The One & Only - Glow Maker
This blog post is sponsored by Maelove but my love for the serums is absolutely not!
Ok so we know that Vitamin C is important. It’s an iconic antioxidant.
Personally, I don’t know anyone who isn’t looking for brighter, more nourished skin while protecting it from the sun. We’re going to talk about 3 products from Mae love but I have the most to share about The Glow Maker.
Enter Mae Love: About 7 months ago an amazing woman I know named Bettina, lover of all things skin/beauty asked “have you ever tried the Glow Maker serum from Mae Love? We were both fans of people like Gothamista, so I knew her skin philosophy was one I could rock with.
So, 33 weeks ago (see receipt below) I tried their Glow Make ($27.95). It’s Vitamins C, E and Ferulic. Does that combo sound familiar? This trio is trio magical. Brands like Skinceuticals ($166) and Drunk Elephant’s C Firma ($88) make a similar product.
As much as I love investing in my skincare, I’m also here for not overspending when it’s not necessary while still getting results.
33 weeks ago…
Always a little nervous trying a new product.
Now…
I’d say it’s going well.
First impression:
Texture is super light, and once it dries it does feel ever so slightly tacky. It’s great under makeup in the daytime and it feels comfortable on the skin when it’s time for bed. As for the scent, well the good news is there is no added fragrance or any other unnecessary ingredients to slap a buzzy word on the label.
It smells like a vitamin c, e and ferulic product. No frills.
I’ve incorporated this serum as a key part of not only protecting my skin but in supporting my personal anti hyperpigmentation movement.
The main thing I love about it ( aside from the obvious benefits) is that my generally reactive skin is happy. I almost always know within 24 hours if my skin loves a product.
With consistent use, overall my skin feels more bouncy and has an overall more vibrant look. I’m sure the water, glycerin, aloe juice and hyaluronic acid contribute to this.
How I’m incorporating The Glow Maker:
Cleanse
Snail mucin (on slightly damp skin)
The Glow Maker ( some days I may alternate with NIA 10)
Moisturizer
SPF (Mae Love happens to have mineral SPF 30, more on this later too).
The brand reached out to me not realizing I was already a fan. I replied with a picture of me holding a bottle of Glow Maker. I was happy when they sent me a bottle of Glow Maker, plus their NIA10 and The Sun Protector. These two products are newer to me.
Let’s talk about NIA10. NIA stands for niacinimide and 10 is the percentage. Was first introduced to niacinimide with The Ordinary but while they do some products very well, something about the way their niacinimide serum is formulated irritated my skin. It’s an ingredient I love but at 10%, being the highest percentage we usually see on the market, it can be irritating. Studies generally shot its both efficacious and safe at 2%-5%. For some of us it can hit a little too much at 10, for others it can be perfectly fine.
I wondered why my skin reacted differently to Maelove’s vs The Ordinary’s while getting ready to write this post and compared the ingredients. While at first they’re a little similar, Mae Love’s is formulated with aloe, along with a couple of extra skin loving ingredients. Maybe that’s what balances it out for me.
We keep hearing about protecting the skin barrier, well you definitely want a well formulated niacinimide product like this serum in the mix to support barrier function.
It also helps boost moisture and I don’t know about you but I’m addicted to staying hydrated and moisturized.
NIA10 is also great for calming the skin, not to mention improving texture. I think the major glow up of my whole routine has been using products that support each other.
Last, but not least - I have to be 100% honest, the mineral sunscreen is not my favorite here. It does leave a slight white cast. Actually, more like purple on me.
I think I’ll still use it this summer under makeup. Not a total deal breaker for me, but I’m a pro Mua. That may not be the case for you, and I know it’s a deal breaker for some.
So it’s important that I mention it.
I personally stay away from chemical sunscreens on my face, because several of them have irritated my skin and I’m just not down with stressing my skin out when there are so many options.
It’s fragrance free (as are all their products), SPF 30 and does the job. It won’t go to waste.
That’s everything for today :)
Have you every tried any MAELOVE products?