Although we’ve accepted the fact that most things are simply better in person, stay-at-home has taught us that we can still have some fun even in this “virtual reality” we call the new normal. Our second live event, which took place two nights ago, was the perfect example of how enjoying the little things in life can still work even if they’re through a screen and, if we do say so ourselves, our parties keep getting better and better.
Similar to the first event, our favorite founders, partners and creators walked us through their cult-classics and our viewers had the chance to purchase a box prior to the event that was filled with goodies from each featured brand to open during the presentation. Scroll through to see some of what was in the box and what our guest speakers had to say about each product. You can also re-watch the event if you missed it and view the exclusive promo codes from the brands themselves.
Featured Product:
Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion ($79)
Guest Speaker:
Linda Popowytsch, director of PR and social marketing at Dr. Brandt
Product Rundown:
Although this product gained popularity because it was part of Dr. Brandt’s original in-office treatment, the brand went beyond skin-deep beauty in their presentation.
“Tonight, we are mentioning the Dr. Brandt Foundation, which started five years ago to de-stigmatize the conversation surrounding mental health,” says Popowytsch. “This is something that’s so important right now as September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. For our annual ‘Say I Love You’ Campaign, we’re partnering with virtual mental health provider, TalkSpace, where our donation will fund over 100,000 hours of services for the black community in light of the ongoing social justice movement and COVID-19, which has disproportionally affected their community.”
Featured Product:
Universal C Skin Refiner ($80)
Guest Speaker:
Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist
Product Rundown:
Vitamin C is notoriously unstable because it oxidizes and stops working, but BeautyStat’s refiner is both highly stable and long lasting. “Independent clinical testing of the product has shown great results on the skin,” says Robinson. “It has a very unique texture—it pumps like a cream but spreads like velvet and it’s formulated with a silicone base that’s great for underneath makeup.”
Featured Product:
Bio-Renew EGF drops ($125)
Guest Speaker:
Anna De La Cruz, master esthetician and head of product development
Product Rundown:
EGF, otherwise known as epidermal growth factor, signals the cells to boost collagen and elastin production, meaning it’s essential for ultimate skin repair. “This product is restoring, strengthening and customizable, plus the dropper formulation means you can add this to any product you want,” says De La Cruz.
Featured Product:
Acne Eliminating Gel ($40)
Alpha Beta Peel Pads ($150)
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Dennis Gross, founder
Product Rundown:
“Maskne is caused by mouth bacteria getting trapped in our mask and then sitting on our faces,” says Dr. Gross. “The four ways to treat acne is by clearing out the pores, controlling oil, killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation.” This Gel not only checks all these boxes, but it also calms redness and combats visible oiliness.
The Peel Pads, on the other hand, are a cult favorite chemical exfoliant that leave the skin looking like you just left the spa after each use.
Featured Product:
Power Serum Ampoules ($60)
Guest Speaker:
Ben Simpson, senior vice president of marketing
Product Rundown:
Formulated with 1% stable retinol ester, granactive retinoid and tripeptide-1, this serum increases density, collagen and elastin which work in synergy to deliver the best results. “The ampoule preserves the retinol so you can use it seven nights in a row—It’s a super booster for any skincare routine,” says Simpson.
Featured Product:
Stone Crop Body Contouring Cream ($82)
Guest Speaker:
Brittany Burhop Fallon, beauty director of NewBeauty Magazine
Product Rundown:
The editor-loved brand, Eminence Organic Skin Care, sells our favorite product for the cooler, drier months: The Stone Crop Body Contouring Cream. Not only does it moisturize the hard-to-reach areas of the body, it tightens and tones where you need it the most (hello, quarantine weight gain). It includes stone crop, which heals dry skin, along with shea butter—the ultimate repairing and vitalizing ingredient to shape-up a dull-looking complexion.
Featured Product:
Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil ($105)
Guest Speaker:
Brittany Burhop Fallon, beauty director of NewBeauty Magazine
Product Rundown:
“This retinoid oil is a wonder-worker for dull skin and it has a whopping 135,000 likes on Sephora.com,” says Fallon. “What makes this product so unique is that it features trans-retinoic acid ester which is a very gentle retinoid—it’s great for those who are new to retinol or want to use the ingredient every day and are finding that other products are too harsh.”
