{ Congratulations to our winners, Valerie, Christiana, and Amy!!! Thank you so much everyone for participating! }
If you’ve ever struggled to achieve and maintain a clear complexion, you know how frustrating it is to fruitlessly search for the *right* product. Since I was in high school, my skin has always been a point of embarrassment and even shame; while I was lucky to never have permanent scarring, I was always trying different potions and lotions, creams and foundations, and even acne pills during my freshman year in college. After I went vegan, I erroneously believed my lifestyle change would mark the end of my skin woes. Although my skin did improve, it wasn’t the smooth, glowing complexion I had expected.
In my five years as a vegan, I‘ve tried all manner of products, many from organic skin care lines. Some have worked well, some have been disappointing, and others have actually exacerbated my blemishes. When I first heard about Luminance Skincare, I was intrigued. Luminance started when the founder, Kim, discovered that his wife suffered from migraines as a result of the cosmetic and personal care products she was using. He set out to formulate the most natural and organic skin care line that is also incredibly effective, by focusing on using the highest quality natural ingredients with highest concentrations of natural, skin-loving nutrients.
The low-down: Luminance Skincare is vegan, cruelty-free, raw, and organic, and all products are made without any toxins, preservatives, or synthetics. Everything is handmade in small batches by Kim and his team at their studio in California, with the care and craftsmanship that you would come to expect in a luxury skin care line. I was lucky enough to receive a generous sampling of products to review, plus host a giveaway for all you peaceful dumplings!
The folks at Luminance kindly sent me the following products to review:
1. Hydration Facial Moisturizer and Deep Hydration Facial Moisturizer: This moisturizer was incredible. Not at all greasy or heavy, I found that the cream left my skin smooth and hydrated. With its rose water-base and deeply healing ingredients like evening primrose, rose oil, and jojoba oil, it felt so luxurious applying the moisturizer upon waking and before bed. The Hydration moisturizer is a bit lighter, and designed for the pH of youthful skin, while the Deep Hydration one is more intensely moisturizing, and formulated for the pH of mature skin.
2. Delicate Face Cleanser: I was so impressed with this face cleanser. I am consistently disappointed with various cleaners on the market because my sensitive skin simply cannot handle them without breaking out. Not so with this product! It truly lives up to its name and gently yet thoroughly cleans the skin. Tip: make sure to shake the cleanser before each use to prevent your face from drying out!
3. Rosewater Face Toner: I think this was my favorite product of the bunch! I am in love with rose scents, but it is difficult to find products that don’t feel artificial. I loved spritzing the toner on before moisturizing. I think this would also be a nice product to use when tired and in need of something quick and refreshing.
4. Luxurious Foot Cream: As a former ballet dancer, my feet are calloused from years on pointe shoes, so I was especially excited to try out this foot cream. This cream is completely absorbed into the feet and non-greasy. It has a lovely but not overpowering peppermint scent.
5. White Bentonite Clay Facial Mask: The main ingredients in this mask are rosewater, jojoba oil, kukui oil, and argan oil–very impressive! The mix of various clays–white bentonite, with some Moroccan red and French green–works to deeply detoxify your skin. Tip: Make sure to avoid the sensitive eye area; immediately after applying the mask, my eyes felt a little irritated and itchy, but that went away after a minute or so. Overall, my skin felt hydrated and supple after washing it off.
6. Nourishing Serum: I was a huge fan of this serum, which contains tamarind, kukui, argan, avocado, and apricot oils for anti-aging and rejuvenating the skin. I can see this lasting a long time, as just the tiniest amount is sufficient for a single application.
7. Jasmine Sambac: The little card that comes with this pure jasmine essence describes the product as “seductive,” and I think that’s pretty accurate. I loved applying it to my wrists and neck before going out for drinks or dinner.
8. Fresh Tangerine Soap: Despite not being a big fan of citrus, I loved this scent! It developed into a rich lather in the shower and left my skin feeling smooth and smelling delightful. I would be excited to try the other soaps in Luminance’s collection, which includes rose geranium (yes!), sweet marzipan, and Bulgarian lavender.
I really cannot say enough good things about Luminance. Not only do I align with the company’s ethics and commitment to producing high-quality products, but I found that everything I sampled was gentle but effective. I love that Luminance makes products for everyone: the line features creams, toners, moisturizers, and more for mature, youthful, and acne-prone skin.
Now what you’ve all been waiting for: Our Reader Giveaway! As usual, all you need to do is enter your email address to sign up for our famous daily inspirational newsletter.
3rd place prize: Luxurious Foot Cream
3rd place winner will win this luxurious, organic and natural Foot Cream (retail value $18).
2nd place prize: Jasmine Sambac Essence
2nd place winner gets the sultry Jasmine Essence (retail $62).
1st place prize: Cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizers
1st place winner will win the set of Luminace’s best-selling organic skin care products (retail $112).
If you have any questions or comments about Luminance, please share in the comments below!
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Photos: Molly Lansdowne
