of internet brevity, I’ll stop here.

The Best Red Lipsticks Ever Created, According to Byrdie Editors

Don’t have 55 bucks to spend on lipstick? I feel you. And actually, as often as I reach for the high-end picks on this list, I go for this oldie-but-a-goodie Revlon product just as much. It’s got a moisturizing feel, high-impact pigment, decent staying power, and a beautiful range of over 40 shades (Kiss Me Coral has been my fave since high school).

Lip gloss has enjoyed a major renaissance in my life over the past year, and this fairly new launch from Tarte is perfectly compatible with that. One side is a creamy lipstick, and the other is a coordinating nonsticky gloss. The shade range offers really pretty pinks and nudes—whenever I wear Sass, a mauvy color, the compliments roll in.

If you can’t already tell, I will choose a high-shine lipstick over a matte one any day, but few lipsticks are as pigmented and as comfortable as this one by Dior. The product offers full-coverage color in one swipe with a patent finish shinier than a freshly waxed beamer. The shades range from bold purples to playful pinks to subtler browns—I own like six of them and am universally obsessed.

The day I stop yammering on about this lip product is the day I die, I suppose. Sisley’s hydrating, pigmented lipstick/balm hybrid is the thing I wear on my lips more than any other. Pricey, yes, but for how effortless the product is and for the number of compliments you’ll receive while wearing it, you’ll agree it’s money well spent.

The luxury of a Tom Ford lipstick cannot be overstated. The formula glides on like butter and is truly buildable so you can adjust the product to behave more like five different lipsticks with five different levels of color payoff depending on how much you apply. There are well over 40 shades to choose from, but my favorites are probably Wild Ginger and Fox Fire.

There’s a reason this is one of Sephora’s best-selling lipsticks—the intensely moisturizing formula makes your lips feel soft and look impossibly plump. Plus, it comes in so many interesting shades, like Cava, a purply beige; Electric Jam, a neon violet; and Kale, which looks exactly how it sounds.

MAC’s lipsticks are a classic, but its Liptensity line kicks things up a notch. The formula was created by a tetrachromat, a woman who can perceive millions of colors the average human eye can’t. The result? One of the most insanely pigmented lipsticks on the market. I like to layer a bit of clear lip gloss over the orange-red shade, Barbecue, to really blind people.

Team Byrdie is collectively obsessed with this matte-but-moisturizing product, which somehow lasts all day without getting flaky, caky, or drying. It has a silky application, a velvety finish, and a pretty shade selection, hitting all the marks that separate the good lipsticks from the great.

I discovered this $12 formula during a drugstore makeup experiment two years ago, and it’s been a consistent favorite ever since. Peptides and hyaluronic acid make it ridiculously moisturizing and plumping.

Another Sephora customer fave, the 31 shades in Pat McGrath’s lip line (ranging from vampy burgundies to juicy pinks) are all stunning—matte, but still comfortable to wear. And the packaging, of course, is to die for.

Next up, I’m a Brand Snob and Only Wore Drugstore Makeup for a Week

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

I’ve just given up high-end makeup cold turkey, and suddenly it’s all I can see. My bathroom countertop is piled to the ceiling with Becca highlighters, Too Faced lipsticks, and Nudestix brow pencils that I’m now forbidden to use. At the office, every Byrdie desk is overflowing with loot from Sephora, mocking me with its gleaming labels. A package arrives for me from Nars. I don’t even open it. Because for the next five days, I’m not allowed to use it—any of it.

Starting today, I’m embarking on a little beauty experiment: I’m going to use exclusively drugstore makeup every day for a week to see if I can tell the difference.

This really shouldn’t be difficult. Throughout my high school and college years, I only ever used the cheapest makeup available. I’d enter Sephora under one scenario: to do my makeup, swipe as many free perfume samples as I could get away with, and leave.

However, my ever-intensifying beauty fixation and unique day job have slowly coaxed me into believing that you have to pay a little more (or in some cases, a lot more) for the formulas and results you want. Earlier this summer, for example, I decided that $55 was the price one had to pay for the ideal red lipstick.

But I wasn’t raised to be like this. So I decided it was time for a change. Here’s how the experiment worked: For a week, I replaced every last one of my luxury makeup products with a drugstore option, and I didn’t tell anyone. I chose classic products I’d loved years before and new releases whose formulas intrigued me. The goal was to see how I liked the products and how other people reacted to them.

