Top 3 skincare products of all time (face edition)

I’m excited to bring you the rundown on my top 3 skincare products of all time – for the face!
(FYI: a few folks wanted to know – the mascara I’m wearing in the photo below can be found here.)
Top 3 Face Products
Note, before I get started: I’m an affiliate of all 3 of these brands, after a long history of using and recommending them. Read more about affiliation, what it means, and my affiliate selection process here.
As a skincare science junkie and product enthusiast, I’m always trying new things and falling down a new rabbit-hole of research, so it makes sense that my routine changes now and then.
Yet a few products have become non-negotiable, tried-and-true, forever favorites.
These products are amazing for the face. They do things like balance the complexion, repair the signs of premature aging, nourish the skin, blast blackheads and keep pores clear. And they do it gently and safely!
Because NOBODY I know wants their beautiful skin with a side of irritants or questionable ingredients.
Even more than that: nobody I know wants to buy products that flat-out don’t keep their promises.
Another thing I love: these could, in theory, comprise your ENTIRE skincare routine. We’ve got cleansing, toning and nourishing right here in 3 quick, powerful steps – so I’ve listed them in the order you’d use them.
Warning: these products aren’t cheap. And depending on your own skin’s needs, and what you value most, they might not be the perfect products for everyone.
But in a world where most skincare products, cheap or pricey, make promises they absolutely cannot keep, I can say with absolute confidence that these products are completely worth the price. No fillers, no garbage, just flat-out effectiveness across multiple categories of skincare needs – and a little goes a long way.

These are my top 3 skincare products of all time – for the face!

1. The Beautycounter Balancing Charcoal Mask: for deep cleansing 

What it does: deep cleanses, fights blackheads, minimizes pores, exfoliates and smoothes without irritation, calms inflammation, detoxifies.
This mask really does it all, and is excellent for all skin types. Despite the fact that Beautycounter’s Charcoal Bar is the “cult favorite,” I actually think this is their absolute best product ever.
If I had to choose just one Beautycounter product to use, this would be the one.
You can use this every few days, when deep cleansing is needed, in place of your normal cleanser. It should last through at least 20 applications.
Other Beautycounter standouts: check out the hydrating Skin Twin Concealer and the Adaptive Moisture Lotion.

2. The Primally Pure Everything Spray: nourish, revitalize and tone.

What it does: soothes, heals, balances, nourishes, evens tone.
This spray is another workhorse, just like the charcoal mask – in fact, that’s what Bethany, the woman behind Primally Pure, sets out to do with all her products. She designs things that do everything, so you don’t need 55 different steps to get results with safe, natural ingredients.
This spray contains hydrosols and – my favorite addition – magnesium oil, which is amazing for the skin.
You can use this daily, several times each day, after cleansing (or any time you wish).
Other Primally Pure Standouts: hands down, their deodorant is the best natural deodorant out there.

Last, but not least…

3. The Agent Nateur Holi Oil Ageless Face Serum: moisturize and refine.

Yes. It’s that expensive.
The pure, active antioxidants and plant constituents in this amazing oil are absolute dynamite for the skin.
Skincare oils:

  • Restore skin elasticity
  • Help reduce scarring and signs of premature aging
  • Even skin tone and brighten the skin
  • Support cell regeneration
  • Balance oil production

I’ve been using skincare oils for more than a decade, and they helped resolve my acne and balance my skin. (And this was before there were oils on the market specifically for skin – believe it or not, I started out using kitchen oils!)
Even better: Agent Nateur is meticulous about sourcing their ingredients.
Just a few drops after cleansing and toning in the evening is perfect.

Wrapping it up

Time and time again, I come back to these core products. They do everything – cleanse, tone, repair, regenerate, soothe, and improve to an incredible degree.
They’re also multi-purpose, and can be used by people who want to repair the signs of aging, fight blemishes or inflammation, or even fight oily skin or dry skin.
And most importantly, they’re crafted to be safer, more pure, and better-performing than most conventional skincare. These are well worth the investment!
Thanks for reading!

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42 Responses

  1. Hi Liz! I love all of your recommendations. Do you have any products up your sleeve that help with surgical scarring? My MIL just had knee surgery and I’d love to find a more natural product that would work for this. Maybe tallow? I appreciate any help!

    1. Hi Katie! Thank you for the kind words! If the scarring is more like a keloid scar, it’s actually really effective and safe to have a dermatologist do some cortisone for it to break it up. Other than that, for a super natural approach, you can try a blend that includes EOs like frankincense, myrrh, and calendula. The Infiniti as well as the Beyond serum blends from Primal Life Organics are all really great. And finally, if you want some pretty science-y stuff, you could look at the scar gel from Skin Actives. I wouldn’t call it natural, and you definitely need to follow instructions, but it IS effective and short-term use of one of the main important ingredients – epidermal growth factor or EGF – should be perfectly safe. (I don’t recommend it for long term though.)

