How to find transfer-proof eyeliner pencils

smudgeproof eyeliner seal

Something that made a big difference to me in 2023: I worked out how to find eyeliner pencils that were transfer-proof even on my oily skin!  My eyelids are super oily, so eyeliners always smudge or start transferring after a few hours. Transfer-proof pencils aren’t really that new an innovation, but for the longest time I didn’t really know what …

Read more

Ultimate Guide to Drug Retinoids

drug retinoids thumbnail

Drug retinoids – tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene and trifarotene – are some of the most powerful ingredients in skincare. They can help with issues like acne, uneven texture and hyperpigmentation. But what are the differences between them? Here’s the guide for you! My PhD is in medicinal chemistry, so I’m going to be diving into the differences at a drug structure …

Read more

Is Retinol a Scam? The Science

Retinol Scam thumbnail

If there’s one skincare ingredient that works, it’s retinol. Pretty much everyone agrees – whatever skin concern you have, it’s one of your best bets. But is it all a scam? Let’s dive into the science behind retinol, and the bigger question of why skincare science looks so different from what academic scientists are used to. The video is here, …

Read more

Haruharu Black Rice Airyfit and Mineral Sunscreen Reviews

Haruharu sunscreens

Haruharu is a Korean brand who have recently released a couple of sunscreens with a lot of hype around them: Moisture Airyfit and Pure Mineral Relief. I recently reviewed these in a sponsored video. Note: Neither of these are approved as sunscreens in Australia. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Sunscreen SPF 50+, PA++++ Filters: TDSA (Mexoryl SX), octyl triazone, …

Read more

Blue Lizard and “Australian” Gold mineral sunscreen reviews

Australian Gold Blue Lizard

I recently tried Blue Lizard and Australian Gold, two US sunscreens with mineral (inorganic) active ingredients. Both of these have been popular on skincare forums and Reddit for years, but aren’t actually available in Australia (despite being marketed as “Australian sunscreen”). I’ve been really curious to try them out, so I picked them up as souvenirs when I was in …

Read more

DIY sunscreen test? Reacting to Style Theorists’ video

style theorists sunscreen reaction video

The Style Theorists recently did a video where they tried to test sunscreen “scientifically”, including… in a tanning bed. A lot of people sent it to me, so I filmed a video reacting to it! You can watch it here. Some of the topics covered: People should wear more sunscreen Sunscreen absorbing into blood Coral reefs and science by press …

Read more

Best Skincare Products from Beauty of Joseon

beauty of joseon best products

I think everyone knows about the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen. If you don’t, it’s super popular right now because it’s so light and comfortable, while still being protective and really budget friendly. But Beauty of Joseon have a lot of other fantastic budget friendly skincare products, some of which are really underrated. I’m going to tell you about some of …

Read more