January 24, 2020
My love for Kinship's probiotic skincare, how to "clean" your makeup routine, proof that non-toxic fragrance is possible and Tatcha's innovative way to treat your skin to a potent serum.
Is probiotic skincare the next big thing?
I’ve been taking a probiotic supplement every day since I was diagnosed with IBS seven years ago, and these “good” bacteria have been extensively proven to help maintain digestive health. Essential for a balanced gut “microbiome” (which is essentially a living ecosystem within your body), researchers have discovered the skin has its own unique microbiome as well (and the connection between the two is a burgeoning area of research). With so much potential for the skin, more and more companies are jumping on the probiotic bandwagon—and one of the latest is called Kinship.
I’ve been using these products for about a week, and I love, love, love them. The simple five-piece lineup has all your basic skincare needs covered, and it’s perfect for all skin types, including acne-prone. The regimen kicks off with the Naked Papaya Gentle Enzyme Face Cleanser, and if you haven’t tried a face wash with these dead-cell-eating natural exfoliator, you’re really missing out on super-smooth skin. Kinship’s exfoliating benefits extend to step two, the Insta Swipe Lemon Honey AHA Pads, which sweep away more dead cells, brighten the skin, keep pores clear and soothe the skin. From there, the Supermello Hydrating Gel Cream Moisturizer serves up hyaluronic acid for plump, juicy skin and marshmallow root to keep redness to a minimum. Lastly, the Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen gives you broad-spectrum SPF 32 courtesy of zinc oxide along with a semi-matte finish that blurs imperfections. The one add-on (at the moment) is the benzoyl-peroxide-free Pimple Potion—because let’s face it, zits happen.
Back to those probiotics… Each and every Kinship product is packed with a proprietary complex, which translates to numerous benefits for your skin. The main upside is strengthening of the skin barrier, which helps retain moisture, minimize irritation caused by external factors and promote a clear complexion. As for my original question, “Are probiotics the next big thing in skincare?,” I can tell you for certain that you’ll be hearing a lot more about them…
Kinship
EWG/Skin Deep® Score: 2-4 (via the “Build Your Own Report” tool)
All Kinship products are formulated without the 1,300+ questionable ingredients banned by EU Cosmetic Regulations.
Considering clean makeup but not sure where to start?
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m on a clean beauty kick (but this is more than a fleeting thing and I’m sticking with it). With more chemical-averse makeup brands to choose from than ever, making the switch can feel like a daunting task, but I have a few tips. And for the record, you don’t have to toss everything you own and drop a bundle for a brand-new makeup bag full of good-for-you goodies (although that would be fun).
Step 1: Assess the “cleanliness” of the makeup you use every day.
For me, this amounts to less than 10 products, and it’s pretty easy to determine if there’s anything bad lurking in them. Search the Skin Deep database (if your specific item isn’t in there, you can create your own report by copying and pasting the ingredient list into the handy-dandy tool on the site) or Skincarisma. I was really surprised when I did this, because several of my products were A-OK.
Step 2: Know where you’re shopping.
If you find one of your favorites is more toxic than you’d like and you want to swap it out ASAP, just check out Detox Market, Credo, Goop or Shen Beauty. (Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Net-A-Porter and Target have “clean” sections, too.) I suggest starting with a site that carries several brands because you might come to discover a line you’re already familiar with or already use is actually nasty-free.
Step 3: Replace as you run out.
You can make the move to a clean makeup routine gradually. I’ve decided to replace products with potentially harmful chemicals when it’s time to replenish. Case in point: I’m running low on my Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath (since I use it every day without fail), so I picked up Kosas’ Wet Lip Oil Gloss in “Jellyfish” at Neimans. Seriously, I can hardly tell the difference but I feel a heck of a lot better slathering this on my mouth multiple times a day. (It’s awesome layered over Kosas’ “Pulse” Lip Balm, too—and you can use this tinted stick on your cheeks as well.)
Step 4: Consider a kit.
If you want to knock out several toxic products at once, a “starter set” of some sort can be a huge help. The newly-launched brand Saie’s Go-To Kit includes a mascara, lip balm, brow gel (clear or tinted) and an eyelash curler (since you probably need a new one anyway).
Step 5: Relax.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you probably won’t rebuild your makeup routine in a day either (unless you’re willing and able to spend a bit of time and a lot of money at a clean beauty boutique). Trust me, once you start learning more about what you’re putting on your skin every day, it’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole. Just focus on the products you use most first and clean up your act from there.
All Kosas products are free of parabens, phthalates, BHA/BHT, mineral oil, propylene glycol , polyethylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, petrolatum, vitamin A, retinoids and retinoid derivatives. All products are also gluten-free, egg-free, cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified.
All Saie products are free of petroleum-derived ingredients, chemical sunscreens, GMOs, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, talc, synthetic fragrance, synthetic flavors and a shockingly long list of more.
Are you clean-fragrance curious?
After I saw the documentary Toxic Beauty with my friend Amy (and became MUCH more conscious of the ingredients in my personal-care products), she said, “Wait until you see Stink.” If you know me at all, you know I love perfume more than the average person—and I can’t even fathom the thought of parting with any of my many favorites. BUT, that doesn’t mean I can’t explore the ever-growing “clean” fragrance options out there, and perhaps my next favorite is among them.
That’s why I decided to check out Phlur—and their sampling program makes it really easy to test out a variety of new hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free scents (which are available as fragrance, body wash, body lotion and candles). All you have to do is peruse the collection of 10 fragrances, choose three (or one of the curated sets) and fork over $18, which is applied to your purchase of a full-size bottle if you happen to fall in love.
Before taking my first whiff, I was taken with the beautiful packaging and personalized touches. Each sample comes along with a card that outlines the notes—as well as what to expect after five minutes, one or two hours and six or eight hours. (Kudos to the company for a lovely presentation.)
My three picks were Améline (a medium-intensity rose with sandalwood and patchouli), Hepcat (an intense, smoky, somewhat masculine scent) and Olmstead & Vaux (a crisp, clean, energizing scent that brightens your day). I purposely chose distinctly different accords and really enjoyed all of them. Between the three samples I have a month’s worth of fresh scents, but I’m not dying to have any of them become a long-term resident of my perfume tray in the form of a full-size bottle. Then again, sometimes love takes time, and even if it doesn’t happen, there are seven more Phlur scents I could try…
All Phlur products are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates or other potential skin irritants.
New week, new skincare: Tatcha's The Serum Stick
I’ve just about lost count of the number of targeted serums in my skincare stash, but they all have one thing in common… You dispense a small amount in the palm of your hand and pat it all over your face. I’ve never really given this mode of application much thought (unless one leaked while traveling or shattered when I accidentally dropped it on the floor), but Tatcha apparently has.
One of the first big beauty innovations I’ve seen this year (OK, we’re only 13 days into 2020), The Serum Stick combines the high concentration of actives found in your favorite serum in a solid, twist-up, glide-on formula that seems to be more suitable for precise application than less full-face use. Featuring 80% skin-smoothing squalene along with Japanese lemon balm and a blend of antioxidants, it lets you zero in on dry spots and pesky lines (watch out crow’s feet!)—and you can even use it as a touch-up throughout the day on top of makeup. (I bet it would deliver a lovely subtle highlight as well.) And the idea of traveling without the fear of arriving at my destination with serum all over everything in my toiletry bag makes it worth a try in and of itself.
Tatcha The Serum Stick
EWG/Skin Deep® Score: 2 (via the “Build Your Own Report” tool)
All Tatcha products are formulated without mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA, or phthalates.