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POWERED BY WISDOM
One of the benefits of aging is knowing what you need and when to ask for help. As a longtime beauty writer, being able to cut through the clutter is necessary given that the $171 billion skincare market launches products daily. Until now I have largely steered clear of celebrity brands because wisdom and personal experience have deemed 99% of them unworthy. Ineffective. Overpriced. Immoderate regimens.
Molly Sims, who has just turned 50, gets it. After struggling for years with hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and sun damage, she knew she needed help – and dreamed of developing a line that would solve the skin issues that made her less confident (I know, an unlikely trait in a stunning supermodel). But it’s her wisdom that led her to turn to two innovating experts — Charlene Valledor and Dustin Cash who, together, have launched several successful beauty brands. Together, they spent three years formulating YSE Beauty (aptly pronounced “wise”) Beauty. For those of us who have spent years (or decades) using concealer to hide the damage done during our sun-obsessed youth or the effects of changing hormones and pregnancy, YSE Beauty’s steadfast devotion to evening skin tone and restoring our radiant glow with gentle products has been eagerly anticipated.
I am here to affirm that this is not your standard “celeb” line. YSE Beauty delivers real results. Read my in-depth review below of the full YSE lineup.
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BEAUTY STARTS WITH SKIN
Despite incredible advances in makeup, having to cover up bad skin does not lead to confidence; coverage is also increasingly difficult with age, as makeup often highlights wrinkles, dry skin and other imperfections.
Instead, healthy skin has become the foundational goal, and the market reflects its importance in our lives with skincare representing a whopping 42% of the beauty category vs. makeup at just 18%. More importantly, healthy, radiant skin is not about fighting gravity. YSE Beauty, like my own personal mantra, does not believe in “anti-aging” – but instead focuses on bringing out your most beautiful, radiant skin thanks to clean and effective ingredients that don’t irritate skin, leave you red or require significant downtime. (But it’s obviously a bonus that brightened and well-hydrated skin looks more youthful, regardless of age.)
THE MORE YOU KNOW
Just as aging brings about wisdom, education is at the heart of YSE Beauty. In addition to a forthright approachability and the company’s blog, The YSE Edit, that serves up real, practical skincare advice, the brand’s affordable product (prices range from $45-$88), has zero pretense — there is no convoluted ingredient story or hard to follow regimen to complicate the line (and your life). It’s this ease that lends to usage consistency, which in turn leads to results. I have used the brand day and night and seen marked improvement in stubborn hyperpigmentation and an overall evening and brightened skin tone that makes my eyes pop and leaves my concealer stick untouched.
Knowing that beauty brands often overpromise and under-deliver, the YSE Beauty team conducted clinical trials — for a range of skin types and ages — to ensure efficacy. Results, rather than Molly’s name, are the brand’s raison d'etre.
The term “clean” continues to be confusing given the lack of universal definition and FDA regulation, so I appreciated YSE Beauty’s transparency (you can click on any ingredient and get a full run-down of what it does) and conscientious approach (all products are Leaping Bunny Certified). Best of all: the products are efficacious. YSE Beauty lives up to its wisdom moniker with beautiful skin results; I revere radiant even skin rather than performative pastry promises.
TRIED — AND TRUE
With YSE Beauty you get the essentials rather than an elaborate routine. As Founder Molly Sims told TQE, “It’s a 6-step system that works. More does not mean better. Having the right ingredients/actives and the balance of exfoliating while not messing up your skin barrier is everything. No one needs to suffer with dark spots, hyperpigmentation…and just overall dullness.”
While the portfolio includes six products, YSE Beauty encourages you to take the Skin Quiz to find your ideal routine. I spent time using the full line (below in detail), but the beauty of YSE is finding exactly what products your skin seeks.
After massaging into dry skin (always start with a dry face), add a little water to emulsify. With Meadowfoam and Cloudberry Seed Oils, as well as Almond Seed and Rice Bran Extracts, skin feels both clean and hydrated. Aside from beautiful packaging, the pump twists to close for no-spill travel. Wise indeed.
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Combines three forms of stabilized Vitamin C with hyperpigmentation and hydration heavy hitters (Niacinamide, Squalane, Hyaluronic and Azelaic Acid) for robust benefits without any aftermath. Gone are the days of gritty formulas that sting.
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The piece de resistance for me, as this gentle spot treatment has been targeting some (decade long) lingering hyperpigmentation. YSE has incorporated safer alternatives to hydroquinone including Tranexamic Acid (proven to reduce dark spots and UV-induced discoloration) and Licorice Root (to lighten and brighten skin), as well as Niacinamide to decrease hyperpigmentation while boosting hydration, and Pomegranate Seed Oil to smooth and soften skin. I use morning and night without fail.
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A gentler exfoliant pairing Glycolic Acid with PHAs (polyhydroxy acids that both exfoliate while maintaining hydration) and Ectoin (promotes skin barrier repair and maintains hydration). I use 3x/weekly, most often on clean skin post-workout as the soaked double-sided pad is refreshing and brightens skin. Caution: never use before retinol-based products.
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Another heavy-hitter without the damaging side effects. Featuring Encapsulated Retinol, Niacinamide and Omega Fatty Acids to even skin tone while improving texture and boosting hydration, there is zero sting, dryness or redness typical of other products. While retinols are notoriously harsh, I was able to use YSE 4-5x/weekly from the onset.
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While incredibly hydrating, this product moniker is deceiving; the moisturizer is uber weightless and soft to the touch. Packed with Microalgae to rebalance the skin's microbiome, Squalane to soothe and hydrate, and Licorice Root Extract (reappearing again to target dark spots), it’s the perfect last step toward visibly brighter skin.
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BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD
While a six-piece system is befitting for an effective skincare line, I anticipate additional products being added that prevent hyperpigmentation from worsening — as well as forming new pigmentation, melasma or dark spots.
Co-founder Dustin Cash, told TQE: "When mapping out what's next for YSE Beauty we remain true to the mission of providing an exceptional and efficacious skincare system. The core function of the existing line, and any products set to follow, is to tone and brighten the skin. Knowing that there are a myriad of factors that come into play to achieve "a healthy glow," we dig deep and complete extensive research to pinpoint what ingredients and formulas are going to move the needle most.”
As YSE Beauty lives up to its hyperpigmentation promises with a gentle approach that leaves skin brighter, the brand has taken up permanent residence on my bathroom shelf. And my skepticism – much like my hyperpigmentation and dull skin — has diminished.
Brighten up your skin - and your confidence - with YSE Beauty
