The Beginning

Founded in 2002 by Doctors Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields, Rodan + Fields initially began as a department store brand {I had no idea!} but a while back they decided to move their products via direct selling {not my favorite} through Consultants. From there, their brand and overall presence in the skincare industry has seemingly exploded. I started really hearing about the brand about 9 months ago and it seems like they’re popping up all over my social media feeds lately. Unlike some of the other direct selling pyramids, I’ve found those selling Rodan + Fields less annoying than most. Such a compliment, I know! 😉 I was approached twice at the beginning of Summer to give R+F a try but passed. My typical skincare routine is incredibly simple and in the Summer it is even more so. The thought of adding or changing things wasn’t interesting to me and I wasn’t intrigued by what they were telling me. Fast forward about 3 months and here it was presented to me again.

It’s all in HOW you sell me!

I’m not easily persuaded into things and I doubt anyone would classify my personality as impulsive. I research, read hundreds of product reviews and like details. I also strongly value people who approach me in a friendly, respective manner; especially when it comes to them wanting me to try something new. I need to see the value provided to me in trying an item(s) rather than having it shoved in my face. In early August the wife of my former Chief of Sales reached out on Facebook to reconnect and tell me about her background with Rodan + Fields. It peaked my interest for one main reason: she’s literally flawless and total #goals. Pauline is a wife, mom of 2 young girls AND a teacher yet looks like she’s about 25 years old. All I could think of was ‘show me your ways!’ After she shared her story, she asked if I would be willing to give some of the products a try and provide an honest review. I agreed and took the customized skin quiz to see what product line would be best for me. I was matched with the REVERSE line {read all about it HERE} and got the 4-step kit ordered. My main goal was to truly commit to the regime so I began using it exclusively on September 1 so I could accurately see results, if any, that I would have. The biggest hope I had was that it could diminish or completely clear up two brown spots that recently appeared on my upper lip that I’m super embarrassed by! Here are my thoughts by each step:

Step 1: Deep Exfoliating Wash

I’ve been using this every morning and every evening and haven’t had any issues. It seems gentle on my skin but has a bit of grit to it so I feel like my face is truly getting clean. I haven’t noticed any excessive drying or striping and I use it with my Clarisonic 3x/week and haven’t run into any issues. I am a big fan of the texture and it has a slightly citrus-y smell to it that I like! Compared to the most recent washes/cleansers I’ve used, I wouldn’t say this has been any better or worse. Definitely could see myself re-purchasing this exfoliating wash and it hasn’t caused any breakouts.

Step 2: Intensive Brightening Toner

Honestly, I absolutely despise the smell. Weird, I know, but smells are a big thing for me. I put this on day & night with a cotton ball and hold my breath. Besides that {I know, TMI probably} I am happy with the toner. It seems to pick up any lingering dirt/makeup and isn’t drying at all. 

Step 3: Dual-Active Brightening Complex

This step I am in LOVE with. It’s a combination of a Vitamin C balm and a retinol that I mix together in the palm of my hand and then apply evenly all over my face. I started using this once every other day, then 1x/day and now I’m up to twice daily. I’ve never used a retinol so I was super nervous but the combo of the two has been awesome. I feel like my face is smooth and even and there’s a coolness that rushes over my face after I put it on. I haven’t seen much in regards to results from this but I feel like this step is where the money is!

Step 4: 50+ Sunscreen

I use this every morning as my final step (still using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream at night as my moisturizer) and I haven’t had any sensitivity to the sun this entire month. I’ve never worn an SPF with such a high number so I’m not entirely sure it’s necessary but I get that your skin can be a lot more sensitive to light due to some of the ingredients so it’s totally better to be safe than sorry. NO MORE SUN DAMAGE FOR ME, please!

Ok y’all…this was LONG WINDED. Sorry. Thanks for bearing with me on a Friday 🙂 With all the mixed reviews about various products out there, I wanted to give you ladies an honest opinion on what I think of the Rodan + Fields Reverse line. I haven’t tried anything else from their brand so I can only speak to my experiences over the last 4ish weeks with Reverse. My three takeaways are this 1) DO YOUR RESEARCH. Don’t let anyone tell you what is best for you and your skin. Make that decision one that you chose on your own after educating yourself properly! 2) DON’T JUDGE A BRAND BASED ON THEIR SELLING METHOD. I’ll be the first to admit, I discount 99.9% of brands/products that use direct selling. Maybe I shouldn’t be so biased but that’s how I usually roll. Because of that I could’ve missed out on trying R + F and that would’ve been too bad. 3) NOT EVERYTHING WORKS FOR EVERYONE OR WORKS LIKE THE PHOTOS. This should be a no-brainer, but for real…just because I like Reverse doesn’t mean you will. Just because I haven’t seen dramatic results in the first month doesn’t mean you might not see a complete difference. And those before/after pictures? Of course brands use the most dramatic ones because they want you to buy their products. Duh! 🙂

I’m honestly not sure if I’m totally sold on the Reverse line, or Rodan + Fields in general, but I am definitely excited to see what my skin looks like after finishing out these products. Pauline mentioned that days 45-60 are when you really start to see your skin ‘glow’ so I’m looking forward to that! Who doesn’t want glowing skin!? With a price tag of $190 for the kit {I assume that’ll last me 4+ months}, it is a bit steeper than my usual skincare routine but if it works, I’d say it’s worth it! I plan to continue the regime and will definitely report back if/when I notice that glow.

One last thing…it’s clear I’m no salesperson/consultant/etc. It’s not in my DNA. HOWEVER, Pauline is the best non-salesy Consultant I’ve come across. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in trying any of the R + F products, I highly encourage you to reach out to her! She’s on FACEBOOK, Instagram or you can shoot me a message and I can give you her contact info as well. HAPPY FRIDAY, lovers! xox

*I was gifted the Reverse set, however as always all opinions are my own*