Founders' Favorites: Christine's Picks
We often get questions from our customers about what our best products are. And there’s really no correct answer since it depends on skin types, concerns and your existing skin routine. But with it being ‘awards season’, we though it’d be interesting to see what our founders, Sarah & Christine, were loving the most. With 20+ years of Korea & US beauty marketing & product development experience between them and 6 beauty-scouting trips to Korea in 2015 alone, these ladies have tried thousands of products and are truly hard to please.
Glow Recipe co-founders, Christine & Sarah
Christine’s Favorites
I’m a mom, an entrepreneur and been in the beauty industry for over a decade. I’ve lived in the US, Korea, Australia and Hong Kong and seem to be perpetually on the road. I’m never far away from a good book, a facial mist and a picture of my little girl. My skin is so dry that I’ll do anything not to turn on the heater in the winter, because I know I’ll wake up to painfully parched skin. And with the compounded lack of sleep over the past year from starting a business, my dark circles are threatening to reach my knees (I’m only slightly kidding). I like products that are practical, results-driven and use hard-hitting natural ingredients and technologies.
Can’t live without: Whamisa Eye Essence. Dark circles are one of my biggest skin concerns and I always keep a bottle on my nightstand. As it’s an eye essence, the texture is ‘spreadable’ enough to use for a quick massage. Once I’m lying in bed, I dot the formula around my eyes, then use my knuckles to very gently massage the pressure points around my orbital bones. This helps to drain accumulated fluid (which creates shadows that exacerbate the look of dark circles) and jump start circulation. I’m loving fermented natural skincare products these days as the fermentation process breaks down ingredients for easier absorption and increased potency.
In my bag: I always carry a bottle of LJH Vita Propolis Ampoule in my makeup bag. This waterless, concentrated treatment is packed with 50% propolis extract, which is an antioxidant powerhouse. I use a drop mid-day and press it all over the face to give a pick-me-up glow (a tip I got from Kira Nasrat, Jamie Chung’s amazing makeup artist) or mix a drop or two into my BB Cream or foundation before applying. And it’s always the first step I apply after cleansing and toning. (Check out our past blog post on ways to apply an ampoule)
My go-to gift: An oil is a surprisingly universal skincare product and this lightweight dry oil is great for all skin types. Even oilier skin types can benefit from a drop of oil at night to create a healthy moisture barrier and prevent skin from overproducing sebum. My go-to gift is always Blossom Jeju Camellia Dry Oil as I’ve never had anything but a great response to its lightweight, yet nourishing texture and beautifully designed bottle. The founder comes from a family that has lived on Jeju Island for generations and her grandmother used to use pure camellia oil – especially rich in nutrients and antioxidants as it grows on the wind swept cliffs of Jeju – as a cure-all.
Most empties: Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum. I’m constantly testing new products, so my vanity is crammed with dozens of products (which is one of the best parts of my job). I know I’ve found a good thing when I keep reaching for it and I’ve finished several jars of this chaga mushroom infused multi-tasker down to the last drop, which is a rarity for me. The unique, custard-like texture is comforting and I always wake up to nicely plumped skin in the morning after using it at night. Did I mention that it’s leak-proof and perfect for travel?
Are any of Christine’s picks your favorites? Let us know if the comments below!
Plus, follow @glowrecipe & @christine_glow on Instagram to be entered into a giveaway from Christine’s favorite products! Winner to be announced 1/20 11:59PM EST.
Get your glow on,
The Glow Recipe team