To be honest, my prediction was that I’d feel “meh” about most of the makeup and promptly return to my high-end routine once the detox was over. I certainly didn’t expect to dig dozens of products and rethink my philosophy on the price of makeup.

Monday

To kick off my week, I went with the look I’m most comfortable with: winged liner and a tangerine lip. With skepticism, I broke into my new drugstore arsenal, praying the concealer would blend, the eyeliner would stay put, and the lipstick would offer pigment. I had a dinner engagement that night, and I didn’t want to embarrass myself.

With its creamy, crease-less formula, L’Oréal’s Visible Lift Blur Concealer ($9) was the first to impress me. (Unexpectedly, I’ve continued using it every day since the experiment.) The CoverGirl blush ($13) and bronzer ($8) I used bore a surprising resemblance to my favorite Hourglass Ambient Lighting products. The fine-tipped NYX liquid liner ($7) swished across my lid with the flexibility and pigment of products thrice its price. So far, so good.

But what struck me the most about this look was this Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick ($8), which I’d pulled from the obscurity of my lipstick drawer after having abandoned the stuff for half a decade. Five years ago, when I was living in New York City, this was my absolute favorite lipstick—I wore it almost every day.

Rediscovering its moisturizing consistency, lightweight feel, and vibrant color left my lips on-point all day, but it also sent me back, as if by time machine, to my former life in New York. Every time I looked in the mirror, I caught a glimpse of my 19-year-old self—that naïve hot mess with her orange lips—and it reminded me of how far I’ve come since.

Fueled by nostalgia, my confidence in the experiment swelled a percentage point or two.

Star product: Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick ($8) in Kiss Me Coral.

Tuesday

My Tuesday look was a bit more trend-driven: a fuchsia lip and glossy lids.

Remembering the versatility of the drugstore that I once knew so well, I decided to get crafty: Instead of hunting for a highlighter explicitly intended for glossy lids, I whipped out a Carmex lip balm ($2). I dabbed a few layers of the stuff onto my lids, paired it with a bright pink lip ($12), and was feeling my look the whole day.

This look also introduced me to Pixi’s Natural Brow Duo ($16), which has replaced the $33 brow product I was using before. Featuring a teardrop-shaped pencil on one end and a tinted setting gel on the other, the product is alarmingly luxe.

Another thing I love about this look is that 100% of the products used are cruelty-free, which I was delighted to find at the drugstore.

Star products: Carmex Original Tube ($2) and Pixi Natural Brow Duo ($16).

Wednesday

My Wednesday look was responsible for the most compliments I’ve received on my makeup in weeks. (And because I survive on sweet talk over oxygen, I proceeded to keep a log of the exact tally: five total.)

My co-workers particularly took to the blush color, which they were all startled to discover was a $3 pick from Wet n Wild. I’m fairly confident that if someone repackaged this blush, slapped a different label on it, and displayed it at Sephora, there would be few customer complaints.

Complete with a nude liquid lip and a silvery eye, both thanks to Maybelline, the look achieved a day-to-night balance that seemed to resonate with the Byrdie crew.

Star product: Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush in Rosé Champagne ($3).

Thursday

On Thursday, I said screw it and doused my face in Physicians Formula bronzer ($16). I also stepped out of my normal routine to create a smudgy cat eye with L’Oréal’s Smokissime eyeliner ($9). This unique product features a chubby pointed applicator that delivers powder to your lids, creating a messy, smoked-out look without the need for eye shadow. (Though I applied some E.l.f shadow underneath anyway. What can I say? Thursday was wild.)

Forcing myself to get playful with products had the same effect on the looks I was willing to try. Though I probably won’t go quite this bronzy in the future, it was worth the risk. (Honestly, whose makeup looks 100% perfect every day of the week anyway?)

Star product: L’Oréal Infallible Smokissime in Taupe Smoke ($9).

Friday

By Friday, I’d already learned that drugstore makeup could help you re-create current trends and support a cruelty-free lifestyle. But could it take you on a night out?

Equipped with a Kim K-esque nude lip from Kate Moss’s Rimmel collection ($12), Maybelline’s High-Impact Strobing Stick ($10), and a pair of user-friendly lashes from Ardell ($8) (which are self-adhesive and require zero coordination or glue), the answer was a yes, indeed.

Normally at the end of a detox, no matter how refreshed you feel, the first thing you want to do is eat an entire pizza. But by the end of my makeup cleanse, I wasn’t feeling as ravenous as I thought I would. Sure, I was eager to get back to my $55 lipstick (fancy habits die hard). But I didn’t see it as necessary anymore.

