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Why Susie Prefers “Quiet” Skincare – 100% PURE

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Why Susie Prefers “Quiet” Skincare – 100% PURE

Introduction: Tuning Out the Noise

If you’ve spent any time in a beauty aisle lately, you’ve likely noticed a bit of an arms race. Brands are shouting about 15% acids, 20% retinols, and treatments so intense they require a recovery period. It’s a culture of “more is more,” where efficacy is often measured by how much a product stings or how quickly it can force the skin to shed.

But our co-founder, Susie Wang, has always advocated for a different path. She calls it the “Science of Silence.”

Susie believes that your skin isn’t a project to be conquered; it’s a highly communicative, intelligent system. When your skin becomes red, itchy, or dry, it isn’t “failing.” It is speaking to you. It is “wise” skin, acting as a hyper-vigilant messenger that alerts you to environmental stressors and internal imbalances.

The problem with the modern “aggressive” approach is that it tries to shout over the skin. It uses harsh treatments to mask symptoms rather than supporting the skin’s inherent ability to heal. At 100% PUREour goal is to help you quiet that noise. By choosing restorative care, you aren’t being “passive”—you are being strategic. You are giving your skin the peace it needs to rebuild its own strength.

The Power of Restorative Care

To understand the Science of Silence, we have to look at what we call Frequency A. In our world, skincare falls into two categories. Frequency B is for those “vibrant” moments—the pops of color from our fruit pigments. Frequency A, however, is the frequency of the barrier. It is “Clean & Quiet.”

The Noise of Industrial Beauty

Most mass-market skincare is “noisy.” This noise comes in the form of artificial fragrances, harsh sulfates, and unstable preservatives. These ingredients act like static on a radio, disrupting the skin’s natural repair cycles. When your barrier is constantly reacting to these irritants, it can’t focus on its primary jobs: retaining moisture and synthesizing collagen.

When we remove these toxins and replace them with nature-identical nutrients, the “static” clears. This is where the magic happens. In the silence, your skin can finally shift its energy from “defense mode” to “repair mode.” This is Science-Backed Purity in its most elegant form. We aren’t just giving you “gentle” products; we are providing a high-performance environment where your skin can finally find its voice.

The Mechanism of Resilience: Dermal Absorption vs. Surface Friction

A common myth in the beauty world is that if you can’t feel a product working on the surface, it isn’t doing anything. This leads people to rely on “surface friction”—harsh physical scrubs and chemical peels that provide an immediate (but temporary) feeling of smoothness by stripping away the top layer of the skin.

Why a Healthy Barrier is a Strong Barrier

True strength doesn’t come from thinning the skin; it comes from thickening the barrier. At our ISO-certified facility in San Josewe engineer our formulas for dermal absorption.

Using advanced blending techniques—what our scientists, including experts like Dr. Cody Chalker, PhD, might call refined emulsions—we ensure that the nutrients in our formulas don’t just sit on the surface. They are designed to travel deep into the layers where actual restoration happens.

By delivering vitamins and minerals directly to the “living” layers of your skin, we support long-term resilience. Instead of a temporary glow followed by a crash, you get a steady, reliable health that radiates from within. This is the difference between “forcing” a result and “fostering” one.

Building a “Quiet” Ritual

The best way to experience the Science of Silence is through The Sensitive-Skin Strength Ritual. This collection is a masterclass in how to care for “wise” skin without the drama of irritation. It is a sequence of steps designed to act as a restorative hug for your complexion.

1. Calendula Flower Cleansing Milk: The Gentle Start

The ritual begins with the “Shhh” of skincare. Most cleansers use industrial-grade detergents that “scream” at your barrier, stripping away the very lipids you need to stay hydrated.

Our Calendula Flower Cleansing Milk is different. It uses stabilized calendula hydrosols—processed at our San Jose labs—to calm the skin while gently lifting away the day’s debris. It is a non-stripping, milky reset that tells your skin: “You are safe.”

2. Matcha Oat Face Scrub: Smoothing the Path

Even “quiet” routines need a bit of refinement. But instead of the jagged edges of crushed shells or high-intensity acids, we use the Matcha Oat Face Scrub.

The oats provide a physical “cushion,” ensuring that the exfoliation is soft and intentional. Meanwhile, the matcha delivers a potent dose of antioxidants to neutralize environmental noise. It smooths the surface without causing the “micro-tears” that lead to long-term sensitivity.

