Skincare products and reviews
There is a time in our lives when we believe that if something’s burning, it’s working. That time is usually during early pubescence when we’re encouraged to slather alcohol-heavy toners and tonics onto our newly blemished pre-teen skin in the hopes that burning away the bacteria will make us look “clean and clear and under control.” Thankfully, … Read more
This might sound a little weird, but cleansing is my favorite step in my skincare routine. It’s refreshing and awakening, especially when you have oily skin and live in a warm climate. I have tried numerous cleansers, and gel cleansers are my favorite, as they are less stripping than foam cleansers. But in the rare … Read more
I started using Dr. Wu Intensive Renewal Serum With Mandelic Acid 18% about eight months ago. I started with the 18% version as I am worried that the 8% one is too mild for my normal to dry skin. My mom uses the 8% version. About a month before purchasing this serum, my friend and … Read more
I couldn’t call myself a beauty editor if I didn’t write much about sunscreens, right? Cliché, but whatever. I was excited to try the Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream! My obsession with sunscreens is no secret. I collect them like women collect lipstick, or how I used to collect beanie babies… I’m pretty sure I lost money on … Read more
Confession time: I bought Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum after reading a single raving review on the AsianBeauty Reddit community.
I happily trotted to Amazon after a rave review of the serum on /r/AsianBeauty (the user of which I have sadly forgotten) and bought the serum, thinking of great skin and sunshine.
Was my impulse buy successful?
I bought the Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Sunscreen when planning for my vacation. Since I am using retinoids, I buy (and like to test) a lot of sunscreens. This was a good choice, although summer vacation in Coachella Valley wasn’t our best decision thus far. We hadn’t even thought of Palm Springs existing in a desert … Read more
I was pretty intrigued by the Atopalm Real Barrier Extreme Cream’s bold marketing claims: Improves skin barrier by 99.5% within two weeks. So, of course, I had to try it. Real Barrier Extreme Cream, at a Glance: Where to Buy the Real Barrier Extreme Cream? The Real Barrier Extreme Cream which comes in a 1.69 … Read more
Starting tretinoin can be a rollercoaster of emotions, from “OMG! My skin looks incredible!” to “OMG! Half My Face Is Flaking off at the Office!” or worse, “OMG! Even moisturizer stings!” When starting tretinoin, the irritation that occurs during the early phases of retinization could be discouraging. Moreover, if you are too eager to get … Read more
Picture this: you’ve been taking excellent care of your skin and love how it looks and feels. You recently purchased an exfoliating serum everyone’s raving about on social media. But within a week or so, your skin seems to have turned on you, like it’s ANGRY. Maybe it’s burning, itchy, really dry, and flaky. Your … Read more
Using tretinoin was always one of those things I thought I would do when I got “older.” I have read it is exploding in popularity online. Topical tretinoin has been the gold standard for anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, and anti-acne in skincare for decades. It’s prescribed for everything. And guess what: I’m older. I’m only 37, of … 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.
