Do you have a tried-and-true skincare regimen, dumplings? I do—there are some really great discoveries I made in 2017 and 2018 that I still use every day. But what I’ve found is that my skin gets accustomed to any one product if it is used too long. It no longer gets a noticeable boost from the same cream I’ve been using for years. While switching too frequently between products is also a no-no for sensitive skin, many beauty experts (like Elle Macpherson here) recommend rotating products or at least switching them once in a while. Such was a situation I found myself in when I popped by my local beauty boutique and somehow got a sample of Chantecaille’s Nano Gold Energizing Face Cream.
I have long been a fan of Chantecaille and use their Lip Veil religiously. The cruelty-free French-American brand relies on mostly botanical ingredients, is formulated without toxins, and donates a portion of proceeds to conservation groups around the world. And the boutique sales associate was so enthusiastic about this cream. I came home and eagerly smoothed it on; the Nano Gold has a creamy golden color and shimmer, smooth balmy texture, and rosy aroma. Putting it on itself was a luxurious experience. What I didn’t expect, though, was waking up next morning with some actual glow on my face for the first time in months. I hadn’t been eating or sleeping well, and my insides were black with stress, but my face looked dewy, smooth, radiant, and young like I’d just lost 5 years of my life. What even is going on?! I used it again during the day—and same thing: I looked instantly restored, rosy. A few weeks into this experiment, I look like someone who meticulously plans out her diet with rainbow-colored organic fruits, veggies, seeds, salads, and smoothies, and has a completely figured-out adaptogen system, too—despite having mostly eaten vegan mac n’ cheese and hot chocolate for the past week. The past few days of my life have been made 30% better because of this darn gold cream.
Gold in skincare has been a trend for the past several years. According to dermatologist Hadley King, MD, gold prevents the loss of collagen and elastin, and is in fact even used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Gold is also a potent antioxidant that reverses aging caused by free radicals. Finally, the shimmering radiance of gold boosts your natural skin tone and makes you look more even and brightened, even without any foundation or tinted moisturizer.
Aside from the all-important 24k gold, the Nano Gold cream contains algae extracts for smoothness and firmness, and anti-fatigue complex for energy recovery during times of stress. All great, except a 1.7 oz jar sets you back a whopping $420. Even for someone who cares very much about skincare, that is a lot of money. I haven’t completely given up on it yet, (since I have to regularly get facials to boost glow, and that costs a lot of money too—if I got this cream, I’d cut back on facials for sure!) but I would have to have a very good excuse (or a cause for celebration) before this becomes a part of my routine. If money were no object though? I would get it in a heartbeat.
Nano Gold Energizing Face Cream, $420
While I savor every last drop of my sample, there are other, slightly more affordable options if you’re down to try gold skincare.
Edible Beauty Gold Rush Eye Cream, $65
This gold leaf-infused eye balm brightens dark circles and reduces fine lines. Also contains coffee and cucumber, plus a bouquet of antioxidant-rich botanicals. This is vegan, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free. I’m really curious to try it—4 stars out of 79 on Sephora is good enough for me. (And that price tag is so much friendlier!)
Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil, $95
For those of us who like skincare super pure and clean, this gold-infused beauty oil can be used on face, hair, and body for instant glimmer and radiance. It also contains Japanese anti-aging ingredients such as algae and green tea for a youthful, bright, firm appearance. It also has 4.5 stars out of 172 reviews—impressive!
Would you try gold-infused skincare?
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Photo: Miss Hauteness via Instagram; Chantecaille, Edible Beauty, Tatcha