3. Matcha Oat Milk Nourishing Mask: The Restorative Hug

If your skin could pick a favorite step, it would be this. The Matcha Oat Milk Nourishing Mask is the ultimate tool for barrier repair. It is a concentrated dose of “silence.” By flooding the skin with moisture-binding oats and calming green tea, it helps to put out the “fire” of redness and irritation. It is the moment in the ritual where you can truly feel the restoration taking place.

4. Intensive Nourishing Facial Oil: The Silent Bodyguard

In 2004, Susie Wang pioneered a patent for stabilizing vitamins in oil, and that logic lives on in this product. The Intensive Nourishing Facial Oil acts as a silent bodyguard for your lipids. It provides a deep, “lab-refined” layer of protection that keeps your moisture locked in and the world’s irritants locked out.

5. Seaberry Moisturizer: The Final Seal

We finish with the Seaberry Moisturizer. Seaberry is a botanical powerhouse, packed with omegas and vitamins that are traditionally difficult to keep stable. Because we manufacture this ourselves in our San Jose facility, we can guarantee that these nutrients reach your skin in their most potent, active form. It is a “Science-Backed” seal of comfort that ensures your skin wakes up looking and feeling restored.

Conclusion: Strength Through Peace

As we look back on 25 years of innovation and celebrate Susie’s birthday, the message remains clear: Harsh isn’t better—it’s damaging. The Science of Silence has been our “North Star” since we started in a dorm room lab. We’ve learned that the skin doesn’t need to be pushed; it needs to be nourished. It doesn’t need to be shouted at; it needs to be heard.

True strength comes from peace and consistency. When you choose a restorative routine, you aren’t just buying skincare; you are participating in a 25-year legacy of radical integrity. You are choosing to trust in the quiet power of nature-backed science.

This year, as we celebrate another milestone, we invite you to turn down the volume on your skincare routine. Experience the results that come when you finally stop fighting your skin and start listening to it.

FAQ Section: Understanding Your Skin’s Language

How do I know if my skincare routine is too “loud”?

Your skin is very good at telling you when it’s overwhelmed. Look for signs of “barrier distress,” such as:

  • Persistent redness that doesn’t go away.
  • A “tight” or “shiny” feeling even when you haven’t used a product.
  • Stinging or burning when you apply even basic moisturizers.
  • Frequent, tiny breakouts that seem different from traditional acne.
    These are all signals that your routine is too aggressive and you need to move toward a more “quiet,” restorative approach.

Can “gentle” products still provide anti-aging benefits?

Absolutely. In fact, many “Age-Corrective” benefits are more effective when delivered gently. Our Seaberry Moisturizerfor example, is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that support cellular health. When the skin is calm, it is much better at utilizing these nutrients to support collagen and elastin. Think of it this way: a house is easier to renovate when the foundation is stable. Gentleness provides that stable foundation.

What is the first sign that my barrier is becoming more resilient?

The most immediate sign is a reduction in “reactivity.” You’ll notice that your skin doesn’t get as red when you wash it or when you step out into the wind. Secondly, you’ll see better “hydration retention.” Your skin will start to look “plump” and dewy on its own, because its internal “tight junctions” are finally doing their job of holding onto moisture.

Why is San Jose important to my “quiet” routine?

Being in San Jose allows us to maintain vertical integration. We own the labs where the Science of Silence is engineered. This means we can control every variable—from the purity of our calendula to the stability of our seaberry. We don’t have to use “loud” industrial preservatives to keep our products fresh because we make them ourselves in small, fresh batches. Our facility is the “Safe Haven” where your “Quiet” skincare is born.

Ready to turn down the noise and start your own ritual of restoration? Explore The Sensitive-Skin Strength Ritual and discover the power of the “Science of Silence.”

Top Cosmetic Chemists Share Their Best Under-the-Radar Skin-Care Tips

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Top Cosmetic Chemists Share Their Best Under-the-Radar Skin-Care Tips

Cosmetic chemists are some of my favorite influencers in the skin-care space these days. Their approach to the subject through a technical, science-backed lens gives me intel outside of my expertise—the kind I can’t gather on my own by reading a press release or scanning an ingredient label. They know which ingredients play well together (and which ones don’t), and they can tell which ingredients are there for marketing hype versus efficacy. Here, some of the industry’s leading cosmetic chemists share their best under-the-radar skin-care tips.

