The setting: Novato, about a month ago. I was breaking out around my mouth. Fearing for my face, while also wanting to try something new, as I often do, I decided to try the Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique skin care line, because I’d heard some good things about it.
I’m not kidding — my skin got better overnight, which sounds an awfully lot like an infomercial when I say it out loud, but dramatic changes like that never happen that quickly with my skin.
Meet my latest skin care love.
Botany babes
The seven-piece Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique skin care line is the Bay Area botanical brainchild of two natural skin care gurus — San Francisco facialist Kristina Holey (she’s been ballyhooed about in all the big mags), and Berkeley chemist/skin care formulator/former high school science teacher Marie Veronique, who also has her own separate skin care line (I’ve got my eye on their Vitamin C+E Ferulic serum), which you can find, along with Kristina Holey products, at the Berkeley Marie Veronique store and online at the Marie Veronique website.
Props to the plants
With products and prices comparable to Tata Harper, Kat Burki and Sunday Riley, Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique is all about fancy foliage, tried-and-true compounds and high-end greens. There’s a face oil cleanser ($40), a toner ($45), three serums ($90-$110 each), a face oil ($95) and a mask ($135).
Marvels of microbiology
Beneficial bacteria is a big deal in skin care these days, and brands like Tula are even putting probiotics into their products. Kristina Holey + Maria Veronique puts a different spin on your microbiome by concentrating on keeping it balanced, with the idea being that your mug’s microbiome is unbalanced if you’re experiencing dryness or breakouts or inflammation. Their products are formulated to bring your bacteria back in balance for clearer, hydrated, even-toned skin.
Familiar faces headline the list of ingredients
All of their products are manufactured in small batches in Berkeley, and they’re good for six months once they’ve been opened. They contain familiar compounds to exfoliate and maintain moisture levels. Some of the ingredients include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, vitamin B3 and B6, and that’s just for starters (there’s a complete list of the ingredients below).
I was happy to see these ingredients front and center, because I know that a lot of people, including me and my combo dry, acne-prone skin, respond well to them.
Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique products also avoid potentially irritating ingredients, like essential oils and synthetic fragrances.
It took me a while to get used to the scents
Not to say that the products are unscented. Some of them are, or at least they have such a natural, nondescript scent that it makes very little impression, but a couple of them smell “earthy.” The Barrier Lipid Complex, for example, smells like a bottle of fish oil, and for the first week I felt like I was slathering cat food on my face.
I mostly don’t notice it now (mostly)…
Clearer, more moisturized skin and less noticeable pigmentation
I’ve been using everything from the line for four weeks, but I saw positive results immediately, especially on the painful red pimple that was on my top lip.
It usually takes about a week for pimples to come to a head and start drying out on my face, but I dabbed the Intensive Repair Serum, which is the treatment for breakout-prone skin, on the pimple on the first night, and it came to a head by the next morning. It was completely dried out within two days, and by two weeks I could barely see any post-acne pigment (to put it in perspective, it usually takes about three to six months for those post-acne dark spots to disappear on me).
Also, most of the time when I use exfoliators this powerful, my skin gets scaly and tight and dry, but that hasn’t happened while using these products. My skin still feels hydrated.
After a month, my breakouts have stopped/gone on hiatus, my skin looks more evenly toned, and my pores even seem a little smaller.
My fine lines don’t look much different, but overall I think my skin looks plump and dewy and clear.
Where to start
If you’re going to start with anything, I’d say give the Intensive Repair Serum a try, especially if you have any issues with acne or pigmentation, and I also think the Soothing B3 Serum ($90 each) is great. It contains 10% niacinamide and helps with hydration and tone.
I love everything in the line, but those two are the standouts.
30-day guarantee
If you’re hesitant to splurge on a $90 serum, all of the products come with a 30-day guarantee, so if you’re unhappy for any reason, you can return them and get your money back (you do have to pay the return shipping, though).
Recommended!
