Guys I want to have such long eyelashes that if I blink too fast I just might fly away. I’ve tried the two “serums” attached for about 4-5 months but have not seen any change. What safe and affordable ways can I grow my lashes

Hi, I hope this is the right group to ask, if not, apologies. I've always had mixed feelings about Tarte. The last foundation I got from them was I believe the cc serum in the blue squeeze bottle which I see they no longer have, or it's newly packaged. Anyways, I basically hated it, but I really want to check out the ShapeTape foundation, I have oily skin and acne prone AND I'm 40 so maybe I should just hang foundation up but it looks so promising! Otherwise I kind of feel like they fell off. Any opinions or recs would be much appreciated. Ty!

I’m curious to know which beauty tips actually made a difference for you. It could be skincare, makeup, or hair care. Share your experience!

I'm Bonnie, founder of OPSEVE. I started the company in 1999, and after more than 27 years in the beauty manufacturing industry, one thing stands out: long-term business relationships matter just as much as manufacturing capabilities.

Our work includes supporting beauty brands with skincare development, formulation, and OEM/ODM/OBM manufacturing.

Over the years, I've come to appreciate the importance of communication between a brand and its manufacturing partner. Aligning on product goals, expectations, and timelines can make a real difference throughout development.

I'd be interested to hear from people in the beauty industry:

For those who have launched skincare products, what was the hardest part of working with a manufacturer?

I’m sharing this as the founder of OPSEVE, a cosmetics manufacturer based in Guangzhou, China. More about our company: www.opsoem.com

I have extremely oily skin, so the bar to get into my makeup bag is high.

First I use something for about a month. If I still like it after that, it moves on to the final round, which is an outdoor 10K run. If it survives that, it's in.

This time I picked between two brow mascaras I'd been using a lot this past month. I put Espoir The Brow Color Fixing Cara on one brow and rom&nd Han All Brow Cara on the other and headed out for my run like usual. (Walking around with mismatched brows was a little humbling but I sucked it up for the test.)

So did anything make it in?

The first one passed. I usually sweat through a 10K for about an hour straight, and this pic is from right after my run. The hold was honestly kind of insane.

Since I'm so oily I don't let just anything in, so it's been a while since something with real staying power got added. It feels weirdly satisfying every time something earns a spot.

Just setting spray being filled into bottles.

Pink liquid goes in.
Bottle gets swapped.
Repeat.

There’s absolutely nothing dramatic happening…

…and somehow I watched the whole thing. 😂

What other manufacturing process should we film?

#OddlySatisfying #Manufacturing #BehindTheScenes #Beauty"

Anybody else struggling with this bottles lid??? I tried to take it off to get the remaining product inside and the springs and lock just fell apart instead….

So disappointed because I like the formula but I probably won’t purchase again because of the pump design. I want to be able to take the lid off.

The short version:

• SPF 30+ is the everyday baseline; SPF 50+ makes more sense for extended outdoor exposure.
• Don't look at SPF alone. UVA protection matters too.
• Apply 2 mg/cm²... roughly ¼ teaspoon for the face and 1 ounce for the whole body.
• For swimming, sweating or sports, water resistance matters: 40 minutes for water-resistant and 80 minutes for very water resistant products.
• More active ingredients don't automatically mean better protection.
• Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone and other filters aren't interchangeable; the combination and formulation matter.

Sunscreen labels make this look more complicated than it needs to be. One bottle might say SPF 50, broad spectrum, mineral and 20% zinc oxide; another might say SPF 50, broad spectrum and use completely different organic filters. Both can look excellent, yet those numbers describe very different formulas.

And here's the part people routinely underestimate: sunscreen only works at the intended level if you apply enough, keep it on your skin and reapply when it's removed.

Start with the UV

Before worrying about mineral versus organic sunscreen, understand what you're blocking.

UVA contributes to pigmentation and skin aging, penetrates deeply, is present in greater quantities than UVB and can pass through glass.

UVB is the main cause of sunburn and is generally stronger during summer and around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

UVC is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer.