Ramon Pagan

@glowbyramon, cosmetic chemist and product developer

“If an app on your phone is telling you a skin-care ingredient is dangerous, it’s not. Nothing that is used in commercial products is toxic or dangerous to you. Apps like Yuka and EWG are considered a scam in the scientific community because both are a result of people without scientific literacy trying to interpret complex data. They’re also the result of lobbying to manipulate the uninformed consumer. A lot of testing, safety assessments and toxicology are used to test and verify consumer safety with ingredients, such as if they absorb, up to what quantity, and an array of impacts they could have in the body. Even then, the amount approved for use in cosmetics is lower than the limit deemed safe to use, just to be more conservative. Therefore, if it’s used in a commercial product sold at a retailer, it’s a safe product. Also, no one wants a lawsuit. Big Skincare isn’t trying to hurt you.”

Julian Sass, PhD

@drjuliansass, cosmetic scientist

“The vast majority of ingredients are absolutely fine to use together, BUT keep an eye out for benzoyl peroxide and hypochlorous acid. These are strong oxidizers and can inactivate any antioxidants in other products, like vitamin C, retinol or niacinamide. For hypochlorous spray, you just need to let it dry before applying anything else on top of it, and for benzoyl peroxide, either use it in a leave-on product on its own without other actives. Or, use a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide and let it dry after rinsing it off!”

Kelly Drummer

Cosmetic chemist

The most underrated, overachieving skin-care product of all time? Petrolatum, aka Vaseline. It’s the humble goop in that big tub you can snag for less than $3. It’s a powerful occlusive that locks in moisture and protects compromised skin, and it also makes a great lip treatment. Its safety profile is exemplary, backed by over a century of use and regulatory scrutiny. Dermatologists love it, chemists trust it, and your grandma probably swore by it. Bonus tip: Petrolatum can even prolong the life of your fragrance. Apply a very thin layer to your pulse points—like your wrists or behind your ears—before spritzing your perfume. It slows down evaporation, helping your scent last longer. It’s a science-backed technique that costs pennies.”

Gloria Lu

@chemist.confessions, cosmetic chemist and cofounder of Chemist Confessions

“Hypochlorous acid may be one of the few ingredients we actually recommend storing in the fridge, but don’t put it in the freezer. This antimicrobial is quite unstable with a short shelf life. In fact, when purchasing hypochlorous acid sprays, we recommend not to buy in bulk. Fresh is definitely better here!”

Ginger King

@thebeautysharkginger, cosmetic chemist and president and CEO of Grace Kingdom Beauty

“Everyone is obsessed with ingredient lists, but ingredients are only half the story. What really matters is how they’re sourced and formulated. Two products can say ‘hyaluronic acid,’ but one hydrates while the other just sits there. Percentage matters, but more does not necessarily mean better because there is just so much the skin can take—the rest is a waste. It’s not about what’s on the label; it’s about the chemistry and formulation skills behind it. That’s where new beauty is born…yes, pun intended.”

Krupa Koestline, PhD

@krupakoestline, cosmetic chemist and biotech expert

“Packaging quietly makes or breaks everything. Light-and oxygen-sensitive actives, such as retinal, L-ascorbic acid, some enzymes and next-gen antioxidants, don’t belong in clear glass bottles with a metal-spring pump. That tiny coil can catalyze oxidation, and clear walls act like a tanning bed for your formula. If a product truly relies on sensitive, hard-to-stabilize actives, I want to see opaque, airless, low-headspace packaging and antioxidants/ chelators in the base to mop up trace metals. Otherwise, you paid for ‘vitamin C’ and are using ‘vitamin C’s eulogy’ by week six.”

Victoria Fu

@chemist.confessions, cosmetic chemist and cofounder of Chemist Confessions

“A vast majority of the data behind vitamin C is based on one specific molecule: ascorbic acid. It’s important to skim the ingredient list of vitamin C serums because many brands will label their serums generically as ‘vitamin C serum’ and will actually use vitamin C derivatives that are not ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, many of these vitamin C derivatives are not as well validated. However, there is a place for them because some skin types do not tolerate ascorbic acid as well. If you are in this group and prefer an alternative, I recommend sodium ascorbyl phosphate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.”

Stephen Ko

@kindofstephen, cosmetic formulator

“The SPF number on sunscreen products represents the average protection provided for a population, not an individual. That doesn’t mean you should fear or not trust an SPF number, but it should mean that you’re more attentive when applying. Apply a thick layer, reapply frequently and opt for a higher SPF. I personally like to apply my sunscreen in two layers to ensure a more even coat. Also, sprays, aerosols, powders, balms, foams and mousses are harder to apply sufficiently when compared to liquid and lotion formulas.”

