Ingredient-led. Editorially driven.
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 …
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 …
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. Whether you’re headed out in the evening, live …
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 …
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 …
It’s not every day a lip gloss earns unofficial royal status. But back in 2019, Catherine, Princess of Wales was photographed at Wimbledon holding what appeared to be a pink tube of Clarins Natural Lip Perfector—and the beauty world took notice. The shade? Rose Shimmer. The moment? Immortalized by fans and beauty editors alike. Since …
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 …