Beautycounter review

Even before I tried anything from Beautycounter—the California-based personal care brand focusing on safe, non-toxic products—I had been impressed. 

In the spring, I interviewed founder Gregg Renfrew for the brand's launch in Canada (they've been in the US since 2013), and learned about her goal of getting cleaner cosmetics in more people's hands. 

While these products aren't necessarily natural, they're free from harmful chemicals, and boast chic packaging that wouldn't look out of place at any high-end department store. I also appreciate Beautycounter's transparency on ingredients. Their Ingredients Glossary explains what's in each product, and why (because "scientists shouldn't be the sole ones able to decipher the label on a cosmetics bottle"). There's also a "Never List" of the no-no ingredients that you'll never find inside their formulas. 

So how can the products measure up? Now that I've had the chance to try a choice of their makeup and skincare, my full report is below!

Beautycounter Lip Gloss

The Lip Gloss is non-sticky, super-shiny and extremely moisturizing. It is available in seven shades; I tried three: Peony, a white, Dahlia, a mauve with pink undertones, and Buff, a nude. Although there's not a huge amount of colour payoff, I love how these feel on the lips, and the high-shine texture is truly pretty.

Beautycounter Purifying Charcoal Mask

The Purifying Charcoal Mask is just a clay and charcoal face mask that absorbs oil and draws impurities out of the pores. This will be perfect for oily or congested skin—or, if you're into multi-masking, you could apply it to your T-zone and put a different mask in your cheeks. It has a creamy texture and you're designed to leave it on 10 minutes; by the period, it's dry, but easily comes off with water. 

Beautycounter Charcoal Cleansing Bar

The Charcoal Cleansing Bar is just a non-drying, sulfate-free soap that is claimed to absorb impurities (thanks to the charcoal powder). I'm not sure about that, since it's not on the skin for greater than a couple of seconds, but I appreciate so it doesn't leave my face feeling tight, like other bar soaps do. Just in case you're wondering, it lathers clear, not black—so you don't need to bother about making a mess in your sink!

Beautycounter Citrus Mimosa Body Bar

The Citrus Mimosa Body Bar is a finely milled bar soap with a delicate, refreshing scent. It's also sulfate-free and saturated in shea butter, so it won't dry up your skin. If you're buying a high-quality soap that'll last quite a long time in your shower, this is a good option!

Conclusion

So there you've it—the lowdown on everything I've tried up to now from  is beautycounter a scam! 

Overall, I believe these products are high quality, although the price points are high (on par with luxury cosmetics). The makeup I reviewed here ranges from $36 to $51 Canadian, for instance, and the skincare from $30 to $55.

However, if you're like me and concerned with harmful ingredients, the safety profile makes them worth it—not forgetting the gorgeous textures and packaging. Tell me...