I get it. The endless posts from friends in the multilevel marketing (MLM) grind [1] pestering you to check out their products are annoying. It's enough to deter many from even thinking about purchasing whatever "miracle" potion they're selling. That's why I was surprised to discover that one of my favorite brands, Beautycounter, was an MLM company. (Other companies with similar retail strategies you may recognize are LipSense, Rodan and Fields, and Younique.)
During my five-year stint as a beauty and lifestyle editor, I tested a lot of beauty products. Beautycounter was one of those brands, and its products are some of the handful I still buy today. I'm here to tell you that you'd miss out if you wrote off Beautycounter on the grounds of its MLM status. For one, you don't have to become a consultant or member to try the products. Anyone can purchase Beautycounter online anytime, anywhere, no strings attached. So why should you make room for Beautycounter on your vanity?
I respect that this brand comes out with its hands up and says what other brands are afraid to say: "We do use some synthetic ingredients." It sounds bad, but unlike other beauty companies, Beautycounter works pretty dang hard to make sure those synthetic ingredients are safe and not carcinogenic or harmful to your health. It has a "never list" of ingredients that have been blacklisted that explains why it uses the ingredients that made the cut.
In fact, if you read the FAQ page [2], you'll feel like you just had an honest heart-to-heart with your mom about why all boys aren't mean and bad just because one broke your heart (but instead, you're talking about moisturizer ingredients). Beautycounter's honest commitment to safe ingredients over pushing words like "organic" and "natural" that often bend the truth is, well, sexy. Why? Let's say a company uses 95 percent organic ingredients in a new serum. If a toxic ingredient makes up one percent, it can still smack a "certified organic" label on the packaging. Kind of misleading, right?
While Beautycounter may not be 100 percent organic, its mission to use only nontoxic ingredients [3] brings a certain peace of mind. Every ingredient is tested and researched (but never on animals), and the brand is upfront about everything from the way it bottles its products to how it sources and ships things. Intrigued? I've rounded up a handful of products you might want to try for yourself.
Nourishing Cream Cleanser
If you're one of those people who swears by Cetaphil (a cult-classic face wash for many [5]), you'll love the texture of the Nourishing Cream Cleanser [6] ($26). It has the added benefit of witch hazel to tone skin and coconut oil to hydrate.
Nourishing Rosewater Mist
The Nourishing Rosewater Mist [7] ($35) makes a great pick-me-up to help brighten skin and reduce redness.
Balancing Facial Oil
Applying a facial oil before your moisturizer can be a great way to seal in more hydration and reap the benefits of oil extracts. In the case of this Balancing Facial Oil [8] ($68), you get a combo of seven oils including meadowfoam seed oil for balance and wild chamomile to calm and soothe skin.
Lip Gloss
Ah, lip gloss. Beautycounter's Lip Gloss [9] ($29) isn't too sticky or too goopy. While I can't tell you it will last all night, I've yet to find a gloss that does. Leave that to lipsticks and stains, and apply this gloss for a pop of color on the go.
Sheer Lipstick
I like to think of Sheer Lipstick [10] ($30) as less of a lipstick and more of a tinted chapstick. It makes a great complement under the gloss for longer-lasting color or to wake up an otherwise-au naturel look.
Nourishing Day Cream
The Nourishing Day Cream [11] ($43) has power ingredients that include organic coconut oil, safflower oil, and aloe. It also contains acai to prevent dry skin. It's a great option for a simple moisturizer that absorbs well and doesn't leave any greasy residue.
Balancing + Charcoal Facial Mask
I'm a sucker for a good treatment, and this Balancing + Charcoal Face Mask [12] ($48) definitely fits the bill. My skin loves to produce little blackheads in overdrive, especially along my t-zone and in the crease of my chin. When I apply this mask, I can see little spots develop as the mask dries where it pulls out extra oil and imperfections.
Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream
The entire new Countermatch collection is formulated to match the composition of skin, and when you apply it, you can tell. The Eye Rescue Cream [13] ($39) has a rich texture that feels totally indulgent when smeared on the under-eye area. I always apply it on my eyelids, too.