Countercontrol Routine
Don’t let your pores run the show. Countercontrol is designed to treat oily and blemish-prone skin—without irritation. Powered by our signature SkinBalance Complex with wintergreen and rosebay willow, this collection mattifies the complexion, clears breakouts, and balances skin. Products are concentrated. Use as directed, and they will last approximately 6 months. As always, please reach out to me with any questions!
Here’s the thing: Even just changing a few products at a time can give you the results you desire. Therefore, I’ve written up several versions of the Countercontrol Routine.
Countercontrol Collection PLUS Add Ons: This is the full Countercontrol Collection plus Add Ons that are beneficial to your skin and help you achieve the very best results!
Countercontrol Collection Only: This is a list of all of the Collection pieces and how they work together to bring your skin back from oily and blemish-prone to clear and balanced.
Countercontrol “Get Started” guide. This includes 3 of the essential collection pieces and is perfect for the person who wants to try out Beautycounter and build a routine but is not ready for the full product line. This includes Men (who may not be interested in toners and creams, and teens who may rush through the process but need to calm redness and oil.
Countercontrol + Add Ons
Before you start: Label and layout your products on your sink or in a caddy you can see. A tiny bit of set up goes a long way! I label my steps with a permanent marker for a fast, easy grab.
Tip: To make this part of your routine, always cleanse face before getting dressed or brushing your teeth.
Before Step 1 (a)
Beautycounter Instant Eye Makeup Remover
Just a quick shake activates this innovative dual-phase formula to completely erase long-wear and waterproof makeup. Made without mineral oil or silicones, it uses the power of coconut and macadamia oils to break down pigments and cornflower extract to soothe delicate skin. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
How to use: Shake well. Press and hold a saturated reusable bamboo pad over eyes for several seconds before gently sweeping away makeup. Be careful not to pull on the area on or around your eyes. Swipe over your face and lips to remove the rest of your makeup.
Before Step 1 (b)
Double Cleanse
I learned about the double cleanse from reading experts in the industry. A double cleanse is when you cleanse first with an oil-based cleanser (like Lotus Cleansing Balm or Countertime Lipid Defense Cleanser) and follow up with a water-based cleanser (like Countermatch Refreshing Foaming Cleanser or the Counter+ Charcoal Cleansing bar.
Why wash twice? Our oil-based cleansers are designed to remove oil-based impurities from your skin. This includes makeup, sunscreen, and the oils that your face produces naturally. Water-based cleansers will NOT remove oil-based residues from your face. (Think of how oil and water do not mix). By cleansing your face of all of these first, your water-based cleanser can do it’s job, removing additional impurities and sweat from your face, leaving your face clean, fresh, and revitalized.
How To Double Cleanse:
Helpful tip: The Lotus Cleansing Balm has many other uses, too. It’s an excellent replacement for toxic products you might have like petroleum jelly and cuticle cream. It’s very concentrated and lasts a long time.
1: Choose your oil-based cleanser: Lotus Cleansing Balm or Countertime Lipid Defense Cleanser
Lotus Cleansing Balm
In light, circular motions, gently massage an almond-size amount into skin. Remove with a warm, damp cloth.
Countertime Lipid Defense Cleanser
Dispense 2-3 pumps into hand and massage onto dry face and eye area. Add warm water to form light milk, then rinse clean with warm water and optional washcloth
2: Choose your water-based cleanser: Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser, Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser or Charcoal Cleansing Bar.
Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser
Work cleanser into a velvety foam in the palm of your hand. Then, massage onto damp skin. Rinse with warm watered followed by cool water and pat dry.
Charcoal Cleansing Bar
Work soap into a lather with water, gently massage onto face and rinse with warm water followed by cool water pat dry
Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser
Apply a dime-sized amount into your hand then massage into wet face gently in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water followed by cool water pat dry
1. Cleanse
Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser
(label bottle with a #1)
This daily exfoliating cleanser removes oil, makeup, and other impurities without harsh surfactants that can strip skin of moisture. The formula features our signature SkinBalance Complex and aloe vera, which help purify pores and soothe skin, while jojoba beads gently slough away dead skin cells. Infused with an energizing citrus scent, it leaves your complexion feeling refreshed and balanced without dryness or irritation.
