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By Amy Zhang April 28, 2020 in Beauty 3 Comments

An Honest Drunk Elephant Skincare Review

Drunk Elephant is a brand I’ve shared a LOT on my blog and social media for the past few years, so I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to put together a comprehensive review of all of the skincare products I’ve tried from the line. Drunk Elephant gets a lot of buzz for its clean skincare products that are known for being “for all skin types” and highly effective. The founder of Drunk Elephant, Tiffany Masterson recommends you use several of the products together for optimal results, but this comes at a super steep price. If you buy the suite of skincare products, you’re looking at almost $1,000 worth of skincare products in one go!

I’ve been using Drunk Elephant products for several years now on and off, and have found that my skin definitely improves with regular use of specific products (tighter, smoother, softer, clearer). To be fully transparent, I have received free products from Drunk Elephant, but more often than not I actually repurchase my favorites on Sephora because I can’t get enough! Below is my honest review of the Drunk Elephant skincare products I’ve tried and which I think are worth your money.

An Honest Drunk Elephant Review

Personally, Drunk Elephant is one of my favorite skincare lines. I stand by the quality and effectiveness of most of the products I’ve used – but understand that due to the price point and differences in skin, they might not be for everyone! I will say that I know people with wildly different skin than my own, that use the same products and love them. If you’re on the fence, I always recommend getting a sample from Sephora (they’re amazing about this!) before committing. They also have tons of kits with smaller versions of the product (I love The Littles if you want to try a bunch of the products at once!) before you commit to the full size. They’re also perfect for travel, and my go-to whenever I’m on the go.

Drunk Elephant’s philosophy is that less is more and that only ingredients that actually benefit the health of your skin should be in the product itself. Also, all of their products are vegan and clean! Note that I’ve mostly tried their original skincare products, since the initial launch they have released more products that I haven’t tried (yet!).

Beste Jelly Cleanser

This cleanser does MAJOR work! I have somewhat dry and sensitive skin, and I definitely feel like this cleanser strips my skin clean after washing my face, but in a good way? If that makes sense. I typically only use it if I have a lot of makeup to remove or after a very sweaty workout – it’s also great if I’m looking to double cleanse. If you have oilier or combination skin I think this cleanser would definitely be a major WIN. It’s a bit steep at $32 a bottle, so keep this in mind before purchasing.

C Firma Day Serum

I’ve written about this Vitamin C serum a LOT. If you’re not using a Vitamin C serum in your daytime skincare routine yet, read this post on why it’s a must for your skin. I’ve read some reviews online complaining that this particular formula can be a little sticky and oxidizes over time (the color goes from a clear serum to a darker orange – Drunk Elephant says this is natural and the shelf life is 6 months!). My personal experience has been to purchase the smaller travel size that comes with their moisturizing serum (which when you do the math ounce for ounce comes out to less than the full size).

This is one of my absolute favorite Vitamin C serums. $80 is a lot for the full size, but I still get about a month’s worth of use out of the smaller size because I only use this during the day. I like more potent Vitamin C serums, this one has 15% L-Ascorbic Acid as well as Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E. A comparable Vitamin C serum is another cult favorite, Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, which is more than twice the price for the same size!

TLC Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum

It took a while to work up to using this product regularly (at first there was some slight irritation), but now I can use it 3-4x a week without a problem. I love skincare products that show instant gratification and work while I sleep, so naturally, I love this night serum. I apply this at night after cleansing and toning and then I wake up with smoother, softer skin. It’s honestly a win-win. The Drunk Elephant serums are expensive so I would recommend trying either C-Firma OR TLC Framboos at first if you’re uneasy about the price.

B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

For some reason this product doesn’t get as much love online, with some reviewers saying “it didn’t do much” for their skin. I beg to disagree!! I love combining this with C-Firma or TLC Framboos in the morning and evenings to give my skin an added moisture boost. It might just be because I have dry skin, but I love the daytime combination of the two serums together. I’ve even used this as a spot treatment on dry, flakey spots on my face in the past. If you don’t need the added hydration to your skin you can probably pass.

Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer

One of my favorite moisturizers ever. I love this moisturizer more than a lot of similar and higher-priced moisturizers. Peptide moisturizers do so much for your skin – peptides rebuild your skin and boost collagen production, so this moisturizer is ideal for a wide range of ages (I’ll continue to use this into my 30s!). It’s also super gentle and doesn’t cause any irritation at all. Drunk Elephant considers this like adding protein to your smoothie – this moisturizer is filled with good-for-your-skin proteins and nutrients. If you were to only get one product from Drunk Elephant, this is my recommendation! (And a lot more affordable than some of the serums and masks). A jar lasts me a few months, and I use this moisturizer during the day and night.

Virgin Marula Face Oil

I LOVE this facial oil, but admittedly it is very pricey. If you’re not constrained by budget, this is my favorite facial oil I’ve tried and repurchased multiple times. If you’re looking for something more affordable, people seem to like The Ordinary’s dupe (I thought the two products were vastly different, so try both if you’re unsure!). I have dry skin so a good facial oil is a must, I use this during the day and night in the winter and only at night in the summer. After using an at-home peel or exfoliating mask (like Babyfacial!) my skin drinks it up and feels so much better after applying this oil!

C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

Although I’m not the biggest fan of eye creams, this is one of my favorites that I’ve tried. It’s filled with peptides and Vitamin C, which is ideal for firming and brightening the most delicate skin on your face. If you have an eye cream that you love that’s cheaper you could probably pass, but I will likely be purchasing this product again.

Babyfacial

Probably the most well-known product from Drunk Elephant’s line. The ingredients (25% AHA blend) are powerful, so it’s best used once a week. Babyfacial promises to exfoliate, smooth, and brighten skin. This mask does it all and really lives up to its name – your skin will feel baby smooth afterward and it really is like an at-home facial. I highly recommend following up this mask with an oil or extra hydrating moisturizer. Your skin will be smooth and glowing for days after. If you only have the budget for one product and you’re looking for something that’s the most bang for your buck, I always recommend trying Babyfacial first.

Note – Drunk Elephant also recently launched a hair and body line that I have been testing and will share my review soon!

By Amy Zhang April 19, 2020 in Beauty 3 Comments

What I Want From the Spring 2020 Sephora Sale

What I Want From the Sephora Sale 2020 | by The Luxi Look

It’s time for the Sephora Spring 2020 Sale Event, one of Sephora’s two major sales every year. During this time, everything on Sephora is on sale! Your discount depends on your status with Sephora (i.e. how much you spent with them last year) and if you’re a VIB Rouge Member, the highest tier, you get a major discount. Regardless of your status with Sephora, now is the time to stock up on all of your beauty essentials.

The discounts and sale dates are as follows: VIB Rouge Members get 20% off between 4/17 and 5/1. VIB members get 15% off between 4/21 and 4/29. Finally, Insider members get 10% off between 4/23-4/27 (anyone can be an Insider, you can sign up for an account and get the discount). All members use the code SPRINGSAVE to get their discounts – it’ll automatically apply based on your account.

Spring 2020 Sephora Sale

Since we’re all spending most of our time at home, now is the perfect time to stock up on your skincare essentials or try new products. I’ve included some of my favorite skincare and hair products that are currently on sale (many which rarely go on sale!), as some of my makeup essentials, and products I’ve been eyeing. What are you looking to buy during Sephora’s spring sale?