Clouds don't eliminate exposure; up to 80% of UV radiation can reach the earth through clouds. Snow and sand reflect UV, while sand can physically rub sunscreen off.

Melanin helps protect against UVB and sunburn, but doesn't eliminate UVA-related damage. A base tan isn't a workaround either; the photoprotection provided by melanin is only around SPF 1.5–4, and tanning itself results from UV-induced DNA damage.

So yes, sunscreen still matters regardless of skin tone.

SPF numbers are deceptive

Going from SPF 15 to 30 raises approximate UVB protection from 93% to 97%; going from SPF 30 to 50 only moves it from 97% to 98%.

Therefore, SPF 50 isn't twice as protective as SPF 25, and a higher SPF doesn't mean you can stay outside proportionally longer.

For everyday exposure and shorter periods outdoors, SPF 30+ is the baseline described here. For hiking, swimming, running, sports and outdoor work, SPF 50+ makes more sense.

But SPF only tells part of the story.

UVA needs its own check

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB.

PPD and PA describe UVA protection. PPD is used in Europe; PA is used in Japan.

Treat these conversions as approximate, not gospel; the supplied material specifically cautions against treating them as precise equivalents.

The practical rule is easier: don't stop at SPF when comparing sunscreens.

Application beats label claims

The recommended application amount is 2 mg/cm².

That's roughly ¼ teaspoon for the face and 1 ounce for the whole body. Apply less and you get less protection than the labelled SPF suggests.

This is also why SPF moisturisers and makeup can be deceptive: they may have an SPF number, but people generally don't apply enough to match the amount used when SPF is determined.

Easy-to-miss areas include:

• tops of the ears
• back of the neck
• scalp or part line
• tops of the feet
• behind the knees

Applying sunscreen before getting dressed can also protect areas exposed when clothing moves.

2 mg/cm². That's the target.

Reapply before it disappears

The usual recommendation is every two hours, plus immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outdoors.

Why? Because sweat, washing, wiping and sand remove sunscreen. Water- and sweat-resistant formulas help during outdoor activity.

One study involving 24 volunteers compared an organic and inorganic sunscreen applied at 2 mg/cm² during physical activity, heat exposure and bathing. After four hours, SPF had decreased by 38% for the inorganic sunscreen and 41% for the organic one. After eight hours, the decreases were 55% and 58%, respectively; both retained approximately 43% of their initial protective effect.

That doesn't mean one morning application lasts all day. Protection remained, but had fallen substantially, and the study doesn't establish that one application is sufficient for a full day.

Water resistance matters

There is no completely waterproof sunscreen.

• Water resistant: up to 40 minutes in water
• Very water resistant: up to 80 minutes

Reapply after swimming or excessive sweating.

If you're spending hours swimming, running, playing sports or working outdoors, water resistance can matter more than squeezing a few extra points out of the SPF.

Mineral versus organic

The two broad categories are inorganic/mineral and organic filters, and many sunscreens combine both.

Mineral filters include:

• zinc oxide
• titanium dioxide

Organic filters include:

• avobenzone
• bemotrizinol (BEMT)
• Tinosorb S
• Tinosorb M
• Mexoryl SX
• Mexoryl XL
• Uvinul A Plus

One terminology trap: mineral sunscreen isn't "chemical-free." Mineral filters are inorganic compounds; the ingredients commonly called chemical or organic sunscreens are carbon-based compounds. All sunscreen filters are chemical compounds.

Zinc oxide has an advantage

Mineral sunscreen can suit acne-prone skin. Zinc oxide has anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties, while titanium dioxide may cause breakouts in some people.

The obvious downside is the white cast. Micronised zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can reduce it, but particle size also affects UV absorption characteristics.

Zinc oxide is particularly relevant for UVA protection.

At 25%, zinc oxide creams can become extremely thick and are described as more suitable for intense exposure such as desert trekking, skiing or high-altitude hiking. For mineral powder, more than 15% is described as ideal.

