As if acne isn’t torture enough and a blow to our self-esteem, we’re left with pesky marks on our skin known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (or PIH for short). Can you eliminate post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and if so, what are the best ingredients and products for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation? What Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)? So why do … Read more
A popular step in the Korean skincare routine is using products containing the chemical exfoliants AHA and BHA. Both these ingredients have fantastic benefits for our skin, but which one is better in helping to clear acne? In short, both AHA and BHA are effective at combating acne, although they do so in slightly different … Read more
Breakouts are the worst. They always seem to come up at the most inconvenient times! I’ve tried many remedies, from toothpaste to salicylic acid spot treatments. When one of my favorite Korean YouTubers raved about COSRX Centella Blemish Cream, I knew I had to try it. COSRX Centella Blemish Cream Review: Where to Buy the … Read more
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
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
Since I started consulting the internet for skincare research, every skincare sub has at least one person explaining their initial tretinoin purge phase when extolling their virtuous results after starting tretinoin. Usually, it goes something like this, “At first, the purging from tretinoin was horrible, but a week later, my skin cleared up, and now … Read more
If you’ve read about beauty, skincare, or makeup, you’ve probably seen the term “Korean double cleansing” pop up somewhere. You might have also seen terms like “oil cleanser,” “foaming cleanser,” “second cleanser,” and “cleansing balm,” and they probably all seem a little confusing. Unless you’re the kind of person to spend a lot of time … Read more
I’ve no idea why I’ve not written about this product yet, considering the fact that I’m currently on my second bottle. Yes – second bottle! I rarely repurchase products because there are too many exciting and different things to try, but #onlyoneface. So when I repurchase something, you can be sure I love it. I’m … Read more
I stumbled upon Benton on Instagram long ago and fell in love with its Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner, only to be pleasantly surprised that they had other aloe products. After reading about the brand, I furiously opened Amazon and picked up the Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel.
I am a bit of a toner and FTE junkie. I mean, yes, I am a skincare junkie from head to toe, but there is something about these liquid wonders that make my wallet itch. I have all sorts of them: pH-adjusting, milky, hydrating, with or without snail mucin, ferments, toner pads, everything… Well, you … 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.