Rediscovering the drugstore showed me more than just the error of my makeup snobbery. It reminded me of the scrappy, creative beauty consumer I used to be. As it turns out, with a little savvy, you can have your bright lips, your cat eye, and a full bank account too.

Star product: Ardell Self-Adhesive Press On Lash ($8).

Next up, 8 Genius Career Tips From Some of the Biggest Names in Beauty

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

Dreaming of becoming a beauty mogul but don’t know where to begin? Create and Cultivate’s founder Jaclyn Johnson says, “Start by starting.” She produced her biggest conference last week in L.A. with keynote speakers including Jen Atkin, Chrissy Teigen, and Kim Kardashian West to round out a full day of inspirational women networking with one another as well as panel discussions like “DTF: Down to Finance.”

Jaclyn’s advice for women just starting out is not to be afraid to call themselves entrepreneurs and own it. Confidence is a quality all the successful women she has met have in common. “They all share this air of confidence that has gotten them to where they are,” she says. Feeling empowered yet? Keep scrolling for advice from beauty brand founders like Kim Kardashian West and Marianna Hewitt that are applicable to all entrepreneurs.

No Excuses

When things don’t go as planned, Kim Kardashian West says, “You have to stay calm [and] stay focused. Shit happens, but you just gotta fight through and get it done. No excuses.”

Look Broadly at the World of Entrepreneurship

“Get as close as you can to other entrepreneur founder stories,” shares Holly E. Thaggard, founder and CEO of Supergoop, which launched a setting powder last week. “When you’re creating something that’s never been created before, you’re going to run into problems.” Her suggestion is to not limit yourself to looking at one industry, especially since all the rules are out the window and nobody is doing anything the same way they were doing yesterday, she explains to Byrdie.

Know Your Worth and Value

“Know your power,” KKW says. “Influencers is really where it’s at. Everyone is looking to you for the influence, advice. … Please don’t be lazy. You have so much power. … Please use it.”

Believe in What You’re Doing

“If you believe in something, you can make anything happen,” says Teresa Lo, head of marketing for Biossance. “You can move mountains,” she emphasizes, recalling a time her scrappy team completely rebranded and repackaged Biossance in four months so that the products could reach Sephora shelves.

Surround Yourself with the Right Team

“Be self-aware of what you bring to the table,” says Holly. For her, it’s the product, inspiring people, and driving a program, like getting SPF into schools, which is something the brand is working on. The goal is to reach a thousand classrooms this year. “I love and dream and sleep and think about SPF all day long, so I know that product is something I cannot hire out.” She emphasizes that this is something that only she can do, leaving us with this: “The most important thing as you grow is to put a team in place that fills in all of the other areas you might need.”

Solve a Problem That Hasn’t Been Solved Before

“The reason that Sephora loved us and still loves us is because we were different and offered a difference in the marketplace,” says Anne-Marie Kline, senior VP of global marketing for Living Proof. She shares that the haircare line changed how hair behaves in a way that hadn’t been done in 30 years. The brand was also different because instead of using beauty visuals for its launch, it opted for “down and dirty” before and after photos. “The way you stay at Sephora is to keep that innovation, but keep delivering and solving a problem in the marketplace that hasn’t been solved before,” she says.

Find a Space That’s Unique and True to You

“It’s about finding your niche,” says Deepica Mutyala, founder of Tinted, who believes that the future is women of color.

Be Prepared to Work

“It’s way more work than you think, but it’s so worth it,” says Marianna Hewitt, beauty influencer and co-founder of Summer Fridays, on her advice for women breaking into the beauty industry. “If you’re launching a product, it’s about finding a great lab, knowing what you want to create, [and] knowing what’s going to make your product different.”

For more advice about getting your foot in the door in the beauty biz, take a look at these inspiring words of advice from other beauty bosses.

Next up, A True Greek Goddess Shares the Serums That Keep Her 40-Year-Old Skin Glowing

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

It’s here: 31 days. 31 cities. 31 perspectives. Each day in the month of March, we’re profiling an inspiring woman from across the world and asking her to share her beauty routine, products, and wellness secrets. Consider this your firsthand look into the beauty traditions and cultures of your beauty-obsessed counterparts from Thailand, Nigeria, and more (and don’t forget to check our Instagram for a beauty-themed global takeover each day). Up next, Greek beauty junkie Korina Vrousia shares her half-French, half-Meditteranean beauty routine (which includes loads of brightening serums, SPF, and the secret ingredient on every Greek’s vanity—olive oil).