The most unique aspect of this product is that it’s a bright blue color, which Fallon says, “comes from the formula’s blue tansy and German chamomile, which helps to soothe the skin.”
Featured Product:
Dr. Denese Hand Sanitizer ($16)
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Adrienne Denese, founder
Product Rundown:
There are what feels like millions of hand sanitizers available on the market since the start of COVID-19, but this one in particular is worth the slightly higher price point. This hand sanitizer not only disinfects, but it also works as skin-care as it is formulated with hyaluronic acid, squalene and panthenol to help keep the skin hydrated in times of need.
Featured Product:
Lids by Design ($35)
Guest Speaker:
Britain Todd, founder
Product Rundown:
If you’re hesitant to take the surgery plunge but want to see a noticeable difference in the tightness of your eyelids, you can achieve a fresh look with these Strips. Simply apply the tape to your upper eyelid and within seconds you’ll have fresh-looking, contoured eyes. Plus, it’s suitable for all-day wear.
Featured Product:
Dr. Perricone Hydrogen Water ($12 for a pack of 4)
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Nicolas Perricone, founder
Product Rundown:
“Water is extremely critical for decreasing inflammation in the body,” says Dr. Perricone. “But I wanted to take things to another level when I found that hydrogen increases energy in the body’s cells.” Simply adding more hydrogen compounds to already hydrogen-filled water seems to-the point, but Dr. Perricone says there are a few drinking techniques when it comes to reaping the full benefits of this drink.
“Hydrogen escapes the water very quickly upon opening, so don’t pour it into a glass, just drink it right out of the can. I like to finish mine within five to ten minutes of opening.” Pro tip: use it first thing in the morning to clear unwanted brain fog without the coffee crash.
Featured Product:
Marvis Toothpaste ($14)
Guest Speaker:
Marko Cotton-Critelli, sales and marketing manager
Product Rundown:
If you see brushing your teeth as a chore, Marvis makes any scrub session a luxury. “Marvis wants to transport you to Florence with every brush,” says Critelli. Plus, “there’s so many amazing flavors,” he says, the most unique being Amarelli Licorice Mint and Ginger Mint. Although the price point is a bit steep for a toothpaste, trust us when we say it’s out of this world good.
Featured Product:
Grande LIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper ($27)
Guest Speaker:
Alicia Grande, founder
Product Rundown:
Even for the biggest of beauty junkies, the lips can often go unnoticed. When it’s been a while since you’ve given them the TLC they deserve, it’s easy to catch up on lost time with this lip plumper. “It contains collagen and vitamin B3 to minimize lip lines and promote a soft, smooth pout,” says Grande.
Our favorite part? This do-it-all plumper is not a temporary fix—if used two times daily for 30 days, you’ll see an overall increase in lip volume.
Featured Product:
Brown Sugar Lip Scrub ($24)
Guest Speaker:
Sara Happ, founder
Product Rundown:
“There are very few things we can control right now,” says Happ, “but what we can control is the health of our lips.” Formulated with sugar and essential oils, the first-ever lip scrub is made to slough off any dead skin, leaving you with a soft, plump and moisturized pout.
Featured Product:
It’s a 10 Miracle Hair Mask ($32)
Guest Speaker:
Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO
Product Rundown:
Developed to respond to the long list of demands of today’s color-treated, damaged hair, this mask gives a mirror-like shine to the strands—perfect for any Zoom occasion. As if it’s not already too good to be true, leave it on while you wash your body (and throw on a shower cap while you do) for an even better salon-quality effect.
Featured Product:
Detangling Toning Mist ($28)
Guest Speaker:
Philip B, founder
Product Rundown:
“This toner tightens down the cuticle of the hair, giving a smooth, glassy surface to the locks. It’s made with essential oils and apple cider vinegar so it’s healthy for you and for your kids,” says Philip. You can truly feel this product detangling the hair as you mist the product onto your scalp.