  2. I’ve been loving your product recommendation posts! I haven’t been failed once by any of the products you’ve recommended that I have used so far. I’m a first time mom too and your recommendations have made me feel like I look “human” again, despite my sleep deprived state. 🙂

  3. I think it was in the last live video you and Cassy Joy did…or in a podcast but you said that “all natural” makeup didn’t work very well with your skin. I feel like that is where I’m at. I’m not sure my crunchy makeup (100% pure and Inika) are right for my skin. I tried the sample of Beauty Counter and the coverage wasn’t all that great (I have lots of scars to cover) My question is-do you have a list of your top ingredients to avoid in makeup? I know there are probably a lot but maybe the main ones? Or recommendations for makeup that is somewhat in between super crunchy and conventional? I tried to order the Beauty Counter concealer but they are out of stock right now!

    1. And now that I just posted this, they have the light shade back in stock.. I think I’ll try that and see if I can get some more coverage with the foundation and concealer.

    2. Amy, makeup is SO nuts and all-across-the-board that I have no idea what a list like that would contain other than SLS, retinol derivatives, silicones (common skin irritants). The thing is, different types of makeup use different types of ingredients (powder, liquid, tints and color cosmetics vs foundation, etc)…Color mineral cosmetics are at the greatest risk of heavy metal contamination (this is why I use Beautycounter – they actually batch test, and almost no other brand does…most brands test one batch EVER and assume all other batches are good, then tell you “their products have been tested free of xyz.” … some makeup brands test on animals, some don’t test at all. It’s the wild wild west! If you can get the Tint Skin from Beautycounter and layer it (it’s buildable) a thin layer at a time, that might help. I’ve also heard good things about W3ll people. It seems the BC concealer is back, unless you’re in Canada maybe? I’m not seeing out of stock!

      1. I have been reading your blog for years and can’t thank you enough for all of your information! Several months ago I was excited to try many of the recommended products from Beautycounter (charcoal bar + mask, rejuvenating night cream, tint skin, and dew skin) but unfortunately my skin is now completely congested: blackheads, whiteheads, hard bumps you name it. Did not change anything else in my skincare. I was surprised to see silicone (dimethicone) listed in many of their products, especially in 3 that I was using all over my face morning and night :-/ Aren’t silicones a known irritant/pore clogger? Any tips on what topicals to use to decongest my skin (I have stopped using BC products)? Thanks!

        1. Oh, I’m SO sorry to hear this! Beautycounter had an entire talk devoted to this several years ago – their stance is that dimethicone has a large molecular size and sits on the surface of our skin (aka isn’t absorbed) and helps with spread/application of liquid cosmetics and then, as we now know, evaporates away. They are VERY science-driven and detail-oriented about this, and wouldn’t use it if we had ample science to prove its use was harmful in the dose, mode and concentration used. HOWEVER, I personally have seen people react to anything and everything, even the “natural” stuff – seriously, I’ve had people with this reaction to jojoba oil before! Some people also seem to react to the zinc in the dew skin. So it’s entirely possible that it’s dimethicone. It’s also possible that it’s something else we aren’t thinking of! (I personally don’t use the dew skin, rejuvenating cream, or even the charcoal bar much any more – I do use the charcoal mask, cleansing balm, tint skin, and basically all BC makeup.) At any rate, I hope you’ve returned everything for a refund! I would probably look at the Mad Hippie brand if I were you – but start slow and spot test everything! Again, so sorry this happened 🙁

  4. Liz,
    Love all of your info always! Love the podcasts too!
    I struggle so much to use the C-Ex due to the smell. It is so strong it makes my stomach flip. Is this just me? I want to use it nightly but I have to really convince myself.
    Also is there another place I can find with information regarding sun damage or age spots on my skin? You talked some on the podcast but I really need more in depth info.
    Thanks so much!

    1. I think it’s just preference! Several people I know LOVE the smell and it doesn’t bother me at all, but my podcast partner Diane hates the smell too (but she still uses it anyway). If it’s not going to work for you, that’s ok, though! If you know which oil you are bugged by (for Diane I think it’s the Ylang Ylang) you could email primal life organics directly to see if they can make a formulation without it, OR you can just return it for a refund. If you want to try using maracuja oil alone, it’s one of my favorite oils that we used in the product. Maybe you could order that from somewhere 🙂 As far as sun damage/age spots, I haven’t compiled all my info in one place and sadly I don’t know of a good place to look right now. I’ll try to write up something comprehensive soon! For now, a few things to google independently or together – lipofuscin vs. melanin, age spots, liver spots, hormones, oxidation, PUFA, vitamin e.