Name: Korina Vrousia

Age: 40

City and country of residence: Athens, Greece

Your beauty icons:

Audrey Hepburn; Violette, Estee Lauder’s global beauty director; and Giorgia Tordini, the creative director and co-founder of Attico.

The skincare products you can’t live without:

Galenic Aqua Infini Face Lotion; Lierac Hydragenist Cream-Gel ($50); Korres Wild Rose Brightening Oil ($54); Chanel UV Essentiel Sunscreen ($55); Bobbi Brown Remedies Skin Brightener No 42 ($45); Klorane Make-Up Remover Water ($24); and Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector ($24).

The hair products you can’t live without:

Phyto Paris leave-in Phytomillesime Beauty Concentrate (it keeps the color of my hair alive; not available in the U.S., but the brand’s leave-in Day Cream, $29, is); Sachajuan Ocean Mist ($31); Ouai Wave Spray ($26) and Matte Pomade ($24); Sephora Collection Coconut Water Dry Shampoo ($8)—it smells like summer holidays.

The makeup products you can’t live without:

Chanel Dimensions de Chanel Mascara ($32); Glossier Boy Brow and Haloscope Highlighter ($38); Galenic Teint Lumiere DD SPF 25, Galenic Poudre de Soleil and Blush Crème Rose; Benefit Boi-ing Brightening Concealer ($20); and Lanolips 101 Ointment ($17).

What countries and cultures do you find most inspirational when it comes to beauty?

I’m somewhere in between the Mediterranean and French beauty. Mediterranean beauty because it’s full of surprises and it’s so feminine. It’s natural and bold at the same time—sexy and carefree, sun-kissed, and transparent but still has great character. On the other hand, I love, love, love the sophistication and je ne sais quoi that all French have. I’m a big fan of effortless beauty.

The most popular products and brands in your country right now:

In Greece, we love lightweight textures that give a matte effect when it comes to our skincare. But we also love hydrating products for both skincare and hair. We are crazy about highlighters, bronzers, and nude makeup. We always care about our manicure, and we never leave the house without SPF protection.

As for brands, we love our own brands like Korres and Apivita. We love to shop all these really cool brands from Sephora like Benefit, Too Faced, Korean brands, Frank Body, etc. We also go for brands like Chanel, Dior, and Estée Lauder. Last but not least, we love all French brands from the pharmacy like Galénic, Lierac, Nuxe, and Caudalie.

The most popular beauty trends in your country right now:

At this point, we have a thing for these soft curtain bangs, the brushed-up brows, face masks, and glossy skin.

Favorite traditional beauty secret from your country:

All our best-kept secrets in my country have one thing in common: the olive tree—our sacred tree. The benefits for the skin and hair cannot be described. So check the Olive Collection by Korres—you will be amazed.

Where you buy beauty products:

I’m a huge fan of Sephora. I really like all these not-so-commercial brands, and I have a huge crush on the Beauty-to-Go.

What does “healthy living” mean to you?

Healthy living to me is working my best so I can have balance in my life. I try to take good care of my body and also my mind. I try to eat healthy most of the time, but I always allow myself to have these “cheating” moments that put a big smile on my face. I also enjoy walking for hours with my dogs or just by myself—it kind of puts all the missing pieces together.

How do you define/practice “self-care”?

For me, self-care is feeling good in my very own skin and keeping my stress level low. I always smile back at life no matter what. I work really hard on having a positive attitude about everything. Self-care for me is also having a deep respect for the planet where I live and treating animals with love and respect.

What’s your favorite way to stay active and why?

I would say I am a big fan of Pilates during the wintertime, but the feeling of swimming in the sea, walking in the sand, and enjoying the endless Greek sun—always with an SPF—is unbeatable. This is my very own heaven on earth. My absolute remedy!

What’s your favorite healthy meal?

The traditional Greek salad with all the Mediterranean goodies in it—tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, feta cheese, and pure olive oil.

What are the most popular wellness trends in your country right now?

Runnin—everyone is out on the streets running. During summer, swimming of course.

Check back every day for more beauty and wellness routines from cool women across the world.

From byrdie

It’s not big news anymore, but we live in an app-driven world. After all, we carry our entire lives on our phones. Need to edit photos for the Insta? There’s VSCO cam. Need to order a car when there aren’t any cabs around? There’s Uber. Need to pay your tech-savvy landlord? There’s Venmo. We don’t even need to go into the social media bit.

