Hi Megan,
How does SHINE fit into an overall skincare routine?
– Pat G.
Since we launched, I have gotten a LOT of question about SHINE: Is it a serum? A concentrate? Should I use it as a moisturizer? A spot treatment? Can it be used with a retinoid?
So today I’m here to clear up all the questions related to SHINE and when/how/why to use it!
SHINE Brightening Face Oil – The Benefits
I think by now we all know the benefits of SHINE, but in case you haven’t heard, I’ll break it down briefly for you:
- SHINE is a brightening oil, aimed at fading hyperpigmentation and discoloration on the skin
- Created as a spot treatment, SHINE can also be used as an all-over skin tone evener for those with less prominent discoloration
- Packed with free radical fighting antioxidants, SHINE’s formula is composed mainly of Vitamin C from organic pomegranate seed oil (#1 ingredient, the carrier oil for the blend) and lemon peel oil to brighten skin naturally
- Arbutin from bearberry extract and Glabridin from licorice extract also work as powerful brighteners, inhibiting tyrosinase activity, thereby reducing discoloration in the skin.
- Full ingredient list can be found here.
- Fun fact: SHINE’s formulation was a spin-off created from the eye cream that Megan made (and several customers tested in their homes) in 2014; so it can actually be used on dark undereye circles, too!
- 2nd Fun fact: SHINE is a natural sunscreen (UV protectant)! But please continue to use a sunscreen in addition to SHINE to prevent any further sun damage.
That breaks it down pretty quickly, and in my opinion is a no-brainer: everyone can benefit from using a brightener in their routine. Now I want to move onto the nitty gritty of how and when to use SHINE in your routine.
How to use SHINE: an Overview
I just hit this in the section above, but in general SHINE was created to be used as a spot treatment for those with large or noticeable dark spots. Sun damage and discoloration happen anywhere the sun shines, so if you use it on your hands, legs, arms, face, decolletage–it doesn’t matter. Wherever you need it, use it. Believe me, I see y’all Googling all these things in droves, so I know you need the help!
SHINE’s main purpose is to be used as a spot treatment on the dark spot only–wherever the spot is.
Let me reiterate: SHINE’s main purpose is to be used as a spot treatment on the dark spot only–wherever the spot is. The results will not be as clear if you rub it all over, including the darkened area and the surrounding lighter area.
If you have lighter discoloration, you can use it all over as a general treatment oil. My face has light sun damage and freckles, but no large or obvious dark spots (yet), except under a UV camera light (I’ve seen that and it’s not pretty).
If you’re replacing your night moisturizer with a night oil instead, SHINE is a great candidate.
When to use SHINE
Here comes the tricky part: a lot of us aren’t just using one product. We’re using a retinoid, AHA or BHA, night cream, eye cream, sunscreen, cleanser.. ahh! It’s all a little much.
Luckily, you don’t have to pick and choose. I’m going to include a very extensive routine below. If you don’t use all the products, feel free to skip them (except the suncsreen!). Here’s the best way to incorporate SHINE into your skincare routine, thanks to a little help from blogger Paula :
In the morning:
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Use your AHA / BHA exfoliant
- Apply SHINE to affected areas or all over
- Apply your day serum
- Apply moisturizer
- Apply sunscreen
- Apply makeup
In the evening:
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Apply SHINE to affected areas or all over
- Apply retinoid or prescription cream
- Apply nighttime moisturizer or eye cream
- Apply WINK!
That should do it! As long as you’re not stacking multiple products on top of each other for the same benefit–i.e. choose one product per benefit–I think you’ll be fine following this general routine.
As always if you have additional or specific questions, feel free to email me!
If SHINE sounds fantastic to you, pick up some today! (here)
* This post was part of our Beauty Q&A series, where our founder Megan answers your beauty questions every Tuesday and Thursday on the Amalie blog. Submit your beauty question to[email protected] *
