You might have heard rumors that sodium benzoate and Vitamin C form a carcinogen. Without careful examination, this looks like a story worthy of the front page of The New York Times! Vitamin C and sodium benzoate, a preservative, will together form benzene, which has been associated with cancer. For the ultra-scientific, benzene is associated … Read more
After noticing the warm hospitality a couple of vitamin C derivative-based serums received on my skin, I figured it was finally time to take the plunge and test out the ‘big brother’ himself. Isntree Hyper Vitamin C 23 Serum was a no-brainer purchase in this category mainly for two reasons: The first was obviously due to … 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 forget to put vitamin … Read more
This past week, I’ve encountered many people asking about AM skincare routines, especially “anti-aging” routines. While I’m not sure I’m on board with “anti-aging” as a concept (although I am on board with more specific goals, like “wrinkle-smoothing”), I have a sense of what people are getting at when they say it. Typically, they mean … Read more
It is no secret that I love using toners and serums. Since returning home, my skin hasn’t been behaving as it is taking its time to adjust to the dead cold Chicago winters, and I have found that using Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum has helped my skin. Serums provide my skin with much-needed … Read more
There’s a new Korean skincare brand on the block – and it’s one unlike any other! This brand might have only popped into your radar this year. Or, if you’re familiar with Korean skincare, you’ve likely heard of Numbuzin. My fellow beauty editors from Garden of Muses and I tried everything from this new Seoul-based … Read more
I can’t belif it has taken me so long to write this review! I’m almost finished with the Belif True Tincture of Chamomile (these pictures were taken a while ago), and I feel it’s high time I share my experience with this tincture. I got the Belif The True Tincture of Chamomile a few months … Read more
The Belif Hungarian Water Essence was inspired by the legendary “Hungarian Water” that allowed Hungarian Queen Elizabeth to maintain her beauty far into old age. Based on a moisturizing formula created by applying Hungarian Water to natural herbs, including rosemary and lavender, this water-type essence allegedly transforms aged, dull skin into healthy-looking skin glowing with youth. Let’s see how … Read more
Being a person whose skin (before the RNW Ceramide serum) frequently resembled a 2000-year-old sheet of parchment, my biggest skin problem has always been Dry and dry. I was drawn to K-beauty years ago because everything I read, from 10-step routines to reviews of products, seemed to have a heavy focus on moisture. I was … Read more
Over the last few years, the buzz for vitamin C regarding anti-aging has been insane! Even with this craze, many people don’t know what vitamin C is or does in skincare. I was running out of vitamin C serum. I discovered this vitamin C serum with over 21k reviews on Amazon, making it one 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.
