It's been a hot minute since I last sat down to do an 'On Brand,' partly because they can be quite time consuming, but mostly because I hadn't come across any beauty brands that I felt compelled to showcase in this way... until now. But before I get into today's article, let's back up for a second in case you're new here and have no idea what I'm talking about. An 'On Brand' is basically an in-depth look at a beauty brand that I'm loving and that I think you'll love too, complete with background information on the company, as well as why their products are so bomb. And if you've been following me around the Internet lately, it should come as no surprise that I've chosen to showcase IMAGE Skincare in this way— my Skin and I are fully addicted to the brand, and I think that you guys will love it, too. So without further ado, here's the 411 on IMAGE.
THE BACKGROUND
IMAGE was founded in 2003 by American aesthetician Janna Ronert, who at the time was struggling with rosacea. She saw a need for a line of products that combined smart botanicals with high percentages of safe, active ingredients, and got to work on developing a sensitivity line in her then apartment. Fast forward to today, and that first line— Vital C— remains one of the most popular ranges that IMAGE produces, which has since expanded to include 13 collections available in 52 countries worldwide. Not too shabby.
Together with husband Marc Ronert— who just so happens to be a board-certified plastic surgeon— the duo have gone on to establish a name and reputation for themselves within the skincare industry. Their products are represented by a network of 20,000 skincare professionals across the world who not only use IMAGE in their own practices, but on themselves as well, which really speaks to the efficacy of the brand. At its most basic level, it's skincare by skincare professionals, for skincare professionals; and by extension, for us the consumer as well. The troubling thing to me, however, is if I did a quick poll asking how many of you have heard of or tried IMAGE yourselves, I bet the vast majority would say no.
I've spent a lot of time— years, actually— testing out different products and writing about their results here for you guys, and I can say with total honesty that after having used these products exclusively for the past four or so months, my skin has never looked or felt better. It's hydrated despite the freezing temperatures outside, it doesn't break out the way it used to before my period each month, and the overall tone and texture of my skin is softer, smoother and more even than ever before. I'm obsessed, and I won't shut up about this brand to my friends and family; heck, I've even gone on about IMAGE to an unsuspecting barista who once complimented me on my skin (poor girl). When I think about how much money my mother has spent on less-effective skincare over the past four decades or so, it honestly makes me feel sick to my stomach. I want us all to have nice skin because I know what that can do to a person's confidence, and that's why I'm sharing this with you guys as well. Nothing that you read here is sponsored; although I was gifted some products to try by my friends at Esthetics Plus months ago, it was without expectation. Anything I share here with you is my honest opinion about the brand— I'm just one happy girl, gushing to her online girlfriends; nothing more.
THE PRODUCTS
As previously mentioned, there are 13 collections within the IMAGE range, all designed to tackle different issues and concerns. You can take a look at the full range for yourselves here, but for today's purposes, I'm only going to discuss the ones that I've personally used and loved. Here goes:
AGELESS
This collection is probably one of my favourites; my most-loved products hail from this range, and I think my skin has seen the biggest change as a result of using said products. My go-tos from this category are the Total Facial Cleanser (so tingly and refreshing!), the Total Anti-Aging Serum (smooth skin in a bottle), and the Total Overnight Retinol Masque. I use the latter every other night, and without fail, I wake up to brighter, more luminous skin. So. Damn. Good. I'm also dying to try the Total Eye Lift Creme, and the Pure Hyaluronic Filler sounds enchanting as well.
ILUMA
My favourite moisturizer is from this range, and it's the one that gives my skin the most dewy, healthy appearance. Now that I've powered through my bottle of the Intense Brightening Creme, I can definitely see the difference between using it and not— in fact, if I could only use one moisturizer for life, it would probably be this one. Also, shout out to the Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder for doing everything its name would suggest, and then some.
VITAL C
This collection is really gentle and lovely to use if you have dry and sensitive skin, and my favourite from this range is hands down the Hydrating Enzyme Masque; it gently dissolves dead skin cells to help skin look brighter and more luminous, and I use it every Sunday night without fail.
PREVENTION +
A good SPF is a pivotal part of the anti-aging puzzle, and the Daily Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30+ has been a godsend. It can be hard to find a good sun-protecting moisturizer that delivers ample hydration while sitting nicely under makeup, but this one is it. Plus it has a delightful fruity scent that makes me excited to slather it on each morning— just saying.
YANA
Last but certainly not least, Yana has become a favourite collagen supplement that I couldn't recommend more. After taking daily shots for a couple weeks (it actually tastes surprisingly good!), I started to notice that my skin looked slightly more plump and healthy, and after a month of daily ingestion, I couldn't believe the difference it made. I've since run out of this product and can also really see the difference not using it makes— needless to say, I need to get back on the collagen train, ASAP!
Phew, that was a lot! If you have any questions about IMAGE or any of the products I mentioned here, feel free to hit me up, and if you decide to try the brand for yourself, I would love to hear your thoughts on it! xx