Hydration 101: Our Ultimate Body-Care Breakdown

Hydration 101: Our Ultimate Body-Care Breakdown

So you’ve got your at-home facials down to a science, but what about your body-care routine? It’s equally important to give skin (our largest organ) a little extra TLC on the regular—we’re talking balms, butters, lotions, and oils with clean ingredients to keep your body soft, smooth, and hydrated. Read on for our moisturizing must-haves to find out which formulas are right for you. (Rest assured that no matter your pick, it’s a safe choice, thanks to our Blueprint for Clean™.) 

FOR A LIGHTWEIGHT, EVERYDAY GLOW… 

Everybody needs a good standard lotion—something fresh and moisturizing that doesn’t cling to your clothes. So, we created our Hydrating Body Lotion in Bright Grapefruit, a light, creamy concoction that includes organic coconut oil and safflower oil. This clean-ingredient combo helps to moisturize and smooth skin, while absorbing super fast. And trust us, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it—until you get complimented on your healthy-looking glow and that subtle grapefruit scent.*  

*After two weeks of use, 100% said it left skin with a healthy-looking glow. 

FOR INDULGING DRY SKIN… 

Let’s face it: sometimes, lightweight body lotions simply don’t cut it, especially during dry winter months when we need to up our hydration game. That’s where our thick, velvety body butter comes into your clean beauty routine—and this one takes “rich” to a whole new level. For a nourishing experience, we’ve used shea butter and mongongo oil to provide hydration, and more clean ingredients like organic sunflower oil, aloe, and chamomile to soothe and smooth. Oh, and that subtle hint of citrus? That’s our signature Citrus Mimosa scent. Learn more about our take on clean fragrance here.  

GENTLE ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY… 

Wondering whether you need a body balm and a body lotion? Our answer is an unequivocal “yes.” Think of Balm For All as your lotion’s sidekick, targeting chapped lips, cracked skin, and dry cuticles all year long. Fans report that our Balm For All works like a charm in more ways than one—and for every member of the family. The secret to its success? A gentle, fragrance-free formula of shea butter, jojoba oil, and organic sunflower oil that makes it safe enough for the most delicate skin. It’s even easy on the eyes and has ophthalmology testing to back it up—so it’s safe for contact-lens wearers, too. What can’t this balm do? 

FOR SPA-LIKE LUXURY… 

We’re here to say that spa-worthy self-care can be an everyday thing, and our Melting Body Balm is proof of that. This balm-meets-oil is so much more than your average moisturizer, with its unmistakable monoi scent and unique texture that melts from balm to oil as you massage it into your skin. Wondering what that feels like? Well, when we ran a consumer study, 100% said skin felt hydrated, soft, and silky. Plus, the appearance of dryness and ashiness was reduced**. That’s why we consider this balm a year-round luxury. After all, hot summer days and freezing-cold winters can do a number on our skin, and sometimes your lotion needs support.  

Pro tip: Apply Melting Body Balm after using our Luminous Hydration Body Oil for a spa-worthy moment.  

**Based on a 32-subject consumer perception study immediately after use. 

FOR A LUMINOUS GLOW…. 

Thought body oils were slick and greasy? Not this one. Our Luminous Hydration Body Oil in Citrus Rosemary feels like pure silk on skin. And there’s nothing sticky about it—just a safer, hydrating blend of grapeseed, argan, rosehip, and passionfruit oils, plus a few more Beautycounter-approved ingredients that will change your shower routine forever. After a quick rinse (with either our go-to body wash or creamy body bar), massage the lightweight oil in, soaking up its delicate citrus and rosemary scent. It’s our recipe for head-to-toe glow.  

BTW: Did you know that some body oils contain mineral oil or synthetic fillers? These may contain potentially harmful ingredients, so they’re a no-go for us.  

Let that hydration information soak in for a second, and when you’re ready, click below to browse the #betterbeauty body moisturizers you’ll want to add to your lineup first.  

Fall Makeup Haul: 4 Clean Products To Try

Fall Makeup Haul: 4 Clean Products To Try

Getting into the spirit of fall can be fun, from cozying up in chunky sweaters to ordering pumpkin-spiced everything. But it’s also a great time to shake up your beauty routine and give some new clean makeup products a try.  

