Fact-check Feature: Is there actually formaldehyde in my nail polish / hair treatment?

Formaldehyde is listed as an ingredient in a number of beauty products (in particular, nail strengtheners and Brazilian Blowout-style hair treatments), and there’s been some controversy about whether or not it’s really in these products. In particular, cosmetic chemist Doug Schoon has stated that formaldehyde in water readily reacts to form another chemical, methylene glycol. Most of the top search …

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Last minute mother’s day gifts

So it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday – are you prepared? If not, never fear! There are still a few days left to get your mum a present. How fine are you cutting it? Get your act together and avoid the dreaded gaze of disappointment with these ideas… Three days left Grab your credit card, run down to the shops and …

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Best Australian brands to check out

I’ve been travelling around Europe a bit lately, and before heading to each country I’ve been looking up lists of beauty brands and products to look out for. To return the favour for all of those awesome recs, I’ve decided to compile a list of my favourite Aussie buys for skincare, make-up and nails… Skincare  In the realm of skincare, …

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Fact-check: Why does pH matter for AHAs and BHAs?

Continuing on my pH and hydroxy acid kick, today’s Fact-check is on the influence of pH and alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Hold onto your hats for this one – it gets a bit technical – but hopefully I can translate it to something understandable. Further questions are welcome and I will try to answer them as best I can! …

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OPI Brazil Collection swatches and review

OPI’s Brazil collection is a vivid mix of bright cremes. I’ve got three of them to show today, as well as the liquid sand textured polishes. Amazon…Amazoff is an intense greenish teal. It’s like a greener version of Orly Teal Unreal – richly pigmented, smooth as butter and requires 2 coats. OPI Scores a Goal! is a dusty maroon creme. …

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Neostrata Enlighten range – review

Neostrata have recently released a range called Enlighten recently, which claims to lighten spots and reduce hyperpigmentation. Will it work? You may remember a recent post here on non-hydroquinone skin lighteners – for more information on the whiteners mentioned here, you can refer back to that. Neostrata Enlighten Ultra Brightening Cleanser ($39.95 for 100 mL) is a creamy cleanser that …

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Fact-check Friday: Do Stridex products have the right pH to work?

Note: This information is not quite correct. There’s some evidence to show that the pH of salicylic acid products isn’t that important to how well they work – for a longer explanation check out this post on pH and AHAs and BHAs. ——————————- Stridex “in the red box”, manufactured by Blistex, is a cult product that’s worthy of the hype …

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Guest Post on The Toast!

Surfactants Are Everywhere, aka Stop Being Terrified of Chemicals

In case I haven’t already managed to bombard you with this on other channels, an article I wrote was just published on The Toast, about surfactants and not being scared of chemicals. I’m very proud of it – click through here to read more! (I have to add a special thanks to the lovely and talented Cassie of Reluctant Femme …

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