Retinol is probably one of the most beneficial ingredients for your skin, and it’s no wonder everyone seems eager to incorporate some form of retinoid into their skincare routine! Retinol has powerful well-aging properties and can fade hyperpigmentation and fight acne. Research also suggests retinol is the most effective ingredient for fading fine lines and … Read more
I’m not going to lie. The Korean beauty market can get saturated at times. With one release after another, it can be challenging to keep up—and our wallets get a beating, too! Popular brands like COSRX, Beauty of Joseon, and Benton already have a cult following, not to mention their bestselling products, which have become staples in our routines, … Read more
Tretinoin, a form of vitamin A, is a well-established treatment for acne. Tretinoin is also highly effective as an anti-aging ingredient. It improves wrinkles, brightens and smooths the complexion, lightens age spots, and tightens sagging skin. But tretinoin also increases sun sensitivity. Therefore, sun protection is vital to avoid sun damage. It is mandatory on … Read more
The word acid gets a bad rap for apparent reasons. Pair it with skin, and it sounds like a terrifying combo. It’s a match that makes for heavenly skin — but only if done right. Navigating the world of chemical exfoliators can be complicated, especially if you’ve never tried one. But they’re entirely worth the … Read more
Oh, the ever-so-trendy propolis! Also referred to as bee glue, propolis is a natural resin compound honeybees produce that provides many skincare benefits. The ingredient delivers antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe and relieve irritated skin. It’s known as a miracle worker, which effectively repairs damaged skin and heals acne and … Read more
I am a packaging person when it comes to skincare. I often buy a product because it looks too cute to be resisted. And this usually ends in disappointment. It was not until I met COSRX that I changed my mind about how skincare brands can be non-cute and non-fancy but effective. Besides, non-fancy packaging … Read more
Now that I am a pushing-30-grown-up-woman-child, it’s high time I get my nutrition right. I’ve been trying to binge on vitamin-rich veggies at least once a week, but the rest of my days belong to leftover spaghetti or something equally glutinous. Now and again, I remember to pop a multivitamin. But to forget to put … Read more
If I had to pick public enemy #1 in my never-ending quest towards good skin, I would say that my most vicious battles thus far have been with evening out my skin tone. Treating hyperpigmentation is most effective when addressed with a multi-faceted approach, and there is no magic ingredient. You want to: There are steps … Read more
The first step to starting your Korean skincare routine is finding the right cleanser for your skin type. In this post, I am referring to water-based cleansers, a.k.a. second-step cleansers. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, this can be especially difficult since you don’t want to start your skincare routine with something that will … Read more
Centella Asiatica, also known as cica in the skincare world, is an ingredient that works wonders for soothing red and inflamed skin. Centella Asiatica skincare products are one of the fastest-growing Korean skincare categories. Centella has been in the ingredient spotlight for a solid minute now, and I’m not complaining. Its prominence in skincare began … Read more
Garden of muses
Welcome, skintellectuals, to the Garden of Muses!
A science-based skincare magazine covering everything from ingredient spotlights, reviews, skincare guides, and routines to busting myths, finding dupes, and breaking down trends.
Our passionate and knowledgeable editors review their beauty crushes.
