Way back in the spring, Erin, a sweet reader-friend, contacted me about trying out some products from a company I’d never heard of: Beautycounter.
Pretty much right from the get-go, though, I was intrigued, since Beautycounter’s mission is to provide safe, effective skincare products for the entire family. I had been on the lookout for a great skin care regimen for a while but, after trying out various samples of this and that, I was still pretty underwhelmed and undecided.
But with Beautycounter’s commitment to banning over 1,500 harmful chemicals and products that are regularly allowed into American skincare lines (whereas the European Union has banned the use of over 1,300 ingredients, the U.S. has only banned 11, so clearly Beautycounter exceeds both of those limits), IĀ literally figured, “What harm could it do to try it?”
So, I sampled two of their lines: The Essentials and The Countertime.
I tried the Essentials first, but, while I thought the product was fine–gentle and soothing–I didn’t see a huge difference from any one product (except the Gentle Exfoliator, which I luuuurved). So, I wasn’t necessarily expecting too much from the Counter Time line either. I wasn’t even paying much attention–just going through the motions of applying the products faithfully each day in tiny amounts (I’ve been known to make samples last for a good month).
The thing was, without even looking for it, I was noticing that my skin looked brighter in the mornings. And then, several days later, it was undeniable: my skin tone was more even, my pores were smaller, my fine lines around my eyes diminished. A friend at Body Pump exclaimed, “Holy Cow! Your skin looks amazing! What are you doing??”
And then–the gold standard of all proofs–even my husband noticed and expressed his admiration.
So, I emailed Erin quick, fast, in a hurry and said, “Dude! This stuff works! How do I get more??”
She very patiently dealt with all of my questions and waffling until I finally decided to just bite the bullet and order the entire Counter Time line–a really big investment for me and the most I’ve ever spent on skincare (by a long-shot; I received no special discount other than that Erin was sweet enough to order it at cost for me)–because it provided a significant discount to each individual product to buy them all together.
Plus, I knew that there was a 60 day money back guarantee if I was at all unsatisfied with the products.
I’ve been using the Counter Time line for almost 3 months now, and I can honestly say that I really like it.
I cannot say that I’ve seen quite the drastic results that I experienced in that first week of samples, but I have been pleased by my consistently brighter, more even-toned skin + smaller pores.
{While I will freely admit that this is super-flattering lighting, I would also like to point out that I have not edited this picture in any way or added filters or any such fancy work}
Honestly, I think that my skin needs regular exfoliation, and the Essentials Line exfoliator, which I was using in combination with the Counter Time samples back in the spring was the Holy Grail of product combos for my skin and really helped it glow.
Also, Erin ended up sending me the Essentials Line cleanser (since that line is her personal favorite) to try in combo with the rest of the Counter Time products, and I could see a significant difference after I added that in. AND I would like to point out that one of the products that came in the Counter Time line (the Enlightening Treatment Pads) did not work for me at all. It broke me out in tiny little bumps, but since Erin had specifically recommended it as doing wonders for her skin, it clearly depends on your specific skin’s balance whether it’s beneficial or not for you. That said, since I ordered the entire line as a unit and was happy with the other 5 products, I couldn’t return the Enlightening Pads by themselves. I understand why (none of the items were priced separately), but that was still a bit of a bummer.
So! I guess the biggest takeaway from this review is that, if you decide to try out Beautycounter’s products (which I heartily recommend!), try to sample different combos of lines first to see what works best for you because a) what works for me (or anyone else) may not be the ticket for you (duh) and b) it may not be the best idea to order one whole line, even if it’s significantly cheaper. Mixing and matching the best products for your skin is definitely the way to go!
Next up, I’m going to look into their kids’ lines for soaps and lotions–especially the sunscreen.
Oh! And speaking of lotions, Erin is being kind enough to give away this decadent-looking body butter, which contains zero synthetic fragrances and is really moisturizing for dry skin without leaving any greasy after-feel.
All you have to do to be entered to win is “the usual” round here at M is for Mama.
Simply comment below with either A, B, C or D (just as a heads-up: if you pick A or B, Erin will follow up with you with more info, per your request).
