Raquel’s Top Shelf
My Top Shelf
*Current Faves & MVPs*
As you know, I am a sucker for a great skincare product, but I am also incredibly picky about how I define one. I’m always trying new things in search of the latest and greatest, so I’m going to let you in on my strategy for testing: First things first, the ingredients (aka the science) need to make sense in terms of the claims of the product. Not just what they are, but how much, the combinations etc… Next, the consistency needs to be good- the way it feels on the skin, the finish, and so on. And finally, the results need to be evident rather quickly. Bonus points for nice smell and good packaging.
The following products scored 10/10 and made it to the top of my list. I use them at home, I stock them in the studio and I recommend them to anyone who asks.
xx Raquel
THE PRODUCTS
This is the best Vitamin A product on the market as far as I am concerned, and Vitamin A is an absolute ESSENTIAL. It contains the ultimate trio of Vitamins A, C + E and can be tolerated by the most sensitive skins. It does not cause sun sensitivity, so it’s fine to use year round, and the system is made to ‘step up’ as your skin gets used to it. You’ll begin at C-Quence Serum 1 and continue through C-Quence 4+ or as high as your skin can comfortably tolerate. Once you see the results you’ll never look back.
Auteur Definitive Optimizing Mask
Auteur is a relatively new line and it is like nothing I have seen before. All of the products are standout, but this mask is next level. It combines sophisticated peptides with Alpha Hydroxy Acids to intelligently target cells most in need of treatment and repair. An advanced delivery system utilises the X50® Myocept Peptide to reduce expression lines and wrinkles, while the X50® Skin Barrier Peptide reconstructs and regenerates the keratinocytes that make up the epidermal layer of the skin, reinforcing barrier functions and locking in hydration. Phytic, Glycolic and Lactic Acids combined with Willow Bark Extract exfoliate, brighten and increase cellular turnover while regulating oil production for more clear and balanced skin.
I like to use this in the morning to wake up my skin before the rest of my routine and it is a game changer.
Furtuna Renewal Day Cream + Renewal Night Cream
Furtuna is a gorgeous line developed using regenerative agriculture on their 800 acre organic farm in Sicily. These two bioactive creams work synergistically to recalibrate skin’s circadian rhythm by protecting and supporting skin renewal. The Daily Renewal Cream protects against daily stressors, renews radiance, visibly minimizes puffiness, and balances skin tone. The Nightly Renewal Cream harnesses skin’s regenerative powers during the evening hours to put wrinkles to rest for a visibly rejuvenated look when you wake.
Both creams are powered by the brands’ Circadian Rhythm Complex, a proprietary blend that combines seven uniquely powerful, wild-foraged blooms, hand-selected for their ability to support skin renewal and protection, key functions regulated by the circadian cycles of day or night.
Rocasuba Perfect B3 Niacinamide Spray
Great for all skin types, Vitamin B3 aka Niacinamide is a potent, multitasking ingredient and is compatible with all other ingredients. It targets hyperpigmentation and hydration. It is excellent for skin tone and brightening the visible appearance of your complexion, revealing younger-looking skin.
B3 is bio converted into Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) when absorbed into the skin. NAD is a cell-signaling coenzyme that our cells use for DNA repair. This coenzyme supports the cellular matrix, helps repairs the skin’s barrier, and minimizes the appearance of hyperpigmentation. 5% Niacinamide is clinically proven to be very effective in fighting acne.
Auteur again! This high-active smoothing and skin-firming eye cream was engineered to rejuvenate, hydrate, reduce fine lines and crows feet and protect against future signs of aging. It contains intelligent peptides and phytoactive ingredients including SYN®-AKE, Gatuline® Expression, and Lift Oléoactif®, designed specifically to nourish and brighten and improve the appearance of the eye area. Peptide performance and bio-availability are enhanced by up to 90x with Gold Pro-Collagen Peptide, a sophisticated ingredient delivery system featuring gold and platinum particles, capable of rejuvenating fibroblast activity and stimulating collagen synthesis.
TLDR: It actually works, and fast.
RapidBrow® Eyebrow Enhancing Treatment
RapidBrow® helps enhance the appearance of eyebrows. It was specifically created for eyebrows with an exclusive Hexatein® 2 Complex, a unique blend of fortifying proteins, stimulating peptides and nourishing ingredients designed to help condition, enhance, and improve the appearance of eyebrows as quickly as in 60 days, but I noticed results in two weeks.
The results are a combination of polypeptides, biotin, panthenol, keratin, and botanical extracts. As a bonus, it can be used as a light hold brow gel!