At the beginning of the month, Beautycounter released three new collections comprised of masks, mists and oils called Beautycounter+.
I wanted to test these for you first, starting with the Brightening Collection!
For the past 2 weeks, I've done 2 Brightening Facial Masks a week (1 weekend day, 1 weeknight) and used the Brightening Facial Oil in the evening in place of my nighttime moisturizer (mostly because I ran out ;P). I used the Brightening Facial Mist intermittentingly throughout this time.
I kept my other products consistent:
- I wash my face in the morning with Beautycounter's Cream Cleanser followed by Primal Life Organic's Coffee Bean Serum, which smells divine.
- I wash my face in the evening with Beautycounter's Charcoal Cleansing Bar and I use Beautycounter's Cleansing Balm if I need to remove makeup.
About the Brightening Collection
The brightening collection is all about that Vitamin C! This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that helps to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of age spots.
The mask was designed to brighten skin and boost overall radiance while minimizing dark spots and discoloration.
I was drawn to this line specifically because I noticed some discoloration in my skin as I transitioned into the 3rd trimester.
The mist has similar properties of boosting radiance, and it also can be used to set makeup and give skin a "dewy" finish. It also hydrates and soothes.
In hindsight, I wish I would have put this on AFTER I finished the masks or even as a quick spray in the morning (note to self!)
The mask & mist also utilize key ingredients like Kakadu Plum, which is rich in Vitamin C to boost luminosity and refine the skin's surface, and Lime Pearl Extract, which gently promotes a brighter complexion.
Finally, the oil brightens and deeply nourishes and soothes the skin by providing lasting moisture. It's easily absorbed by the skin and has a wonderful citrus scent.
The oil uses Avocado Oil for intense moisture since it is rich in vitamins A, B, D and E as well as Black Currant Oil for it's anti-inflammatory omega-3s.
Review of Individual Products
No.1 MASK
Masks are my favorite at-home product to use each week. I am used to the Balancing Mask (formerly known as the Charcoal mask) so the white mask definitely freaked me out at first. I probably layered too much the first time because I was trying to get that "opaque" appearance of the black mask.
Pro Tip: I like to use a flat brush to apply my masks (tip curiosity of Diane Sanfilippo... this helps you portion your tube! ;)
The first time I used the Brightening Mask, I was a little concerned because I felt like it was tingling and was worried my skin would be bright red when I removed it - though it did stop after a minute. Upon a little more research, I discovered this sensation is simply active ingredients going to work. As you can see in the pictures below, my cheeks were a little pink after removing, but nothing worrisome.
After using this mask, my skin feels really soft and smooth... and looking at the pictures below, my skin looks brighter after these 2 weeks.
I really enjoy the brightening mask and will use it before events or when I feel my skin is looking a little dull and in need of some help :)
No.1 MIST
I didn't give this one a very fair shot. I liked the smell (very fresh) and like I mentioned above, I think it would be a great product to spritz after completing a mask and in the morning to "wake up" the skin and senses.
Since I didn't have a mist in my regime before this, I wasn't sure where to fit it in, but now I'm seeing it's purpose and look forward to using it.
No.1 OIL
Love, love, love this oil! It absorbs very easily and my skin looks more even after consistently using it every evening. I may even begin to use it in the AM as well.
I've used the Primal Life Organic's C-Ex Serum in the past and was a huge fan, but the price is limiting (I wait for sales!). This is a great alternative.
Overall Thoughts on the Brightening Collection
I never thought I'd blast my makeup free face for all the world to see... but in the name of beauty, here you go friends!
I'm excited to have this collection on my bathroom shelf. While I think the plumping or balancing line is going to be better for my skin & face on a day-to-day basis, this collection will be perfect for "prepping" my skin for special events, like my maternity photos and baby shower which are happening within the next month!
If I were to only purchase 1 item from this collection it would be the.. facial oil! I will continue using this consistently (and even more often!)
Interested in trying the Brightening Collection for yourself?
You can purchase the products individually, as a travel sized set (pictured below), or the full sized collection.
I actually purchased the travel size set to start just to make sure I really enjoyed the products ;)
Questions? Drop them in the comments below!
