Photography provided by Snow Fox Skincare
Let me begin by admitting that I am a skincare snob — not so much out of desire but out of necessity. I’ll start from the beginning. As it turns out, all that Proactiv use during my teen years (let’s chalk it up to coming of age in the nineties and early aughts) wasn’t so great for my skin. Yes, the product line seemed to minimize problems, but only because it was so lethal it basically destroyed anything in its path.
I didn’t learn that until years later, however, when a bout of adult acne prompted me to start seeing an aesthetician regularly. During my first appointment, I told her I was contemplating going back on Proactiv since it seemed to work in my younger years. She informed me in no uncertain terms that that wasn’t going to happen. But what about my problem skin, I asked? Turns out my skin’s biggest problem is its sensitivity.
My aesthetician cleared up that adult acne (phew!) and got me started on a regimen of Eminence. To which I’ve stuck for a solid four years now. While I’m a total devotee to this organic skincare line, I will confess that I’ve sampled other brands every now and then. These experiments have largely proven that many products (even natural or organic ones) do not play nicely with my skin. After just one or two uses, I often start to notice irritation in the form of redness/dryness/patchiness/all of the above.
Suffice to say, I’m reluctant to stray from my routine. So when I had the chance to try Snow Fox Skincare, I admit I was hesitant. (OK, I was downright nervous.) Would this line irritate my skin, as all the others had done? Did I dare stray from my beloved Eminence?
Well, I’m glad I did, because it turns out this skincare line is divine. Beloved by Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Claire alike, it’s simple, natural and organic. Plus, if you’re a recovering Proactiv addict (no shame), there’s even a three-step system to ease the transition.
My Favorite Products
Omega Repair Cream
I’m pretty obsessed with this product, and for good reason. It’s an all-in-one hydrating/brightening/evening primer designed for those with dry, mature, stressed or sensitive skin. Packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, this cream can stand on its own or act as a buildable base. (Insider tip: Blend it with your favorite liquid foundation for all-day moisture.)
Cucumber Recovery Tonic
I’ll admit I was skeptical of this stuff at first. In part because I had flashbacks to three-step product systems and the wasteful use of thousands of cotton pads. But this is a tonic, not a toner, and you apply it with your hands. Snow Fox offers multiple tonics, but this one heals with aloe vera juice, nourishes with cucumber and passionflower extracts, and restores pH balance with rose water (yes, it’s a thing).
Herbal Youth Oil
There comes a time in every woman’s life when she starts thinking about aging, and these days we know that protecting and pampering our skin is one of the best ways to remain youthful. Formulated with Brazilian paracress extract (nature’s Botox — who knew?), astragalus root, CoQ10, as well as blueberry, camellia and evening primrose oils, this product is the last step of my nighttime routine.
The Masks
No modern skincare line is complete with a collection of masks, and all three of Snow Fox’s are sublime. The Arctic Breeze Rescue Mask hydrates, brightens and soothes skin irritations. The Japanese Cherry Blossom & White Tea Smoothing Mask meanwhile focuses solely on skin texture, promising glass skin, as it’s called in Asia. And last but certainly not least, the Herbal Youth Collagen-Boosting Mask promotes skin’s tensile strength and moisture retention for a radiant glow.