Because we’re all about convenience, we couldn’t be happier (or more addicted) to our beauty apps. Whether we need to see how a lipstick looks on us through a selfie or we need to book a last-minute hair appointment, there is something for every beauty need. Here are the beauty apps you should download ASAP.

On-Demand

Priv

No more battling rush-hour traffic to get a manicure? Yes, please. If you’re in New York and Los Angeles, you can book anything from a blowout to a Pilates class, and an expert will show up at your doorstep, all without you leaving the comfort of your own couch!

Soothe

Need some quality R&R? Soothe is an on-demand massage app that delivers a skilled masseuse to your doorstep in as little as 60 minutes, from 10 a.m. to midnight (perfect for anyone who’s hitting a deadline at work, no?). Choose from three different timed sessions (60, 90, or 120 minutes) and the type of massage you want (Swedish, deep tissue, sports, or couples). Skeptical? Its perfect five-star review on Yelp should reassure you.

The Glam App

We love this on-demand app for the fact that it helps stylists as well. Stylists can manage their own schedules and appointments while building a clientele.

Glamsquad

If you couldn’t tell already, we’re all about doing stuff in the comfort of your own home, and if you live in Los Angeles, New York, or Miami, this a great option. With this app, you can order your own glam squad who will come to you and do your hair, makeup, and nails.

Virtual Swatching

L’Oréal Makeup Genius

Disclaimer: This app is highly addictive. It lets you try on various L’Oréal makeup products before you buy, and the results are surprisingly realistic. But the fun part is watching it give you a full makeup application in a real-time video, not a static photograph.

YouCam Makeup

This app has already been editor-approved. It provides virtual swatching of products from brands like Laura Geller, E.l.f. Cosmetics, and Elizabeth Arden. Most recently it launched a virtual skin diary to help you keep track of your skincare routine’s progress.

Shopping

Ulta Beauty

Unfortunately not everyone has this mega beauty store close to where they live. That isn’t a problem anymore with a handy app that makes shopping so easy. You’ll also be up to date with any sales and promotions that are going on, so you can continue to grow your beauty stash.

Stash

Think of this app as a personal organizer for your makeup bag. It keeps track of all the beauty products you own with a handy barcode scanner, and reminds you when you’re running low (no more last-minute runs to Sephora to pick up your moisturizer). Plus, you can scroll through tons of beauty inspiration and purchase products right from the app—it even alerts you when one of your favorite products goes on sale. Fair warning: You may end up spending the better part of your Sunday scanning all the products you own.

Sephora

We’re loving that beauty retailers are jumping on this app train. Similar to the Ulta Beauty app, in the Sephora app, you can shop the latest products found at the retailer with ease. But this app is also big on content, serving as an inspiration for all beauty lovers out there with a feed of pictures from other users and video how-tos.

Next up, These 9 Blackhead-Clearing Face Masks Are Like Vacuums for Your Pores

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

Blackheads are notoriously hard to get rid of. It’s beyond tempting to pick and push them out ourselves, but we know that will only please us in the short term and have us kicking ourselves in the long term. One of the best (and arguably the most fun) treatments out there to get rid of and prevent future blackheads is a high-quality face mask.

Some of our favorite products for dealing with this specific type of acne can be found in one of our beauty meccas: Sephora. In most beauty emergencies, it’s the first place we run to. You can never really go wrong when you shop there, so we rounded up the best on the market according to loyal shoppers.

Here are the top-rated face masks to help get rid of blackheads.

The Umbrian Clay works to clean out pores and clear up your complexion, but this mask is also made with sandalwood oil, which helps calm any irritation, and lavender to soothe any redness.

The Amazonian white clay draws out impurities to unclog pores, while the oatmeal and aloe vera soothe and hydrate the skin. It also has a nice cooling effect that’s really refreshing.

Instead of the conventional mud mask, this gel-based formula draws out any toxins in pores while also keeping the skin well hydrated.

This mask from Esteé Lauder is one of the top-rated picks for blackheads. It’s super lightweight and not only reduces the appearance of pores, but it also leaves you with a brighter complexion.

Its gel clay mask formula, which is made of mineral mud and mint water, quickly absorbs any excess oil and cleans out any impurities to keep pores clear.

People swear by Clinique’s acne products, and this charcoal mask is one of the reasons for that. It absorbs oil, dirt, and debris and tightens pores. You’ll see why this got 10k hearts on Sephora.

