Beauty Bits

The idea for this blog post came from a recent Tiktok/Instagram video I made where I shared some of my favorite skincare products that I have discovered in the past year from smaller beauty brands. These brands are well established but not available in large retailers so many people may never hear of them. I’ve been focusing more and more on smaller skincare brands and have found some of the best products I’ve used in yearssss. Formulations that are top-tier, science backed clinical trials and price points that are not astronomical. Almost every single product in this list is under $100 (and many I have discount codes for which help even more!), but the results and formulas are 10/10. If you haven’t yet discovered these brands or products, I highly encourage you to peruse this list to see any that may fit your current skincare and skin needs.

15 Amazing Skincare Products From Brands You May Not Have Heard Of

Educated Mess Freeze Frame Peptide Serum Concentrate (discount code: MAREE10)

This peptide serum has been on my radar for the past year and was so excited to finally test it. This formula contains three advanced peptide complexes to deliver instant firming results as well as long term plumping and lifting benefits. It has a slight tingling/cooling effect when on but I love how FIRM it makes the skin. Wow! You can definitely feel the tightness a few minutes after applying it. For those who struggle with deep lines and wrinkles, this is a great option!

Educated Mess Golden Hour Gold-Stabilized Vitamin C Serum (discount code: MAREE10)

The Educated Mess Golden Hour serum is a gold-stabilized vitamin c serum designed to brighten the skin and contribute to a more radiant, even-toned complexion. The key ingredients in this formula are gold-stabilized vitamin C, glutathione, fermented extracts and enzymes which help to hydrate and brighten the skin. The texture is so smooth and silky and wears beautifully under makeup. The formula is incredibly gentle but still so effective. While it does target brightening and evens out the skin tone, I also find this Vitamin C serum to be one of the most hydrating formulas.

Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum (discount code: MAREESYE)

The Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum addresses many skin concerns. So it may be a great replacement for various products in your routine if you are looking to streamline your lineup. I added it to my evening routine about 4+ months ago using it every other night. It took nearly a month for me to begin to notice any changes. So I always advise being consistent with a new product for at least 4 weeks to determine if the product is working. The key ingredient in the formula is Malassezin, which is 10x more powerful than vitamin c in helping reduce and fade dark spots.

Mother Science Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer (discount code: MAREESYE)

The newest product in the Mother Science skincare range is their Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer. A great complement to their two serums and a product that can easily be added in to any skincare routine. It harnesses the fantastic benefits of Malassezin with added ingredients such as growth factors and peptides to really strengthen and support the skin barrier. Regardless of your skin concerns, strengthening and maintaining a healthy skin barrier is one of the most important aspects on any skincare routine.

OneSkin OS-01 Face Topical Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)

This is their star skincare product and the one that I recommend using first. It’s a lightweight gel moisturizer that feels nearly weightless on the skin. Because it is so thin, I can use it various places in my skincare routine. I currently use it in my morning skincare routine as my daytime moisturizer. I have also used it in my evening skincare routine underneath my thick and heavy night cream. The Face Supplement is going to address a host of anti-aging concerns such as dehydration, dullness, loss of elasticity and wrinkles. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but is a universally lightweight formula that is suitable for all skin types.

OneSkin OS-01 Body Topical Supplement (discount codE: MAREE15)

I’ve begun to take the same approach to the skin on my body as I do the skin on my face. I need to treat it with the same powerful ingredients rather than just simply moisturizing and exfoliating. The Body Topical Supplement is one of the best treatments I’ve used that really targets anti-aging concerns for the body. Things like crepiness, dullness, loss of firmness, dehydration and protecting the skin barrier. This is a lightweight gel moisturizer that absorbs almost instantly and leaves no film or residue on the skin.