Skincare Picks

Drunk Elephant Skincare

Drunk Elephant is one of my favorite skincare brands, but unfortunately comes with a hefty price tag – especially if you’re looking to purchase multiple products at one. Sephora’s sales are one of the best times to purchase these products. I stand by the quality and efficacy of these products, talk about them all the time, and have seen a huge improvement in my skin when I use these regularly and together. Some of my favorite DE products include the Protini Moisturizer, C-Firma and TLC Framboos serums, and Babyfacial. If you aren’t sure to begin with Drunk Elephant, the Littles set is a great introduction to the line for under $100 – it’s also perfect for travel! Sephora’s generous return policy also ensures that if you don’t absolutely love the product, you can exchange it or get a refund.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

This has been my go-to sunscreen for three years, I use it everyday on top of my moisturizer and before applying makeup. The matte finish acts a bit of a primer for foundation, and I haven’t had clogged pores or irritation from this sunscreen the way I’ve experienced from other sunscreens.

Supergoop Daily Moisturizer

This moisturizer has become a new favorite of mine, I love it for a daily moisturizer on days I know I will be outside. The built-in SPF eliminates the added step of applying sunscreen over moisturizer, but even without the SPF I would still consider this a very gentle moisturizer that I would keep in my rotation.

Peter Thomas Roth Eye Patches

Eye patches not only feel luxe (especially if you keep them in the fridge!), they also help instantly brighten your entire face. I don’t use these masks everyday, but will always take the time to apply them before skincare and makeup when I want to look my best. The eye patches hydrate the delicate skin underneath your eye and remove puffiness and bags. I’ve always wanted to try these as well – they’re a little extra, but worth the splurge.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

A reliable vitamin C serum at a price point that isn’t insanely offensive. This is the first vitamin C serum I ever tried, and it got me hooked on vitamin C and Ole Henriksen! If you’re looking for a mid-range vitamin C, I always recommend this one.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser and Moisturizer

Super hydrating products from Kate Somerville. The Goat Milk Cleanser is so gentle and hydrating, I love this for dry and sensitive skin. The moisturizer is very lightweight and perfect for day time. These are two of my favorite products I discovered in the last year.

Fresh Rose Moisturizer

Super hydrating moisturizer for winter that I love. If you have sensitive skin, I highly recommend checking out Fresh products.

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

This oil gets a lot of love on social media! It’s pricey for a bottle but has so many good for your skin ingredients. I felt that this lived up to the hype, but I also really love face oils. If you only wanted to buy one face oil, this is a good one to try.

Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads

I love these peel pads so much, I could dedicate an entire post to them. They make your skin just glow and gives spa treatment like results (coming from a girl who loves a good facial) from the comfort of your home. I use once a week, but would use 2-3x a week before a big event.

Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream

This Korean cream is magical. Ceramides help plump up your skin (aka fights wrinkles and signs of aging) so if you’re looking to give your skin a boost, look for products with Ceramidin.

Dr. Jart Sheet Masks

Some of my favorite masks that aren’t out of this world expensive. I look at Korean women and see how flawless their skin is – and then promptly load up on sheet masks (some women use a sheet mask a day!).

Hair Savers

+ Virtue Shampoo & Conditioner

A new line recommended to me by my stylist that I’m obsessed with. It’s more expensive than drugstore shampoo and conditioner, but still more affordable than my beloved Oribe (which also is sadly not available on Sephora, and rarely goes on sale).

+ Olaplex

A must if you color your hair! I use this hair mask 2x a week and it keeps my hair from looking and feeling like a broom.

+ Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray

One of my favorite products from Drunk Elephant’s new hair and body line. If you have dry or colored hair, a hair oil goes a long way in keeping your ends moisturized and healthy.

+ dpHUE Gloss

To tide us all over while we wait for hair salons to re-open! Sadly this is currently sold out, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed they restock this product. I’m super hesitant to color my own hair, but a gloss is subtle and will wash out on its own, unlike dye.

+ IGK Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo smells SO good and tides me over in between hair washes.

Makeup Faves

Armani Foundation

My holy grail foundation but it’s SO expensive. I always try to squeeze the last drops out of my current bottle while I wait for the next Sephora sale. It comes in so many shades and makes your skin look FLAWLESS. Worth every penny.

