A Retinol Alternative That Actually Works! Say Hello to Countertime

Retinol is often touted as the end-all-be-all skincare ingredient for reversing the signs of aging.  But as those of you who are signed up to receive my Safer Beauty Tribe newsletters know, retinol is not the magical unicorn it’s often depicted as.  It comes with some harsh side effects as well as some safety concerns.  I’ve personally steered clear of retinol and have cautioned those who want to incorporate it into their skincare regimens to do so with caution.  Beautycounter has always included retinol on their never list, because they’ve always believed ~ beauty should be good for you and shouldn’t come with a safety warning.  

But Beautycounter also believes in performance and research.  And they’ve just introduced a new skincare line that matches retinol’s performance without the side effects and safety concerns.  Insert praise hands!  Friends, let me introduce you to Countertime!

Is this not the most beautiful looking skincare collection?!  I’m in LOVE with the glass bottles.  Better for the environment and so luxe!  And don’t even get me started on the blush pink and gold color combo.  I love it when a company pairs form with function.  Don’t you?  My bathroom counter is looking so lovely!

But let’s get to the nitty gritty.  I’m sure you all want to know what’s in this new skincare line that makes it so fabulous!

Meet Your New BFF – Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a powerhouse plant extract that has been used since ancient times and has gained popularity in the clean beauty world over the last few years because of research showing how it performs as compared to retinol.  In this French study ~ “The results showed that 12 weeks of treatment showed significant improvement in lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness and overall reduction in photo‐damage.”  So it turns out Bakuchiol absolutely matches Retinol’s age-reversing magic, but without the irksome side effects and safety concerns.  Boom!

Bakuchiol works to turn over skin cells, making room for newer, fresher cells. It also pushes collagen to the surface for more elastic, youthful-looking skin.

Beautycounter’s new Retinatural Complex combines both Bakuchiol and Swiss Alpine rose, which boosts the skin’s antioxidant defense.  And the entire new Countertime skincare line features this amazing ingredient complex!  I seriously love that they created an entire line of products rather than just a one off, so you can pick and choose or use the entire regimen.  It’s totally up to you.

I was able to give this new line a test run before the launch, and I have been so blown away by the results!  My 40 year old skin is so happy!  🙂

My skin is brighter and the faint lines I had on my forehead and in between my eye brows are disappearing!  Y’all, I am seriously so impressed with this new line!

I love every product in this line, but I’m particularly impressed with the Antioxidant Soft Cream.  It’s a great day time moisturizer that feels so good on my skin, but isn’t too heavy to wear under makeup.  And it smells amazing, fragranced by 100% natural plant extracts, no synthetic or artificial fragrance. Insert fist bump.

I also LOVE the eye cream and the tetrapeptide supreme cream.  The supreme cream takes my evening skincare ritual to a new level of luxury.  It is seriously the best night cream I’ve ever used.  I can’t even begin to tell you how great it feels on the skin!  It’s like having a spa moment every night.  If your skin is on the drier side you might enjoy using this cream as both a daytime and evening moisturizer, but I prefer to use it only at night and the soft cream, which is much lighter, during the day.

I Need This In My Life; Where Do I Start?

If you’re ready to upgrade your skincare routine and switch to a safer beauty regimen that targets lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and firmness, you can grab the entire Countertime Collection for $382 (a $42 discount for buying the collection as a package).  This includes all 6 products – The Cleansing Oil (which might replace my Cleansing Balm as a favorite), The Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence (a really great toner), The Tripeptide Radiance Serum, The Antioxidant Soft Cream (a daytime moisturizer), The Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream (an evening moisturizer) and The Ultra Renewal Eye Cream.

But I realize replacing your entire regimen may not be in the budget right now, which is why I’m so glad this line includes 6 different products from which to choose!  The easiest and most budget friendly way to try these products to purchase as your current products need replacing.

If you’re not currently using a facial serum, the Tripeptide Radiance Serum ($79) is a great one to incorporate into your routine.  Use it twice daily after toning and before applying your moisturizer.  The deal with facial serums is basically, if you’re old enough to have worn overalls with one strap off in high school it’s a good idea to add a serum to your skincare regimen.  😉

While I REALLY LOVE the Cleansing Oil and the Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence, I really do think you get the most bang for the buck with either the Soft Cream $79 (a great lightweight but nourishing moisturizer) or the Supreme Cream $89 (a heavier moisturizing cream, great as an evening cream or for anyone with dry skin).  Both of these offer amazing hydration with the added age-defying benefits of Beautycounter’s retinatural complex.

I’m not anti-aging; I’m for getting better with age.  😉  Because having good skin never gets old.  Beautycounter’s Countertime line is designed to reduce the look of wrinkles, visibly firm skin and create a glowing complexion.  And as always these products were formulated with both performance and safety in mind.  Your skincare products should be good for you!

In case you didn’t know, Beautycounter also offers a rewards program where you earn 10% product credit on every purchase, free shipping for orders over $100 and a free gift when you join and spend $50.  The current free gift is the Charcoal Cleasing Bar, which I’ve raved about on numerous occasions!

Interested in Learning More About Safer Beauty?

If you’ve been wanting to learn more about detoxing your beauty routine, sign up for my monthly Safer Beauty Tribe newsletter.  These newsletters are a monthly guide to help you navigate the cosmetics aisle with confidence.  It’s about helping you to make safer selections no matter what brands you choose to use.

You can also follow The Safer Beauty Tribe on Instagram.