OneSkin OS-01 Eye Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)

The eye area is often the place where we see the signs of aging occur first so this eye cream targets all the same concerns as the face supplement but in a richer formulation. The Eye Topical Supplement contains the patented OS-01 peptide so it addresses all the same issues as the face cream. If you struggle with dehydration and dry under eyes, this is the most gloriously rich formula that will help bring moisture back to this area. I personally love to use it during my morning routine because it preps the skin under my eyes perfectly for makeup and concealer. In addition to helping moisturize the delicate skin under the eyes, it will help  firm sagging skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

OneSkin Prep Cleanser (discount code: MAREE15)

While cleansers can often be seen as an afterthought in a skincare routine, I believe that using great cleansers can really help to prep the skin well for the rest of the products you will be using. From the first time I tried this cleanser, I was instantly in love with how it made my skin feel (and featured it in this blog post on best facial cleansers for mature skin) . It’s a silky gel texture that foams up slightly but not enough to dry out the skin or less your skin feeling stripped and/or tight. The PREP facial cleanser helps to balance the skin and allow for better product absorption. There is prickly pear extract for a gentle exfoliation, arnica extract to help reduce inflammation and niacinamide which helps to condition the skin.

Experiment Beauty Plasma Wash

As someone who LOVES a unique texture especially when it comes to cleansers, the Experiment Plasma Face Wash is favorite of mine. It’s technically a gel cream but has a jelly-like feel to it. It is chock full of super nourishing ingredients to really support those with mature dry skin types. This formula uses glycerin depositing compounds that delivers moisture that remains on the skin even after you rinse. It doesn’t leave a film but it makes the skin feel intensely nourished and supple much like a serum or moisturizer would do. It’s quite a unique cleanser and one that is fantastic for those with dry mature skin.

Experiment Beauty Super Saturated Serum

If your skin is feeling dehydrated or lacking moisture, this hydrating serum will solve all your problems. It is a barrier support serum so it will help strengthen and protect the skin barrier while also delivering intense hydration. The serum is formulated with 30% glycerin as well as a ton of other humectants so it will also aid in helping your skin hold onto that moisture all day long. This is a thicker serum so layer it accordingly in your skincare routine (thinnest to thickest) but it will truly help increase your skin’s hydration immediately as well as for the long term.

Experiment Beauty Molecular Mesh

Another barrier strengthening moisturizer because a healthy and strong skin barrier is more important than using all the exfoliants and retinols. A healthy skin barrier looks plump, balanced, fresh and always feels comfortable (not tight and irritated). As with most of Experiment Beauty’s products, the texture of this is incredibly unique. It’s a semi-rich formula that feels nourishing but does have a bit of a tacky/bouncy feel to it. I personally love that because it leaves my skin so firm and supple. The tacky texture doesn’t last however and this moisturizer absorbs beautifully into the skin after only a few minutes. My skin feels plump, calm and instantly nourished.

YSE Beauty Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads (discount code: MAREE20)

I love these resurfacing peel pads and use them once or twice a week to give me a nice chemical exfoliation. I’m pretty picky about my exfoliating pads not being too strong or too gentle and this manages to be the perfect balance. It’s formulated with glycolic acid which helps to slough off those dead skin cells but also contains gluconalacotone which has anti-inflammatory properties. Even though it resurfaces, my skin still feels nicely hydrated afterwards instead of tight or irritated. I also LOVE the shape of them because they are a dual textured pad with a pocket that you can fit your fingers into and easily swipe across the face.

YSE Beauty Overachiever Brightening Eye Masks  (discount code: MAREE20)

I use eye masks almost every single day but my biggest gripe with them is that they never stay in place. They slide down my face and I am forever adjusting them back to the right place. Once I tried these YSE beauty eye masks, I knew they would become an instant favorite. They DO NOT MOVE even if my skin is damp. They stay on until I remove them and give me an instant cooling effect as soon as I apply them. These masks help to brighten, hydrate and firm the under eye area in just a few minutes.

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum (discount code: Maree)

The Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum is a 100% mineral broad spectrum SPF 50 with a lightweight serum texture. It provides protection against UVA & UVB rays, pollution, blue light and free radicals. There is a slight tint to it that evens out the complexion slightly and gives the skin a fresh radiant glow. It is designed for all skin types though those with normal, dry or mature skin may like this a bit more. It has a dewy finish which may not be preferred by those with oily skin types so it’s definitely worth mentioning.

Bloomeffects Royal Tulip Moisturizing Nectar (discount code: Maree)

If you struggle with stubborn dry patches, eczema prone skin or intense dryness, this moisturizing nectar is a miracle worker! It’s a healing ointment-to-serum that intensely nourishes the skin barrier and locks in moisture. In addition to helping calm, soothe and nourish, it works wonders for helping plump the skin and addresses fine lines. I love to use it on nights that I am doing a chemical exfoliation and use this as my last step. You only need a small amount but I find myself reaching for this more and more as I have gotten older and my skin needs thicker more emollient products.