Ron Robinson

@ronrobinsoncosmeticchemist, cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat Cosmetics

“If you have sensitive skin, you may have tried ‘the sandwich method’ when using retinol, but did you know you can also do it with vitamin C? Instead of applying vitamin C serum directly to your skin, sandwich it by applying it over your moisturizer at night to lessen the direct impact of the active ingredient. Do this for a week or so to allow your skin to slowly adapt to this potent ingredient and still reap the benefits.”

Biological Aging Happens in Bursts. Here’s When and How to Prepare

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Biological Aging Happens in Bursts. Here’s When and How to Prepare

If you want to get technical, you’ve been getting older since the day you were born. But a growing body of research has discovered that biological aging doesn’t happen at a steady pace. As a result, there are certain times in your life where your cells may age faster than others.

If it feels like you’ve suddenly developed some post-workout aches that weren’t there a year ago or that you developed grays out of nowhere, you could be going through one of these aging bursts. Naturally, it’s fair to wonder what you can do to stay healthy during this time—and maybe even work against that aging process.

Here’s what the data found about when women age, plus what doctors suggest to slow that process.

The study is just one that found aging happens at set points in life.

For the study, which was published in the journal Nature Aging, researchers analyzed the cells of 108 people between the ages of 25 and 75. They also did a deep dive into participants’ microbiomes, which are microorganisms that play an important role in your health. Most of the participants were tracked for around 1.7 years, although the maximum amount of follow-up was 6.8 years.

After looking at the data, the researchers found that most participants’ molecules and microbiomes aged in bursts. Specifically, they discovered that they went through two periods of faster aging—around age 44 and age 60. “Overall, this research demonstrates that functions and risks of aging-related diseases change non-linearly across the human lifespan,” the researchers wrote in the conclusion.

It’s worth pointing out that this isn’t the only recent study to suggest that aging happens in bursts.

Research published in the journal Cell last year analyzed blood and tissue samples from 76 organ donors who were between the ages of 14 and 68 when they died. Those tissue samples were from a range of bodily systems: cardiovascular, digestive, immune, endocrine, respiratory, skin, and muscular.

Things got a little technical there, but the researchers created a catalogue of proteins from those bodily systems and analyzed how the levels of those proteins changed with age. The thought was that lower levels of the proteins suggest the cells didn’t regenerate as well as they did when the people were younger.

After crunching the data, the researchers found that the biggest aging changes happened between 45 and 55. During that time period, most of the tissues went through major changes, with the most drastic happening in the aorta—the main artery that carries blood away from the heart—as well as the pancreas and spleen.

What’s behind this accelerated aging?

It’s not entirely clear. While research suggests this is a phenomenon that happens, the exact reason for it hasn’t been uncovered yet. Still, there are a few theories.

ELC moves into luxury Ayurveda with Forest Essentials acquisition

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ELC moves into luxury Ayurveda with Forest Essentials acquisition

Key takeaways on ELC’s Forest Essentials acquisition

  • Estée Lauder Companies is acquiring Indian luxury Ayurveda brand Forest Essentials after holding a minority stake for 18 years.
  • The brand will continue to operate from India under founder Mira Kulkarni and Executive Director Samrath Bedi.
  • ELC aims to expand Forest Essentials internationally while preserving its Ayurvedic heritage and craftsmanship.
  • The acquisition supports ELC’s broader strategy to grow its presence in India, one of its largest emerging markets.
  • Forest Essentials is the top-ranked prestige skin care brand in India and continues to forecast strong growth.

US beauty multinational Estée Lauder Companies Inc (ELC) plans to acquire Indian luxury Ayurveda brand Forest Essentials.

The business has held minority shares in the company for the past 18 years, increasing its stake to 49% in 2020. ELC said it has strong confidence in the brand and is now committed to growing it and expanding its global consumer reach.

Forest Essentials was founded in 2000 by Mira Kulkarni and set out to redefine modern luxurious Ayurveda for today’s world. The brand has nearly 200 freestanding stores and is the top-ranked prestige skin care brand in India, according to Euromonitor data.

A longstanding partnership evolves into full acquisition

The brand is forecast to grow its net sales in the low double digits, and ELC said that this, combined with its existing brand portfolio, will make India the company’s largest emerging market.

Estée Lauder Companies hopes that with this acquisition it will be well-positioned to gain prestige beauty share of the India beauty market.

The brand will continue to be run by Kulkarni and her son, Executive Director Samrath Bedi, and will remain headquartered in New Delhi. It will also maintain its fully integrated operational ecosystem in India, ensuring Research & Development grounded in Ayurveda, responsible and local botanical sourcing, and in-house manufacturing.

