Skincare

Of those ingredients that need a bit more explanation, so we all know what they are for and you can assess whether they suit your skin or not. Retinol, glycerin, and today: niacinamide. Because this ingredient is truly a multitasker: it repairs your skin after sun damage AND it soothes itchy mosquito bites. Yes, really! Niacinamide definitely deserves a place in your beauty routine. My friend has been using it recently and his skin has never looked so good. Curious why? Let's take a good look at this wonder ingredient. What exactly is niacinamide? Niacinamide, also known as vitamin...

If you’ve ever tried a sunscreen from Korea or Japan (highly recommended, by the way, they are light as a feather), you’ve probably come across this: PA+++ or even PA++++ on the packaging. And then you think: okay, I know SPF. But this? Is it a rating system? Are more pluses better? And why don’t you see this on the sunscreen from the drugstore around the corner? I’ve looked into it for you, tested it, zoomed in like a true cosmetics nerd and yes: you want to know this to protect yourself even better. Sunscreen with +++: what does it really mean? PA stands for...

About 80% of women (and 40% of men) have stretch marks or striae. And no, this has nothing to do with a torn skin, as is sometimes said. It’s the subcutaneous connective tissue that tears, resulting in a scar. This happens when your skin can’t keep up with the (rapid) growth, for example during pregnancy, a growth spurt in puberty, rapid weight gain, or intense sports and training. That’s why you often see stretch marks around your hips, buttocks, belly, legs, breasts, and arms. It’s so nice that stretch marks are increasingly visible in (fashion) campaigns at...

If there’s anyone who has tried every possible skincare product, it’s me. I walked around with acne throughout my teenage years. And as the insecure girl I was back then, I did everything to get rid of it. From retinol and Indian clay masks to monthly facials. I almost went bankrupt financially, it cost me so much money. One thing I have learned: quality does not always come with a high price tag. It’s no coincidence that products from The Ordinary have become a standard part of my skincare routine, because by now I am...

We are indeed fans of The Ordinary at the editorial office. As a beauty editor, I’m always curious about the latest launches and developments. However, we recently had our question marks about 'The Ordinary Eggs'. Eggs? From the vegan brand The Ordinary?! In their flagship store in New York, you could score boxes of eggs for an ordinary $3,37. A bargain, especially when you pay almost double in the supermarket. This action went mega viral, of course. But is this the beginning of more supermarket products? Probably not. Luxury brands are increasingly using food for their campaigns, think of Loewe with vegetables, Chanel’s...

Acne. We all know it and often we immediately think of skincare to solve it. The right cleanser, that one serum, maybe an exfoliant or even stronger products. But honestly? An acne-prone skin often requires more than just what you put on your face. And now I hear you thinking: easy for you to say with your smooth skin. But believe me, my skin has also been anything but calm for a long time. Red bumps on my cheeks, pimples even in my hairline: I’ve been there. Because no matter how good your routine is, there are so many factors that influence...

As soon as the first sunbeam hits my leg, I get the urge to wave goodbye to my long jeans and jump into something airy. But hey, before that dress or shorts can go on, those legs need to be summer ready first. And I don’t just mean a little tan or shiny from the body oil – I mean: smooth. So smooth that you feel like you’re sliding on a sealion. Without bumps. Without itching. Without ingrown hairs, that is. So: how do you get legs that are not only Insta-worthy but also free from irritation? Here it comes. Why do you get ingrown hairs? You just...

You can apply the most expensive anti-aging creams that exist, but without SPF you might as well skip that step. An SPF often feels like a whole task, while it's actually such an easy step with even more benefits. I really apply sun protection 365 days a year and as a true SPF police, I can't emphasize enough how important this step is. Because you can apply the most beautiful anti-aging products to prevent fine lines, but if you then forget an SPF, you're almost doing it for nothing. An SPF is the best anti-aging cream there is, for when...

The most well-known signs of skin aging are lines and wrinkles and of course the well-known skin sagging, but there are more factors that cause your skin to look older. Your skin becomes duller, you develop age spots (pigmentation) or suffer more from couperose (enlarged veins that make the skin redder and can also cause impurities and pimples), and of course, the skin structure changes with the years. So much for the bad news. The good news is: something can be done about it. And even better news: it's all in one treatment. The laser is your savior on gloomy beauty days and helps with your pigmentation spots,...

A good moisturizing cream doesn't have to be a hit on your bank account. Really not. Of course, don't get me wrong: I also get very happy from a nice jar in my bathroom cabinet (yes, in the cabinet, because keep it dry and dark, right?). But when it comes to hydration, it's all about ingredients, not about marble-look packaging with a gold edge. In fact: at the drugstore, there are creams that make your skin just as happy as a variant for which you have to pull out your credit card. You just have to know where to look. Because yes, in a Kruidvat or Etos, choosing can sometimes be...