I never used to be a bronzer fan back in the day because they always seemed to be too dark/too muddy/too orange for my super pale skin. Bronzers for pale skin were few and far between with horrible undertones that either skewed too muddy or too orange. Over the years, I have still continued to look for the perfect bronzer for fair skin and surprisingly I have quite a few that I really love. Formulas are so much better now, colors are more flattering and there are a ton of shades that work for paler skin tones. I’m updating this post because my favorites have changed and evolved especially now that my skin type is much more dry. I hardly ever use powder bronzers anymore but still stand by my previous picks because the formulas and particular shades are great for fair skin. I usually only wear cream or liquid bronzers because they work best on my mature skin that is more on the dry side these days. Here’s a look at all my personal favorite fair skin approved bronzers!

Fair Skin Approved Bronzers

CREAM BRONZERS

I used to only be a powder bronzer fan, but as I have gotten older my skin has become drier so I have been buying more cream bronzer formulas. And to be honest, I find them to be much better for me than powder bronzers.

1. Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer in Shade Light

Absolutely flawless. This cream bronzer is so smooth, creamy and easy to blend. The name “Skin Enhancer” can be a bit confusing at first and even had me pausing a second to figure out exactly what the product was supposed to do. In short, it is a form of a cream bronzer but is very sheer and can be used on specific parts of the face or all over to give a subtle sun kissed radiant glow. There is no shimmer to the product but it does give the skin a healthy glow. It’s a complexion balm that adds warmth to the complexion and can be used to even out the skin tone.

2. Saie Sun Melt Bronzer in Light Bronze

I have really enjoyed this and find it blends easily. The formula is a drier formula which I prefer so while it is emollient, it dries down nicely and doesn’t get greasy. Light Bronze used to be their palest shade but they did come out with one even lighter and more neutral which would be an even better option for those with fair skin!

3. Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo in She’s Statuesque

For those that want both a powder and cream formula, this is a great option. The top one is cream and the bottom is powder. However I rarely use them together which I guess sort of defeats the purpose. LOL Many people use the cream first and set it with the powder. Though I recently saw a TikTok where Patrick Ta himself used the powder first and then dabbed on the cream formula with a sponge and I think I may try that. The cream formula is nice and really cool toned with a slight gray undertone which I absolutely love. The powder bronzer is much warmer so blending the two together is a nice combo. While I do enjoy this and use it regularly, I don’t think it would be a repurchase for me.

4. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream in Soleil Tan Bronze

The Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream is a gel-cream bronzer that gives a sun-kissed glow to the skin with a soft matte finish. It’s designed to apply effortlessly and give a smoothing effect to the skin. Though it has a matte finish, there are light reflecting pigments that still give the skin a subtle radiance without being too dewy or glowy. What makes it stand out to me above other cream bronzers is the balance of a soft matte finish that still makes my skin look luminous and sun-kissed.

5. Sarah Creal Just Like Paradise Cream Bronzer in 1.0 Light Golden Bronze

Sarah Creal Beauty is a brand designed for women over 40 and her products reflect this so much. The formulations are so creamy and perform beautifully. This bronzer is her newest launch and I immediately ordered it in the lightest shade. The texture is smooth, hydrating and literally melts into the skin. There are only three shades currently in the range so hopefully they expand it more in the future but I chose Light Golden Bronze for my fair skin. It’s a tad warm in tone while shade 2.0 is more neutral so I may end up picking that shade up as well because I love this formula so much.

6. Pixi On-the-Glow Bronze Tinted Moisture Stick in Rich Glow

This is a great bronzer for those who was just a subtle wash of color. It’s super sheer but gives the cheeks a natural flush of color and has skincare benefits to moisturize. Easy to apply and blend, this product is foolproof. If you are someone who loves a no makeup makeup look, these bronzer sticks are a must have, especially for fair skin. You don’t have to worry about applying too much and they don’t stay tacky on the cheeks. The only downside to these is that they aren’t as long lasting as other formulas on this list.

