Bakuchiol is everywhere now as a retinol alternative, but what most people don't know is that the plant this ingredient is harvested from, the babchi, is endangered. Do your research before purchasing a bakuchiol product to understand how it is harvested, and if the brand is doing so in a sustainable manner. And if brands aren't being transparent about where they are sourcing their bakuchiol--ASK. Consumer pressure can force big companies into using more environmentally friendly practices!

You can read more here: https://www.ladyscience.com/essays/clean-beauty-movement-is-killing-the-environment

Think twice before buying bakuchiol

I've been seeing this question come up a lot lately, so I wanted to share this article more widely: https://www.getthegloss.com/beauty/skincare/can-you-over-hydrate-your-skin

I think it would be a hard thing to do, especially if you live in a dry climate, but if you live in a humid climate, this might be something to watch out for more closely.

Yes, you CAN over-hydrate your skin

What's the latest thing you learned about skincare or skin health? Let's share our knowledge! 💪

I recently learned that jar packaging can be helpful for people with disabilities, like arthritis, who can't use squeeze tubes. I know it's common to get annoyed by jar packaging and I used to as well, but this fact gave me a whole new perspective!

🎓 Skincare school is in session 📝

As for me, I'm learning why this product is so beloved!

Last product you opened?

Hello, everyone! I've just started using facial mists, and I'm really loving the experience. For those of you who also use mists, how much do you tend to use? Do you moisten your face a little bit or kind of drench it? I'm still learning how to best use mine. 😅

How much face mist?

Poncirus Trifoliata C Dark Spot Serum contains vitamin C derivative and 66% poncirus trifoliate (hardy orange) extract. It is designed to rapidly brighten skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. I&#39;ve been using it in the morning, since vitamin C helps boost the efficacy of sunscreen.

This product comes in a beautiful orange pump bottle, which helps keep air from entering and degrading the ingredients. The orange color, however, fades to a transparent yellow toward the bottom of the bottom, which kind of weirded me out. I know that encapsulated vitamin C, which is what is used in this serum, is resistant to light degradation, but I still would have liked a completely opaque bottle, at least dark orange all the way through instead of ombre.

The product has no odor and has a lovely texture that is neither too thick nor too thin. I&#39;ve seen a few reviews claiming that the vitamin C capsules are noticeable as they burst on the skin upon application, but I didn&#39;t notice this myself; it went on like a regular serum for me.

I absolutely love this product. I was stunned by how quickly it worked. In a little over a week, I noticed my post-acne hyperpigmentation (which just continues to get worse as I get older, sigh...) noticeably begin to fade. I wish I had taken before and after pictures! But the serum worked its magic even on older, really baked-in PIH. It wasn&#39;t irritating at all for me to use despite its strength, but I&#39;ll add the caveat that I&#39;ve been using The Ordinary&#39;s L-Ascorbic Acid until testing Make P:rem&#39;s product, so my skin might just be used to strong vitamin C concentrations.

Definitely try this product if you&#39;re looking to fade dark spots fast!

*Disclaimer: I was gifted this product in exchange for my honest opinion.

I'm not sure that this does much more than using a thick balm, like Carmex or Vaseline, would do, although of course it feels more luxurious.

The berry flavor is very artificial.

I don't like that this contains extraneous cosmetic colorants. 

This lip mask provides moisture (glycerin, beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid) and then seals it in using a number of occlusives (shea butter, wax, dimethicone, plant oils). Botanical extracts help plump lips and soothe fine lines, while vitamin C provides an antioxidant and lightening effect.

The mask comes in a small tub, and it includes a little spatula for application. It's thick and feels buttery on the lips. The extra moisture helps soften dead skin so you can exfoliate it more easily, as well as keep new skin healthy. I like to use it at night because it feels too thick for daytime.

*Disclaimer: I was gifted this product in exchange for my honest opinion. 

This nourishing ampoule comes in a convenient mist form that makes it easy to apply. It contains a whole host of wonderful ingredients, including green tea, artemisia, and panthenol to soothe; glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate; rice to brighten; and ceramides to support the skin barrier.

The bottle creates a nice, fine mist to cover all parts of the face quickly. Although there are no added dyes or fragrances, it does have a slightly fruity scent from the hibiscus extract.

I usually use mists as a midday hydrator, but that turned out to not be the best way to use this product. Because it has so many botanical ingredients, it felt way too heavy and sticky to spray over all my other skincare layers in the middle of the day. This is best used during the ampoule step of a cohesive skincare routine. As a layer in a larger routine, it feels more hydrating, and layers well under other products to become less sticky. Once I figured out the best way to use this mist, I really loved the hydrating effect it gave me. 

It does have a moderately strong added fragrance, so those with sensitive skin should be aware. I also wish it came in a larger tube!

Although clay masks are wonderful for pores and acne-prone skin, they can be dehydrating for those with dry skin. @naturallyseriousskin solves this problem by combining kaolin clay with hydrating glycerin, shea butter, coconut extract, colloidal oatmeal, and hyaluronic acid. Green tea and allantoin provide additional soothing benefits, and other botanical extracts such as grape serve as antioxidants.

The mask is super creamy, and unlike other clay masks, does not dry down and crack. Instead, it remains soft of comfortable, and rinses off easily. I was stunned by how hydrated my skin felt after using it--far and away the most moisturized I've ever felt after using a clay mask. 

However, I tested it at perhaps the worst time: daylight savings really messed up my sleep schedule this year, so the serum and cream were fighting again some serious sleep deprivation. The time that I had for testing was also not long enough to notice any brightening effects. 

*Disclaimer: I was gifted this product in exchange for my honest opinion. 

This products is formulated to brighten, depuff, and plump the undereye area. It contains vitamin C for brightening, caffeine to help eyes look more awake, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate. The cream contains anti-aging collagen and peptides. It comes in a squeeze tube with a pump. It has a moderately strong but pleasant floral fragrance, and have a rich but light texture.

lusitania