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It’s safe to say that we all feel a pang of wondrous envy when we think of Jennifer Aniston. The seductive star turns 53 this February, yet the actress appears as ageless as she is alluring. Yet when I set off to scrutinize Jen’s seemingly flawless, youth-preserving routine, I couldn’t help but sigh with skepticism. As the so-called Chief Creative Officer for Vital Proteins, a brand of collagen peptides and protein powders, Jen boasts that her secret is to drink collagen with her morning coffee.
Jennifer Aniston’s wellness routine starts with collagen. Elevate yours with Jen’s favorite Vital Proteins® products. #ItsWithinUs
— Vital Proteins (@vitalproteins) March 10, 2021
Don’t get me wrong — I don’t dispute the science of collagen, the structural protein that protects your skin’s elasticity from the woes of wrinkles. When I was a kid in grade school, I remember that all the moms lathered up their faces with retinol cream as if it was an everyday facial soap, and they touted its collagen-pumping properties. But drinking collagen to stimulate skin elasticity and reverse wrinkles? The science on that is shady, as we uncovered last summer in our expose of collagen supplements. (Trust us, we were curious, too.)
Unfortunately, because edible supplements are so novel and exciting, they still dominate the market on collagen. After all, isn’t it easier to sprinkle some powder into your smoothie than it is to lather up your face? But when I’m shopping for a product as pricey as collagen, I want to make sure it’s based on science, not just backed by the most boisterous celebrity endorser.
That’s why I was so elated to find Pacifica, a brand of beauty products that still specializes in old-school solutions: cleansers, lotions, serums, even sunscreens you apply to your skin. Know what’s even better about Pacifica? The brand is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, meaning the company doesn’t use animal-derived ingredients or test its products on animals. So if you’re an animal lover like me, not only can you be confident the products aren’t bunk, but you can also preserve your conscience while you’re preserving your youth.
Convinced yet? Let’s jump into the collection! Here are our favorite vegan collagen skincare & makeup products from Pacifica:
Vegan Collagen Recover Eye Cream
Banish your bags with this nourishing eye cream that’s like a skincare time machine. Packed with vegan collagen that is easily absorbed by your skin, the cream also contains hyaluronic acid, flower extracts, and caffeine to moisturize and energize.
Real Review: “Creamy, lightweight, absorbs gently — sensitive skin pals rejoice with this treasure!!!”
Vegan Collagen Complex Serum
If your mission is the magic of moisture, you’re all set with this supportive serum. The concentrated combination includes vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, japonica seed oil, and flower extracts so that your skin can hold onto its healthy hydration.
Real Review: “I am halfway through my bottle and I am obsessed! It makes my skin feel so smooth and hydrated without feeling oily at all.”
Vegan Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream
Rest easy with this rich recovery cream and you’ll look radiant by daybreak! The formula contains vegan collagen, antioxidants, flower extracts, and vitamins C and E so your skin can hydrate all night long.
Real Review: “I have moderate to severe acne and very reactive skin due to medications I am on, and the vegan collagen recovery cream SAVED me. It is so soothing after all the drying ingredients I have to use to maintain my skin, and I wake up with supple and dewy skin. GET THIS NOW.
Vegan Cream Creamy Gel Cleanser
A gentle lather with this cream cleanser will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. The sulfate-free gel contains vegan collagen and flower milk to remove residue and re-balance your skin.
Real Review: “I’ve tried several cleansers from Pacifica, but this one is my favorite so far! Very lightly scented, creamy, and moisturizing! I love how refreshed my skin feels after!”
Vegan Collagen SPF30 Every Day Lotion
We all need a strong SPF to shield us from sun-related aging. This daily lotion is lightweight, moisturizing, and protective with a combination of vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and flower extracts.
Real Review: “This is a great clean lotion. It’s moisturizing, but not greasy. I love it and will keep repurchasing.”
Vegan Collagen Hydrating Milk Tonic
This gentle tonic delivers a dewy appearance for extra-moisturized and milky skin. The formula is alcohol-free and contains vegan collagen, orange flower, and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Real Review: “Along with the cleanser, I use the hydrating milk in the shower. I have very dry skin and nothing has worked. This combo does. No more constant itching.”
Vegan Collagen Hydro-Treatment Undereye & Smile Lines
Ditch the dryness and brighten your eyes with these biodegradable eye patches. The bio-cellulose formula contains vegan collagen and hyaluronic acid so that you can smile wider without the smile lines.
Real Review: “This serum has improved not only my under-eye area but also my whole face! I used the leftover liquid on my forehead and cheeks, and I can’t wait to try more vegan collagen products.”
Vegan Collagen Lip Plumping Gloss
Pump up the volume…of your lips! This plumping gloss is infused with vegan collagen, peptides, coconut, fatty acids, vitamin E, and shea butter for a soft shine and smile.
Real Review: “Vegan collagen in skincare and makeup is amazing. I love this lip gloss and was super happy with this purchase. I highly recommend it if you are a fan and use vegan collagen daily like I do, as it works wonders for me.”
Vegan Collagen Fluffy Lash Mascara
This magical mascara will make your lashes look longer and lusher. The glossy, true-black formula contains vegan collagen and plant-based fibers, which you can roll on thick and feathery with the Fluff-It Up Brush.
Real Review: “Doesn’t clump and leaves my lashes feeling nice and fluffy! Best mascara ever! Has helped my eyelashes grow back as well!”
Vegan Collagen Lash Serum & Primer
If you want to amplify the effects of your fluffy mascara, this primer is your powerhouse. The formula contains vegan collagen, kaolin, and plant wax to set your lash volume to max.
Real Review: “Great primer, works as advertised. My lashes look great and it lasts all day. Let it set before applying mascara.”
What are your favorite cruelty-free skincare products? Share your recommendations in the comments!
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