Estée Lauder Companies’ President and CEO Stéphane de La Faverie said that the business had a deep and inherent appreciation for the vision and tenacity required to build a brand of this calibre.

“We are honoured to strengthen our partnership with Mira, who, like Mrs Estée Lauder, has elevated the prestige beauty industry through a clear vision of authenticity and purpose,” he said.

De La Faverie added that the next phase of the partnership reflects ELC’s long-term commitment to India – one of its largest and most significant emerging markets. He said he strongly believed in the global resonance of the brand.

“Together, our ambition is clear: to further strengthen the brand’s leadership at home while thoughtfully introducing it to a global audience,” he said. “We are committed to expanding this reach without compromising the integrity, craftsmanship, and cultural soul that define Forest Essentials, and look forward to supporting Mira and her son Sam in the brand’s exciting future.”

Meanwhile, founder and MD of Forest Essentials, Mira Kulkarni, said she believed that ELC would understand how to preserve the brand’s soul while providing the global expertise needed to scale.

“Our shared mission has always been to establish Luxury Ayurveda as a globally respected pillar of modern beauty,” she said. “Ayurveda is not folklore; it is a sophisticated system of science, ritual, and holistic wellbeing. By combining our heritage with the operational strength of The Estée Lauder Companies, we have the opportunity to bring this wisdom to a global audience.”

Kulkarni said the next phase is about continuity and growth. “We continue to lead the brand from India, strengthening our operational excellence and commitment to our Indian consumers, while thoughtfully expanding internationally.”

ELC strengthens its footprint in India’s prestige beauty market

The Estée Lauder Companies said it has had a meaningful presence in India’s prestige beauty landscape for the past 20 years – with 14 of its brands across skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care serving consumers nationwide.

The company also runs a BEAUTY&YOU India initiative, which discovers, supports and accelerates the next generation of India-focused beauty entrepreneurs. It said it has also prioritised social investments in the Indian market, with more than $14 million dedicated to strengthening health, education, leadership and life skills through partnerships with local NGOs.

7 Best Bronzers for Mature Skin For a Warm, Natural-Looking Glow

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7 Best Bronzers for Mature Skin For a Warm, Natural-Looking Glow

Just note: It currently comes in two shades that skew best for fair skin tones—on deeper complexions, it may read more like a luminous highlighter than a traditional bronzer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bronzer is best for mature skin?

The best bronzers for mature skin often come in cream, balm, or hydrating powder formulas that blend easily and won’t settle into fine lines or emphasize dryness. Look for products with a buildable formula and sheer pigment so you can add a sun-kissed glow gradually, rather than laying down a heavy layer of color. Ingredients that support hydration—like squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or nourishing oils—help the bronzer glide smoothly and keep skin looking fresh rather than powdery. For the most flattering effect, reach for a formula with a natural finish that’s softly luminous or has a glowy sheen, rather than a flat matte. That hint of light reflection helps skin look healthier and more radiant while keeping the overall effect believable and effortless.

How can people with mature skin make bronzer look natural?

For mature skin, the secret to natural-looking bronzer in your makeup routine comes down to placement and a light hand. Whether you prefer the best cream bronzer for a dewy skin enhancer effect or the best powder bronzer for a softly diffused finish, the goal isn’t heavy contour—it’s subtle warmth. Instead, focus on where the sun would naturally hit. “Avoid placing bronzer where there has been volume loss, mainly at the temples and in the hollows of the cheeks,” says Riner. Instead, she recommends using a fluffy brush to sweep color across the tops of the cheeks, along the hairline, lightly on the nose and chin, and even the slightest touch on the brow bone for a skin-like finish. Another pro tip: Don’t stop at your jawline. “Because we’re diligent about sunscreen, the chest is often deeper in tone than the face,” says Riner. Blending bronzer slightly down the neck helps visually connect the face and chest for a cohesive, polished look.

Meet the experts

  • Tonya Riner, a makeup artist based in Houston
  • Kayla Shantal, a makeup artist and hair extension expert based in Las Vegas

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best bronzers for mature skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

The Botanicals Behind Your Best Hair — Iles Formula Spring Essentials

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The Botanicals Behind Your Best Hair — Iles Formula Spring Essentials

The best formulas known what hair truly needs. Spring is when you remember to listen.

There’s something about spring that stirs the soul. The air shifts. The light changes. The sun goes down later. And without quite knowing why, you find yourself a little novelty from your routine. Something lighter, more intentional, more alive.

