Hot Takes
Snail Mucin and Skincare?! Why the Hype Is Ahead of the Science
Snail mucin is everywhere, but most brands won't tell you the concentration—or whether it actually does what they claim.
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Cassidy Mentzer is a writer who focuses on beauty and skincare. She has devoted years to trying out different products, and researching ingredient lists, so that you don't need to. She is all about straightforward, honest recommendations for all skin types and routines. What actually works, what is a waste of money, and why. She is not a dermatologist, just someone who is slightly obsessed with good before and afters.
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NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer Review: My Quick Everyday Brightener
I featured the NYX Can't Stop Won't Stop Contour Concealer in Light Ivory video above because it is one of…
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Hot Takes
Copper Peptides: Why They’re Not a Retinol Replacement
Copper peptides support collagen and repair, but they're not the retinol alternative brands claim. Here's what actually happens.
Hot Takes
Exosomes: Why I’m Not Convinced They’re Worth $400 Yet
Cassidy breaks down the science and hype around exosomes in skincare—and why the research doesn't match the price tag.
Hot Takes
Alpha Arbutin: Why It’s Not the Dark Spot Miracle You Think It Is
Alpha arbutin prevents pigmentation better than it erases it. Here's what the hype gets wrong about this buzzy brightening ingredient.
Reviews
ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick Review: My Everyday Light Coverage Go-To
I use the ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick in shade 9N Tupelo on a daily basis and here are my honest thoughts
Hot Takes
Tranexamic Acid: Why Your Dark Spots Need More Than Two Weeks
Tranexamic acid works on hyperpigmentation differently than other acids — but the timeline brands promise is misleading.
Hot Takes
Azelaic Acid: Why It’s Not Like the Other Acids
Azelaic acid may help with redness and dark spots, but the hype gets the concentration and timeline wrong.
Hot Takes
Bakuchiol: Why It’s Not Actually a Retinol Replacement
Bakuchiol may help with fine lines and pigmentation, but calling it a retinol alternative sets the wrong expectations.
Hot Takes
SPF: What the Label Doesn’t Tell You About Your Sunscreen
Chemical vs. mineral, UVA vs. UVB, and why SPF 50 doesn't mean what you think it does.