Afraid of Face Oils? Herbivore’s Lapis Facial Oil Does the Balancing Trick

I can’t tell you how many times a month I get an email that says: “I want to try SHINE for my dark spots, but I’m afraid it will break me out. Help!” These aren’t teenagers; they’re women of all ages. That’s because acne is always a concern, regardless of age. And we’re all a little afraid … Read more

Now Testing: Hello Kitty’s 3-in-1 Brow Color + Eyeliner by MiniSo

Are you ready for this totally kawaii review? Last week a friend and I dropped by Miniso–Japan’s unbelievably cute version of a “dollar store”–when I came across their new Hello Kitty makeup line. While the colors are usually not in range for me (Miniso is only sold in Southeast Asia), today I thought I’d give … Read more

Review: Effectiveness of Plant Stem Cells in Skincare

When I came across the Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Mask, it was quite possibly the most interesting skincare proposition yet: Could plant stem cells rejuvenate skin the same way human stem cells could? When we think of stem cells, it automatically calls people to pick sides; but plant stem cells are a different … Read more

Moor Mud in Skincare: Research + Product Review

Today I’m reviewing another celebrity favorite treatment: Moor Mud. Moor mud isn’t just one extract: it’s a thousand extracts in one. Moor mud is composed of decomposed herbs, flowers and grasses in special (moor-like) conditions over the course of thousands of years. Over 1,300 natural, organic plant enzymes, bio-minerals, trace elements, amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins … Read more

Deep Sea Skincare: Blue Marine Algae Intense Hydrating Mask Review

After a brief pause, in which I wanted to share some newly discovered beauty and wellness tips from Thailand, we’re back to the Peter Thomas Roth Mask Vault. After all, we still have 3 masks left to review! In case you missed the other reviews, you can find them here: Introduction to Face Masks Rose … Read more

Deep Dive on Exfoliation: The St. Ive’s Controversy, Chemical Exfoliation, AHAs/BHAs and Pumpkin Enzymes

Before I started blogging, I had no idea what the difference between chemical and physical exfoliation was. Nor did I realize that one could safely chemically exfoliate at home. My–albeit outdated–idea of exfoliation was from my childhood and teenage years looked like this and only this: We all know this product, right? And those that … Read more

Review: Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) in Skincare + Peter Thomas Roth’s Cucumber Gel Mask

When I think of cucumber in skincare, a scene from Legally Blonde comes to mind, in which the lawyers walk in on the ex-wife “at the spa” and she’s wrapped in a space blanket, looking like this:   And if you ever Google about the practice seen above, you’ll read: “cucumber slices are placed on … Read more

Battle of the Highlighters: Beauty’s Best Highlighters, Ranked

As you all saw in 2016, highlighters are in vogue and probably here to stay. Highlighting—or strobing—doesn’t have to be an elaborate process or an entirely new skill to your beauty arsenal, it’s just an extra step that brings attention to the high notes in the bone structure of your face–your cheekbones, nose, cupid’s bow—by … Read more

Magnetic Lashes – Technology’s Gift to Eyelashes?

Browsing the web, I came across a Google Ad in the #1 slot for a search on “eyelash extensions”. The ad read: Beware of Eyelash Extensions – Danger – makingbeautyeffortless.com Shocking New Magnetic Lash Put Eyelash Extensions to Shame. See it Now. Reusable – Budge-Proof – Affordable Cost – No Adhesives Required – Micromagnetic Technology … Read more