Each season brings the perfect opportunity to try new shades, products, and methods that capture the spirit of change. We’ve rounded up some of our top clean makeup essentials to work into your lineup, just in time for that fall refresh.  

Think Big All-In-One Mascara  

Fall brings the perfect weather to play with bold makeup looks—and big, voluminous lashes are essential to that. With a true black pigment that delivers rich color without the use of carbon black or PFAS ingredients, Think Big All-In-One Mascara is a safe choice any day. Pair it with Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer – SPF 20 and Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick for a simple everyday look. 

Glow First Priming Serum  

Imagine the dewy glow you’d get on a tropical vacation…well, this is something like that in a bottle (without the flight). Glow First Priming Serum is a skin-care and makeup prep hybrid that will give your skin a hydrating boost—and help your makeup last even longer. No need to wait for that summer vacation when your fall glow is just as good. 

Lid Glow Cream Shadow  

Gloomy fall days call for a little extra shimmer, and Lid Glow Cream Shadow delivers just that. This buildable formula is perfect for fall cocktail parties or afternoon strolls; simply apply your favorite shade with your fingers, and you’re good to glow.  

Beyond Gloss  

Shorter days and longer nights call for a gloss that delivers high-impact shine and a range of colors to choose from—and Beyond Gloss is it. Go bold in the shade Black Plum on a night out with friends, or keep it classic with the shade Quartz Shimmer on a weekend coffee date. Fun fact: Beyond Gloss is made with responsibly sourced, ECOCERT-certified organic vanilla from Madagascar.  

New season, new you. And if you haven’t yet, now is the time to fall for clean. Our products are carefully formulated and tested to give you the best results—without harmful ingredients. Sounds like someone’s beauty cabinet might just be turning over a new leaf.  

Which Facial Cleanser is Right for Your Skin Type?

Which Facial Cleanser is Right for Your Skin Type?

Great, healthy skin starts with clean skin, and that means investing in a facial cleanser that does more than just take off makeup or start the day fresh.  

Here at Beautycounter, we know skin care isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we’ve created a variety of results-driven cleansers that tackle a host of skin-care needs, whether you’re looking to hydraterejuvenate, or simply refresh your skin.  

Making the switch to a clean cleanser has many benefits. Here’s why you should take the plunge: All of our clean cleansers work overtime to deliver real results without compromising on safety or efficacy. There’s no secrets about what’s in (and out) of our cleansers, either. We’ve ditched the harsh surfactants, skin irritants, and pesky fragrances, and added in skin-loving ingredients like squalane, vitamin E, and aloe vera.  

Which begs the million-dollar question: What kind of cleanser is right for you? Read along to discover a clean cleanser that works for your skin type. Whether you’ve got oily, dry, or mature skin, we’ve got you covered.  

Sensitive/Normal Skin 

Counterstart Cococream Cleanser 

Feeling a bit sensitive? This gentle daily cleanser removes makeup and impurities without stripping away moisture. The formula—made with a blend of coconut oil and aloe vera—leaves skin feeling nourished and soothed. Pair it with Counterstart Cocoboost Moisturizer, a gentle moisturizer perfect for everyday use.  

 
Mature 

Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil 

Our Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil is a luxurious and lightweight alternative to your standard cleanser. It 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 and nourished complexion. It’s the perfect introduction to our Countertime line, a collection designed to visibly firm, brighten, and plump the skin. 

Blemish-Prone/Oily 

Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser 

Too often, cleansers meant to combat oily or blemish-prone skin strip moisture from already stressed-out skin. Our Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser removes oil, makeup, and other impurities without harsh surfactants. With our signature SkinBalance Complex and aloe vera formula, it helps purify pores and soothe skin, while jojoba beads gently slough away dead skin cells. Infused with an energizing citrus scent, it leaves your complexion feeling refreshed and balanced without dryness or irritation. Banish blemishes for good with our entire Countercontrol line.  

Dry 

Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser 

All the products in our Countermatch line are designed to match the natural structure of the skin and deliver long-lasting moisture—and this refreshing cleanser is no exception. It features squalane, plum oil, and phytic acid to remove makeup, wash away impurities, and, most importantly, get you glowing.  

