Here at Peach & Lily HQ, we're constantly testing products. Now that it's the end of 2018, we thought we'd look back and see what some of our team members have been loving over the year — and, while we were asking them about their favorite products, we also got the inside scoop on any secrets, tips, and 2019 skin resolutions they might have!
Stephanie — Social Media
Acne-prone, dry to combination skin with rosacea
1. What was your favorite product in 2018? Why?
My absolutely favorite is the Original Glow Sheet Mask. I was kind of skeptical because I didn’t know how it would be different from other sheet masks, but, after I used it, my skin just felt so firm and plump in a way I’ve never felt it to be before. My skin looked so even in tone, and, the next day, when I woke up and washed my face, all this dead skin came off — and I realized it’s because the mask has AHA in it! I also really like the Atoclassic Real Tonic Soothing Origin Essence — you can put layers and layers of it on, and even my roommate was like, “Why does your skin look so plump?!”
I also love the Ground Plan 24 Hour Secret Mist — the first time I tried it, after 30 seconds, I was like, “Oh my god!” because all my redness calmed down! And Atopalm’s Real Barrier Intense Moisturizing Cream — I don’t know why, but my face just gets randomly itchy sometimes (I think it might be an allergic reaction), and, one time, nothing was helping until Jessica (our designer) was like, “Don’t use anything else and use the Atopalm cream,” and the itching went away! It’s also so thick and luxurious at a good price point.
2. What was a product that surprised you?
Our Glass Skin Refining Serum. I honestly thought the hype was just too much because it’s a serum, but then I tried it, and I was like, “Oh! It’s actually really good!” The way it makes me glow is something I’ve never gotten before unless my face is literally wet. I was skeptical because I thought it really wouldn't work, but I’m surprised that it calmed my redness and left my skin super dewy at the same time.
3. Is there a product you’re looking for in 2019?
There’s this toner I love that I bought in Korea. I’m looking for that same good, light-weight, moisturizing, hydrating toner to use in the morning, but I haven’t found anything that’s the same level as that one.
4. Do you have any skincare secrets or tips?
This is going to sound really obvious, but don’t pick at your skin. It just makes everything ten times worse. It’s one of those really obvious things, but a lot of my scarring happened because I was picking at my skin. I also avoid anything cold because, if my skin hits anything cold it breaks out into hives.
Also, do not let your skin get dehydrated! My skin got dehydrated, but I didn’t realize that was what was wrong until all these terrible things happened to me. All I was using was a toner and an oil because I kept breaking out, and it was only when I started layering on hydrating products again that things started going back to normal.
5. What are your skincare resolutions for 2019?
I like trying a lot of products, but I realize my skin looks a lot better when I keep experimentation to a minimum. I don’t think I should experiment too much — and, when I do, only with products I’ve researched for a really long time.
Natalia — Executive Assistant
Dry, sensitive skin
1. What was your favorite product in 2018? Why?
I really like the Lagom Cellup Microfoam Cleanser. I don’t like it when it gets in my eyes because it stings so much, but I like being able to foam my cleanser in my hands then put it on my face, instead of having to rub my face to get that lather. I think I have a sensitive skin type, so cleansers in general have always broken me out because they’re too drying or they’re not strong enough, so, either way, my skin is still overproducing oils and creating acne. I used to use the Neutrogena gel, which got rid of my forehead acne, but, every time I stopped using that, my acne would come back. The Lagom Microfoam Cleanser was the first cleanser that gave me a good balance.
I also love the Peach Slices’ Citrus-Honey Aqua Glow — it makes your skin look really pretty. The Original Glow Sheet Mask is great. And I really do like the Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence — I layer it on, and it just feels so great.
2. What was a product that surprised you?
The Peach & Lily Pure Beam Luxe Oil — I didn’t like it at first because it kind of broke me out, but I started using just a few little drops at a time, and it’s really hydrating for my skin. Also, the Citrus-Honey Aqua Glow. I thought it couldn’t be that special because it’s such an affordable price point.
3. Is there a product you’re looking for in 2019?
SPF! I don’t use a lot of it now, but it's something I really want to get into.
4. Do you have any skincare secrets or tips?
I don’t cleanse my face in the morning. I have sensitive skin, so I don’t want to over-cleanse. I also use muslin cloths to dry my face. And I give myself a facial massage every night.
5. What are your skincare resolutions for 2019?
I wish my hormonal acne would go away.
Jessica — Design
Dry skin
1. What was your favorite product in 2018? Why?
I used the whole bottle of the Peach & Lily Good Acids Pore Toner. It’s just amazing. It makes you feel really clean but still hydrated. I like that there’s a small amount of AHA/BHA, which gives me the daily exfoliation that I feel like I need. Because I have really dry skin, I thought using the toner with the Peach & Lily Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask weekly would be too much, but it’s okay — they've both been very gentle. The Super Reboot is my favorite thing.
2. What was a product that surprised you?
The Original Glow Sheet Mask — I was so involved in the development of the first three sheet masks, so I knew I liked those. I wasn’t sure I would really like the Original Glow because I wasn’t sure how it would stand up.
