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Safer Skincare & Beauty Products

What does safer skincare have to do with Wellness?

We talk a lot about what we put IN our bodies - reading ingredient labels, is it organic, is it low carb, etc, etc, but I never really thought about what I put ON my body until recently. Skin is our largest organ, and a lot of what we put on it is absorbed into our blood stream, so I decided to transition my skin care to safer/less toxic products. Through that process I tried out a lot of different things, eventually discovering Primally Pure (see below) and finally Beautycounter. 

Join my Safer Skincare and Beauty Facebook group to get the latest updates and share the products you love!

Beautycounter

Beautycounter is a B-Corp that has committed to a health and safety standard that goes well beyond what is legally required in the United States.  They self regulate by excluding over 1,800 ingredients in their formulations (recently updated from 1,500)— The Never List™—and they go above and beyond to test every ingredient against their high standards in pursuit of clean beauty. I love their mission and products, and I hope you do too! 

Click here for my link to the Beautycounter website - thank you for your support!

 

Below are the items I use regularly for my skincare and makeup. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to learn more about the products and so I can keep you posted on any ways to save money.

If you have any questions or need help selecting a product, feel free to send me an email: becky [at] macdonaldwellness.com or fill out this quick skincare survey.

My Skincare Routine

Morning Skincare Routine:

  • Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil – luxurious, lightweight cleansing oil that gently yet effectively removes makeup and impurities without stripping essential lipids from the skin. Rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and our plant-derived Retinatural Complex, the formula reinforces the skin’s fragile moisture barrier for a soothed, nourished complexion. Even though it's an "oil" it's not at all greasy. It smells SO good, and one bottle lasts forever!!

  • Primally Pure Everything Spray - yes, not Beautycounter.  I really like a kind of astringent toner and this Everything Spray fits the bill.  It also doubles as a great underarm refresher when you don't have time for a shower after a sweaty workout! For 10% off use code BECKYMAC (1 time code)

  • All Bright Vitamin C Serum - the best selling brightening product that I use every other day! Made with an ultra-stable, potent blend of 10% vitamin C, this serum promotes even skin tone, leaves your skin glowing and the antioxidant-rich formula helps defend skin against environmental stressors like pollution. It's quick absorbing formula allows for easy layering - I love how soft it feels when I apply it!

  • Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion - a lightweight lotion that adapts to the skin throughout the day to keep up with modern life. Not only does it provide up to 24-hours of hydration, it offers the essential building blocks of hydration, nutrition, and oxygenation to keep skin soft, smooth, and glowing.  I use this every morning with a few drops of the Counter+ No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil (helps to balance my skin and prevent hormonal breakouts!) and it gives my combination skin JUST the right amount of moisture.

  • Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream - In addition to Beautycounter's plant-derived Retinatural Complex, the eye cream has Persian silk extract to help reduce under eye shadows and minimize crow’s feet. As someone who has always struggled with dark eye circles, this has really helped! Dab a little under and around your eyes with your ring finger. A little goes a long way, even using twice a day, so this will last you a long time.

  • Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer with SPF -  I never really have been a foundation user, but after using Beautycounter for the past year, I am loving Dew Skin more and more!  Dew Skin is the perfect amount of coverage - super sheer, it gives my skin a nice dewy appearance, and adds the benefit of protecting my skin with SPF 20.  I spend a lot of time in the sun (hello Vitamin D!), but the skin on our face and our chest is very thin, so I am focusing on using sunscreen daily to protect those areas.

Nighttime Skincare Routine:

  • Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil – as my cleanser step (see above), it does such a great job removing all my makeup (including the Think Big All in One Mascara!) and the light scent relaxes me!

  • Primally Pure Everything Spray  as my toner step (see above)

  • Overnight Resurfacing Peel – This is my FAVORITE product!  It will tingle for about 3-5 minutes after putting it on which is one of the ways I know it’s actually working. The peel has 15 acids that resurface your skin without causing irritation. 9 of the 15 acids in the peel are resurfacing acids that work to renew the skin by removing dead skin cells (like breaking down the top layer of the skin) and the other 6 are soothing acids that rehydrate and replenish skin. Your skin does not actually peel or flake off – the goal is to smooth skin, lift away dark spots, and shrink lines, pores, and scars while leaving skin brighter and glowing. I use this 4 nights a week or so. #IfYouOnlyBuyOneThing

 

While the Peel Sinks in for 3-5 minutes, floss & brush your teeth!

  • Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream  –  increases skin firmness and elasticity, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Formulated with a powerful blend of peptides, amino acids, and our Retinatural Complex, it helps enhance the skin’s moisture barrier function to optimize hydration for a radiant complexion. This cream is so thick and rich, and I love the Countertime line for the hydration and glow it's given my skin!! I can still feel it on my face in the morning – a nod to how well hydrated it keeps my skin overnight. 

  • Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream – As noted above, I use this day and night. Dab a little under and around your eyes with your ring finger.  

Extras:

  • No. 1 Brightening Oil – This oil’s goal is to leave skin bright, radiant and glowing. I alternate this with the No. 3 Balancing oil (add a few drops to my moisturizer) depending on how my skin is feeling.

  • Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask – This mask smells great and dries nicely onto skin before it’s time to rinse off. I’m trying to use it once a week on Self Care Sunday.

  • Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm - I LOVE the Cleansing Balm! I honestly don’t use it as a cleanser at all, but you totally can (a lot of people do)! The jar is huge and lasts for months. It's anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, not greasy, so I use on my face pretty much anytime I want more moisture - in the morning or after a workout if I'm not showering right away, and I alternate it at night with my Supreme Cream. It's also great after using the Charcoal Mask for an at-home dermabrasion. It doesn't take much, and it feels really pampering to me with a lovely light scent. Love it!!

