Skincare Talk & My Review of the Beautycounter Countertime Line

There’s no two ways about it … getting on a great skincare line is an investment. Some look at it as something that isn’t necessary, while others put it right up there with the organic products and produce that they carefully select from markets.

When it all comes down to it, what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it, and today I’m breaking all of that down with an honest review of the very popular anti-aging line from Beautycounter.

I have gone through several phases of different skincare regimens over the last two decades (really showing my age here), am I am lucky enough to say that I started some type of morning and evening routine as early as my teen years.

My mom instilled the importance of overall health and taking care of your skin early on, and I’m very thankful for that. I had acne in middle school and the beginning of high school, so I was diligent about washing my face and treating it after trips to the dermatologist. But, I will admit that I got lazier as my face cleared up, and I’m not proud of how I treated it for several years while I was dancing professionally, getting little sleep, and grabbing whatever I could find at a convenient store in between solid regimens.

You can read more about those days and that realization here.

Today I’m excited to share more about skincare regimens, why you might want to get on one, and my personal review of the Beautycounter Countertime Collection, the most raved about line in clean beauty.

By the way, I am a Beautycounter consultant and earn a commission from anything purchased through the links on this post. I appreciate your support so much!

WHY SKINCARE REGIMENS/COLLECTIONS ARE THE WAY TO GO

Let’s back up to and talk about regimens. What is the benefit to buying everything all at once and together, rather than piecing different products and lines together as you need them?

I totally get that going for a full regimen or collection can be scary. You don’t always know what you’re diving into before you purchase one, especially if you aren’t able to test it out ahead of time. I’ve been there (and holler at me if you’d like to try samples!). After trying Countermatch and Countertime for several months at a time, however, I see how everything really works together to maximize results. It also takes the guess work of what you should do with and before or after what, which can be really easy to confuse and miss an opportunity to be using the product to its full potential.

Products from a set really work well together, and they are designed to play off each other to maximize the results. Regimens or collections are discounted when bought as a bundle, and you can be sure that you’re setting your skin up for success all in one place.

It just makes it so easy!

MY RESULTS

Just in case you’re thinking of skimming the rest of this post, here’s what you need to know. And please know that I intentionally waited to write a review on this line until I had fully been able to test it out for multiple months.

Since using the Countertime Collection (with the addition of a handful of other Counter+ favorites), my skin has experienced the following at almost four months in:

• Tighter, firmer skin almost instantly: This was the most exciting thing for me. It may not seem believable, but I swear that I noticed a new tightening feeling on my face after just one full day of use. I remember telling Scott about it, and I couldn’t believe that I already noticed it working.
• A more even, radiant skintone: I had great results from using Countermatch, so my skin had a great starting point. Countertime is filled with antioxidants, and my skin continues to improve every day.
• Less dark spots and sunspots: As a full disclaimer, I now use two other products 3-4 times per week to help with these issues as well. The Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel (PM use) is a customer favorite and go-to for this focus, and Beautycounter just released the Counter+ All Bright C Serum (AM use) for Vitamin C and an even extra radiance boost. The combination of all of them have done incredible things for my skin!
• Less fine lines and wrinkles: Hallelujah, am I right? After a rough few years of sleep (or lack thereof) with a newborn who is now a sleep-fighting toddler and balancing a full-time job with wakeup calls as early as 4 am, I’m no stranger to fine lines and wrinkles. In fact, it was something that was really bothering me and pushed me to just go for it eight months ago. I still have wrinkles, and I don’t think they will ever entirely go away — hello, aging — but I will say that they have gotten noticeably smaller all around. I’ll take it.
• Happier complexion: My skin seriously feels healthier and happier, y’all. I go to bed feeling like I’m layered for skin repair war or something, and I wake up with refreshed-looking skin before I even wash my face. This is something that I had never experienced prior to switching over to Beautycounter products. What a game changer!

Other things that I do to take care of my skin include drinking plenty of water (just do it), taking vitamins and supplements, getting enough sleep (or at least trying my best to do so), eating nutritious foods, and wearing sunscreen. I use the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer almost every morning and keep the Mineral Sunscreen Stick in my diaper bag or purse when I’m on-the-go.