Wendy has always formulated with botanicals at the centre of each Iles product. Not as mere decoration – but with functional, reparative intention. The belief that what grows from the earth, when cleanly and intelligently extracted, is what we tend to respond to. Spring, more than any other time of year, reminds us of this.

Iles Formula Signature Collection — Shampoo, Conditioner, and Finishing Serum arranged with pressed white flowers on white background

Free of proteins, bond-builders, and silicones, our three-step system works with the hair’s natural structure rather than against it. The finish is weightless. The protection is total. The softness is unreal.

Take the kiwi, found in our Scalp + Body Exfoliant. Kiwi-derived AHAs work into the scalp, loosening buildup that has accumulated invisibly. Shampoo it out completely. What remains is a clarified, breathable canvas that can properly absorb everything that comes next with a whole new level of efficacy.

Fresh kiwi fruit cross-section alongside Iles Formula Scalp + Body Exfoliant on white background

Derived from the Brazilian Pracaxi Tree, this a true Iles Formula hero ingredient. We love it for the way it conditions and smooths the hair, helps prevent hair breakage. As an emollient, it also adds an incredible glossy luster to strands. You’ll find it in our Iles Formula Signature Shampoo, delivering silky texture and movement.

Iles Formula Signature Shampoo bottle with auburn hair strands in suds alongside pracaxi tree botanical detail

Found in our Iles Formula Signature Conditioner, Tucuma Palm helps to combat free radicals and is full of good-for-you fatty acids to repair and nurture ALL hair types. We love it because it’s renowned for its rich content of pro-aging polyphenols.

Red head woman holding yellow flowers, alongside Iles Formula Signature Conditioner bottle with textured tucuma butter

This botanical delivers the weightless, luminous finish that has made the anti-frizz Iles Formula Finishing Serum the quiet obsession of stylists, editors, and those in-the-know. A lightweight, plant-derived alternative that delivers the same slip and softness as silicone without the buildup, without weighing strands down over time.

Iles Formula Finishing Serum bottle on white background with soft botanical styling

One way to spice up your scalp care – literally. It turns out wasabi extract stimulates the dermal papilla cells responsible for hair follicle development. That’s what made it an instant add to our Scalp + Hair Rejuvenating Booster. Consider this the root-level reset your scalp has been waiting for.

A woman in white bathrobe, face obscured, pictured from behind looking in the mirror, alongside aIles Formula Scalp + Hair Rejuvenating Booster bottle alongside wasabi root

Every ingredient in every Iles Formula product was chosen with the intention of working in harmony with your hair and scalp, rather than against it. Every spring, that philosophy feels more relevant than ever. Nature, it turns out, has always known what your hair needs.

Why you don’t need to be a chemist to be a formulator

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Why you don’t need to be a chemist to be a formulator

If you’ve ever felt that learning to make your own skincare or haircare products is only reserved for chemists in lab coats, this episode of Green Beauty Conversations is about to change everything for you.

In this special episode, Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier is joined by Formula Botanica’s in-house Cosmetic Scientist, Natalie Garwe, to tackle one of the most persistent myths in beauty – that you have to be a chemist to formulate.

Together, Lorraine and Natalie unpack where this myth comes from, why it continues to shape how people see formulation today, and why this belief has held so many aspiring formulators back for far too long.

As part of this, Natalie shares her own formulation journey, which started not in a lab, but at home, mixing ingredients in her mum’s kitchen as a teenager.

Her path took her through roles with companies such as Unilever and Brenntag and into her current role at Formula Botanica, but experimentation always came first – not credentials.

Long before she studied cosmetic science or worked in industry, she was already formulating out of curiosity and necessity, proving that this craft is learned by doing and experimenting, not by collecting titles.

Natalie’s story is a powerful reminder that formulation is not reserved for a select, academically anointed few, but that everyone can learn to formulate.

So if you’ve ever told yourself you’re “not scientific enough” or “not technical enough” to formulate, or simply been waiting for permission to start, this episode is for you.

