Estheticians today have countless options when it comes to curating their backbar. With so many skincare lines available, from small indie labels to big luxury brands, selecting the right products for your practice can be tricky. As a professional esthetician myself, I get a lot of questions about what I personally use for my clients here at the Complexions Skincare Studio . (Hint: I’m very intentional about the products I select!)
Having worked with the industry’s leading brands as a beauty expert, I’ve tested many of the products out there. Along the way, I’ve developed and refined my understanding of what makes a product great — and I’m so excited to share which brands I truly believe in, from the ethos of the brand to the scientific formulations! Here are six brands I trust in my professional backbar.
Lucrèce
When I find a product, brand, or business I love, it often becomes a backbar must-have. In fact, if you’ve watched my Complexions by Jadé series, you may have noticed how often I reach for Lucrèce! This brand has been an essential in my treatments for the past ten years. Created for and by professionals, Lucrèce strikes the right balance between science and nature — a quality that’s hard to come by. I especially love that Lucrèce incorporates botanical stem cells and peptides into many of their products, a pairing that promotes graceful aging of the skin.
Because it was so hard to choose just one favorite, I’m sharing three. As the name suggests, Clear Zinc Solar SPF 30 + Tinted is a physical sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection and light coverage. It also includes aloe vera extract and sodium hyaluronate (a hyaluronic acid derivative) for added hydration and calming properties. I use this product on every single client as my last step.
My next recommendations are my favorite cleanser and cream from the line. The Vitamin C Cream includes botanical stem cells and peptides, which, as I mentioned earlier, is a powerful combination. Lastly, the Vitamin C Cleanser is a great all-around cleanser that acts as a foundational step for the rest of a treatment, helping to brighten and refresh the complexion.
MY TOP FAVES:
Clear Zinc Solar SPF 30 + Tinted
Vitamin C Cream with Stem Cells
Vitamin C Cleanser
Exclusive Jadé Complexions x Lucrèce Offer:
Please register for a free account here to access the promo codes below for exclusive discounts at checkout.
Once you have registered, you will have access to my promotions HERE on all Lucrèce products. Please see below for offer details:
USE DISCOUNT CODE: CMPLXNS for 10% off and receive a FREE gift with purchase:
10% off everything except the Tinted SPF, but every purchase will get a large 1/4oz sample of the Tinted SPF.
$150+ FREE Flawless Hydration Serum ($32.50 value).
$500+ FREE Flawless Hydration Serum + Stem Cell Mask ($100 value).
iS Clinical
Like Lucrèce, iS Clinical leans into its professional background and harnesses the power of science and nature. As someone who pays close attention to formulation and efficacy, I appreciate that iS Clinical uses high-quality botanical ingredients. Even better, iS Clinical is committed to ethical production and sustainability, which reflects my approach of eco-conscious skincare.
I frequently reach for the Active Serum at home and in my studio. If you’re looking for a serum that smooths texture, hydrates, and evens out the complexion, I can’t recommend this product enough! It contains plant-derived exfoliants (both AHA and BHA), as well as mushroom extract for its antimicrobial properties. It’s one of my favorite ways to end a lymphatic facial massage, whether on myself or my clients.
MY TOP FAVE:
Active Serum
May Lindstrom Skin
May Lindstrom Skin has a special place in my heart. When I met May personally, I learned she’s been crafting her elixirs from a young age. Her small-batch, hands-on approach deeply resonates with my own philosophy for creating custom blends.
What’s more, her formulas are exceptional. Her brand checks every one of my boxes: organic, sustainable, and results-oriented just to name a few.
The Blue Cocoon is a cult favorite for good reason! This facial balm melts into the skin and can soothe rosacea, eczema, acne, and other types of inflammation. My personal favorite is The Honey Mud, which blends honey, clay, oil, and salicylic acid for a unique exfoliation experience. The texture of this formula is one-of-a-kind — almost pudding-like — making it gentle enough for even my clients with sensitive skin.
MY TOP FAVE:
The Honey Mud
Monastery
Over the course of my career, I’ve come to believe that esthetics isn’t just about making the skin look good, but working with and honoring it. That’s why I’m drawn to Monastery’s nourishing, plant-derived skincare collection. Monastery formulates their products in a way that supports the skin’s innate ability to care for itself. In other words, by using only natural, high-quality ingredients, Monastery helps us get out of our skin’s way.
I also love that Monastery was founded by fellow esthetician, Athena Hewett. It’s very important to me to support other women founders who are paving the way within the industry. Don’t get me wrong — Monastery’s products are top-tier on their own; the fact that the brand is esthetician-founded is simply the cherry on top.
My personal favorite (and a staple during my signature facial massage) is Attar, a floral repair concentrate. This thick, decadent balm hydrates even the most parched skin. Attar includes vitamins A, B, C, and E, a combination that delivers hydration, antibacterial properties, and protection from environmental stressors.
MY TOP FAVE:
Attar
ISUN
Because the core philosophy of my work centers on efficacy, sustainability, and premium quality, I’m selective about what I use on my clients. This is something ISUN understands fully.
Not only does ISUN use the botanical ingredients I love; they also maintain the integrity of those ingredients through cold-pressed extraction. This ensures the final product retains all the goodness of the plant itself.
My go-to is Emerald Sun, a hydrosol serum made from hyaluronic acid and peony root for exceptional hydration, which leaves the skin feeling bouncy and supple, even my clients with mature skin. I appreciate that ISUN complements my belief in celebrating the skin at every age and stage.
MY TOP FAVE:
Emerald Sun
Osmosis
I’ve spent 14 years exploring many sides of the beauty industry, and one of the most valuable takeaways is the understanding that skincare is a way to connect with what the body needs at the present moment. Skin is a window into our inner world. That’s why I love Osmosis; they also advocate for this holistic approach.
Osmosis is a doctor-developed brand that uses naturally sourced, patented ingredients. As a professional who always wants to explore the science behind a product, I appreciate Osmosis’s attention to research and the skin-body connection. My favorite product is the Niacinamide Powder Active, an ingredient that boosts circulation, collagen production, and moisture. It’s wonderful to use on all skin types, especially those with acne, rosacea, or maturing skin.
MY TOP FAVE:
Niacinamide Powder Active
As you select brands and products to use professionally, think of your backbar as an extension of yourself. What are your values? What are your clients’ values?
After trying thousands of products throughout my career, I’ve developed a distinct appreciation for efficacious, sustainable, and clean ingredients. I gravitate towards brands that go beyond the superficial and understand skincare as a tool for holistic wellness. What is your skincare philosophy? I invite you to take a fresh look at your backbar through the lens of your own values and preferences.
It’s my mission to give spa professionals the tools they need to offer true holistic-clinical treatments — and that often starts with the right products. Estheticians and clients shouldn’t have to choose between relaxation and results, and soon, I’ll be announcing an exciting new project dedicated to this! Stay tuned.