Sponsored by Biossance and ShopStyle Collective

Biossance, one of my favorite clean beauty brands, just launched a new Squalane-based cleanser, their Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser. I’ve been trying it out for the last few weeks, and really like it.

I’ve also been meaning to mention a few additional products that have transformed my morning routine, turning it into an effective little ritual I actually look forward to. I’ve finally been able to pare down my morning routine to just four products thanks, in part, to all of the traveling we’ve been doing.

Nothing makes you evaluate effectiveness more than having to pack something in a suitcase over and over and over again.

And oh, ps. Biossance just started their Friends and Family Sale offering 25% off their entire site (or 30% off if you’re a Biossance Clean Crew member) now through 8/30. Sign up for Biossance’s free rewards program here to unlock 30% off.

On the off chance you haven’t yet heard of Biossance, they’re a clean beauty brand whose ingredients are formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, or other potentially toxic/questionable products — so much so that they’re actually EWG-verified! Happily, they’re cruelty-free and vegan, too. Personally, I appreciate Biossance’s approach to sustainability. As one example, Squalane, a moisturizing heavy-hitter, is typically made from — no joke — shark livers. Biossance, however, has figured out a way to derive Squalane sustainably from sugarcane.

My Morning Skincare Must-Haves For Glowy Skin

You’ll notice (if you peek at the labels) that all of Biossance’s products contain Squalane. Honestly, this is one of the reasons I’m such a huge fan. Our bodies actually produce their own version of Squalane (called squalene, for the nerdy) but like most good things…our squalene decreases as we age. Using products with Squalane helps put some of that moisture back into our skin, and, quite frankly, makes all other products work better.

Personally, I’ve found that Biossance products (with all that Squalane) makes my skin more…glowy. And I appreciate that my glow is plant-based, not from shark livers.

Here are the four products that have been transforming my morning beauty routine.

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1. Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser

If you are looking for a gentle deep clean (one that won’t strip your skin but can remove *some* makeup) I love Biossance’s Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser. It foams up juuuust enough to clean, but never leaves my skin feeling tight, only refreshed.

This cleanser won’t, however, remove waterproof eye makeup or even the heavy, long-wearing makeup. For that you’ll need an oil-based cleanser. For my morning routine, however, this cleanser is perfect. I love how it feels going on, and I love how my skin feels after.

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2. Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore Minimizing Toner

I know, I know: more Squalane. But Biossance’s genius toner combines natural beta hydroxy acids (think: gentle exfoliation) with hydrating Squalane. The result is smoother, glowy skin, without a hint of redness or irritation. It’s such a gentle combo that I can even use this toner the morning after using my night-time fav, Biossance’s Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum.

While I usually use this toner after cleansing…I have taken a page out of Linzi’s book, and will sometimes just use this toner if I’m feeling lazy.

3. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

No big deal, Gang, but Biossance’s Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil might be my top beauty product OF ALL TIME. This oil just soaks right into my skin, leaving behind a beautiful, fresh-faced glow. I use this oil as my moisturizer in the summer months, as extra moisture (layered over a thick cream) in the winter months. If my skin needs a 3PM pick-me-up, I’ll pat a little of it right on over my make-up, and voilà — instant glow.

Furthermore, this oil is never greasy, nor does it make my skin oily, just perfectly hydrated. I use it all over my face, my lips, my neck. I’ll even rub it into my cuticles, or on the ends of my hair.

I love this product so much (and it’s so multi-purpose) that I also bought a travel size specifically for my work bag. If you check Biossance’s Gifts & Kits section, there’s almost always an option that includes a travel size Rose Oil. (Oh geez…you can also choose a full or travel size when purchasing by itself, too. I highly recommend getting one of each.)

4. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

I’ve been wearing the heck out of Biossance’s Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen. Not only is it reef safe, but it glides on beautifully, leaves zero white cast, and feels more like luxury skincare than sunscreen. My skin loves it. If I’m doing my full morning routine, this is my last step, but I’ve also applied it on a bare face first thing in the morning when I’m in a rush. It’s moisturizing enough (oh hi, Squalane) to freshen up my whole face. There’s something about this product that feels calming on my skin, words I don’t often use with sunscreen.

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Shop My Favorite Biossance Skincare Products

xo,

S

photo credits: Vafa Photography (Thank you, Amy!!)

A huge thank-you to Biossance and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post! I’ve been a huge Biossance fan for years (heck,the whole team now loves Biossance), and am always so thrilled to work with you guys. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. And readers, thank you for your ongoing support. It never goes unnoticed and is so very much appreciated.