One of the things my budget culled a few years ago was the phenomenal skin care line I swore by from Riversol. Developed by board certified dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers, the Canadian company is based out of Vancouver and will send you a free, no-obligation 15 Day Sample package for the asking. That's how I originally discovered it.
The no-obligation part is fact. Unlike other companies, you aren't charged for shipping, there's no hidden subscription you didn't intend to sign up for, or a ton of spammy emails. They simply send you product so you have a chance to try it and assess if it's right for you. Communication is always on-point and the staff are prompt, friendly, helpful and knowledgable. While on the pricier side than drug store lines, we certainly aren't talking about the outrageous costs of high-end goods sold on Sephora, Ulta, The Bay or The Big Girls dedicated websites. While it simply became an impossible expense for me, it's not unreasonable for a quality, science-driven skin care line and Riversol goes beyond beauty products. It was created to address skin care, specifically acne and anti-aging, for people with sensitive skin.
While my skin has never been particularly sensitive, there have been a few episodes when a reaction, ususally to a new moisurizer, left my face looking like raw hamburger and me feeling absolutely miserable for a week. They left me with a huge amount of empathy for people who deal with it every day and a determination to be better informed about what I put on my face.
When it comes to basic skincare I want products with proven results and without fragrances, dyes, or yucky fillers and sulfates (or formaldehyde!) that do little to help and often harm. It's one reason I'm also a huge fan of The Ordinary. Should we talk about packaging? As cute as they may be, I don't want to be paying for flashy containers or marketing razzmatazz. Riversol has wisely made the same decision as The Ordinary: simple, classic branding and letting the product speak for itself.
Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy a few bells and whistles now and then. It's fun to have the chance to pamper myself and the girly-girl within, trying out the latest beauty items that influencers turn into must-haves, but researching comes first. Having treated melasma with prescription strength Retin-A for years in my forties, trust me, the recommendations about usage on every product are there for a reason. You've heard the stories of people with burnt scalps, losing their hair, or ending up facially scarred because they didn't take the time to do a patch test before using a new cosmetic? No thank you. I've been through enough crud in life and would rather not end up a viral horror tale of pretty gone shockingly nasty.
When I tell you I hated foregoing my preferred products...I mean it's more than likely that is the moment Bitter Betty settled into my pores. She ages the hell out of gal. Which is why for a week, I once ate nothing but Mr. Noodles and water so I could buy Riversol Sunscreen at Pharmasave. Since then, it's a non-negotiable part of the budget all year long, because I will be pushed NO further. This is my Holy Grail.
The slight tint of the original works well with my skintone but they have added no-tint and darker tint options. As I said, I wear this year round. Barring a special occasion in summer, it's all I wear and it leaves a natural, healthy looking glow which photographs beautifully. Somehow it masks a multitude of sins, and though the smell is not something I'm particularly fond of, it's not a dealbreaker. If I can't keep using my favourite anti-aging routine at least I can protect my skin from further sun damage.
But, wait! Lookie what came in the mail yesterday...
I guess so many years have passed that I was eligible for another sample. I am SO excited! The dreaded before pic, in cruel natural daylight, has been taken and I'll start the fifteen days before bed tonight. I'm already plotting how I'm going to work this back into my budget. My circumstances haven't improved, but I'm working hard to evict Betty, and Mr. Noodles aren't really that bad, right?