IMPORTANT STEPS THAT YOUR SKIN NEEDS

Products in skincare regimens are meant to work together for the following steps:

Cleanse: removes makeup, dirt, and impurities to promote skin health and clear congestion

Prep/Treat: rebalances skin and helps hydration

Protect: locks in moisture, and creams act as a barrier to environmental stressors

Having everything picked out for you ensures that you are doing all of these things to correct and protect your skin from future damage.

IF THE COST IS INTIMIDATING …

I totally hear you. I fully admit that I bought whatever, whenever from local drugstores during the years that I thought that was my better option. But, I’d end up buying so many random things that it ended up costing about the same as a high-quality line anyways. And it wasn’t effective or safe to use. Please trust me when I tell you that the initial investment of a line goes so far, especially with this one.

All Beautycounter products are highly condensed, which means that a little dab goes a long way. Regimens and Collections last about four months, when used both in the morning and at night, and I’ve been using Countertime since January. (Have you seen the size of these bottles?)

The only thing I’m even close to running out of is the Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum, and it’s one of my favorites, so I already have a replacement on deck for the day that happens. And that should at least get me through another few months!

WHAT MAKES COUNTERTIME DIFFERENT THAN OTHER LINES?

Well, first and foremost, it’s a Beautycounter collection, so you already know that you’re getting high-performing, effective, and completely safe ingredients in products that all come in packaging that is friendly to the environment. (You can read more about Beautycounter and why I am so passionate about sharing clean beauty with you on my Clean Beauty page.)

Second, the focus is on anti-aging and is designed to visibly firm, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten, and plump the skin. It’s for dry, normal, and combination skin, and it features a plant-derived Retinatural Complex, which is a safer alternative to Retinol. We’ll chat more about this below.

WHAT’S IN THIS COLLECTION, AND (MORE IMPORTANTLY) WHAT ISN’T?

The biggest thing you should know about this line is that it is extremely effective and produces noticeable results without the use of Retinol.

Retinol is what most brands use to treat and protect against fine lines and wrinkles with proven results. It’s not safe, however (and many experience redness and irritation to show for it), and Beautycounter has replaced this ingredient with a plant-derived Retinatural Complex alternative that is just as effective. This was an instant selling point for me.

Also included is Bakuchiol, which has been shown to produce results that are comparable to retinol, without harmful side effects, and Swiss Alpine rose that boosts the skin’s antioxidant defense.

Meet the collection:

• Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil

Inspired by Asian beauty rituals, this cleansing oil gently yet effectively removes makeup and other impurities without stripping essential lipids from the skin.

I didn’t think I would be down for an oil cleanser, and this one feels more like a gel. It’s ultra luxurious, yet lightweight. I love how it effectively removes makeup without irritating the eyes or skin. A lot of people aren’t initially on board with this one, and I encourage them to give it a try. Once they do, most continue to love it and reorder! Plus, the bottle size is huge … it lasts forever, which is great on the wallet.

• Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence

Lightweight but deeply nourishing, this milky moisturizing essence delivers vital nutrients to the skin’s moisture barrier—instantly boosting hydration and radiance.

This is the toner or primer step in the line, and I’m all about it. The bakuchiol-infused formula is designed to renew and balance the skin to prep it for the treatment steps that follow. This line is ultra-hydrating, and I read a great tip to immediately apply the serum (below) after this one to help set them together. This bottle size is also quite large (5 oz), and you only need two dabs a day to apply to your face, chest, and neck. It will last a very long time!

• Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum

This transformative rejuvenating treatment visibly increases skin firmness and elasticity, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Serums are a vital part of skincare regimens. This step treats the skin from damage and helps prevent future concerns like fine lines and wrinkles. This serum claims to visibly reduce wrinkles, smooth skin, and add radiance, and I agree that is exactly what my skin has experienced. I do, however, use a mix of other products to help with these issues as well. See more on that below!

• Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream (AM)

This velvety revitalizing morning cream improves skin’s barrier function and boosts hydration, which helps protect it from daily environmental stressors.

This cream is designed for the daytime and does not have SPF. This used to be a make-or-break factor for me with daytime moisturizers in the past, but I learned that it’s purposely left out here in order for the product to work to its highest potential. This is the first moisturizer I’ve used that plumps and protects my skin, and it’s filled with antioxidants that protects the skin from drying and daily environmental stressors. After understanding that, I get it and will happily apply an additional step for sunscreen. (I highly recommend one of our mineral sunscreens and/or the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer for a daily SPF.)

• Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream (PM)

Supremely rich and deeply hydrating, this night cream supports elasticity and visibly firms while smoothing skin texture to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

So you use the above cream in the mornings or this one at night. They’re designed differently with a focus of protection verses restoration and recovery. Also, this one has the bakuchiol complex that will be working around the clock to refine your complexion while you sleep. It’s thick, so you don’t need a lot of it. Sometimes I can simply use the Overnight Resurfacing Peel and go straight to this step followed by the eye cream (below) instead of doing the whole routine because it’s that hydrating.

• Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream

This high-performance eye cream revitalizes the eye area and reduces the appearance of under-eye shadows and crow’s feet for a smooth, firmed look.

Oh this one is good. I can also say great things for the Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream. That one helps with dark circles and puffiness while Countertime focuses more on eliminating crow’s feet and fine lines. I’m definitely trying to fight all of these things on the regular! And I kid you not, I noticed a visible difference after just two weeks of using this eye cream. The photos featured in this post were taken right when I started the collection in January, and my crow’s feet are now less noticeable!

And that’s a detailed look into the six products included in the collection. Phew!

MY PERSONAL AND HONEST REVIEW

I know what you’re thinking. I am a consultant for the brand, so of course I’m going to rave about the products. Well, I am … but it’s only because I truly haven’t met a product that I haven’t liked. This is literally why I signed up to parter with Beautycounter, as the continuous perks and discounts are just a starting point. (You can read more about that good stuff on my Consultant FAQs post.)

That said, I waited to share my review on this line until I fully understood how it worked and what it can do for your skin. I’m now confident in saying that I get it, and I would love to answer any questions that you have at all … about this line, about others, about makeup, whatever. I’m here!

Overall, I’m very impressed with Countertime, and I would recommend it as a starting point to anyone who is looking for a solid anti-aging, ultra-hydrating focus. This line is designed to help skin improve with age, and I am very happy about the radiance, firmness, and softness of my skin. In my opinion, it’s one hundred percent worth the investment and then some.

Shop here!

• Countertime Regimen – 5 products for AM and PM use
• Countertime Collection – 6 products for AM and PM use (with the addition of the eye cream and more ounces included in two of the products)

OTHER BEAUTYCOUNTER LINES AND FOCUSES

If you aren’t worried about fighting wrinkles just yet, there are a few other options that I can recommend for you. (As well as the add-ons that will truly makeover your skin.)

Countermatch

Countermatch Regimen Set // Collection

This line is formulated to match the natural structure of the skin and deliver long-lasting moisture. It’s for dry, normal, combination, or sensitive skin, and is all about advanced hydration and age prevention.

(The biggest different in this line versus Countertime is the addition of Retinatural in the products as well as the larger product sizes.)

Countercontrol

Countercontrol Regimen Set // Collection

This line is a powerful regimen that mattifies and clears without dryness and irritation​. It’s free from Benzoyl Peroxide or harsh surfactants, and is for very oily and blemish-prone skin. It controls oil, clears blemishes, purifies pores, and balances skin.

Counterman

​Counterman Beard or Shave Regimen // Collection

This line is specially formulated for the guys! It features an innovative Sequoia Stem Cell Complex, helps protect skin from environmental stress, and address the unique needs of men’s skin and facial hair. It hydrates, firms, improves texture, and decreases pore size.

Counterstart

Two-product cleanser and moisturizer set at the lowest price point.

This is a great way for anyone to get started on safer skincare. It’s comparable to what you might find in convenience stores like Cetaphil or Cerave, without the harmful ingredients. It’s ideal for sensitive skin, and focuses on hydrating and nourishing the skin with coconut oil, aloe vera, Vitamin E, and antioxidants that protects the skin.

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If you’ve made it this far into the post, you might just be interested in knowing more about Beautycounter, safer skincare, cleaner makeup, better options for your family, and more. I absolutely love talking about this stuff and would be thrilled to chat with you!

Always feel free to reach out or respond to anything I post, fill out my  for a personalized answer and product suggestion list from me, or email beautycounter@lifeinleggings.com.

Thank you so much for reading today, and stay safe out there!