Where to start with COSMEDIX

The short answer

Start with the step you are missing. Want something for the eye area? Look at Eye Doctor or Opti Crystal. Want a daily sunscreen? That is Hydrate+. Want something for dry patches, or a mask? Rescue and Pure Enzymes. There is no single right first product, and the sections below will help you decide.

The six, in the order the studio sells them

Eye Doctor

$144

A thick, buttery balm serum for the eye area, made with retinol and liquid crystals. Use it at night only: a pin-sized drop on your ring finger, patted around the eye area. COSMEDIX says to begin with two or three nights a week and add more once your skin is used to it.

Opti Crystal

$105

A lightweight, silky oil serum for the eye area, made with liquid crystal technology. Use a pin-sized drop on your ring finger, morning and evening. COSMEDIX says it can layer under makeup.

Rescue

$68

A cherry bark-scented balm made with shea butter. After cleansing and toning, work in a dime-sized amount or less, paying attention to dry areas. At night it can also sit for a few minutes as a mask on the face or lips, or stay on overnight.

Hydrate+ SPF 17

$55

A broad spectrum SPF 17 moisturizing sunscreen with zinc oxide. It goes on liberally as your last morning step, 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours. If you are swimming or sweating, COSMEDIX says to choose a water-resistant sunscreen.

Mystic

$55

A lightweight, oil-free spray mist made with witch hazel and aloe vera. Spray it over skin you have just cleansed and toned, morning and evening.

Pure Enzymes

$58

A creamy exfoliating mask made with cranberry enzymes and L-lactic acid, for night use only. One or two times a week, put a small amount on clean skin, away from the area right around the eyes, leave it for 3 to 10 minutes and rinse. COSMEDIX says to skip it on nights you use retinol.

Eye Doctor or Opti Crystal?

The difference you will notice first is when you use them. Eye Doctor is a thick balm for night only, and it is made with retinol, so you build up to it over a few nights a week. Opti Crystal is a lighter serum you can use morning and evening, and it can sit under makeup.

We are not going to tell you that one suits a particular skin type. That is a better question for Bouchra. If you would like both, the eye pair adds them to your bag together. Ask her how to space them.

Where each one goes in a routine

• Morning: cleanse, tone, Mystic, Opti Crystal, your moisturizer or Rescue, then Hydrate+ last.
• Evening: cleanse, tone, Mystic, Eye Doctor or Opti Crystal, then your moisturizer or Rescue.
• One or two nights a week: Pure Enzymes on clean skin, on a night without retinol. Rinse it off, then follow with serum and moisturizer.

Eye Doctor is made with retinol, so we would keep it and Pure Enzymes to different nights.

Check first if any of these apply

• You are pregnant or nursing: check with your doctor before using Eye Doctor.
• You are having laser treatment, electrolysis or brow waxing near the eyes: COSMEDIX says to pause Eye Doctor for 5 to 7 days on either side.
• You use a prescription skin treatment or have a skin condition: ask your doctor or dermatologist first.

Ordering

You can order all of these from RRYL at their regular prices. We order yours from COSMEDIX and send it on from our Fifth Avenue studio, and most orders arrive in 7 to 13 business days. Shipping is $10, or free from $100.

Directions in this guide come from COSMEDIX’s product information. Your own skin may need different advice.