A Clean Break with Drunk Elephant Skincare

Drunk Elephant is one of the ‘IT’ clean-skincare brands of the moment, a title they’ve strongly held on to for a few good years now. I adore the brand, what they stand for and what they’re creating.

The driving force behind this natural skincare line is the belief that ‘skin is skin’. Everyone can enjoy clean, balanced and healthy skin. Their products are free of irritants and chemicals, formulated without essential oils, fragrance, dyes, silicones, sodium lauryl sulfate, drying alcohols and chemical screens. They have isolated both safe naturals and safe synthetics, ensuring their formulas contain the right percentages of actives for ideal pH levels. This makes ingredients easy for your skin to recognize, absorb and use. Drunk Elephant proudly stands in a league of their own, intuitively called clean-clinical skincare.

I recently got the opportunity to really put their claims to the test on my recent trip to Key West, vastly documented on my Instagram Story ( @DailyCatL ). The Drunk Elephant Littles is a deluxe travel-size set comprised of the brand’s best-sellers and created for a wholesome daily skincare routine. The sizes are generous and meant to last for about 2 weeks with every day use of the products.

My plan was simple. I would start using The Littles set on my week-long trip and continue once I return home until I finish the products. It sounds a bit risky. Experimenting with new skincare and traveling are often a recipe for skincare disaster. But the clean formulas really won me over! I decided to take a leap of faith. And I have to say, these products didn’t disappoint. Not only did my skin behave during the trip, but I continued to enjoy good skin days even once I returned home.

I will now introduce you to the Drunk Elephant Littles and walk you thru how I incorporated these products in my routine. Included in the set are the following:

1). Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is a light, gel-like cleanser suitable for all skin types. It has a unique blend of mild surfactants and makeup-dissolving emollients that work to remove all traces of makeup, excess oil, grime and pollution. It has a non-stripping pH level of 5.9. I used this cleanser every evening and often, also during the day to remove the SPF spending time at the beach. Although the consistency is that of a gel, it’s not too slippy. That means it can be easily massaged over the face, eyes and neck. Simply add water to lather or remove with a damp washcloth.

2). C-Firma Day Serum is a Vitamin C serum packed with a powerful concoction of 15% L-Ascorbic Acid and Ferulic Acid, plus a chronopeptide that transforms into Vitamin D. The result is brighter, firmer and more even-looking complexion. Potently formulated with pumpkin ferment extract and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, C-Firma helps to enzymatically dissolve surface dead skin cells while intensely hydrating. The result is a diminished appearance of UV photo damage and aging. I used this serum in the morning after toning the skin. The results weren’t immediate but within a few days of daily use, my skin appeared more radiant and luminous.

3). B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel is truly like a drink of water for thirsty skin! Formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramide, B-Hydra delivers steady hydration throughout the day. Included in the formula is also a unique blend of lentil/apple/watermelon complex that helps diminish dryness and the appearance of fine lines. The result is skin that is better hydrated, more plump and younger-looking. I find that my skin is drier when I travel. Being in a plane, car, train or bus can take a toll. I used the B-Hydra every morning, on top of the C-Firma. My skin felt adequately hydrated throughout the day, even after spending hours in the sun and salty air.

4). T.L.C. Framboos Night Serum is a high-tech AHA/BHA gel that resurfaces dull skin by gently lifting away dead skin cells. Formulated with a powerful concoction of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric and salicylic acids and blended with raspberry extract and horse chestnut, T.L.C Framboos works to improve the skin texture and tone, while diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores. It also enhances the performance of other products by clearing the way for optimum absorption. I used this serum every evening after toning the skin. It is one of those star products that allow you to witness results literarily overnight. I loved how it left my skin looking and feeling coming the morning. It didn’t aggravate or irritate my sensitive skin. In terms of results, it’s very similar to my beloved Sunday Riley Good Genes mentioned here but minus the strong, distinctive scent of Good Genes.

5). Shaba Complex Eye Serum is formulated to tackle major signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness. The formula includes a powerhouse blend of copper peptides, CoQ10 and edelweiss stem cell. I used this in the morning and at night, after toning and before applying my face serums. The results weren’t immediate, but within a few days of daily use I noticed my eye area appeared more luminous, better hydrated and not as puffy in the morning.

6). Lala Retro Whipped Cream is an all-purpose moisturizer. Formulated with six rare African oils to lock in moisture for hours after application, plantain extract to brighten the skin, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer to release long-lasting hydration, antioxidant-rich fermented green tea and omega acids to combat signs of aging and soothe the skin. I used this cream daily morning and night after my serums. It has a whipped consistency that feels incredibly lush on the skin. It left my skin feeling soft, smooth, hydrated and nourished.

7). Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil comes straight from the marula fruit. It’s unrefined and virtually untouched by any chemical or fragrance, natural or synthetic. Rich in critical antioxidant and omega 6 and 9, the Marula Oil nourishes and balances the skin while restoring a healthy glow. I used this oil at night as the last step of my skincare routine. 3-4 pumps in the palms of hands and gently pressed onto the face, massaging everything in with my Jade Roller as previously described here. I had never used Marula Oil before and instantly fell in love. It’s a light oil that is immediately absorbed by the skin. It quickly sinks to reveal a more luminous complexion that just beams with glee.

8). Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 delivers UVA/UVB protection totally free of silicones, fragrance and essenatil oils. Jam-packed with potent antioxidants like astaxanthin, grape juice and sunflower shoot extracts, it minimizes the appearance of photoaging for a younger-looking complexion. The formula is also infused with raspberry seed and marula oils to deliver essential moisture and minimize the appearance of fine lines. Hands down, one of my all-time favorite sunscreens! I used it daily several times a day. It has a light, fluid consistency that melts onto the skin. There is absolutely ZERO white cast or greasiness.

It was my first time experiencing clean-clinical skincare and I am now forever hooked! The attention to detail placed onto every one of these formulas is truly outstanding. I highly recommend and would repurchase every single one of the products reviewed in this post.

The Drunk Elephant Littles set is available at Sephora here.

I will now leave you with a photo taken in one of my favorite places in Key West. The Ernest Hemingway House is a beautiful French Colonial estate where the famed author lived for almost 10 years. It is in this house that Hemingway wrote classics such as ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’, ‘To Have and To Have Not’ and ‘Green Hills of Africa’. It is a fascinating place, full of history and always on my To See list every time I’m in Key West!

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