How to use: Apply a small amount to a wet face and massage gently in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask
Ten minutes to a purified complexion: this nutrient-rich clay mask with activated charcoal purifies and balances, absorbing excess oil and drawing out impurities.
How to use: Use Counter+ Charcoal Mask over entire face 2 times a week (and up to, but no more than 3 times per week). After washing your face using your Step 1 cleanser, apply an even layer to clean skin. Let dry for 10 minutes. Rinse face thoroughly with warm water. Continue to Step 2.
This product can also be used as an overnight spot treatment for oil prevention and acne.
2. Prep
(label bottle with a #2)
Minimize pores’ appearance while removing residual impurities, leaving skin hydrated and radiant.3. Treat
(PM only)
(label bottle with a #3 PM)
Featuring a proprietary multi-acid complex, this leave-on AHA/BHA peel improves skin texture and boosts clarity without irritation or over-drying. With glycolic, malic, and botanically derived lactic acid, the formula clears away dull surface cells, while arginine and essential fatty acids help soothe to reveal a brighter, healthier looking, renewed complexion.
How to use: Use every other night. I recommend MWF and either Saturday or Sunday. Commit to 3 times per week.
Apply 1 to 2 pumps to clean face and neck, and leave on overnight. May tingle upon application.
(AM & PM)
(label bottle with a #3)
This daily all-over treatment helps clear existing blemishes and prevent new breakouts from forming. The formula, featuring our signature SkinBalance Complex and salicylic acid, helps reduce blemishes while promoting healthier-looking skin. How to use: Dispense one pump into hands, then massage into face, neck, and décolletage with upward strokes. Use daily after cleansing and toning, morning and night.Tip: Brush your teeth with a non-toxic toothpaste for 2 minutes while the serum soaks into your skin.
4. Protect
Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream
(label bottle with a #4)
All the hydration, none of the shine. Mattify skin for up to eight hours* with this innovative cream-to-gel formula for oily and blemish-prone skin. Featuring our signature SkinBalance Complex with wintergreen and rosebay willow, this oil-free, non-greasy hydrator improves skin’s texture without ingredients that can clog pores. *Based on a 30-subject clinical instrumentation study over eight hours.
How to use: Apply one-and-a-half pumps to face, neck, and chest.
5. Spot Treat
Countercontrol SOS Acne Spot Treatment
(label bottle with a #5)
Created for skin in distress, this invisible, lightweight gel penetrates pores to reduce blemishes. Featuring our signature SkinBalance Complex and maximum-strength salicylic acid, the treatment addresses breakouts without over-drying the skin for a clearer, healthy-looking complexion.
How to use: Spot-apply a thin layer to blemishes twice daily or as needed. Add a dot of the Counter+ Charcoal Mask on top of Spot Treatment and leave on overnight for faster results.
Get dressed and allow the Step 5 treatment to absorb before putting on makeup.
Countercontrol Collection Only
Before you start: Label and layout your products on your sink or in a caddy you can see. A tiny bit of set up goes a long way! I label my steps with a permanent marker for a fast, easy grab.
Tip: To make this part of your routine, always cleanse face before getting dressed or brushing your teeth.
1. Cleanse
Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser
(label bottle with a #1)
This daily exfoliating cleanser removes oil, makeup, and other impurities without harsh surfactants that can strip skin of moisture. The formula features our signature SkinBalance Complex and aloe vera, which help purify pores and soothe skin, while jojoba beads gently slough away dead skin cells. Infused with an energizing citrus scent, it leaves your complexion feeling refreshed and balanced without dryness or irritation.