  5. What do yu recommend for a 14 yr old girl acne? She uses Beautycounter cleanser but it is not enough….especially her forehead

    1. When you’re that young, hormones are REALLY raging and mostly responsible, so diet and sleep (melatonin is the sleep hormone, and it’s a MAJOR antioxidant) are 90% of the battle. The other 10% is using products that don’t further irritate the face to make things worse. So, if you can work on eliminating the worst offenders – processed dairy, grains, and refined fats – that could go a long way. Generally a Paleo-style diet is effective! Lots of veggies and whole fruits, meats, and some healthy fat from coconut oil especially. the Purely Primal Skincare Guide has a lot more info in it for healing digestion, too. purelyprimalskincare.com.

  6. Hi Liz, love your site and posts, as well as your passion for good products and natural skin care! I was wondering if you have any suggestions for rosacia. I have had it since teenage years and it has now intensified with more redness and consistent breakouts. I watch what i eat and eat very healthy but clearly some of it might still produce negative results. Recently went to a dermatologist and an allergist. What a waste of money! So sad that all they care is to give you drugs and mask the symptoms! Walked out with 4 prescriptions (one for antibiotics for 30 days!) and i just refuse to take it. Any thoughts on face creams, makeup? Many thanks!

    1. Hi there! For rosacea, I’d look at a simple active like Green Tea with EGCG or niacinamide (as long as you don’t have a history of Parkinson’s) from Skinactives.com. A pinch of either mixed with water in your hand and applied to your skin can be REALLY helpful! Then you can build from there. You might spend some time figuring out if you react more to totally natural products or more traditional products. Everyone is different. I love Beautycounter makeup but with rosacea you never know what you’ll react to. Azelaic acid is a prescription treatment for rosacea and REALLY effective and safe if you can get that. Something to Google and take to your derm 🙂

  7. Hey Liz!
    Love reading and listening to everything you do! Question about the order of application/timing of how you use your PLO serums? Both coffee bean and C-Ex at night and one after the other? Or, do you see what your skin feels like that day? Are there actives in them meaning one should go before the other? I’m ordering soon and just want to make sure I’m using them correctly! Thank yew! 🙂

    1. I use coffee bean in the morning and C-Ex at night usually! You can layer them, the ingredients won’t interfere or block each other. And you can play with the order and when you use them, too – that’s just my preference! I like the caffeine in the morning 😉 Thanks Ebony!

  8. Hi Liz! I love the charcoal mask and have been using beauty counter for about 6 months now! I was thinking about becoming a consultant and was wondering if you already have your whole team together? If you have time for one more I would love to talk with you!

  9. The BeautyCounter charcoal mask sounds like it could be a good idea for some people, my only problem is that BeautyCounter does have some not-so-good ingredients. Also, you should gentle cleanse your face once daily with a quality product that is natural as possible. Doing a charcoal mask every couple of days isn’t enough. Cleansing is important but, using the right product will make sure that you aren’t drying your skin or causing irritation, but rather, benefitting it.

    1. I agree, they use a few things that many folks like to avoid! But they are very transparent and are incredibly detailed in their scientific analyses of the available literature and safe concentrations of certain ingredients like phenoxyethanol. Any time you want a product that includes water-based ingredients, you need a preservative, lest mold take over. It’s just the give and take and deciding what’s most important for you. I’m not sure what you mean about “Doing a charcoal mask every couple of days isn’t enough” – because for a lot of people, it actually IS enough…including for me. I’ve seen only benefits.

  10. Hiya Liz and thank you for all this magical goodness! Can you please comment on the color of tint (and blush if used) with Beauty Counter? =)
    Thank you!!

    1. Hi Liz! I use the Tint Skin in Linen (in the summer I add a drop of Sand) and I use the No. 1 bronzer with (usually) the flamingo blush…because I love a big pop of pink! My favorite eyeshadow is the oyster/amethyst.

  11. I’m so glad you love the charcoal mask. I have been back and forth trying to decide whether to get the mask or the bar. The bar really IS a cult fave, but I’ve been leaning more towards the mask. This post made my decision soOoOoo much easier.

  12. 100% not a skincare comment, but I don’t know where else to ask you this question! I recently listened to a BB podcast episode (from maybe last Aug or Sept?) where you mentioned something about birth control and weight gain and that the weight gain wasn’t due to the actual birth control itself (does this sound familiar?). I’m curious if you could point me in the direction of some more info on that. I’m a nurse practitioner and so many of my patient’s complain of weight gain on birth control and I want to be able to share some more insight on the subject with them. Thanks so much!!