The powerhouse ingredient in this mask is sulfur, which penetrates pores to clear up any existing acne. And we’re talking about all kinds of acne: inflammatory acne, hormonal acne, acne caused by rosacea, etc.

Made of white clay, salicylic acid, and natural exfoliants, this mask will draw out and scrub away blackheads so that you get smooth and glowing skin.

While the white clay in this mask will remove any buildup, the brown algae helps firm the skin and the prickly pear seed oil improves your skin’s elasticity to also help reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Now that we’ve showed you the best masks for blackheads at Sephora, go get shopping. You and your skin can thank us later.

Next up, These Liquid Bronzers Are Like a Trip to Capri in a Bottle

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

Summer is in full swing, and chances are you want to maintain (or fake) a sun-kissed glow. The fear with traditional bronzers, however, is the idea of ending up with a cakey, Oompa Loompa–like finish. Plus they don’t really go with the dewy no-makeup makeup vibes of the season. Thankfully the makeup industry is continuously evolving to help us reach our beach-babe dreams.

Brands like Benefit and Nars have developed dewy, blendable liquid versions of some of our favorite powder bronzers. Enter: a crop of liquid bronzers that can easily be mixed and melted into, over, and underneath your makeup for a natural glow. From shimmery and highlighting variations to matte and warm shades, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for some of our favorite liquid bronzers.

This universally flattering liquid bronzer lets you achieve a sun-kissed glow without stepping into the sun. In fact, it protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays thanks to its mineral-based SPF 30 shield. Mix some in with your foundation to create a natural, personalized shade.

The light-reflecting pigments in this liquid bronzer from Chanel will have you glowing. Its formula is weightless and sheer, so you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. Plus, it contains botanical extracts to smooth, soften, and moisturize the skin.

If you’re not into shimmery bronzers, this one’s for you. Benefit’s Dew the Hoola formula is completely matte, so it offers a natural-looking tan. One Sephora buyer raves, “Leaves a dewy, makeup-free glow on your skin. So quick and easy to apply using a brush or even your fingers!”

Sephora calls this “a breakthrough fluid formula of the iconic Laguna bronzer,” and we have to agree. The weightless formula blends into the skin easily for an effortless, healthy-looking glow. It can also be mixed into your foundation for an allover brightening effect.

As you can probably infer from the name Liquid Illuminator, this bronzing formula is ultra-shimmery. Apply it to your cheekbones over your foundation for light-catching glow. You can also apply it to your lids for an shimmery bronze eye.

This liquid bronzer is clearly a fan favorite, as it’s sold out on a number of sites. It has SPF 15 protection, and can be applied alone or over foundation for healthy, radiant color.

This oil-free gel will revive your complexion and give you a natural warmth. For best results, Clinique suggests mixing it in with your foundation or moisturizer, and applying it all over the face. And Sephora buyers swear it won’t make you look orange.

Camila Cabello just launched her collection with L’Oréal, and people are already obsessed with this liquid bronzer. “I bought the darker shade, and it worked perfectly for both my olive skin and my best friend with a darker skin tone. She went out and bought her own after we tried it! I love the glow it provides,” one Ulta buyer gushes. The formula is lightweight, hydrating, and ultra-blendable.

This Dr. Hauschka formula contains witch hazel and anthyllis to purify your pores and sooth inflammation while it bronzes. The brand recommends mixing it with your moisturizer to minimize the appearance of blemishes and perfect your complexion.

Apply this bronzing CC cream all over your face for a warm complexion and SPF 50 protection. The unique formula also contains anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration and hydrolyzed collagen. It’s the perfect multitasking product.

Long-lasting and subtle, this liquid bronzer is a cross between a gel and a creamy fluid. It can be worn alone or mixed into foundation for added warmth. Raspberry stem cells and bearberry complex provide anti-aging benefits to this radiance-boosting formula.

This sheer bronzing primer adds a touch of a natural glow to the skin, while serving as a base for your makeup. Apply it under your favorite foundation or tinted moisturizer to make it last all day and a radiant, dewy complexion.

Next up, These Are the 19 Best Liquid Eyeliners

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

From byrdie

Oh, the Grammys. Whether or not you watched the star-studded spectacle last night, chances are you’ve seen some of the head-turning looks that graced the red carpet by now (thank you, Instagram). One of our favorites of the night was Bella Hadid’s sultry, sleek, and romantic hair-and-makeup combo. “Our inspiration for Bella’s makeup look was a modern, bronzed Italian sex bomb in La Dolce Vita!” says her makeup artist, Vincent Oquendo, who used Kat Von D and Sephora Collectionmakeup products to create the look. Sex bomb indeed—we couldn’t stop staring at her smoldering yet subdued smoky eye and taupe lip. Luckily for us, Oquendo gave Byrdie the exclusive behind-the-scenes diary of how exactly he got Hadid red carpet–ready. Plush lips, perfectly groomed eyebrows, and a well-deserved post-glam nap (amid a pile of beauty products, naturally) were involved.