How to use: Apply a small amount to a wet face and massage gently in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
2. Prep
3. Treat
This daily all-over treatment helps clear existing blemishes and prevent new breakouts from forming. The formula, featuring our signature SkinBalance Complex and salicylic acid, helps reduce blemishes while promoting healthier-looking skin.
How to use: Dispense one pump into hands, then massage into face, neck, and décolletage with upward strokes. Use daily after cleansing and toning, morning and night.
Tip: Brush your teeth with a non-toxic toothpaste for 2 minutes while the serum soaks into your skin.
4. Protect
Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream
(label with a #4)
All the hydration, none of the shine. Mattify skin for up to eight hours* with this innovative cream-to-gel formula for oily and blemish-prone skin. Featuring our signature SkinBalance Complex with wintergreen and rosebay willow, this oil-free, non-greasy hydrator improves skin’s texture without ingredients that can clog pores. *Based on a 30-subject clinical instrumentation study over eight hours.
How to use: Apply one-and-a-half pumps to face, neck, and chest.
5. Spot Treat
Countercontrol SOS Acne Spot Treatment
(label with a #5)
Created for skin in distress, this invisible, lightweight gel penetrates pores to reduce blemishes. Featuring our signature SkinBalance Complex and maximum-strength salicylic acid, the treatment addresses breakouts without over-drying the skin for a clearer, healthy-looking complexion.
How to use: Spot-apply a thin layer to blemishes twice daily or as needed.
Get dressed and allow the Step 5 treatment to absorb before putting on makeup.
Countercontrol "Get Started"
This Countercontrol “Get Started” guide includes detailed instuctions on how to use 3 of the essential collection pieces. This scenario is perfect for the person who wants to try out Beautycounter and build a routine but is not ready for the full product line, men (who may not be interested in toners and creams, and teens who may rush through the process but need to calm redness and oil.
Before you start: Label and layout your products on your sink or in a caddy you can see. A tiny bit of set up goes a long way! I label my steps with a permanent marker for a fast, easy grab.
Tip: To make this part of your routine, always cleanse face before getting dressed or brushing your teeth.
1. Cleanse
Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser
(label bottle with a #1)
2. Treat
Countercontrol All Over Acne Treatment
(label bottle with a #3)
How to use: Dispense one pump into hands, then massage into face, neck, and décolletage with upward strokes. Use daily after cleansing and toning, morning and night.
Tip: Brush your teeth with a non-toxic toothpaste for 2 minutes while the serum soaks into your skin.
3. Spot Treat
Countercontrol SOS Acne Spot Treatment
(label with a #3)
Created for skin in distress, this invisible, lightweight gel penetrates pores to reduce blemishes. Featuring our signature SkinBalance Complex and maximum-strength salicylic acid, the treatment addresses breakouts without over-drying the skin for a clearer, healthy-looking complexion.
How to use: Spot-apply a thin layer to blemishes twice daily or as needed.
You can buy the Countercontrol Collection as the 5 piece collection and SAVE or buy piece by piece, as you run out. The Countercontrol Collection comes with the SOS Spot Treatment and is less expensive to buy as a collection than each piece individually. Here is the link for the entire collection:
https://www.beautycounter.com/mirindabuxton?goto=/product/countercontrol-collection
To purchase by the piece just put the name of the product into the search (magnifying glass) and click plus on the product or click one of the images above to be taken directly to that product.
The Countercontrol Regimen is 4 pieces of the collection. It does not include the SOS Spot Treatment. If you need the SOS Spot Treatment, it is less expensive to buy it with your Countercontrol Collection! See the regimen here:
https://www.beautycounter.com/mirindabuxton?goto=/product/countercontrol-regimen-set
When used accordingly the Countercontrol Collection lasts about 6 months.
- Mirinda
Below is a printable for you to keep on your bathroom counter until you get used to your routine. It gives you the same “how to” details above, but in a compact, half-page version: <COMING SOON>: How To Countercountrol PDF