NARS Tinted Moisturizer

Something lighter for daytime, I personally find this tinted moisturizer to be slightly more medium coverage but like how it gives your skin a natural glow. The formula also has SPF, which is always a bonus.

Beautyblender

I’ve been applying my makeup with a Beautyblender for years, it’s the perfect tool if you’re not the best at doing your own makeup.

Becca Highlighter

Becca products are all about helping you achieve the perfect glow, which is why it’s my go-to brand for all things highlighting and illuminating. There are so many different highlighters in the line, but you really can’t go wrong with anything Becca.

NARS Satin Lipstick Pencil

These super easy to apply lip pencils are my go-to, I keep one in every bag! If you prefer lip color that’s a little more hydrating and glossy, these are amazing. The matte pencils come in more shades (that are gorgeous!), but they are definitely a lot more drying.

Benefit Brow Pencil

I go through multiple of these pencils every year. Benefit’s brow collection has products and shades for everyone, to help you achieve your perfect brow.

Laura Mercier Concealer

I really love the consistency and coverage of this concealer, it also comes in so many shades so it’s very easy to match to your skin tone. I use this every day – even on days when I’m hardly wearing any makeup.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk

A lip shade that looks good on literally everyone!

NARS Bronzer

My favorite bronzer for years, I love everything about NARS bronzers and blushes, from the packaging to the formula and pigmentation. Unfortunately, the price goes up every few years, so now I really try to make sure it’s on sale before purchasing!

Marc Jacobs Eyeliner

The gel formula is easy to apply but also very blendable, depending on what look you like to achieve with eyeliner.

Benefit Mascara

For years I was devoted to They’re Real, but lately (when I don’t have eyelash extensions!) I’ve been using Roller Lash.

Faux Tan Products

There are so many at-home tanning products out there, luckily most of my favorites are on Sephora! I rotate between the 3 below for the most part.

Tan Luxe

I love the face drops and the body drops, they’re so easy to use – all you have to do is mix them in with whatever moisturizer you’re using, and voila! Instant tan. These drops are basically fool-proof, and easy to travel with so you can always reapply when you’re on the go.

St. Tropez Mousse

This tried and true product is a cult favorite for a reason! I’ve always loved the bronze you get from St. Tropez products, the color is never orange and also super easy to apply – very minimal streaks, and I’m no pro.

Isle of Paradise

If you like tanning drops, another great option to mix with your moisturizer. The tanning water is a pretty innovative product – you spray it all over your body for an instant tan – and achieves similar results.

What I Want To Buy

Overose Candle

You can never have too many candles! I’ve been eyeing this particular one for a while and got really excited when I saw Sephora carrying them. Yes, it’s bougie, but lighting candles has been a small treat during quarantine that has really brightened my mood. It also helps set the scene when I’m transitioning out of “work mode” at the end of the day.

Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray

I have so many friends who rave about this setting spray. I actually never saw the need to use one, until I used it on my bachelorette party and my makeup literally didn’t budge all day or night.

Olehenriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

A new vitamin C serum from Ole Henriksen I’m dying to try. The “Truth Serum” was the very first vitamin C serum I ever tried and I was immediately hooked.

NuFACE Facial Toning Device

I’ve read about NuFACE devices a lot, and haven’t been able to bite the bullet and buy one for myself yet. I LOVE a good microcurrent facial, so I’m really curious to see if you could achieve similar results yourself from home.

Dyson Hair Dryer

If you’ve had your eye on this hairdryer, the Sephora sale is the best time to purchase it. I hardly ever blow dry my hair, so I’ve had a hard time justifying a $400 hairdryer. Everyone who has it RAVES about it, so maybe I’ll eventually get it.

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Trying to keep my hair in the best possible condition until I can seek help from the professionals again. This rinse comes recommended a lot, and since I don’t wash my hair every day I’ve been looking for a clarifying product to keep my hair fresh.

