Recent Skincare Discoveries From REN, Trilogy, Phace Bioactive & Sustainable Youth With Some Quick Thoughts

I’ve been trying out some new skincare recently, a couple of discoveries from brands new to me. Here’s a quick roundup of what has worked for me and how I like them.

REN Rose O12 Moisture Defence Oil ($80; sephora.com; press sample) - Is a luxurious face oil that I like to use during the nighttime mostly. Its sort of a dry oil, so leaves no residue behind and my dry skin drinks it up. The scent is not too strong, mostly a powdery floral from the few essential oils and goes away within a few minutes once the oil is absorbed. Its a great, nourishing oil for dry, dehydrated skin and something I’ll be using a lot more in the coming colder weeks. So far, I’ve been using it by itself, but It is a very good one to layer under moisturizer too!

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil ($24; Whole Foods) - Another great find that I picked up months back at Whole Foods when I wanted something that isn’t too scented. It is a slightly thicker oil, has hardly any scent and is very good for dry, sensitive skin that could use a little brightening as well. It is really great for the price and the packaging is perfect, so I use about 2-3 drops each time. It does take a while to absorb completely though, so the texture might be better suited for skin that leans dry and preferably before bed.

Phace Bioactive Ph Optimized Illuminating Serum ($92; saksfifthavenue.com; press sample)-  Is a very potent, brightening serum in a concentrated formula. It is quick absorbing and the gel like texture feels very lightweight. If you have pretty sensitive skin, I would recommend using this not more than 2-3 times as week. The formula tends to leave skin feeling a tad sensitive so a good sunscreen is needed to be followed up with, if you are going to be out in the sun a lot. The brightening effect from this one is quick and if your skin needs a radiance boost, this is a good serum to keep an eye out for. It is definitely something that needs a moisturizer on top or at least a light lotion that can add a little bit of moisture.

Sustainable Youth Ultra Creamy Cleansing Lotion ($50; sustainableyouth.com; press sample) - Feels very rich and isn’t drying at all, but the formula struggles to remove waterproof anything, especially mascara. Like I would with any cleanser, I massage a small amount onto face and neck and remove with a washcloth. While the formula is really nice and gentle on dry, sensitive skin and isn’t one bit drying, I needed an oil cleanser to get my eye makeup off. I guess it is more of a skin cleanser or one to be used on days when there’s not much makeup to get rid off. A little pricey, but good for a non-drying gentle cleanse that leaves skin balanced and soft.