Universal All-Star 

Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm 

This multitasking cleansing balm, perfect for day and night use, is one of Founder & CEO Gregg Renfrew’s favorites for a reason. It hydrates while it cleanses, removes makeup and impurities, and has skin-nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil and shea butter. (Bonus: It can also be used as a mask for a hydrating overnight facial.) 

With any of these cleansers, you’ll build a rock-solid foundation for the rest of your clean routine. Curious about what other #betterbeauty you should include? Check out our skin-care quiz, and get a clean routine customized just for you.  

How To Get Glowing Skin

How To Get Glowing Skin

Glowing skin is like the skin-care holy grail: mysterious, highly sought after, and difficult to attain. The beauty industry is obsessed with a naturally radiant complexion, and while many products make big promises, very few can deliver lasting, luminous results. But at Beautycounter, we’ve got hydrated, glowing skin down to a science. If you’re over dull skin (and who isn’t?), read on: it’s time to meet your clean skin-care match. 

What Causes Dull Skin? 

In order to achieve radiant skin, we need to understand what causes dullness in the first place. Here are some of the most common complexion culprits—and their clean solutions, courtesy of our glow-boosting, ultra-moisturizing Countermatch Collection

Lack of Sleep 

Anyone who’s looked in the mirror after a lackluster night of rest already knows this one. Missing out on your beauty sleep can leave skin looking dull and tired. 

The Clean SolutionA deeply hydrating night cream will maximize sleep’s skin-care benefits. After just two weeks of using our hyaluronic acid-infused Countermatch Recovery Sleeping Cream, 97% of users said they woke up with softer, smoother, more vibrant-looking skin*. 

*Based on a 31-subject consumer perception study after two weeks of use. 

Dehydration 

A quick myth-busting: Science hasn’t proven there’s a direct link between your complexion and daily H2O intake (though there are plenty of other benefits). Healthy, hydrated skin starts with powerful skin care.  

The Clean Solution: Our best-selling Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion provides up to 24 hours of hydration* with the help of squalane, which visibly restores elasticity, and plum oil, which is rich in omegas 6 & 9 and vitamin E. 

*Based on a 30-subject clinical hydration study over 24 hours. 

Environmental Stress 

It’s a fact: Exposure to increasing air pollution and free radicals can cause premature aging and inflammation. And don’t even get us started on the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays. 

The Clean SolutionSince skin-care bodyguards aren’t a thing, clean ingredients are the next best thing. Our Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum is formulated with vitamins C and E to provide antioxidant protection against environmental stress (and help fight free radicals). And never forget the SPF. 

Dead Skin Cells 

Sorry for the visual, but dead cells sitting on the surface of skin can make otherwise healthy skin look dull and tired. Sloughing off that unnecessary layer can reveal instant radiance. 

The Clean SolutionForget the drying witch hazel toner you used in high school. Our Countermatch Hydra-Gel Radiance Toner combats dull skin with phytic acid, a gentle, rice-derived exfoliator that boosts radiance and helps skin breathe for a natural-looking glow. After two weeks of use, 97% agreed skin looked more radiant and felt more hydrated*. 

*Based on a 32-subject consumer perception study after two weeks of use. 

Next-Level Radiance 

Meet our dynamic skin-saving duo: Countermatch and Counter+. These brightening skin-care boosters are basically good skin in a bottle. Get radiant, targeted results with our glow-getting All Bright C Serum, exfoliating Overnight Resurfacing Peel, and hydrating No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil. We’re so excited for you to discover your healthiest, glowiest, most hydrated skin ever. 

The Glowing Skin Routine 

We knew we wanted to make radiant skin a no-brainer. That’s why we developed the Countermatch Regimen: four easy steps—glowy, youthful results. Formulated with powerful hydrating, exfoliating, and barrier-repairing ingredients, Countermatch is the ultimate fix for a dull complexion. The results speak for themselves. 

