Two under-the-radar products that over-deliver

It’s easy to get caught up in the name game when it comes to beauty. The big brands have deep pockets, so it’s pretty hard not to know about a new product—or get swayed by advertising, media placements and the overall buzz. But in my experience bigger (brands) aren’t always better, and indie products can exceed your expectations. Case in point: Two products from Peter Lamas, which I regret waiting so long to try.

I’m all about kicking dead skin cells to the curb, and the Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial Scrub is a winner. Combining pumpkin enzymes that melt away that layer of dulling cells, apple and almond acids that loosen the bonds that hold dead cells on the skin’s surface, and apricot grains that sweep this buildup away, this scrub is a triple-threat against lackluster skin. And the smell… Insane. Better yet, it’s appropriate for all skin types, and it leaves skin hydrated and looking unbelievably radiant.

I also received the Nourishing Buriti Oil Moisturizer, and I’m loving this lightweight hydrator in the morning. Just to be clear, this lotion delivers all of the antioxidants and vitamins found in Buruti oil, minus the shine associated with an actual skincare oil. It’s packed with vitamin A, resveratrol (an extremely effective antioxidant that hasn’t gone mainstream just yet), vitamin E and macadamia seed oil that packs a powerful omega fatty acid punch. Another winner. 

These are just a few of the incredible products out there that you might not see in magazines or on TV—which doesn’t mean their as good (or even better) than the names you know. So tell me… What are your favorite indie products?