    1. It actually doesn’t sound familiar, haha! As in, I can’t remember the specific podcast or comment. But, I think what happens is, for some people, birth control shifts hormones (or, more accurately, ADDS synthetic hormones) for the singular end of preventing pregnancy. But hormones do SO MANY OTHER THINGS, too, including affecting weight, mood, etc. Some people who happen to already have some hormonal imbalance or deficit actually NEED the shift and BC just happens to provide what was needed, in which case, it’s beneficial for them and that’s why BC can, for some people, help resolve hormonal acne or PCOS. Others DON’T need the shift and it’s detrimental and can impact weight and mood by sending inappropriate signals to the body. Does that help?

      1. This does help a little. Thanks! I’m going to do some more research and see what I can find. I did find a literature review that determined that pills and patched did not lead to weight gain although the authors we not happy with the amount of evidence available. I suppose this at least alludes to the fact that it’s not the birth control itself that causes it and is (obviously) a much larger and more complicated picture.

  13. Hey Liz! Love all your recommendations! Since reading about your research in skincare, I’ve started using the charcoal bar, mask, C-ex and coffee serums and have seen great results with my skin. Now I’m trying to find a natural way to grow out my eyebrows. Over the years they seem to have become thinner (and I’m not plucking!). I was looking through Skin Actives and saw their brow and lash serum with the active ingredient – Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF). Any thoughts?

    1. Hi Laura! I’ve recommended the KGF serum to a few folks, but only for very specific application like this and not for all over the face (KGF is used in some face serums too). I wouldn’t use it if you have any concerns with skin growth (like moles and such) in the area, because it’s pro-growth across the board. Does that make sense? I think it would be ok to try, in summary 🙂

      1. Thank you so much for the feedback! Makes complete sense. I do have a good amount of moles/beauty marks on my skin, but not so much around my brows. I think I may give it a try and use it only on my outer brow area – taking caution to keep the use as instructed and for a short period of time. Thank you again!

  14. Hi Liz–
    I have a quick question about the charcoal mask. Every time I put it on I break out right by my mouth. This last time though the breakout lasted weeks and I still have spots from it. I’m not sure why this keeps happening and what I can do to combat it. Any help is appreciated, thanks!

    1. Hi Jenna! Sorry that this is happening! NO single skincare product is right for everyone and it’s always a game of trial and error. But still such a bummer. I had a similar reaction to one of the “natural” serums I tried that used an essential oil that my body doesn’t seem to like. If it only happens when you put it ON the area around your mouth, but helps the rest of your face, then just don’t put it around your mouth (you just might be more sensitive around that area). But if it’s not working for your whole face, then I think it’s best if you just return it!

  15. I really love your C-ex oil. It leaves my face feeling so soft and I actually like that I can still smell it much later in the day. My skin’s not too bad – I have a lot of freckles that are covering up what would otherwise be significant acne scars. I can’t say I’ve noticed too much improvement with it, but I only shower once a week, which means I only wash my face once a week, which means I only use the serum once a week, so I know I’m not giving it a huge chance. But hey, if I only have to wash my face once a week, that’s something, right? One thing you might find interesting is that I bought both the C-ex serum and coffee serum at once. I’m super sensitive to caffeine (have never, ever been able to drink coffee, have to keep my dark chocolate consumption minimal and before noon… theoretically) and was looking forward to that coffee smell in the morning. After 2 weeks of using it, I noticed I was having headaches every day, which was a big problem of mine in high school and middle school, but has mostly resolved since going all crunchy. After a few days of wondering what it could be, I decided to stop the coffee serum and lo and behold, the headaches went away. Total bummer, but my mom is now enjoying my coffee serum.

    1. Caffeine is potent and TOTALLY absorbed into circulation through the skin! In fact, by my understanding, when any active compound enters your body through the skin, it misses being detoxified in the “first pass” through the liver, so it can be even more potent! I’m glad you figured it out quickly and that your mom can enjoy the coffee bean serum 🙂 and I’m thrilled you’re enjoying C-Ex! FWIW, I use it every day (well, every day that I remember) even when I don’t wash my face! Cleanliness not required! Haha!

  16. Hi Liz!
    Would the charcoal mask be too drying for someone with dry skin? If so do you have any recommendations for my dry skin and blackheads?
    Thanks!

    1. I don’t think so! It’s more about how much/often you use it. And I’d always spot test. You’d use it less frequently or for shorter periods of time than others. I actually think it helps to slough off that “layer” of dry skin that often seems to sit there for people with dry skin. Lactic Acid, which it also has in it, can also help the skin retain moisture.

  17. Hi Liz,
    Thanks for sharing these products. I love using all these three products for the face but what I like most is the Deep Cleansing Mask. I like it because it has charcoal that is very effective to my skin leaving a smooth and moisturized texture.

  18. Hi Liz,
    Thank you for all the information and resources you provide. I was wondering if you had any advice on a skin condition called milia? I’ve had this all my life- particularly on my cheekbones and around my eyes. Nutrition or skincare recommendations? Many thanks!

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