by Marie | Oct 20, 2025 | Facial Hydrators & Toners
Acne was the thing I was trying to fix when I started my DIY skin care journey over 15 years ago. I spent hundreds of dollars on every oil, butter, clay, botanical, and essential oil the internet said would help. Sometimes something would help, but it never lasted for long. I was still breaking out, and when those pimples eventually did heal, they’d often leave scars.
When I finally figured out what I was doing wrong I literally had fewer breakouts overnight, existing blemishes started healing faster, and my skin was glowing. Hooray!
The big thing that my skin was missing back then was hydration, so hydrating serums like this one are now an essential part of my skincare routine. And topical hydration isn’t only good for acne! It can help boost healing, reduce irritation, plump up fine lines, and generally help your skin be happy, hydrated, and glowing.
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by Marie | Sep 19, 2024 | Facial Hydrators & Toners, Facial Serums & Balms, Live Ingredient List Analysis, Patreon
An interesting one, and one I think is relatively do-able at home for intermediate makers. It’s an emulsion with the added complexity of getting the pH just right, so that’s the skill you’ll want to be comfortable with if you want to tackle this product.
by Marie | Aug 11, 2024 | Body, Exclusive Formulations, Facial Hydrators & Toners, Patreon
Let’s riff on my new aloe gel formulations and make some fancy aloe vera gel! We’ll make one with soft xanthan gum and a second with Sepimax ZEN, really taking advantage of how it lets us include oil-soluble ingredients.
by Marie | Mar 18, 2024 | Exclusive Formulations, Facial Hydrators & Toners, Facial Serums & Balms, Patreon
A lovely hyaluronic acid serum starring three different weights of hyaluronic acid plus some of my favourite soothing, brightening, and hydrating actives.
by Marie | Jun 5, 2023 | Best of 2023, Facial Hydrators & Toners, Facial Serums & Balms
Niacinamide—also known as Vitamin B3—is a potent, effective, and popular active ingredient with amazing brightening and barrier-boosting skincare benefits. But, it can be a bit intimidating to work with. So, if you’ve been wanting to start formulating with niacinamide but haven’t been sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started 😄
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by Marie | Jul 6, 2022 | Face, Facial Hydrators & Toners, Facial Serums & Balms, Patreon, Tutorial videos
This patron exclusive bonus video includes a more in-depth overview of the formulation considerations that come up when working with lactic acid (and other AHAs) + a really in-depth walk through of adjusting the pH 😊