Sheet Masks

Again, you can never have too many sheet masks!

By Amy Zhang April 6, 2020 in Beauty, Lifestyle 1 Comment

Keeping Up With Beauty During Coronavirus

Happy Monday, friends! How is everyone doing today? Are we hanging in there? It’s been over three weeks at home and it’s been an experience, to say the least. I don’t remember the last time I spent this much time at home or with my fiancé, but we’re making the most of it! Some days are easier than others, and it sounds like most of you are in the same boat. I’m happy we are finally moving beyond the constant need to be “productive” and are settling into a state of being ok with just being ok (if that makes any sense). There are things I miss from before, and things I do not.

It’s been fun to have a laugh with my girlfriends over our beauty routines and how the first place we want to go when this is all over is the nail salon. Jokes aside, I’ve come to realize that what I perceived as a somewhat low maintenance routine was actually more high maintenance than I thought. If you’re going through a similar situation, read on for the best ways to maintain your beauty routine at home.

Keeping Up With Beauty During Coronavirus

+ Hair

First things first, hair. If you recently got a haircut and don’t have colored hair, you’re in luck. For the rest of us, we have to make do with what we have. If it’s been a while since your last haircut, I (and your stylist, most likely) would personally advise against giving yourself a haircut. If you have professional colored hair, resist the urge to use box dye during this time. Seriously, it’s just not worth it! It will take more effort than it’s worth to fix. The best tip I’ve gotten, from my colorist and friend, Ashleigh, is to use a light gloss to tone down brass and keep your color going until your next trip to the salon. If you aren’t sure which to get, ask your stylist for recommendations!

If you’re starting to see split ends and go crazy, use a hair mask 1x a week and other smoothing products (I love this hair oil and this styling cream) to maintain your cut in the meantime. Also, avoid over-styling your hair with hot tools at the moment (embrace your natural hair and give it some much needed R&R if possible).

+ Lashes

If you don’t have lash extensions, you can skip this section. Earlier this year, I hopped back on the lash extension train and am now in the process of growing them out (it’s much better to get them professionally removed, but that isn’t an option at this time). If you’re in a similar position, I wrote an entire post on what to do after you get your lash extensions removed a while back. My biggest tips – resist the urge to pick them off yourself and use a lash serum in the meantime.

+ Nails

I miss my manicures deeply. I’m also inept at doing my own nails. If you’re looking to do your nails at home, it might make sense to invest in an at-home manicure kit. At-home gel kits exist as well if you’re feeling extra ambitious. I’ve loaded up on nourishing cuticle oil to get me through this time and will attempt to learn how to paint my own nails. I also started taking biotin to strengthen my nails.

Note that if you have powder or gel nails, you will need acetone to remove the nail polish – this is very drying on your nails and cuticles, so be sure to follow up with lots of hand cream after!

+ Skin

Now is the best time to take care of your skin. You’re most likely wearing little to no makeup and have more time than ever to focus on skincare. If people are buying anything right now, it’s skincare (skincare was up 99% in March!). I’ve been loading up on masks and linked my favorites below – personally, I am enjoying my mini at-home “spa sessions” going through my skincare routine properly as opposed to rushing through or skipping steps. Right now I am loving everything from Drunk Elephant and Joanna Vargas Skincare.

By Amy Zhang March 17, 2020 in Beauty No Comments

Latest Empties – Beauty Products I Love

Just because we’re all cooped up at home doesn’t mean we have to let self-care fall entirely to the wayside. Even though my normal routine has been seriously shaken up, I’m still trying to stay committed to my skin and take care of it the best I can from home. The products below are some of my absolute favorite products of all time, basically my ride or dies. I’ve repurchased every one multiple times and have written about them on the blog before. I happened to have a ton of empties recently, which always fills me with a strange sense of pride and satisfaction. Seeing my bathroom counter a bit emptier also prompted me to write this post before placing another massive order online. If there’s something worth splurging on right now, it’s little luxuries for yourself to make staying home all the time a little more bearable.