Listen here

“Don’t be afraid to experiment. Don’t be afraid to fail and own your story. It’s your superpower – go ahead and buy those ingredients and start mixing.” — Natalie Garwe

In this episode with Natalie Garwe, you will hear:

  • How Natalie started formulating at home: Natalie shares how she began making products as a teenager in her mum’s kitchen and at her cousin’s house, driven by curiosity and necessity rather than any formal training. She talks about her early experiments, including some memorable failures, and how those first attempts sparked a lifelong interest in formulation.
  • The difference between a formulator and a chemist: Lorraine and Natalie unpack what it really means to be a formulator versus a chemist. Natalie explains that formulation is about creating products, while chemistry is a deeper study of compounds and how the world is made – meaning you don’t need a chemistry degree to start formulating.
  • Where the chemist myth comes from: Marketing, lab coat imagery, and pristine factory visuals have shaped public perception of who is “allowed” or not to formulate. Natalie explains how these images become internalised, even without anyone explicitly saying you need a chemistry degree. The conversation reveals how far removed this image often is from real-life formulation careers.
  • What you actually need to start: Natalie breaks down what beginners really need in terms of scientific knowledge. She explains that basic school-level science is enough to get started and that learning through doing is far more important in the early stages. The important thing is curiosity, experimenting and developing a feel for ingredients rather than being “scientifically-inclined” – very much like cooking.
  • Why experimentation matters more than knowledge: The episode highlights how hands-on experience builds intuition and confidence in formulation, more than a chemistry background. Natalie talks about how formulators progress by trying, testing and asking questions, rather than memorising scientific theory.

Key takeaways include:

  • You don’t need a chemistry degree to start formulating: Natalie is clear that many people in the industry did not begin with a strong scientific background. She explains that curiosity, experimentation and learning by doing are far more important in the beginning than formal qualifications.
  • The beauty industry has created a misleading image: This conversation reveals how marketing and advertising have reinforced the idea that only chemists in lab coats can create products. Natalie points out that when you look behind the scenes, many formulators come from diverse backgrounds and learn on the job. This disconnect does a disservice to the real people making products and their varied, inspiring journeys.
  • Hands-on practice builds skills that no chemistry degree can teach: Both Lorraine and Natalie reflect on how formal education can fill in gaps, but cannot replace experimentation, intuition and problem-solving. Natalie describes how working in small labs with simple equipment felt surprisingly similar to her early home experiments. This reinforces the idea that practical experience is central to becoming a good formulator.
  • Confidence grows after you start: A recurring theme in the episode is imposter syndrome and the belief that you need to be “ready” before you begin. Natalie and Lorraine describe how confidence usually comes after making something that works, even if it isn’t perfect. The episode encourages you to start experimenting first and let belief in your abilities follow. This shift in mindset can be the difference between staying stuck and actually formulating.

Meet our guest: Natalie Garwe, Cosmetic Scientist at Formula Botanica

Podcast 307: Why you don’t need to be a chemist to formulatePodcast 307: Why you don’t need to be a chemist to formulateNatalie Garwe is Formula Botanica’s Cosmetic Scientist, but her journey into formulation started long before she ever worked in a lab.

As a teenager, she began formulating at home after her mother told her she’d need to make her own products rather than buy the mainstream options.

That early curiosity led her into university qualifications and industry, where she went on to work for brands and suppliers including Cosmiko, Reckitt, Unilever and Brenntag, gaining experience from benchtop formulation all the way through to large-scale manufacturing and lab leadership.

Today, Natalie is a core part of Formula Botanica’s mission to teach the world to formulate, and she leads our in-house scientific quality control to ensure that everything we publish – from courses to blogs to videos – stands up to scientific scrutiny and meets our overarching formulation philosophy.

Related episodes/listen next:

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Defined Arches Start With These Eyebrow Pencils

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Defined Arches Start With These Eyebrow Pencils

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in an eyebrow pencil?

A good eyebrow pencil comes down to your individual needs, but New York City-based makeup artist Tommy Napoli always recommends a wax-based formula that has a spoolie on the other end. “Pencils can be better than shadow or pomade for enhancing the look of brow hairs,” he says, adding that spoolies are great for brushing up hair and blending out product.

If you have sparse brows and like a natural look, a brow pencil with a thin or pointed skinny tip will help you create hair-like strokes to fill in gaps, says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Robin Black. “On the other hand, if you have thick brows and want to fill in a few gaps or emphasize their ’80s look, a wide slanted tip is your best brow friend,” she notes.

How do you apply an eyebrow pencil?

Good news: If you want full, feathery brows, we already have an entire guide on that. But, if you just want the TL;DR on eyebrow pencils, we’ve got you. Before you even reach for your pencil, New York City-based makeup artist Yuui Vision told Allure that powdering your brows before application will create a more long-wearing result. “The point of the powder is to take out moisture from the brow hair,” she said. “Moisturizer might prevent you from smooth brow application.” After applying powder, New York City-based makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes told Allure to use your pencil to lightly outline your preferred general shape, filling in spare spots in the process. For a photo-ready, feathery effect, Hughes also recommends combining a brow pen or pomade to add more definition.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best eyebrow pencils, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

Childhood stars who grew into women: A tribute to our favorites

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Childhood stars who grew into women: A tribute to our favorites

Childhood stars who grew into women are basically our extended family at this point. There is something so special about watching the girls we grew up with on our TV screens blossom into the iconic, multi talented women they are today. We saw them through their awkward phases, their biggest breaks, and their glow ups, and now we are here to give them all their flowers. These ladies did not just stay in the spotlight; they reinvented it.

