I’ve been raving about Drunk Elephant (DE) for a while now and finally managed to get a post together with my thoughts on the products I own. Yahoo!
Ok, first things first. DE products are expensive. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. However, as someone who’s never invested in a real skincare routine, I can say it’s 100% worth it to do so.
My overall take on the DE skincare line is that it’s one that could work for everyone. I love the founder’s perspective about there being no skin types and how we create issues by using products with harsh ingredients (and obviously diet plays a huge role as well) or the suspicious six as DE calls them. I’ll share more on this philosophy in a minute.
With that being said, let me share how and why I got hooked on DE.
I believe it was August of last year when I bought the DE C-Firma day serum and TLC Framboos (nighttime) serum. After talking to my friend Thea (also my beauty/skincare guru) about how they work and what they’re good for, I decided to give them a shot. Then, when I started using Differin, I had to give up the nighttime serum. Fast forward to April when I decided to take a huge leap of faith and transition over to all DE products, giving up the Differin.
It was a good choice!
Like I shared in my postpartum acne journey post, I’m obsessed with DE. While my skin still has a ways to go, these products have definitely helped in several ways – tone, texture, appearance of acne, appearance of dark spots, etc. I can’t wait to see where continued use will get me!
Ok, enough blabbering. Here are my favorite DE products grouped according to my daytime and nighttime skincare routines…
DAYTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE
Thea told me about how you’re not really supposed to wash your face in the morning (something to do with your skin’s acid mantel). Well, after reading more about this concept, I now solely rinse my face with cold water in the morning.
The first products I use are a pump of the C-Firma Vitamin C serum and a pump of the Protini Polypeptide Cream. I mix the two together in the palm of my hand (all of the products can be mixed together before application) and apply to my face and neck.
Before applying my makeup, I take a small amount of the Umbra Tinte Physical Defense SPF and apply to my face and neck. On weekends, when I don’t want to wear a ton of makeup but have places to go and people to see (haha), I’m starting to use the D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Serum for that extra sun kissed glow. I mix it with the Umbra tint SPF along with a couple of drops of the Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil before carefully applying it to my face and neck. Seriously you guys, these products work so well together and give my [acne] scarred face an even look and feel.
NIGHTTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE
I start my nighttime routine by washing my face. I still use the Dessert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash because it does a great job of removing my makeup and creating a clean base for the other products.
I then apply one pump of the TLC Framboos serum and one pump of the LaLa Retro Whipped Cream (mixed together of course!) to my face. If I feel like my skin could use a little extra love, I add a drop or two of the Marula Oil to the mix as well.
I haven’t tried DE’s under eye creams yet but plan to in the future. I’m still finishing up the belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb sample I got a while back (a little goes a long way).
I also apply some Aquaphor to my lips and some castor oil to my eyebrows.
That’s it!
WHY I LOVE EACH OF THESE PRODUCTS
Now that I’ve shared what I use, how I use it, and when I use it, let me tell you more about why I love this brand and these particular products.
First and foremost, everything is made without using the suspicious six ingredients – 1. silicones, 2. chemical screens, 3. sensitizing colorants/perfumes, 4. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) 5. essential oils, 6. drying alcohols. This alone makes DE a great line for most everyone.
Secondly, the packaging is not only beautiful and sleek, but it serves a purpose. For example, a lot of brands package their Vitamin C serum in clear bottles, whereas DE packages their serum in a non-opaque white bottle with a pump (not a dropper). Additionally, their moisturizers also come in containers with airless pumps to ensure you’re not ‘double dipping’ so to speak. It keeps everything super clean.
Ok, on to the products themselves. You can read about the ‘technical’ details by clicking on the product links, but I’m going to share more of my personal take.
C-Firma Vitamin C serum – I really feel that by using this serum on an almost daily my skin is brighter and more glowy. This is also the product I attribute to my more even skin tone. Again, I still have a ways to go, but C-Firma is definitely giving my skin life!
TLC Framboos serum – This exfoliating serum is what I like to call my ‘keep breakouts away’ serum. Even though it’s not technically marketed for that. I love how I wake up to smoother skin when applying this the night before.
Protini Polypeptide Cream – This moisturizer is marketed as a shot of protein for your skin. Personally, I love using this during the day because it’s so light and does a great job of prepping my skin for SPF and makeup. It’s also not greasy at all.
LaLa Retro Whipped Cream – This is probably one of my DE favorites! I love love love this moisturizer. It’s thicker than Protini but still super airy. It’s made with 6 African oils and is honestly a dream! My skin has never been smoother and so hydrated. LOVE!
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil – This is another favorite of mine! I love adding this to any of my mixes for that extra glow, moisture and softness. It’s also great on the lips and under the eyes. There’s nothing this Marula Oil can’t do!
Umbra Tinte Physical Defense SPF– Ah! Another favorite. This SPF is so perfect under makeup or on it’s own. It doesn’t leave any white residue on your skin. The formula is super light and creamy, and the tint aspect is awesome. I’ve heard many different skin tones can use this and it works well on everyone. Truly universal!
D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Serum– This is DE’s newest product, and what I personally love is that when mixed (2 pumps for me!) with the SPF and Marula Oil, it truly gives my skin an even finish and a sun kissed glow. No joke! I used this as my ‘base’ when we got our professional pictures taken and loved how my skin looked ALL DAY! Not to mention all the other benefits.
PRODUCTS I’VE TRIED BUT DON’T USE OFTEN
B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel – So this hydration gel can be used with any of the other products to give your skin more intense/long lasting hydration. Given the price point of everything else, I find this one unnecessary in my routine right now. I find the other moisturizer do an amazing job of keep my skin smooth and balanced.
TLC Sukari Babyfacial – This bad boy is an award winning resurfacing facial ‘treatment.’ People RAVE about this product. I want to love it so bad, but I find that after I use this my skin goes haywire. It looks more irritated and bumpy. Thea mentioned that this may be too strong for me, so I even tried mixing it with a pump of Lala before applying. No go! I may reduce my use of this to once a month (I was using it once a week before) and see if that helps.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW/CONSIDER
If you’re a cheapo (like me initially), there is a way for you to try all of these products before committing to full size versions. DE sells a kit called “The Littles” to give people a chance to try a lot of their line at a $90 price point. And from everything I’ve read, the set should last you 4-5 weeks if not longer.
While you should always consult with your doctor before starting something new, all of DE’s products are safe to use during pregnancy with the exception of the Babyfacial.
If you have ‘damaged’ skin like me, real results will take time. I’ve been using DE products consistently for over 2 months, and while my skin has improved for sure, it still has a ways to go. It’ll happen…be patient (says the least patient person in the world!).
If you’re really serious about cleaning up your routines, be sure to research and look into the ingredient lists of everything else you put on your face, including other creams, cleansers, make up products, etc. Personally, I still use a few ‘suspicious’ products like blush, powder, and bronzer, but I plan to do more research and try safer brands.
I think that about covers it! If you have any questions, shoot me and email or leave a comment below.
No portion of this post is sponsored. However, affiliate links are included (minus the DE links – those all directly link back to the DE website). There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links. Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!