The latest empties on my bathroom counter:

+ Glossier Solution

A very gentle exfoliator on your skin that can be used every day. I love it and will use it once a day, morning or night, and notice a huge difference in my skin when I use it consistently. I’ve read reviews stating that it helps acne-prone skin, but even my dry and sensitive skin loves it. I’ve had zero irritation whatsoever and find that my skin is so much smoother and brighter when I incorporate this into my routine. It’s not as strong as other peels and acids out there, but that might honestly be why I love it so much. [ Get 10% off your first order : )]

+ Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Forever my favorite foundation. It’s expensive, so I like to mix in other foundations when I can to stretch out how long a bottle lasts. This is my go-to for shoots, special events, going out, you name it. A bottle lasts a long time (I try not to wear foundation every day) and applies flawlessly with a beauty blender. Personally I like more of a “glowy” look, this gives you an airbrushed finish that isn’t heavy and stays on all day and night.

+ Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

Sunscreen for your face is usually an unpleasant consistency and oftentimes clogs your pores, but not this one. The texture is so light and the gel consistency sinks right into your skin with no irritation. The finish is unnoticeable (hence the name “Unseen Sunscreen”) and makes wearing sunscreen every day a no brainer.

+ Peter Thomas Roth Eye Patches

Hi, under-eye circles. Every year you become more prominent. These eye patches help depuff and brighten the delicate skin under your eyes and add a boost of much-needed hydration. The skin underneath your eyes is the most delicate on your body, so extra care and TLC is needed to prevent fine lines and bags. I like to keep these in the fridge for an extra cooling sensation.

+ Drunk Elephant C Firma

One of my favorite skincare lines, the serums from Drunk Elephant are not to be missed. If you’re looking for a solid Vitamin C serum, this one is on the higher end of serums (but not Skinceuticals price) and is pretty potent (15% L-Ascorbic Acid plus Ferulic Acid). Some people complain about the smell and texture, but I don’t mind. I do try to buy the travel size so the formula doesn’t oxidize before I use it up.

+ Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos

When used in conjunction with Babyfacial, I find my skin glows for days. I love products that work while I sleep, so exfoliating nighttime serums and gentle acids are some of my favorites. I don’t use this every night, maybe every other night or a couple of times a week (you might need to gradually work your way up to it) but you will wake up to softer, glowing skin in the morning!

+ Red Carpet Supplement

I started a pretty intense vitamin regimen a couple of months ago and incorporated this one from Hum. I received multiple compliments on my hair and skin from coworkers and friends, so wanted to share the ones I have been taking most regularly. Also, I got lash extensions a month ago, and my technician noticed that my lashes had almost completely grown out after two weeks – I honestly attribute the rapid growth to the vitamins I’ve been taking!

+ Glow Sweet Glow

Aside from the fact that gummy vitamins are inherently more fun to take (I find I never miss a day with these), it’s also an easy way to get a dose of vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid – all ingredients that keep your skin bright and glowing! These are probably the best tasting gummy vitamins I’ve ever tried.

By Amy Zhang February 3, 2020 in Beauty 5 Comments

How to Use Vitamin C Serum

If there’s one skincare product everyone should incorporate in their regimen, it’s a vitamin c serum. As far as skincare ingredients go, vitamin C is essential for your best skin possible. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents sun damage, can brighten dark spots, and stimulate collagen production. An easy way to incorporate it into your skincare routine is with a serum. You might already be using one, but you may not be using it the right way. Read on to learn more about vitamin c serum, how to use it, and my favorite picks for every budget.

So, what is Vitamin C serum?