3. Is there a product you’re looking for in 2019?
Not really. I’m a tried-and-true kind of girl. For me, personally, something has to be really different for me to really want to try it, whether it’s a textural thing or a concept ingredient. I like to stick with what I know works because my skin responds really well to that consistency.
4. Do you have any skincare secrets or tips?
I leave my Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water next to my bed (like, literally, on the shelf above my bed), so, at the very least, at the end of the day, I will take my makeup off.
5. What are your skincare resolutions for 2019?
Do my skincare every day.
Izzy — E-commerce
Sensitive, acne-prone, combination skin
1. What was your favorite product in 2018? Why?
My absolute favorite is the Shangpree Black Premium Modeling "Rubber" Mask — that mask, if you have a bad skin day and use it, immediately, your skin turns around. It’s a lifesaver for me. If I’m not feeling good about my skin, I’ll use it and feel completely different about it right away. Also, the Original Glow Sheet Mask — when I do the Black Modeling Mask and the Original Glow Sheet Mask back-to-back, it’s amazing.
I use the Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream day and night, and it’s really good for mattifying (while still being hydrating), so you can wear it in the morning and not look greasy. It helps with redness immediately, too. I’ve actually put it on half my face before, and you can notice a difference right away. The Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask is really good for breakouts and blackheads and pores; I use that religiously once a week. Generally, I think the Peach & Lily Collection is pretty affordable for how large they are. I think the quality is really great for the price point. I have combination skin, and they’re all really, really hydrating but also help minimize the appearance of pores, which is my main concern. I hadn’t really used skincare before, but, now that I work here, my family is always commenting on my skin and how great it looks.
2. What was a product that surprised you?
Honestly, I don’t love oil cleansers that much. I feel like they always leave a residue, and I don’t wear a lot of makeup, so I don’t think they’re necessary, but the Be the Skin Daily Complete Cleansing Oil is amazing. It leaves my skin so soft with no residue — I don’t even wear makeup, but I feel like my face is much cleaner.
Also, the Peach & Lily K-beauty Rescue Balm — I didn’t think I had a need for something like that, but I use it for everything. I use it for flyaways, my cuticles, my elbows — I use it on my niece when she has really dry skin. It’s not sticky and much nicer than a petroleum jelly. I keep it in my bag, so I always have it with me — it’s like a solve-all I didn’t even know I needed.
3. Is there a product you’re looking for in 2019?
I’m looking for a really good face wipe. I like the Ariul Stress-Relieving Purefull Cleansing Tissues, but I’m just looking for another variation. I’m always opening some new products.
4. Do you have any skincare secrets or tips?
The Miwaji Hyalu Veil Serum is a good secret. I use it as a sleeping pack — if you put on three layers before you go to sleep, it becomes kind of like (and this sounds kind of weird) Elmer’s Glue. At night, it’s a tad sticky, but, when you wash it off in the morning, your skin feels baby soft. It’s also great to use every day.
The Femmue Extraordinary Beauty Cleansing Balm is also great as an overnight mask. And I use the Lagom Cellup Gel to Water Cleanser as a body wash — it doesn’t strip your skin.
5. What are your skincare resolutions for 2019?
I’d say to do a sheet mask every day, but I already do that. Maybe it’ll be to do my skincare every night no matter what.
Estefania — Brand Partnerships
Combination Skin
1. What was your favorite product in 2018? Why?
The Peach & Lily Reset Button Soothe + Restore Mask — I ordered a bunch of them because it’s my favorite of our sheet masks. This one actually calms my skin and works every time — like, I see a difference. I also really like the Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water because it removes everything, like the toughest mascara and everything. Their Makeup Remover Wipes are also great for when you’re traveling.
2. What was a product that surprised you?
I’m usually like, yeah, right, with clay masks because everyone has blackheads. I use them mostly on my nose, but the Femmue Gypsy Rose Calming Mask — I actually this one on my face, and it doesn’t dry, so it’s not super tight. When I wash my face, it’s actually clearer. I can see that it draws out my impurities.
I also really hated Eco Your Skin’s Face Blanket Mask at first, but it grew on me. It’s good for when you’re flying — the idea is that you can put it on, go to sleep, and wake up in the morning. It’s dry on the outside, but, on the inside, it’s sticky — the idea is that all the formula is in the stickiness, and it melts in your skin, so you can do things while using the mask.
3. Is there a product you’re looking for in 2019?
I think more sheet masks — I want to find more go-to sheet masks. I know Femmue is launching one, and I’d love to try that one. It’s a biocellulose material, not cotton.
4. Do you have any skincare secrets or tips?
When I cleanse, I remove my makeup first, and then I cleanse with a foam cleanser — but I cleanse twice. I find that, if I do it once, there’ll still be makeup residue, so I wash twice and find that that’s good.
5. What are your skincare resolutions for 2019?
I’ve been thinking about body care — I never use body cream or lotion, and I don’t know if it’s age or New York City but I’m like, I have to start doing it.
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Now that you've learned of some our team's favorites, tips, and resolutions, share yours with us! Answer our five questions in the comments below; we'd love to know what you loved, what your secrets are, and what your 2019 skin resolutions are!
And, wherever you are in the world, all of us here at Peach & Lily would love to wish you a Happy New Year! Thank you for being with us through 2018, and cheers to a radiant 2019!