I’m a fan. Of course, I wish the products were less pricey, but this line changed my skin for the better, and I saw results immediately. Plus — hi, Bay Area!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
INGREDIENT LIST
- Pure + E.O. Free Oil Cleanser: Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, decyl polyglucoside (polyglucose), sucrose cocoate, mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) from non-GMO sources, elderberry phytocyde (Sambucus nigra) fruit extract, xanthan gum, pre/probiotic complex, Beta glucan, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) oleoresin, superoxide dismutase (SOD)
- Balancing HypoTonic: Green tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf) Extract, Beta glucan, d-panthenol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, elderberry phytocide (Sambucus Nigra) Fruit Extract, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) extract, Pre/probiotic complex, Selenium, Curcumin CO2 (Curcuma Longa), apple cider vinegar (Acetic Acid), sodium hyaluronate, Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Fruit Extract
- Barrier Restore Serum: Camellia sinensis (Green tea) extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) seed oil, ceramide 3, milk lipids, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, L-arginine, n-acetyl glucosamine, colloidal trace minerals, L-aspartic acid, Glucono Delta Lactone, urea, hydrolyzed collagen protein, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root extract, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (ECGC), polygonum aviculare extract (knotgrass flavonoids), lactic acid, magnesium chloride, non-GMO soy lecithin phospholipids, phosphatidyl serine, leuconostoc/radish root filtrate ferment, lactobacilli ferment, zinc oxide, decyl glucoside, superoxide dismutase (SOD), resveratrol,xanthan gum
- Soothing B3 Serum: Camellia sinensis (Green tea) extract, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide (vitamin B3), D-panthenol (pro-Vitamin B5), sodium salicylate, n-acetyl glucosamine, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (ECGC), gluco-nolactone, polygonum aviculare extract (knotweed bioflavonoids), daucus carota sativa (carrot) root extract, Beta-glucan, galacto-oligiosaccharide, bacillus ferment, leuconostoc/ radish root filtrate ferment, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
- Intensive Repair Serum: Camellia sinensis (Green tea) extract, sodium hyaluronate, D-panthenol (pro-Vitamin B5), niacinamide (vitamin B3), lactic acid, salicylic acid, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Epigallocate-chin-3-gallate (ECGC), gluconolactone, polygonum aviculare extract (knotweed bioflavonoids), daucus carota sativa (carrot) root extract, Beta-glucan, galacto-oligiosaccharide, leuconostoc/radish root filtrate ferment, bacillus ferment, acetic acid (apple cider vinegar), marrubium vulgare (White Horehound) extract
- Barrier Lipid Complex: Cholesterol, lacto-Ceramides, phytosphingosine, elderberry phytocide (Sambucus Nigra) Fruit Extract, Cranberry Seed (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) oil, Black Raspberry seed (Rubus Occidentalis) oil, Chia seed (Salvia Hispanica) oil, prickly pear seed (Opuntia Ficus Indica) oil, evening primrose (Oenothera Biennis) oil, squalene, mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) from non-GMO sources, blackberry seed (Rubus Fruticosus) oil, non-GMO lecithin, phosphatidyl serine, sodium hyaluronate, Omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (from microalgae)
- Micronutrient + Hydro Mask: Camelia sinensis (green tea) extract, Sea kelp bioferment (Lactobacillus/Kelp Ferment Filtrate), sea kelp (Glycerin, Laminaria Digitata) extract, cetearyl alcohol/cetearyl glucoside, beta glucan, lacto-ceramides, sodium PCA, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, sorbitan laurate, squalene, marine collagen, cholesterol, urea, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, probiotic complex, galacto-oligiosaccharides, l-carnosine, n-acetyl glucosamine, bacopa, green tea extract (Epigallocatechin gallate-3), lycopene, resveratrol, Curcumin CO2 (Curcuma Longa), dried yeast (niacin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamin hydrochloride, riboflavin, folic acid, cobalamin)
Gen says
What does the oil cleanser smell like?
Karen says
Hi Gen,
It smells a little like olive oil. Not as fishy!
Ewa says
I’m thrilled to see you feature this brand! I’ve been using the B3 serum for about a year, and it has completely changed my sensitive and rosacea prone skin. I’ve tried so many products and this was almost miraculous(I know it sounds crazy, but I’m serious). I also use the probiotic mist, the gentle night retinol serum, and just got the barrier serum for the colder, drier months. The prices are high, but I find that for the kind of efficacy and quality I am totally willing to pay. Just for reference, one bottle of the B3 serum lasts me about 2-3 months, with twice a day use. It also layers well with other products. So, so good!
