Ingredient-led. Editorially driven.
Just days after Clean Beauty Co. published a piece exploring the relevance of the “lipstick index” in today’s economy, Leonard Lauder—the man who gave the phenomenon its name—passed away at age 91. Lauder, the eldest son of Estée Lauder, helped transform a family-run cosmetics company into one of the most powerful forces in global beauty. …
Fragrance is intensely personal.For many, discovering a signature scent is one of life’s rare luxuries, an invisible accessory that becomes part of one’s identity. Among the few eaux de parfum I’ve returned to over the years is Costume National, an Italian niche house. Their scents, formulated without phthalates–one of the more scrutinized synthetics in clean …
The short answer: not necessarily. But if you’ve ever read the children’s book The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson, it’s likely out of the question. Snail mucin is often praised for its hydrating, soothing, and skin-repairing benefits. And yes, it has some real strengths. It’s rich in humectants and nutrients that help support …
If you’ve ever been wary of the word “peel” in skincare, you’re not alone. Many of us associate it with tingling acids, tight skin, or even a little redness. But Beauty of Joseon’s Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel is a totally different experience. Despite the name, this isn’t a traditional chemical peel or a mask that …
When most people think of Swiss skincare, they imagine glacier water, cutting-edge science and eye-watering price tags. Brands like La Prairie offer creams priced well over $500, including the La Prairie Caviar Spectaculaire Set at $2,200 and Cellcosmet’s Ultimate Skincare Collection topping $3,000. These high-end products showcase Swiss precision and rare ingredients, some of which …
Transparency in Clean Beauty Certification The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has long positioned itself as a consumer advocacy group dedicated to reducing toxic exposure from household and personal care products. Its EWG Verified™ mark appears on cosmetics, skin care, and even cleaning products, and is often interpreted by consumers as a strong assurance of safety. …
In this editorial, we’re unpacking three complexion products that fall into the “clean-adjacent” category. They’re marketed as better-for-you options, but how do they stack up when it comes to actual ingredient transparency? We’re comparing: These are formulas many have used and even loved, but for anyone trying to steer clear of PEGs, phenoxyethanol, and silicone, …
$20 | Vegan | Clean Formula | Dermatologist-developedAvailable at Well People and Amazon (affiliate)Made in Germany Well People’s Expressionist Lengthening Mascara is everything a clean mascara should be—gentle, effective, and refreshingly transparent. The wand is sponge-like and easy to maneuver, coating lashes evenly without clumps. It noticeably lengthens lashes, creating a natural-but-defined look that wears …
Clean beauty has always been about more than just what’s in the jar. It’s about transparency. A belief that consumers have a right to know what they’re putting on their skin—and, increasingly, what they’re supporting with their wallet. But what if the money behind the clean beauty movement isn’t so clean? Consider Thirteen Lune, a …
Rimmel Kind & Free Was a Rare Gem—Here’s Why That Matters Mascara: it’s the one product many of us wear even when we’re “not wearing makeup.” It’s also the first to smudge, flake, or migrate straight into our tear ducts—so you’d think that of all things, mascara would be among the first to go clean. …
Beauty has long been considered one of the most resilient discretionary categories, a belief tied to the so-called Lipstick Effect, an economic theory that when consumers sense a recession looming, sales of affordable luxuries like lipstick increase. The concept originates with Juliet Schor in 1998 and the publication of The Overspent American: Why We Want …
Artificial intelligence may be trying to match your undertone with a few clicks and a smartphone selfie, but until it’s perfected, there’s still no substitute for a good old-fashioned swatch comparison. Take the image below: each of these formulas is labeled as a “light neutral” tint. And yet, the differences are obvious—one leans peach, another …