Keep scrolling for Oquendo’s Grammys photo diary!

“Starting my day off right with my Baby Bells!”

“READY. SET. BEAT.”

“You can never have too much money. Or too much mascara!”

Ed. note: Oquendo used Sephora Collection’s The Mascara ($12) then layered the brand’s Luxe False Lashes ($17) on top for a fluttery fringe. On Hadid’s eyes, he used the Liberatus shade from Kat Von D’s Shade + Light Contour Palette ($46) then added Metal Crush Eyeshadow ($21) in Thunderstruck on the inner corners of her eyes.

“Final touches on my girl before she slays the red carpet.”

Ed. note: The lip product is Sephora Collection’sOil Infusion Color & Care ($14) in Iced Coffee. Meanwhile, hairstylist Mark Townsend smoothed down Hadid’s baby hairs with a mascara wand coated in Dove’s Strength & Shine Extra Hold Hairspray($5).

“Serving sex.”

“A well-deserved nap!”

Next up, 9 Shopping Secrets for Anyone Obsessed With Cult Skincare Brand Farmacy

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

As soon as the cleverly named farm-to-skin beauty brand Farmacy launched at Sephora in 2015, it became a runaway hit. The brand was founded by Mark Veeder, a gardener who grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Upstate New York and was inspired by the discovery of a plant called Echinacea GreenEnvy to launch a line of gentle, effective, and naturally sourced skincare products. Veeder patented this “superhero” Echinacea GreenEnvy, which he says has 300% more natural antioxidants in its roots than regular echinacea.

Now, he uses it in all of Farmacy’s products. The brand’s potent but clean and earth-friendly formulas, as well as its chic packaging, have earned them a cult following in less than three years.

When consumers love a brand as much as our readers (and our editors) love Farmacy, we like to do a little digging to find out everything we can about it. So we got in touch with Farmacy’s CEO and R&D and marketing teams to find out a few exclusive tips, from the best ways to score Farmacy discounts to product hacks.

Try Mixing the Honey Savior Balm with Powder Highlighter for a Dewier Finish

Farmacy’s multi-purpose salve is rich with amino acids; antioxidants; and vitamins A, B, C, and E, but it’s not just good for dry skin, cuticles, and split ends. You can play mad scientist and use the product to turn powder makeup products into dewy cream formulas. “Honey Savior is a makeup-artist favorite to mix with a highlighter or eye shadow for a gorgeous glossy glow,” say our brand insiders, “or to give brows some natural definition without having to fill in.”

Follow the Brand on Instagram, and It Might Surprise You with Free Products

Before every new launch, Farmacy hosts surprise giveaways of deluxe and full-size samples for its Instagram followers (@farmacybeauty) and farmacybeauty.com subscribers. Also if you purchase products on the brand’s website, you get free samples every time.

Its New Honey Glow Serum Isn’t Just for Your Face

It behooves brands to market their formulas as having one specific use, which encourages consumers to buy multiple items. But Farmacy’s insiders want you to know its products don’t need to be used as directed. For example, the just-launched Honeymoon Glow is listed as an exfoliating face serum, packed with a 14% concentration of AHAs and BHAs to resurface skin and reduce the look of pores and fine lines. That potency is strong enough to use on your body, too. The serum “actually works amazingly well for dry or ashy areas like elbows and feet,” Farmacy employees tell us. And a little goes a long way.

It’s Clay Mask Makes a Killer Spot Treatment

Another fun multipurpose trick: If you’re breaking out in one tiny area, just hack your Bright On mask into a spot treatment. “The kaolin and bentonite clays help control oil, so when you feel a pimple coming on, apply it at night as a preventative measure,” our insiders suggest.

New Products Will Hit on Their Website First

“We will typically release new products on farmacybeauty.com first before it hits Sephora,” say our insiders. “So the best way to get your hands on our newest launches early is via our website.”

Shop on These Days for the Best Discount

Black Friday, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Fourth of July: These are the days Farmacy hosts its biggest sales and discounts. Mark your calendars.

