What's In My Dermstore Sale Cart

I couldn't resist

This is so revealing.

Consider this a sign that you may never have to pay full price for good skincare: Dermstore is celebrating their anniversary with up to 25% off some of the most beloved derma-brands on god’s green internet. That means La Roche-Posay, Natura Bissé, Caudalie, Augustinus Bader…are all on sale. Again!

I know I said a few months ago that this newsletter would not be devoted exclusively to sale shopping. In fact, I’ve probably said no to buying things more often than not this summer! That streak was bound to come to a glorious, fiery end. I did a little damage. As long as I get to make content out of it, I think I’m absolved.

So, what did I buy?

First up: An old friend, the Natura Bissé Diamond Extreme Mask. It is rare that I a) recommend a product this pricey or b) haul off and spend it myself. But this mask has taken up space in my brain for nearly 7 (?!) years since I first tried it. Listen, sometimes you get what you pay for, and in this case, I think it bears fruit. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve used a product at night and woken up, looked in the mirror, and been shocked at just how lovely my own skin looks. This is one of those times.

First of all, niacinamide is the second ingredient. We love that (it’s excellent at reducing water loss, reducing the look of pores, and in my case — minimizing visible redness). Then there’s two different types of retinoids, a host of hydrating ingredients (sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and beta-glucan), PLUS allantoin to soothe irritated skin, PLUS PLUS a crapton of the finest peptides this side of the Mississippi. I particularly like that it leverages a Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, which is essentially an ingredient delivery system that can take those actives deeper into the skin. From my experience, it’s just a wonderfully formulated product that puts its money where its mouth is. At 25% off, I couldn’t say no.

A new La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid SPF 60 also made it in the cart. I’ve more or less given up the search for mostly mineral or mineral-only sunscreen. Other than my beloved Isdin Eryfotona Actinica (also on sale, but I’m stocked up for now), I’ve concluded that mineral or chemical — it’s all sunscreen to me. Ultimately, I need a formula that doesn’t pill (so many mineral formulas do this and I’m sick of it) and doesn’t make me greasier than I already am. I haven’t used LRP SPF in a minute, but the “ultra light” “matte finish” marketing got me.

Rounding out the trio is the Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask. Do I need this? No. Have I heard literally anything about this product before in my life? No. But I have such faith in Caudalie (yes, that miracle serum is also on sale) that I figured, what the hell. Their clinical studies claim that the formula is 62 times more effective than vitamin C. If true, yeesh.

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A few notables that I didn’t buy:

The SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, which widely considered THE BEST anti-aging growth-factor serum on the market. I did add it to cart at one point, but at nearly $300, I figured I’d stick with my RX retinoid routine for now.

Augustinus Bader. It’s too rich for me, but I know many friends with dry skin who swear by it. I would never categorize it as a need, but if you’ve been curious and the only thing that will soothe that curiosity is actually trying it for yourself, consider this your moment.

This is the peptide serum that I mix with my foundation, a la a certain celebrity that also does that. I have no complaints at my off-brand method.

Elta MD girlies rejoice.

All my recommendations are here in case none of the above tickle your fancy. Or you could abstain! I’m sure there’s another sale right around the corner…

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