Karen says
Hi Ewa,
No seriously! The B3 is miraculous. I’m definitely adding it into my permanent rotation. I want to try the Vitamin C+E Ferulic next.
How did you stumble onto the line?
Ewa says
There was a little piece about Kristina Holey in SF Chronicle, her approach sounded interesting but I’m not much of a facial person. Her collaboration with Marie Veronique was mentioned, so I looked at her products and decided to try the B3 serum and went from there. I’ve always had really finicky skin, and started having more aggressive rosacea symptoms in my early 30s which made finding skincare products that much harder. I cannot say enough abou this line!
Karen says
I think I read that article in my research for the post. It might’ve been the one where they described her massage technique for the mouth? Hmm… Anyway, I’m really pleased to hear that it works so well for you, too. How are you liking the night retinol serum? I’m thinking of grabbing that along with the C+E.
Ewa says
I really like it, it’s very mild and non-irritating but makes my skin smooth and supple. I often layer Sunday Riley’s Luna Oil over it and wake up with a lovely glow.
Karen says
Gah… I might have to put that in my cart, too. One of these days I’m going to make it out to the store in Berkeley.
Have you tried the famous Sunday Riley Good Genes? I love it (still do) but haven’t used it in a while, mostly ’cause I’m curious about what else is out there.
Ewa says
I used Good Genes for about a week but broke out in bumps from it, so that was that. I’ve used Luna for about two years and really like it, one bottle usually lasts me about a year. I think the combination of retinol and high EFA chia oil work really well for my skin. I’ve never been to the MV store either, mostly because I’m afraid I would want everything.
Karen says
Luna is good. I had a small bottle once and used every last drop. CEO is good too if you haven’t tried it yet! Very moisturizing.
Kim says
I’m so glad you found products that are giving you great results! It’s such a challenge. The 30 day guarantee is a good idea, especially with those prices. I had a Tata Harper cleanser that I really liked (with red clay) but, after going through the full sized bottle, I didn’t think the results were worth the price. I feel like my skin gets used to products sometimes. Maybe it’s just me. 🙂
Karen says
Oh, which Tata Harper cleanser did you try? I have the oil one and use it in the shower after workouts sometimes.
Sissi says
I’ve never heard about this brand, but you sure make me curious- though I’m pretty set and happy with my currant (1000 step, I’m kidding, no I’m not) skin care routine! Lol. ?
Karen says
Hi Sissi,
It’s pretty new and a smaller indie line out of the Bay Area, which is why it’s under the radar. Hope you give it a look or a try sometime, it’s very good.
LindaLibraLoca says
The Intense Treatment sounds like something I´d like. My zits take forever to come to head as well, and the hyper pigmentation lasts forever.
Karen says
Yes, it’s great!
Pav says
Hey Karen! Your post came at the right time, I’ve been looking for some natural skincare to help with my dull skin. I wrote to them after reading your post, and they recommended I stop by their Berkeley store. Will keep you posted! 🙂
Thank you so much!
Karen says
Hi Pav,
Oh sweet! You’ll have to tell me about the store. I was thinking about going there during my next trip to the East Bay.
How are things on your end?
Katie says
Karen, I’m excited to see you covering a local line I’ve been infinitely curious about in the last year (but haven’t mustered the courage to purchase just yet)! The essential-oil-free ingredient lists are the most appealing aspect for me.
Ayla, a beauty store in the city, also recently collaborated with Marie to create this “Dara’s Oil” blend I’m also curious about. Have you heard about this one? It’s gotten good feedback, too. https://aylabeauty.com/brands/ayla/marie-veronique-for-ayla-dara-s-oil.html
Karen says
Hi Katie,
Ooh, yeah! I remember hearing about that oil but have yet to try it.
What other skin care lines are you currently into at the moment?
Erin says
I’ll have to look into her stuff! I like the idea of some of the products. I was thinking about getting liquid gold but I wasn’t sure I wanted to deal with silicones.