INNBEAUTY PROJECT EXTREME CREAM

Rating : 5/5

Price : $48

Size : 1.7 oz

Where to Buy : innbeautyproject.com, Sephora

Cruelty Free : Yes

INNBEAUTY PROJECT (yes, they spell it in all caps because they're a big deal) is my current skincare obsession. They have the most luxe, beautiful packaging. But, the really good stuff is inside. All their products are hypoallergenic, fragrance free, cruelty free, vegan, and dermatologist tested. As if that wasn't enough, they invest $100k in clinical testing for every product that they sell (according to https://www.innbeautyproject.com/pages/about-us). INNBEAUTY takes this extra step to ensure that their products actually perform how they market them. They understand that doing this takes a longer amount of time vs. simply launching the product. But, they are willing to take that risk to prove that they are one of a kind when it comes to skincare. In an oversaturated (and sometimes overwhelming) market, it can seem like a rat race for brands to release the "new, hot thing." But in the end that means nothing, and the company will eventually lose money if the product doesn't meet a consumers expectations. One of my favorite influencers, Tati Westbrook said that the Extreme Cream feels almost EXACTLY the same as her beloved $300 Augustinus Bader. She claimed they both have that rich, thick butter like texture. Both creams are targeted to help combat dryness, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. However, the $300 cream uses more oil based ingredients (kernel oil, primrose oil, sunflower oil, and avocado oil). Whereas the Extreme Cream uses more clinical ingredients to help with anti aging such as squalane, ceramides, and peptides. Using these ingredients vs. the oils also ensures it's an ideal moisturizer for all skin types and won't clog the pores with excess oils. After consistently using this product (morning and night), I have seen a dramatic difference in my skins appearance. It looks more plump, glowy, and my fine lines (specifically smile lines) have significantly diminished. It also wears beautifully underneath makeup making it the perfect primer! I just finished my bottle and I will definitely be buying more as well as trying EVERYTHING from this brand. I promise, you need this cream in your life.

SUNDAY RILEY PEACE KEEPER ACNE TREATMENT SERUM

Rating : 2/5

Price : $85

Size : 1 oz

Where to Buy : sundayriley.com, Macy's, Ulta, Sephora

Cruelty Free : Yes

After working at both Sephora and Ulta, I had seen Sunday Riley on the shelves. But, I rarely saw anyone ever purchase the brand. It looked and felt very high quality. But it seemed to get lost in the flurry of new and exciting launches from other mainstream brands. Within the last year, they have launched several new products (which it was several years before they had created anything new). One new launch from them was their new acne treatment line which 4 key products heal the skin with holistic ingredients such as salicylic acid, azaleic acid, and probiotics. When we received this product in our training product bag, I was curious to learn about a brand that I hadn't previously tried or played with. This luxe serum comes in a gorgeous purple glass bottle (which is probably part of why it's so expensive). The product itself is 2% salicylic acid and 8% azaleic acid to clear up skin and protect its barrier. Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that clears and prevents acne causing bacteria from reappearing. Azaleic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that reduces the appearance of dark spots, smooths texture, and evens tone. If you struggle with any type of acne, these two ingredients are game changers for the skin. Most major skincare brands will have some sort of acne treatment which usually includes salicylic acid. However, I never see acne serums at this price point unless it is medical grade. Sunday Riley is a more expensive brand, but definitely not the most expensive one at Sephora, so I have trouble understanding why they priced this product so high. Obviously the glass package has a little to do with it, but there's not really many other "luxe" ingredients that can justify the $85 price tag... Now, I will say this stuff works. But, it has a horrendous odor that doesn't disappear until you put a moisturizer on top of it. It almost smells like mildew... I'm unsure what causes that smell but it certainly isn't pleasant. Like other products that have salicylic acid in them, there is a slight tingling sensation. That is the acid penetrating the skins barrier and combating the acne. So you instantly feel the serum going to work. I also noticed a significant reduction in redness of the skin too which was nice. But, I just can't recommend this at such a high price. Instead, I would suggest The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% serum. It has the same percent of salicylic acid, does the exact same thing, but is a mere $6.70 vs. $85 (and you get the same size bottle). In this case, I would save your money!

TARTE TARTLETTE TUBING MASCARA

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Rating : 5/5

Price : $28

Size : 0.27 oz

Where to Buy : tartecosmetics.com, Ulta, Sephora

Cruelty Free : Yes

Several years ago, I tried the Thrive Causemetics (yes, that's how they spell it) mascara and I was shocked. I had never been so blown away by a mascara but didn't quite understand what made it so special. Come to find out, it was actually one of the first tubing mascaras. A tubing mascara is a type of mascara that coats the individual lashes with polymers that create a more defined and elongated look. Most traditional mascaras will just coat lashes with color, where as tubing formulas wrap around the lash. This formula is also ideal for people who struggle with removing their eye makeup but want a product that will last all day without smudging or flaking. Although I am still a die hard fan of the Thrive mascara, it's pretty hard to find. When guests come in asking for it, I point them to Tarte's tubing mascara because it's the same thing (but I like it more to be honest). Tarte's formula is deeply nourishing with key ingredients like castor oil, shea butter, and caranuba wax. Not only do these condition the lashes, it also keeps the product fresher for longer! It is also contact lens and ophthalmologist approved which is a dream come true for someone with sensitive eyes like myself! Tarte has also recently came out with their XL Tubing Mascara which creates even LONGER and more DRAMATIC lashes than ever before! And, their iconic formula comes in new fun colors like electric blue, magenta, and emerald green. If you are looking for extremely easy but extraordinary mascara that will totally enhance your lashes you NEED to try this product!