If you’ve followed me for a while, you probably remember when I first shared my thoughts on the original Beautycounter Countertime line back in 2020.
A lot has changed since then, including the brand itself. Beautycounter is now simply called Counter, and while some formulas have been updated and refined over the years, the heart of the Countertime line remains the same: luxurious, effective skincare designed to support aging skin without harsh ingredients.
I’ve dabbled in testing different clean beauty brands and products over the past few years, but I still continue coming back to this specific line for a core go-to regimen again and again.
That says a lot.
Why I Still Reach for Countertime
I’ve now used these products on and off for six years, through stressful seasons, motherhood exhaustion, inconsistent sleep, travel, winter skin, hormonal changes … all of it.
And every time I take a break and then come back to Countertime, my skin feels:
- smoother
- firmer
- more hydrated
- brighter
- healthier overall
The biggest thing I notice is that my skin simply looks more refreshed and supported instead of irritated or stripped. The line feels luxurious without being overly complicated, which is honestly what I want and need at this stage of life.
Countertime vs. Counterglow: What’s the Difference?
This is probably the biggest skincare question I get lately. Both lines focus on healthy aging, but they target different stages and skincare goals.
Counterglow = Prevention + Hydration
Think of Counterglow as your “protect and maintain” line.
It focuses on:
- hydration
- radiance
- skin barrier support
- antioxidant protection
- early signs of aging prevention
It’s ideal for:
- younger skin
- sensitive skin
- anyone wanting glow and hydration
- people not ready for stronger treatment-focused products yet
Countertime = Correction + Age Reversal Support
Countertime is more treatment-focused.
This line is designed to visibly improve:
- fine lines
- firmness
- texture
- elasticity
- dullness
- deeper signs of aging
The standout ingredient is the Retinatural Complex: Counter’s plant-based alternative to traditional retinol. It gives many of the smoothing and firming benefits people want from retinol, but in a gentler, cleaner formula that doesn’t leave my skin angry and irritated.
That’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed loyal to it for so long!
My Favorite Products in the Line
Instead of overwhelming you with every single product detail, these are the standouts I consistently repurchase:
Countertime Cleanser: Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil
One of the few cleansing oils I actually enjoy using. It removes makeup beautifully without making my skin feel tight or dry afterward. I keep one in my medicine cabinet and another in the shower.
Countertime Toner: Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence
This is the step people often skip, but it makes such a difference in hydration and helps prep the skin for the treatment products.
Countertime Treatment + Serum: Retinatural+ Advanced Super Serum
This is where the real magic happens for me.
The updated treatment-focused formulas help with firmness, texture, and overall radiance, and my skin genuinely looks smoother and more even when I use this line consistently. Also, I’m loving the new dark pink color … not important but something I do enjoy.
Countertime Moisturizers: AM Antioxidant Soft Cream + PM Supreme Cream
The daytime and nighttime moisturizers are incredibly rich and nourishing without feeling heavy. My skin absolutely drinks these up during stressful seasons, colder weather, or periods when I’m not sleeping enough.
Countertime Eye Cream: Ultra Renewal Eye Cream
Still one of my favorite clean eye creams I’ve tried for softening fine lines and helping the eye area look more awake.
Is It Worth the Investment?
I know skincare can feel expensive upfront.
But after years of bouncing between random products from different brands, I’ve personally found that using a streamlined regimen consistently works better than constantly experimenting with trendy products that never fully deliver results.
And because these products are concentrated, they last much longer than people expect.
If you’re on a tight budget, start with a cleanser, a treatment and a moisturizer. After that, build in and/or replace your current products with cleaner versions as you can.
The Current Sale Is Actually the Best Time to Buy
Now through Sunday, May 10th (Happy Mother’s Day!) Counter is offering up to 30% off skincare, which actually makes this one of the best times to restock or finally try the line.
And here’s something important: at the current sale pricing, purchasing the products individually is actually less expensive than buying the pre-bundled regimen set.
So before checking out, make sure to compare pricing product-by-product first.
Final Thoughts
After years of trying clean beauty products across every category, Countertime remains one of the few lines I consistently return to because it simply *works*.
It feels effective without feeling aggressive … it’s luxurious without being complicated … and it’s supportive for real-life skin that’s aging, stressed, busy, and human.
If you’re looking for a clean skincare line that focuses more on visible correction and skin support, Countertime is still one that I genuinely recommend.
If your focus is more prevention, hydration, and glow, however, Counterglow may be the better place to start at a more affordable pricepoint.
Either way, consistency matters more than anything!
Shop the sale here.
If you’ve made it this far into the post, you might just be interested in knowing more about Counter, safer skincare, cleaner makeup, better options for your family, and more. I love talking about this stuff and would be thrilled to chat about being a brand partner with you.
Always feel free to reach out or respond to anything I post.
Thank you so much for reading today, and have a great rest of the week!
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, but I am partnered with Counter, and I will earn a commission off of anything purchased using the links in this post. I truly appreciate your support, and thank you for shopping clean with me from the brands I know, love and trust.
xo, Heather
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