A) I have heard of Beautycounter, but I would still like more info
B) I have not heard of Beautycounter, and I would like more info
C) I have heard of Beautycounter, but my interest ends with the giveaway
D) I have not heard of Beautycounter, but my interest ends with the giveaway
Happy entering! May the woman with the driest elbows win!!
D. Unless it’s amazing at which point I will seek her out to buy more.
D š
B: I’ve broken out with these strange, resilient patches of dry skin on both of my arms for some reason unbeknownst to me, periodically, this past year and would really like to have something to clear it up for me…
(I’ve already used some other lotions and body washes, as well, actually; looking forward to trying some of this “decadence,” as Abbie puts it, regardless of results (winning/losing)) š
D. My 8 year old son has super dry elbows!
D
B
D
B. I’m horrible at taking care of my skin
B! š
D–thanks for the chance to try!
I’m going to have to go with D) I have not heard of Beautycounter, but my interest ends with the giveaway…even though your review makes it very appealing…and Mimosa is a good scent…
C. I love BeautyCounter, one of my friends is a rep. I adore their Hydrate lotion and would love to try the body butter!
D!
A and you look beautiful! š
D! š
C
B!
Thanks for the give-away. D
C. I have a friend that is selling it too and I love everything I tried. The lip conditioner is my favorite, still making that sample last and last. š
A.
D.
D!
B!
C!
B- Always looking for something to help with my super oily skin!!
D. I’m pretty meticulous in my skin care, and right now I have a good combination that is currently working for me!
B.
B – thanks!
D Thanks!
D
D
D
c, always willing to try something new.
B unless it’s as pricey as Rodan and Fields (about $200-$250 for a product line, 3-4 month supply) then my stay at home live on one income stay out of debt budget says NO. Thanks!
It is about 230 (at the consultant price) for all 6 of the anti-aging products, but I’ve used them for 3 months, and I have over half left of most of the items (I use them very sparingly, though). Also, the other line is cheaper. Not cheap, certainly, but not the most expensive in the world either.
Thanks, Abbie! Good to know- I guess if the products can be used a little longer than three months then maybe the price is more justifiable. I tried the RF one time last year as a “help” to a friend getting started in the business. I stretched my product to 6 months! But I couldn’t justify doing it again at that price. Did my skin look different? Maybe?! Then (and don’t think badly of me here!) I started using coconut oil (the WD 40 of the health food world!) on my skin and I have to say that’s when my husband noticed- he said, (and this always makes me think of EB White!) “You look radiant!” I only use it at night then a moisturizer with SPF during the day- but digression aside, I’d be interested in looking at this product anyways- it sounds amazing just by being “clean”! Thanks!
D š
D
D!
D but only because I have found something that is working right now!! Thank you for all the info though you look stunning!!
D
D
D
B
D
D.
D
D
D. I have sensitive skin and hate to buy stuff that doesn’t work with my skin.
B
D. I always love products that work well with less chemicals – I’ll look into it on my own.
B! Thank you :).
B!
B – I love to try new products
D
B! I haven’t heard of these products before but I am always on the look out for a good skin care routine so I would love to know more!
D, I’m going to look into it…and my elbows are seriously the driest;)
D
D
B
D
C
D. I’ve never heard of this product line, but may look into it in the future, after I’ve used up my latest order of another skin care line.
B
D
D
D
B
B
D
D.
D
B. I have super sensitive skin with Rosacea. Im always looking for awesome skincare products.
D
B. I have super sensitive skin that’s changing as I get older. Would love to explore some new options.
D
D
D. But it sounds really interesting, maybe I’ll look into it another time.
D – Never heard of it, will check it out on my own! Thanks so much!
D
D. Your skin looks luminous.
B. Need stuff without so many chemicals. Looking for great skincare. š
D I just started a different beauty regimen that is working well for me!
B. Always looking for great skin care to counteract the wrinkles my 6 kids give me (got anything for gray hair?!) š
D
C š
D
C, went to a party and bought some things. Happy with what I tried!