Cream Bronzer Swatches

Swatches from left to right: Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer in Light, Pixi Beauty On-the-Glow Bronze Moisture Stick in Rich Glow, Sarah Creal Beauty Just Like Paradise Cream Bronzer in 1.0 Light Golden Bronze, Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream in Soleil Tan Bronze, Saie Sun Melt Bronzer in Light Bronze and Patrick Ta Cream and Powder Bronzer Duo in She’s Statuesque

POWDER BRONZERS

Even though I have fallen in love with cream bronzer formulas, there are still some great powder bronzers out there that don’t dry the skin out and look great on the skin. Product formulations have come a long way and the dusty, powdery, cakey look of powder face products is a thing of the past (for the most part).

7. Jones Road Beauty The Bronzer in Light Tan

This is one of the best powder bronzers I have ever tried even for dry or mature skin. The formula is so finely milled, it glides on effortlessly, blends beautifully and the color is perfection. There is also a bronzer brush that launched with this bronzer and it is a MUST HAVE! So good and applies powder bronzer so easily. (Check out my Jones Road Beauty Review.)

8. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer in Fair

This is a very sheer and easy to apply formula without worrying you put too much on. As someone who is very fair, using bronzers can be daunting because if I initially apply too much I will then spend the rest of the time trying to blend/sheer out what is there. That is not the case with this bronzer and it is very manageable but can be built up easily.

9. Physician’s Formula MuruMuru Butter Bronzer in Light Bronzer

This bronzer is a great affordable option and the formula is super easy to blend. This particular color is quite warm so I only apply a tiny amount or it can get too orange. There is also a strong scent to this so be aware of that if purchasing. However, this one always gets rave reviews and for good reason!

10. Hermes H Trio Healthy Glow Mineral Powder in 01

This is a major splurge but the formula is quite beautiful. The texture is very smooth and the powder is finely milled. However when I apply the color, the product tends to disperse everywhere so I have to use a smaller brush to pick up product in order to get a more precise application. The color is very subtle so it would be perfect for those with very fair skin who want just a slight sun kissed glow all over the skin.

11. Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Divine Powder Bronzer in Naked Desire

An absolute exceptional formula that applies beautifully, lasts all day and delivers just the right amount of color. The powder is finely milled and almost gives a blurring effect to the cheeks which I love. It’s richly pigmented so I use a light hand to apply and build up if I want more color. There is just a hint of shimmer but nothing too substantial – it’s enough to give a luminous glow to the cheeks without any glitter.

12. RMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Bronzer in Beachwalk Betty (discount code: Maree-15)

The ReDimension Hydra Bronzer is a gel to powder formula that is buildable and gives a skin-like finish when applied. The colors all have a shimmer finish to them but it’s a soft radiance, not a glittery finish. This blends seamlessly into the skin and is the best powder option for mature skin types. There is no powdery finish that leaves your cheeks looking dry or textured. This also contain skin-nourishing ingredients which help to smooth the skin and leave it looking healthy and radiant.

Powder Bronzer Swatches

Swatches from left to right: Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer in 1, Jones Road Beauty Bronzer in Light Tan, Pat McGrath Bronzer in Naked Desire, Hermes Mineral Glow Powder in 01, Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer in Light Bronzer and RMS Beauty Hydra Bronzer in Beachwalk Betty

LIQUID BRONZERS

Liquid bronzers are not as popular as cream or powder, but there is one that has stood out as an absolute 10/10! I have used other liquid bronzers before but nothing as good as this.

13. Makeup by Mario Bronzing Serum in Fair and Light

This is a definitely a product that is super user friendly and almost foolproof to apply. There is a pump so you can choose to mix product in with your foundation/skin tint or you can choose to use the doe foot applicator to place the product where you want it on the face. You can use it as a bronzer or as a sculpting/contour product to define certain parts of the face. Before I purchased it, I saw a ton of videos on social media of people using the product and it looks so great that I had to try it for myself.

It doesn’t have a shimmer finish but it looks healthy and radiant when on the skin. This bronzing serum is the most user friendly product ever! You don’t have to worry about using too much or blending it out quickly before it dries down. It’s creamy, smooth and melts into the skin with minimal effort.

Liquid Bronzer Swatches

If I had to narrow down my top two favorites from the entire bunch at the moment, it would definitely be the Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer and the Makeup by Mario Bronzing Serum.  I still wear every other bronzer and enjoy them but those are definite repurchases for me!