The Ultimate Sister Act: Tia and Tamera Mowry

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We first fell in love with Tia and Tamera Mowry when they were separated at birth on the hit show Sister Sister which ran from 1994 to 1999. Watching them navigate their teenage years made us feel like we were right there with them. Since then, they have both continued to dominate the industry by acting, producing, and leading their own docuseries. They are the perfect example of how to stay grounded while reaching for the stars.

The Visionary: Raven Symone

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From her adorable start on The Cosby Show to her legendary run on That’s So Raven, Raven Symone has always been a force of nature. She is exactly who she thinks she is: a visionary. Today, she is not just an actress but a powerful executive producer who continues to shape the landscape of television for the next generation.

The Big Boss: Keke Palmer

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Keke Palmer stole our hearts in Akeelah and the Bee back in 2006, and she has not slowed down for a second. She has successfully transitioned into a lead actress, a soulful singer, and a hilarious television host. Keke gives her all to everything she puts her name on, and we love her for always keeping it real and relatable.

Voices and Visionaries: Kyla Pratt and Tatyana Ali

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Kyla Pratt will forever be the voice of our childhood as Penny Proud in The Proud Family and the star of One on One from 2001 to 2006. She has grown into a beautiful woman who continues to work and inspire. Similarly, Tatyana Ali became a household name as Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Watching her evolve from the cute younger cousin to a sophisticated woman in the industry has been a beautiful journey to witness.

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The Staples: Meagan Good and Paige Hurd

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Meagan Good has been a staple in film and television since she starred in Eve’s Bayou as a child in 1997. She has a timeless energy and a career that just keeps getting better. Then we have Paige Hurd, who many of us remember from her role in Everybody Hates Chris. She has grown into a stunning actress who continues to land major roles and represent for the culture.

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Seeing these childhood stars who grew into women succeed is like watching our best friends win. They have shown us that with hard work, authenticity, and a little bit of magic, you can truly do it all.

David and Victoria Beckham’s family feud with Brooklyn: a timeline

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David and Victoria Beckham’s family feud with Brooklyn: a timeline

January 20th, 2026: Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box on Tuesday, David Beckham stopped short of addressing the dispute directly, instead speaking more broadly about his children and the dangers of social media.

He said, “I’ve been able to use my platform and my following for UNICEF, and it’s been the biggest tool to make people aware of what’s going on around the world for children.”

“I’ve tried to do the same. I’ve tried to do the same with my children to educate them. They make mistakes. Children are allowed to make mistakes. That’s how they learn.

“So that’s what I try to teach my kids. But you know, you have to sometimes let them make those mistakes as well.”

January 19th, 2026: Brooklyn Beckham posts a detailed statement on his Instagram Stories, alleging that his parents have given him “no choice but to speak for [him]self and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed. He goes on to accuse Victoria of derailing his wedding to Nicola, alleging that she “Cancelled making Nicola’s dress in the eleventh hour despite how excited she was to wear her design, forcing her to urgently find a new dress.”

At the time, Nicola said in an interview with Variety, “I was going to [wear Victoria Beckham] and I really wanted to, and then a few months down the line, she realised that her atelier couldn’t do it, so then I had to pick another dress.”

Brooklyn further accused his mother of hijacking his first dance with Nicola, saying, “In front of 500 wedding guests, Marc Anthony called me to the stage, where in the schedule was planned to be my romantic dance with my wife, but instead my mum was waiting to dance with me instead.

“She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone. I’ve never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life.”

He then added that he and Nicola had chosen to renew their vows in 2025 to “create new memories” of the wedding day “that bring [them] joy and happiness, not anxiety and embarrassment.”

Brooklyn further claimed that his father “refused all of our attempts” to spend quality time with him, “unless it was at his big birthday party with a hundred guests and cameras at every corner.”

Concluding, Brooklyn said, “My family values public promotion and endorsements above all else. Brand Beckham comes first.

‘Family “love” is decided by how much you post on social media, or how quickly you drop everything to show up and pose for a family photo op even if it’s at the expense of our professional obligations.”

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