To me, skincare should always be the priority when it comes to our beauty routines, with makeup and color products coming secondary. Meaning if we only have the funds for one, put ‘em towards good skincare. Which makes sense if you think about it. The better your complexion, the less foundation you’ll need.

As a beauty writer, skincare can be difficult to review because you really need to use the same products consistently in order to see results – or lack there of. Color products are much easier, which is why you see so many more makeup reviews & tutorials vs. skincare.

Having said all that, there are a few brands I want to mention that I’ve been impressed by over and over again. Their names all oddly sound alike, and all three generally fly below the trend radar.

 

Equitance

I don’t even remember where I received my first sample of Equitance cleanser, but somehow it ended up coming with me on a 3-day mountain getaway. By the time I got home from that trip, I had to find out what else this brand had to offer.

The best I can recommend for first-timers is their Brightening Set. It’s got the basic essentials for anyone wanting a less dull and more vibrant complexion. The set comes with a Toning Lotion, Cleanser, Serum & Spot Corrector, and Hydrating cream. You get that fresh-from-a-facial feel after each use. A fabulous set for holiday gifting, too!

You can also opt for a Trial Kit if you just want to get a sense of the brand. Look for them both at equitance-us.com.

 

Éminence Organic Skin Care

Éminence is probably my favorite organic line. I started using it after an esthetician in Ojai used their Stone Crop masque for my facial. Last year, they created a Must Have Minis Starter Set that I still love to give as a gift. It’s a “Customer Faves” collection of naturally fragrant, truly effective, travel sized products that come in an adorable faux suede zip pouch.

 

This fall, the brand launched an Age Corrective Ultra collection of targeted hibiscus products: a lifting eye cream, an instant line filler, and a lifting neck cream. Yes, please! These “ultra” additions formulated to improve our puffy, tired eyes, lazy jowls, and expression lines, take the already popular Éminence Age Corrective Collection up a beautiful notch. Find it at buynaturalskinare.com.

 

Exuviance

You might be familiar with NeoStrata. Exuviance is by the same company. Lots of science behind the brand. Lots of targeted products for specific skin concerns. Go surf Exuviance.com and see if your issues are addressed. Odds are they will be.

I was excited to find a cream that would help me battle an aging neck and décolleté area. If you’re someone like me, who wishes she used more SPF in the ’90s and is now waging war on resulting little brown spots, this one’s for you!

The Exuviance Age Reverse Toning Neck Cream is great. Right after application, your skin texture looks more toned and smooth. High five for immediate gratification! After consistent usage, you’ll notice skin looking healthier, firmer, and more even in pigmentation. Look for it online and in ULTA stores.

 

For yourself or someone you care about, all three of these skincare brands have wonderful holiday gifts avail now.

xo