Ingredient-led. Editorially driven.
What Is Centella Asiatica? Also known as gotu kola, tiger grass, or by its scientific name Centella asiatica, this perennial herb has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It’s native to Asia and thrives in tropical, moist environments — and yes, legend has it that wounded tigers would roll in the …
If any product has the ability to transform the face with minimal effort, it’s the highlighter. With a single stroke, it brings light to the skin. Not glitter, not sparkle, but a kind of soft radiance. It’s this understated impact that has made highlighter a mainstay in modern makeup. And while the category has evolved, …
This post is a follow-up to Do You Really Need SPF at Night? A Look at Tinted Moisturizers Without Sunscreen, exploring two popular SPF-free tinted moisturizers—Jones Road and Glossier—and how their formulations reflect different approaches to clean beauty, ingredient transparency, and user experience. Jones Road: The Cleaner Classic Jones Road’s Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer is …
Curiosity Killed the Cochineal Insect? After posting about lip products favored by the British royal family, curiosity got the better of me. What is it about the Clarins Lip Perfector that would appeal to the future queen of England? Is it possible that her Wimbledon appearance with it was a subtle favor arranged by a …
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 …
“Wait… why am I wearing SPF at night?” It’s a question that hit me somewhere between removing my makeup and reading the back of my tinted moisturizer. A preference for sheer, natural coverage over full-coverage foundation often leads to tinted moisturizers, yet what’s surprising is how hard it can be to find one without sunscreen. …
CoverGirl vs. Maybelline: Which Stick Concealer Is the Cleanest? If you’ve ever struggled with undereye concealer that creases or disappears by noon, you’re not alone. While many concealers come in liquid or cream formulas, they often have too much slip. Great for blending, but not always great for staying put. That’s why concealer sticks are …
St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub has remained a fixture in skincare aisles for decades. Long marketed as a natural, effective exfoliator, it holds nostalgic value for many, especially those who came of age in the ’80s and ’90s. But as ingredient transparency becomes more important to consumers, questions about the scrub’s formulation, safety, and …
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 gold standard of clean …
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, …
WELL PEOPLE’s Lush Lip Tinted Oil captures the spirit of clean beauty—not just in formula, but in design. Well People is a brand that was co-founded by a cosmetic dermatologist. The company is headquartered in California, however since the brand was acquired by e.l.f. Cosmetics in 2020, it seems many (though not all) of their …