As noted above, vitamin C serum has a whole slew of benefits for the skin. Combined with retinol, it can be a powerful skin-boosting and anti-aging ingredient (more on retinol & vitamin C in a bit). Without a laser or more invasive facial procedure, vitamin C is your best bet at combatting hyperpigmentation and brightening your skin to give it the ultimate glow. Because it’s a collagen-stimulating ingredient, it can also soften fine wines and help prevent future wrinkles (which makes it also great in eye creams!). Serums are absorbed into skin quickly, so it’s an ideal step to add to your routine.

Vitamin C serums are also often mixed with other skin-boosting ingredients, such as Vitamin E or ferulic acid.

How and when do I use vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C is usually applied after you cleanse and tone, but before your moisturizer. Many people use it during the day, but it can actually also be used at night! Using it during the day has the added benefit of preventing damage from the sun and free radicals (but you still need to wear sunscreen!). Using vitamin C actually can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so a nighttime application can help mitigate that reaction. If you’re looking for the order to apply vitamin C, you can follow the order below.

Daytime skincare routine:

+ Splash with water (you usually don’t need to cleanse in the morning, but you can if you want)

+ Toner/essence

+ Eye cream

+ Vitamin C serum

+ Moisturizer

+ Sunscreen

Evening skincare routine:

+ Cleanser (if removing makeup, you may want to double cleanse to make sure you get all of it off. I use wipes when I’m in a hurry or a cleansing balm along with my usual cleanser. I also really, really love micellar water.)

+ Toner / essence

+ Eye cream

+ Serum – alternate between vitamin C and retinol

+ Night cream

Add or subtract steps as needed for your skincare routine.

One important thing to note is that vitamin C doesn’t always play nicely with other skincare ingredients. It can also be a harsh ingredient on the skin, and some people notice more sensitivity to it than others – including itching or redness on the skin. Personally, some products make my skin tingle a bit when I apply them (higher L-ascorbic acid percentage), but it quickly goes away without any irritation. If you aren’t sure how your skin will react, look for a product with lower vitamin C.

There are mixed reviews on mixing vitamin C with retinol, with some people saying they need to be used separately for optimal results. I prefer using vitamin C during the day and other serums at night. If I do use vitamin C at night, I alternate evenings with other serums and try not to mix.

The Best Vitamin C Serums

Below are my favorite vitamin C serums that I’ve personally tried. Before you go running out to buy and test every single one, you should know that vitamin C can break down more easily than other skincare ingredients when it’s exposed to air, heat, and light (so basically, as soon as it’s packaged). Some Vitamin C products come with a relatively short shelf life for maximum efficacy, so be sure to read labels and reviews before committing to one.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum

One of my favorite vitamin C serums, but a little pricey for what you get (the color of the serum changes quickly as the formula oxidizes) and the consistency is a little sticky, which some people dislike. I usually buy the travel size so I can bring it with me on trips and use it up before the serum oxidizes. Bonus – it’s actually a great value, ounce for ounce!

Joanna Vargas Rescue Serum

I’ve been going to Joanna Vargas for facials and love her products as much as the treatments itself. One of my favorite products from her line is her vitamin C serum. Hers smells amazing and absorbs quickly into the skin, and layers perfectly with her other products.

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic

The most expensive serum listed here, but universally loved. It includes vitamin E and ferulic acid with vitamin C for a brightening and hydrating combination. I’ve only used a sample of this and am saving up to buy the full-sized bottle.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

The very first vitamin C serum I ever used! I still love this serum for daytime and it’s one of the more affordable vitamin C products. It doesn’t feel as potent as some of the other serums, so it’s a good starter product to see how your skin reacts to the ingredient.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Serum

This serum is 15% vitamin C, so it’s pretty potent and should definitely be worn with sunscreen! From reviews and personal experience, it is gentle on sensitive skin despite its high vitamin C percentage.

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

Not actually a serum, this product is almost cream-like and sinks into your skin before you can rub it around. It’s unlike any other vitamin C serum I’ve used, and it does cause a slight tingle on my skin (it contains 20% L-Ascorbic Acid, which is very high for an over the counter product).