The Candid Skincare Tips You Should Have Known by Now, as Shared by Two Beauty Industry Experts.

      The Lineup is a monthly series that provides an inside look at the beauty routines of the industry's top experts and taste-makers. Prepare for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the essential products that keep their lives running smoothly. I hate to say it, but some beauty items are merely aesthetically pleasing packaging for Instagram. I appreciate good branding and products that look great on a shelf, but let's face it: if a product doesn't deliver real results, I won't buy it again. When I discovered Dieux's Instant Angel Moisturizer ($45) and the dreamy Forever Eye Masks ($25), I was initially doubtful about whether their effectiveness matched their beautiful branding. Spoiler alert: they do, and there's a lot more to this unique brand than it seems at first glance.

      Dieux's journey started in 2018 when Charlotte Palermino, a versatile media creative, proposed the idea of a CBD-infused skincare product to Joyce de Lemos, a cosmetic chemist with experience working for brands such as Skinceuticals and Kiehl's. They collaborated to develop this product with proper clinical studies and careful formulation. Two years later, their first product, Deliverance ($69), was launched. They have since nurtured a beloved brand recognized for its inclusivity, openness, and sustainably sourced, science-based formulas.

      "When I was younger, my fascination with beauty revolved around beauty standards," de Lemos shares. "Creating products has highlighted the significance of inclusivity for me. Our community is incredibly diverse, so we test our products on various skin tones and types, ensuring everyone feels acknowledged." Dieux also emphasizes education, sharing knowledge through the brand’s Skin Bibles blog and Sun-Screener ingredient checker. They even provide sustainability reports for each product, a practice many brands avoid. In the spirit of transparency, I asked Palermino and de Lemos to share their insights on skincare myths that need debunking and straightforward advice to follow instead.

      What skincare myths should people stop believing?

      Joyce de Lemos: Let’s get real: comedogenicity. Basically, the poison is in the dose. The methods used in studying comedogenicity are rather outdated; they often involve testing an ingredient like shea butter at a 100% concentration by applying it to a rabbit's ear to check for comedones. That’s a lot of shea butter! Normally, that type of ingredient in a formulation is used in smaller percentages, such as 0.5% or 0.25%, and will include additional ingredients that interact with the chemical structure. It would be more useful if they tested the full formulation for comedogenicity. Plus, it varies by skin type; what might cause issues for one person may not for another. So, before you toss something just because it's labeled as comedogenic, remember that it’s likely more beneficial to know if the entire formulation has been tested.

      Charlotte Palermino: There is no such thing as nontoxic. As Joyce mentioned, toxicity is relative to the dosage. You can't convince me that a thimble of wine is the same as three liters. Even things like lavender or oxybenzone can disrupt endocrine systems depending on the amount. It’s not about being unsafe; it's about the dosage.

      What’s your top straightforward skincare advice?

      JDL: If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. If your routine is effective and you're not facing issues, why change it? I often get asked, "What’s the best retinol?" but I always ask in return, "What are you aiming for?" Typically, most people aren't certain; they just know everyone else is using a particular product. There's a pervasive FOMO regarding products, but if your skin is balanced—meaning it isn’t inflamed, red, dry, or itchy, and feels moisturized and healthy—it's not worth disrupting it just to try something your friend uses.

      CP: Consistency is key. Being consistent is more crucial than any specific ingredient or product. If you aren’t regular with your skincare, it won’t be effective. Very few products provide results overnight; that's usually the realm of cosmetic surgery. For instance, at 38, I’ve been using retinols for eight years. Recently, I consulted with a plastic surgeon in Seoul about laser treatments, and he remarked, "Why would you want lasers? Your texture is perfect." That was a significant moment for me. Just stick to your routine, be consistent, and protect your skin by minimizing sun exposure and always applying sunscreen.

      Interested in more straightforward recommendations? Continue scrolling to explore de Lemos and Palermino's favorite products.

      Charlotte Palermino's Lineup

      Dieux Skin

      Deliverance 3-in-1 Repair Serum

      "This product allows me to relax my routine. With niacinamide, firming peptides, and calming antioxidants like CBD and water lily, it's a must-have for me."

      Dr. Idr