Long-haul flight makeup is often described as something that needs to be heavily layered, powdered and locked in place with setting spray. That has not been my experience. After nearly five years of working as cabin crew on short-haul, long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights, I rarely use primer, setting powder or setting spray. My makeup does…
When comparing mineral vs chemical sunscreen, it helps to look beyond the filter category. Does the product leave a white cast? Does your skin feel comfortable? Does it sit well under makeup? I have oily but dehydrated skin, so hydration and finish matter to me alongside sun protection. Here is how the different sunscreen categories…
When comparing a low pH vs high pH cleanser, it is easy to assume that one is always gentle and the other always cleans more thoroughly. The reality is more nuanced. My skin is oily but also prone to dehydration and tightness. When choosing a foaming face wash, I only use mildly acidic, low-pH options….
If you have been researching copper peptides for skin, you may have come across GHK-Cu, an ingredient often featured in serums marketed for fine lines, firmness and smoother-looking skin. But what makes copper peptides different from other peptides—and how much can you realistically expect from a serum? Copper peptides have an interesting research background. The…
Do you need moisturizer after a sheet mask if your skin already feels hydrated? Your face may still be covered in essence, making another layer seem unnecessary. Here is how to decide whether to apply cream, skip your usual serum, or adjust your routine. After almost five years of working as a flight attendant, sheet…
Centella asiatica for skin has become especially popular in Korean skincare, appearing in everything from toners and serums to creams and masks. You may also know it as cica. And the claims can be impressive: calming redness, repairing the skin barrier, increasing hydration, healing acne and even stimulating collagen. So, what can Centella asiatica for…
Bakuchiol vs retinol has become a popular comparison for anyone interested in smoother-looking skin, pigmentation and signs of photoaging—but worried about the irritation that can come with retinoids. Bakuchiol is often marketed as “natural retinol” or a gentler plant-based replacement. That sounds simple. The evidence is more interesting. Bakuchiol does have human clinical research behind…
Ectoin for skin is starting to appear in more moisturizers, serums and barrier-focused skincare products. It is often described as an ingredient that can protect skin from environmental stress, strengthen the skin barrier, increase hydration and even help prevent signs of aging. Those are big claims for an ingredient that many people have barely heard…
Hyaluronic acid for skin is one of the most common ways to add hydration to a skincare routine. Its main purpose sounds simple: hydration. But the advice around it can be surprisingly confusing. Should you always apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin? Can it make your skin drier in a dry climate? Is low-molecular-weight HA…
PDRN for skin has quickly become one of the most talked-about trends in Korean skincare. You may have seen PDRN serums, creams and masks described as “salmon DNA skincare,” often surrounded by claims about skin repair, regeneration, elasticity and glowing skin. But there is one question I think is more important than the hype: Can…