How Do Bath Bombs Work? The Science

lush-golden-wonder

Bath bombs are awesome balls of fizzy goodness, with some interesting science behind them! They were invented in 1989 by Mo Constantine, one of Lush’s founders. Bath bombs contain the chemical sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, as their key ingredient. This is the text version – scroll down for the video! Some of you might remember that baking …

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How Do Make-Up Setting Sprays Work?

Makeup Setting Spray Science

If you don’t already use a make-up setting spray in your make-up routine, you’re missing out. They make your make-up look less powdery and more blended, and can act as a shield against sweat and rubbing and general clumping as well. If you’re wondering how they work, or how to find a dupe, I’ve got you covered! Check out the video …

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What Does Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) Do in Skincare?

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is an ingredient found in lots of skincare products. Here’s the lowdown on what it is, and what it does for your skin. What Is Coenzyme Q10? Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone or CoQ10) is a fat-soluble substance found in almost every tissue in your body. Your body naturally produces a lot of it. Its main …

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How to Start on Tretinoin (Retin-A) and Retinol

My Routine for Starting on Tretinoin (Retin-A) Cream

I recently started using a prescription tretinoin cream, a generic version of Retin-A (Stieva-A). Tretinoin is probably THE most popular and evidence-supported retinoid (vitamin A derivative) ingredient in skincare. It works as an acne treatment, for anti-aging (both wrinkles and uneven pigment) and a generous handful of other skin issues. I’ve had a lot of requests for advice and tutorials …

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Silicone Mythbusting

Silicone Mythbusting Video

This post is sponsored by Grant Industries. Silicones are one of the Big Bad ingredients in skincare, make-up and haircare. They’ve been demonised by natural brands, and there are more warnings about them than you can count. So I was delighted when Grant Industries (ingredient manufacturer, maker of Granactive Retinoid, physical sunscreens and of course, silicones) asked me to do a …

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How Do Bubbling Oxygen Masks Work?

How Do Bubbling Oxygen Masks Work?

Oxygen masks are products which come out of the bottle as a gel, but start bubbling with oxygen gas after a few seconds on the skin. Brands like Bliss, Peter Thomas Roth, Dr Brandt, Oseque and Sephora have oxygen bubble masks. What do they do, and how did they get the gas into the bottle? Here’s the video, scroll down …

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My Current Evening Skincare Routine

My Current Evening Skincare Routine

I don’t really like sharing my skincare routine too often, for a few reasons. Firstly, I’m usually testing products as part of my routine, so I don’t want to look like I’m endorsing a product I haven’t fully tested yet. Secondly, I think it’s tempting for people to see my routine and try to replicate it exactly. I am a …

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Why you should protect your skin from UVA (and how)

You already know about SPF, UVB, sunburn and its relationship with skin cancer… but what about UVA protection? Newer research has really highlighted the important of UVA protection, so this post will tell you all about what UVA is, what it does and how to protect your skin against it (i.e. lots of nerdy sunscreen talk). The video version is …

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