 

Body + Hair

  • Shampoo and Conditioner – I’ve tried other “natural” hair care products before and been underwhelmed. My hair tends towards dry and frizzy, but with this combo, the texture of my hair is much smoother!  I have long-ish hair and only use a quarter size of each. For the shampoo, I focus mostly on my scalp and hairline (and it lathers nicely!), and the conditioner I apply mostly to my ends.  I honestly didn't think I would like these, and they've become one of my favorite combos!

  • Counterman Energizing Charcoal Body Wash – Yep - from the men's line! This body wash smells so good, like a spa in a bottle!  No sulfates, cleanses without stripping oils and leaves my skin clean and soft.

  • Countermatch Adaptive Body Moisturizer – This is a great moisturizer, lightweight  and absorbs quickly but isn't sticky. The scent is nice and clean – not overpowering!  When I need a little extra moisture (hello dry winter months) I add in a pump of the Luminous Hydration Body Oil in Citrus Rosemary (LOVE the scent) and it makes my skin so soft and smooth!

  • Countersun Sunscreen Stick SPF30 – Great to keep in your purse or bag. Goes on clear! I'm always putting this on my nose, forehead and lips when I'm out in the sun for longer periods of time.  

 

If you'd like any help sorting through what products would be best for you, feel free to drop your email in this little quiz and I will personally email you back some suggestions!

Girl, that's a lot of products!

Yes, I know! I honestly signed up as a Beautycounter Consultant because I knew I wanted to swap out a bunch of products, and wanted to take advantage of the 25% discount (see more info below). What I didn't know is how long most of these products last and truly how much I'd like them (they actually work)!  Also, Beautycounter also has a very generous 60 day refund policy which takes the risk out - I want you to love any product you get!!

If you've been wanting to overhaul your products and want to get the best deal, here are a few ways you can lower the cost.

  1. Shop collections. All of the different lines (Countertime, Countermatch, Countercontrol, Counterman) have Collections that offer savings if you buy them as a bundle as opposed to a la carte, so if you’re going to get most of the items, buy the collection.

  2. Become a Band of Beauty Member. It’s the Beautycounter version of Amazon Prime plus rewards! If you think you’re going to place two $100+ orders in one calendar year, the math makes sense to join because you’ll save more than you spend. The annual cost is $29 and for that you get:

    1. A free welcome gift (Overnight Resurfacing Peel/Charcoal Mask - $44 value)

    2. Free shipping on orders over $100 (I don’t even get that as a consultant!)

    3. 10% back in product credit to use on your next order

    4. Periodic special member only offers

  3. Become a consultant! Consultants get 25% off all products, which is a killer discount if you’re wild about Beautycounter and are using a number of skincare and makeup products. Plus if you’re using that many products, you’re probably already telling all of your friends. Why not make a side hustle out of it!? The cost right now is $50 (you can make that back with 2 friends ordering $100 of product!), and your only requirement to maintain consultant level is to reach $1,200 in sales in a six month period. Most of that can be your own orders, and just $200 needs to be friends/family/other people. If you don’t reach $1,200, you simply become a Band Of Beauty member again. You don’t have to order a big starter kit. You don’t have to maintain any inventory. You don’t have to recruit a single person if you don’t want to. Of course if you want to earn money, make it a part or full time business, and/or recruit team members, you absolutely can. You will get out what you put in. If this interests you at ALL, shoot me and email to Becky{at}MacDonaldWellness.com and we can chat.

 

More things to check out:

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05-07-18-08-23-07_PrimallyPureLogo.png

Primally Pure exists to get natural skincare products into the hands of people all over the world, and even more importantly, to equip people with the knowledge they need to improve their skin and live healthier, more fulfilled lives.

💥Save 10% on your entire order with the one time promo code BECKYMAC💥

INGREDIENTS: FEWER IS BETTER

Our products are formulated using real ingredients derived from nature for maximum purity and potency.  We consult with leading experts in the beauty and wellness industries to create truly safe skincare products that offer real, recognizable results. Our products are made with certified organic ingredients that are sourced with the utmost attention and care, from family-owned farms whenever possible.

My favorite Primally Pure products:

  • Deodorant: Aluminum Free, Fragrance Free, Organic ingredients and it works! Check out this blog post on switching to natural deodorant if it’s your first time

  • Cleansing Oil: this does a great job of cleaning off the day (mascara included) and I really love the smell. I use this periodically both as cleanser AND moisturizer 

  • Everything Spray: Mentioned above, after cleansing with the PP Cleansing oil I use ~5 sprays on my hands, pat on my face/neck, then follow with more PP Cleansing oil. Also a great deodorant refresher (after a hot sweaty yoga class, if you don't have time for a shower!)

  • Lip Balm: I'm a sucker for a good lip balm - Love the grapefruit flavor, my only complaint is no SPF, but still really good, especially at the price point!

  • Body Butter: the Lavender Eucalyptus scent is really nice, great for dry hands in winter (I put it on at night with with gloves 👋)

  • Dry Shampoo: a great alternative to the sprays that leave a white film in your hair!

 

💥Save 10% on your entire order with the one time promo code BECKYMAC💥

NOTE:  I do have an affiliate relationship with Primally Pure since I reached out to them after falling in love with the brand, so I make a very small percentage off any purchase you make (it doesn’t cost you any more.) It also allows me to get you a promo code!

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