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Skincare patch test: the 48-hour safety rule explained
We’ve all been there. The wonder serum that everyone is talking about on TikTok finally arrives and the temptation to slather it on immediately is overwhelming. That urge can be as strong as the need for a strong coffee first-thing in the morning. But in an era of medical-grade actives and high-percentage acids, skipping the skincare patch test is a dangerous game of Russian roulette. You could, quite literally, be playing with fire. While most of us have skipped this vital s

Belinda Bennett
Apr 5


Luxury botanical midlife skincare brand Thirns marks milestone spa partnership
A spa brand dedicated to midlife skincare is celebrating a milestone partnership. Thirns Botanical Skincare, a UK-based purveyor of natural, sustainable products that support cell regeneration and skin resilience, is marking the first anniversary of a partnership with Spa Village Bath, located at the top-rated Gainsborough Spa in Bath. The collaboration launched in April 2025. Formulated using thorn-bearing wild plants found in the UK, Thirns is the brainchild of skincare cli

Belinda Bennett
Mar 30


The SOS routine: how to reset your skin barrier in 72 hours
If you have ever applied your favourite moisturiser only to feel a sharp, hot prickle or stinging across your cheekbones, you already know the warning sign of a compromised skin barrier. It is a common ‘oh,no!’ moment and is often the result of excesses in modern skincare regimens. Afterall, we have been living through an era of ‘more is more’ — more acids, higher percentages of retinol and more aggressive cleansing. But the skin is a living organ, not an inanimate object lik

Belinda Bennett
Feb 25


Drowning in hydration? Why your over-moisturising habit might be harming your skin
In the stampede to hop aboard the glowing, dewy skin trend, many of us have fallen prey to the ‘more is more’ mantra. Influencers slathering on thick layers, elaborate 10-step routines and the real fear of harsh, matte flakiness have collectively convinced us that if a little moisturiser is good, a lot must be sublime. But what if this well-intentioned hydration habit is actually doing your skin more harm than good? It’s time to pull back the curtain on the subtle — and not-s

Belinda Bennett
Feb 21


Neurocosmetics: can your moisturiser really change your mood?
For years, my skincare ritual has been sharply pivoted to achieving visible results: smoother lines, a brighter complexion and improved texture. I’ve chased the ever-elusive promise of younger-looking skin, viewing my elaborate routines as strictly non-negotiable. But what if my skincare regimen could do more than just improve my appearance? What if it could also uplift my mood, reduce stress and even enhance my sense of calm? Enter neurocosmetics, a revolutionary new frontie

Belinda Bennett
Feb 18


Hello ageless skincare, goodbye puffy eyes
For six decades, I’ve held a strong belief in self-empowerment. But, in a one-off, mind-bending plot twist, I’m now entrenched in deep, melancholy regret. It’s not that I’ve spent at least half my life dehydrated and deprived of slow-wave sleep. It’s the pesky little things; those niggling annoyances - the kind that most sensible people shrug off with little more than a light sigh - that I let myself blow out of all proportion to cause deep and destructive stress. And the res

Belinda Bennett
Jan 15


Testing firming and hydrating skincare by emerging UK brand Bloom & Brave
If you’re tired of spending over the odds for premium anti-ageing skincare products that punch way below their weight when it comes to...

Belinda Bennett
Oct 7, 2025


PLouise Miniwood vanity review
If you have always dreamed, like me, of owning a PLouise advent calendar but can’t quite stretch to £250, there are a few cheaper festive...

Belinda Bennett
Sep 5, 2025


Sleeping mask alternatives for skincare emergencies
The alarm bells are ringing; your face has declared a state of emergency. You’ve had a week (or a month) that’s been, to put it mildly, a bit of a bin fire. Your sleep schedule is a bigger myth than goldfish having a memory span of three seconds. Your hydration consists solely of lukewarm coffee and your face — oh, your face — looks like it’s been neglected longer than Whitby Abbey. Flaky patches, dullness so profound it could rival a total eclipse and pores the size of manho

Belinda Bennett
Aug 4, 2025


The Vitamin C face cream that really delivers a Dose of Dreams
Well-formulated brightening creams often deliver at least some benefits. Very few, however, deliver instant results as well as ‘over...

Belinda Bennett
Jul 23, 2025


Why Smuuti Skin has gone viral
With long-time makeup brands going viral for skincare, you might think it’s refreshing to see an actual skin-led company sharing the...

Belinda Bennett
Jul 8, 2025


Step-by-step personalised daily skincare routine that's effective
So, you've heard the whispers, seen the glowy people on the internet and now you're wondering: what's the big fuss about a daily skincare routine? Is it just witchcraft? A conspiracy by money hungry beauty companies? Nah, it's none of the above. It's really just giving your face a fighting chance against… well, everything. Pollution, rogue crumbs, that weird feeling after a long day – your skin's been through it. This isn't about becoming a supermodel overnight; it's about m

Belinda Bennett
Jun 23, 2025


Scotland’s first Korean skincare boutique opens in Glasgow
While Korean cosmetics continue to drive trends, a store dedicated to K-beauty and, in particular, skincare has opened in Glasgow. The boutique is the first of its kind in Scotland and located in the city centre, less than 500 metres from Glasgow Central Station. Wee Ghost Beauty, founded by a local Korean skincare devotee, launched on Saturday, June 28 in 2025 at 79 West Regent Street. Since then, it has attracted a loyal customer base and established a strong online presen

Belinda Bennett
Jun 19, 2025


Ditch the dullness and glow with Vitamin C skincare
Your skin is silently screaming for a little TLC. And what better way to kickstart its journey to luminosity than with a dose of our favourite golden child: Vitamin C skincare. Forget what you thought you knew about this nutritional powerhouse being solely for warding off sniffles; its true calling lies in the domain of skin transformation. Settle yourself down, because we’re about to embark on a witty, whimsical and wonderfully informative journey, where dullness goes to die

Belinda Bennett
May 26, 2025


Top reasons to prioritise skin health
Healthy skin is often an indicator of overall health and well-being. It’s the largest organ of the body, and maintaining its health can bring numerous benefits that go beyond just appearance. In this blog post, we will explore why prioritising your skin’s health is essential and how it can positively impact your life. If you are looking to achieve overall wellness, looking healthy will positively impact your mindset. It is why many people look to improve their skincare regime

Belinda Bennett
May 19, 2025


PLouise Candy Bears skincare collection review
PLouise knows makeup. But does the brand know skincare? That was the big question when it first launched a skincare line. After the...

Belinda Bennett
May 14, 2025


How to build a daily skincare habit that works
Establishing a daily skincare habit is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. With so much information available, it can be...

Belinda Bennett
May 12, 2025


Why skincare should be a part of your daily wellness routine
In today’s hectic, fast-paced world, self-care is often neglected because of the overwhelming demands of daily life. However,...

Belinda Bennett
May 5, 2025


What causes dark spots? A guide to hyperpigmentation treatment and prevention
Ever glanced in the mirror and noticed a shadowy, dark patch; a stubborn reminder of sun-soaked days or hormonal shifts? Me too! These...

Belinda Bennett
May 4, 2025


The air bath benefits that will surprise you
In our rush to towel off and get dressed after a shower or bath, we might be overlooking a simple yet potent practice that can...

Belinda Bennett
Apr 29, 2025
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