After four weeks*: 

97% reported skin looked radiant 

100% stated skin tone looked more even 

100% said products provided instant and long-lasting hydration  

*Based on a 33-subject consumer perception study using Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser, Hydra-Gel Radiance Toner, Intense Moisture Serum, Adaptive Moisture Lotion, and Recovery Sleeping Cream for four weeks. 

Gregg’s Resolutions for the New Year

Gregg’s Resolutions for the New Year

Let’s be honest: making the typical list of resolutions can sometimes feel, well, daunting. So, this year, we turned to our Founder and CEO, Gregg Renfrew, to share tips, tricks and advice for how she’s approaching 2021 with intention. 

We’ve included some journal prompts along the way to keep you accountable and engaged. So, grab a notebook, maybe light a non-toxic candle, brew a batch of your favorite cozy beverage, and let Gregg’s tips inspire you to make a clean start this new year.

  1. SET AN AFFIRMATION 

An affirmation is a positive word or phrase you can repeat and meditate on whenever life gets stressful. Here’s Gregg’s suggestion for getting you to your happy place: 

 “A great place to start: I’m already good enough.” 

Journal Prompt: What will your personal affirmation be this year? 

  1. BUY WITH INTENTION 

Committing to clean goes beyond safer beauty. Surround yourself with brands that share your values. Gregg’s favorites include…  

 “I love Allbirds sneakers for working out. In terms of healthy snacking, I’m super into Honey Mama’s chocolate. Seventh Generation is basically the only cleaning brand I use, and I love Rahua’s super nourishing haircare formulas (and ethical approach to beauty).”  

Journal Prompt: What are some brands you can support in the new year that share your values? Think environmentally-conscious B-Corps, BIPOC-owned brands, and local favorites that put ingredient safety first. 

Some Brands to Believe In 

The Clean Guide is a list of brands and businesses that inspire us with their commitment to transparency, quality, and integrity. Go ahead and get acquainted, we won’t be jealous. 

  1. KEEP CLEAN HOUSE 

Most of us are spending more time at home than ever, so why not make your space as healthy as possible? Gregg has some ideas to get you started. 

  • Take off your shoes at the door to avoid tracking in harmful chemicals, like pesticides 
  • Swap out non-stick pans whose coating could potentially leach toxins into your food 
  • Use less single-use plastic, since it just ends up in landfills and our waterways 
  • Ask yourself, “can I make this at home?” instead of buying something with unnecessary packaging  

Journal Prompt: What are two clean swaps you can make this month around your house that seem simple, but have a big impact? 

  1. LEARN SOMETHING NEW 

Gregg loves deep-diving into stories that excite and inspire. “I think everyone should read a book on a subject they know nothing about.” These picks from her bookshelf take readers everywhere from the board room to the tennis court. Want to feel like you were in the room where it all went down? Try these first-person accounts: 

  • The Ride of a LifetimeLessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Bob Iger  
  • No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Erin Meyer & Reed Hastings  
  • Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi 

Journal Prompt: What’s something you would love to learn this year?  

  1. AND OF COURSE, SHOP #BETTERBEAUTY 

It wouldn’t be a Gregg guide without a list of her clean must-haves. So, we tapped the ultimate clean beauty expert for her #betterbeauty favorites. Here is her personal list of go-tos—but Gregg highly suggests mixing and matching products to build a clean routine that works for you.

 

Counter+ All Bright C Serum  

“This is THE thing. It leaves my skin feeling glowy and dewy and beautiful. [It also] Perfectly layers with our Countertime line.” 

Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel 

“Literally if I could bathe in the Overnight Resurfacing Peel, I would.” 

Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence 

“I am pretty obsessed with our Countertime line. I start every single day with [this] essence.” 

Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum  

“This is a really great serum. I put this on at night.” 

Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream 

“This is the best cream ever. I have super dry skin, so for me this is amazing.” 

Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm  

“Having a self-care ritual is so important while I’m working from home. I start my day with this indulgent balm.” 

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer 

“This evens out my complexion for all those video calls, and the SPF 20 has me covered all day.” 

We suggest revisiting this post, one month from now, six months from now, and at the end of the year. Check in with yourself to see what you’ve learned and celebrate your growth. With Gregg’s guidance and your own inspired ideas, your year will be off to a clean start.