This Cleanser is the Brand’s Best-Selling Product

Farmacy’s TSA-friendly cleansing balm is its number one seller and currently the number one cleansing balm at Sephora. It’s also a 2017 Allure Best of Beauty winner. The hydrating yet gently exfoliating formula removes dirt and makeup (even the waterproof stuff) instantly and effectively, and unlike some other buzzy cleansing balms, it contains no mineral oil.

But It’s Not the Brand CEO’s Favorite Cleanser

Still, Farmacy’s CEO, David Chung, is obsessed with a different, lesser-known cleanser: its ultra-gentle, water-based Clean Bee face wash, made with honey and hyaluronic acid. “I have been using this product every day since we first started developing the product. It leaves my skin so clean and very, very soft,” he tells us. “I have given this product to many people of varying skin types and age ranges to try, and the feedback has been phenomenal.”

Try Upcycling Your Honey Potion Jar in One of These Cool Ways

Farmacy’s warming, hydrating Honey Potion mask is another of its bestsellers, but what makes it especially great is the earth-friendly packaging. “We always get comments about how beautiful our Honey Drop and Honey Potion glass jars are,” the brand says. “We have seen so many creative ways they’ve been upcycled and used well after the product is finished.” At Farmacy HQ, employees like to use it to store loose tea or to display on their kitchen shelves and as succulent planters.

Next up, I Have a Hate-Hate Relationship With Floral Perfumes, So I Wear These

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

My grandmother is a lovely Southern woman from Kentucky. For as long as I can remember, she’s worn strong floral scents. That being said, I knew by age six that florals were not my cup of tea. Her male counterpart, my grandfather, was actually the one who helped me realize why I didn’t care for floral scents. Until the day he died, he wore an intoxicating cologne that had notes of oud and tobacco. I could smell him from a football field away, and that remains one of my favorite things about him.

The intense and happy memories that I have of him are so deeply connected to his signature scent. So when I was in middle school and started shopping for perfumes for school dances, I always knew there were two things I didn’t want my perfume to be—floral or feminine. Scents with that profile just didn’t feel like me.

My personal aesthetic is all about minimalism, neutral colors, and always having a little bit of an edge, so I look for perfumes to complement that. The goal is to find perfumes that are intriguing but not overpowering. Think clean, woodsy, beachy scents with hints of sage, oud, or driftwood. I think of fragrances as an extension of my mood or outfit, so it’s important that I feel like each scent is just a better-smelling version of myself that’s beautifully packaged in a glass bottle. In my 25 years, I’ve searched far and wide for scents that fit the aforementioned criteria, and I’ve found more than a handful of winners. If you’re anti-floral like me, prepare to fall in love with these intriguing fragrances.

This is where my love of fragrance started. I was buying a gift for a friend and received a sample of this, and after I inhaled the refreshingly clean yet woodsy scent I was hooked. It’s a permanent part of my fragrance collection and has become my go-to perfume for when I want to feel strong, confident, and alluring.

I remember sneaking into my mom’s bathroom to steal a few sprays of her perfume when I was growing up. I was always mesmerized by one particular bottle of Tom Ford. Years later, while on a routine trip to Sephora, I started spraying this a beautiful black bottle of Oud Wood and was just as entranced as before. The blend of oud wood, sandalwood, amber, and vetiver combine to create the perfect scent for a night out or a morning at a coffee shop.

I know what you’re thinking, “Doesn’t she know that fleur means flower?” Mais, oui. However, this perfume doesn’t smell like florals. It smells like musk and pink peppercorns and amber all joined forces to create the perfect scent. It’s clean and soft like a cotton shirt that’s fresh from the dryer, yet sensual and warm like the perfect summer night.

This was actually my favorite scent in middle school. I was drawn to both its woodsy-cinnamon profile and its whimsical baroque bottle. I was actually sad when it suddenly disappeared from Sephora shelves. I’m thrilled that it’s back at the retailer and ready to rejoin my perfume collection. If you’re apprehensive to try this perfume, remember that 10K loves on Sephora don’t lie.

I think everyone has smelled Light Blue at least once. It’s an oldie but a goodie in the fragrance world. The mix of citrus, bamboo, amber, and musk will never fail you. It’s great for literally any occasion, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The clean and romantic scent will make you feel like a happier, more seductive version of yourself.

Looking for more non-floral fragrance options? Try one of these perfumes that smell like a clean white T-shirt.

Next up,10 Things Italian Girls Are Asking For This Holiday Season

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated