Physicians Formula's Top-Rated Skincare Products

"For me, taking care of your skin is the most important step. You can cover it with all the makeup you have, and it's still not as nice as beautiful skin." - Astrid Berges-Frisbey

I've never tried skincare products from Physician's Formula before, so when I read a Refinery29 article on some of the top skincare products of 2018, I was happily surprised to see this brand lauded. I purchased the Charcoal Detox stick and was suckered in by the RefreshMint's ingredient list because I'm on a constant pilgrimage to find the ultimate instant depuffer for my genetically rotund, allergy-friendly eye bags.

Charcoal Detox Cleansing Stick is one interestingly textured product. At $10, it claims to "draw out dirt, oil, and impurities delivering a deep clean while leaving skin silky-smooth, ultra-soft, and visibly clear" through a cocktail of bamboo charcoal, natural minerals, and artichoke leaf. It's a solid stubby stick, but after making contact with water it begins to gently foam up and become a bit slippery. Though the solid-to-foam aspect is intriguing, I can't speak to the effectiveness of the product as I didn't feel that it drew out impurities. It certainly left my skin feeling stripped of moisture which I personally don't like (I have dry skin), but I can imagine for some very oily-skinned people, this may be a God-send.

Sadly, the RefreshMint Cucumber & Bamboo Eye Depuffer doesn't quite live up to its name. Also $10, it is concocted of peppermint, bamboo, cucumber, aloe vera, and glacial water that should awaken the senses yet calm the face, removing puffiness from the eye area and other swollen parts of the face. It is a twist-up chunky green stick that releases a semi-cooling balm (similar to the feeling of Chaptstick though not as oily) when massaged over the face. I didn't notice any lasting effects though, and nothing felt invigorated or tighter, no redness removed or areas depuffed. I think it's the type of product that sounds better than it performs, the kind that's a bit too good to be true for the price.

Can anyone else speak to the validity of Physicians' Formula skincare line? I haven't had the best luck with it, though I know portions of the makeup line are bona fide game changers. Let me know what to try next...