Sometimes it's fun to try new products, and sometimes it's even more fun to fall back in love with an all-time favorite. We've partnered with the Sephora Beauty Insider Community to find those product gems we just can't get enough of!
Like any good millennial, I could make "beauty product tester" my permanent side hustle. I'm constantly on the lookout for new ingredients to try, and nothing brings me more joy than reading reviews of a product I've been coveting. But on the other hand, there is something to be said about rediscovering an old favorite. When I joined the Sephora Beauty Insider Community, I anticipated learning all about new, buzzy products and beauty tips, but what I didn't realize is that other members would help me fall back in love with my existing skincare regimen. Reading how other people use an item that has been gathering dust on my shelf helped rekindle the romance, if you will. And let's face it — it's fun to shop your own shelf! Ahead are some new (and old) skincare discoveries that I owe entirely to the Community.
REBUYING: Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
I am a sucker for a good mask. Tell me that after one use I'll have baby-soft skin and I'm sold. I had tried and tested the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer ($58) a few years ago, but then it fell off my radar until I saw it bubbling up in a Sephora Beauty Insider Community conversation. The chat chain was asking about exfoliating products that are good for dry, sensitive skin, and one Community member helpfully reminded everyone about this gentle peel. I remembered that what I loved about this mask is how it polishes skin without it leaving red or irritated. I bought it again to deal with my dull, transitioning skin this season and I immediately fell back in love!
TRYING: Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate
I am a huge Fresh fan, but I had an eye cream I was fairly loyal to, so I never got the chance to test out the Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate ($68). But lately it seems as though my dark circles are just getting darker, so I searched the Community to see if anyone was having a similar issue. One member was explaining how the only thing that worked on her hereditary dark circles was using this eye concentrate at night. It has a slight cooling effect so you can visibly feel your eyes rejuvenating, and the extra moisture makes putting on concealer in the morning a total breeze. It's only been a few days, but I'm already smitten.
TRYING: Karuna Brightening+ Face Mask
I uncovered the Karuna Brightening+ Face Mask ($8) while I was on the hunt in the Community for an affordable and effective sheet mask to take with me on an upcoming vacation. I wanted to see what everyone was using, and Karuna kept popping up again and again because of its affordable price point. I plan on using this natural-fiber sheet mask on my next airplane ride to rehydrate and nourish my skin. It seems as if the hyaluronic acid, peptides, aloe vera, and chamomile all work together for some pretty impressive results. I can't wait!
REBUYING: Clarins Double Serum
On the hunt for a new everyday serum? I was when one Community member lovingly referred to the Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate ($89) as "MAGICAL" (and yes, she did spell it out in all caps), and suddenly I was reminded why this iconic product used to be my fave. Its dual pump supplies the perfect amount of antiaging plant extracts — both water- and oil-soluble — to ensure a potent application. Plus, I remember I used this in the past as a daytime serum because it flawlessly layers underneath moisturizers and makeup without pilling. I've started reincorporating it into my morning skincare routine and my skin has never looked better.
REBUYING: Tatcha The Essence
Toner, essence, or both? That was the question I was asking myself when I searched the Community for some insights on facial essences and how to incorporate them into my Spring skincare sitch. I have been using the Tatcha The Essence Plumping Skin Softener ($95) for a few months now, but with the changing temps and humidity wrecking my skin, I know I need to incorporate a toner back into my morning routine. I was wondering if I had to choose one or the other or if I could use both when I stumbled upon a thread that answered those very questions. Since toner and essences do different things — toners prep and prime the skin for product while essences are concentrated products that offer more utility — you can definitely use both! I plan on using a gentle skin exfoliating toner after I cleanse my face to keep Spring breakouts at bay and buying a new bottle of my Tatcha essence to hydrate my skin and plump up fine lines. Win, win!
TRYING: Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment
Like I mentioned, breakouts in the springtime are a serious concern for me. That being said, I find most acne products tend to irritate my somewhat sensitive skin. I was looking for a product that I could use daily that wouldn't cause any weird reactions when I read about the Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment ($39) on the Sephora Beauty Insider Community. At first, it caught my eye because it has a better price point than similar products on the market and it was recommended by a fellow Community member for sensitive skin. I love that it comes jam-packed with all the ingredients I know work for me — salicylic and lactic acids help minimize appearance of pores and niacinamide and glycerin help soothe and hydrate. I use it nightly, and so far it's been a game changer!
