How I Test

I'm Not a Dermatologist

I need to say this plainly, up front: I'm a marketer and a longtime skincare enthusiast, not a dermatologist or any kind of licensed medical professional. Everything on this site comes from my own routine, my own research, and what's actually worked for my skin — not a medical degree.

If you have persistent acne, a rash that won't quit, sudden or severe reactions, or anything that just feels wrong, please see a licensed dermatologist. I can tell you what worked for me. I can't diagnose you, and I'd never try to.

How Long I Actually Use Something Before I Say Anything

I don't write a verdict after one use. My minimum is a few weeks of real, everyday wear — long enough to know if a cleanser is actually going to irritate me, or if a moisturizer holds up through a full Florida day. Anything claiming to change texture, tone, or barrier health gets longer than that, because those changes take time to show up honestly, not just under good lighting.

Purchased, Gifted, or Sponsored — I Say Which

Most of what I recommend, I bought myself. When a brand sends me something to try, I say so. When a post is sponsored, it's labeled sponsored — clearly, not buried in fine print. A free product doesn't buy a good review; if something doesn't work for me, gifted or not, I say that too.

The Real-Photo Standard

Photos on this site are shot in window light, not a ring-lit setup, and I don't smooth or retouch my skin in them. If I'm wearing makeup or SPF in a photo, I say so — because it changes how a product actually looks on skin, and pretending otherwise isn't honest.

Affiliate Links Never Change a Verdict

Yes, a lot of the links on this site are affiliate links — I disclose that everywhere it's relevant, and you can read the full details in my Affiliate Disclosure. But a higher commission has never once talked me into recommending something I don't actually use, and it never will. If I wouldn't hand it to a friend, it doesn't go on this site — commission or not.

When I Change My Mind

Skin changes, seasons change, and sometimes I'm just wrong about something at first. When my opinion on a product changes, I update the post or product page, say what changed and why, and date the update — I don't quietly edit the past. A correction isn't a failure, it's just honesty catching up.

Questions?

If anything here is unclear, or you want to know more about how a specific recommendation came together, reach out through the Collaborate page — I'm happy to answer.