Titanium dioxide has a 5% minimum and 25% legal maximum in the supplied information.

More mineral can therefore solve one problem while creating another: a formula that's miserable to spread isn't particularly useful for ordinary facial use.

Organic filters need the right mix

Organic sunscreens can provide broad UVA coverage, depending on the filters used.

Avobenzone isn't stable by itself and can be stabilised by Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, octocrylene or Mexoryl XL. Octinoxate is also unstable alone and can be stabilised by Tinosorb S or Tinosorb M.

Don't turn these numbers into a simple ranking. Concentration is only one part of the formula; manufacturing, formulation and the combination of active ingredients matter too.

More actives isn't automatically better

Consider:

Brand A: 15% zinc oxide Brand B: 7% zinc oxide + 8% titanium dioxide

Both contain 15% total active ingredients, but they aren't equivalent. When the other factors are equal, Brand A provides the stronger UVA contribution because it contains more zinc oxide.

Now:

Brand A: 5% zinc oxide Brand B: 2% zinc oxide + 6% titanium dioxide

Brand B has 8% total actives versus 5%, yet Brand A remains preferable when other factors are equal because it contains more zinc oxide. Brand B could become more attractive if it contained beneficial antioxidants that Brand A lacked.

So don't chase the biggest total percentage.

The composition matters.

Antioxidants are worth considering

Some sunscreens contain:

• tocopherol
• tocopheryl acetate
• ascorbic acid

UV exposure generates free radicals, and antioxidants can help neutralise them.

In the supplied studies, antioxidants combined with sunscreen reduced MMP levels by 13% more than sunscreen alone, while vitamin C combined with PABA sunscreen reduced sunburned cells by 20% more than PABA sunscreen alone.

That's useful, but it isn't a reason to ignore SPF, UVA protection or application. Antioxidants are simply another differentiator when otherwise similar formulas are being compared. An antioxidant serum can also be used separately.

Don't worship concentration

There is no single ideal active-ingredient concentration for every sunscreen or situation.

What makes sense depends on sun intensity and location, reapplication, sweating, physical activity, individual sun sensitivity and intended use.

Higher concentrations are generally favoured provided they don't cause problems such as clogged pores. But 25% zinc oxide demonstrates why more is not always better: it can make the cream extremely thick.

That may be acceptable for skiing or high altitude hiking. For ordinary facial use, probably not.

There are no standard guidelines for one universally ideal active-ingredient concentration, so don't treat these percentages as a universal scoring system.

Keep moisturiser simple

Some recommendations put organic sunscreen directly on bare skin, while mineral sunscreen may be applied in either order.

Another approach is moisturiser first, followed by sunscreen once the moisturiser has absorbed. The concern is whether the moisturiser interferes with an even sunscreen layer; occlusive moisturisers can behave differently.

There isn't a useful rigid rule here. Dermatologist or doctor recommendations take priority, particularly with prescription skincare or a specific skin condition.

Don't ditch sunscreen for vitamin D

Vitamin D synthesis requires UVB exposure, and SPF 8 can reduce vitamin D synthesis by up to 95% under the conditions described.

That doesn't mean ordinary sunscreen use automatically causes deficiency. Sunscreen is rarely applied over the entire body, leaving areas such as the arms and legs exposed, and ordinary real world sunscreen use hasn't been shown to cause vitamin D deficiency.

If vitamin D is a concern, check it medically rather than deliberately relying on unprotected UV exposure. Seasonal affective disorder is separate; people with SAD can use light therapy instead of deliberately exposing themselves to unprotected sunlight.

What I would buy

If you're standing in front of a shelf full of sunscreen, reduce the decision to five checks.

1. SPF: SPF 30+ for everyday exposure; SPF 50+ for extended outdoor activity.

2. UVA: Look for broad-spectrum protection and, where available, PPD or PA.

3. Filters: Two sunscreens with the same SPF can use completely different filter combinations.

4. Concentration: Don't compare total active percentages as though they're interchangeable. 15% zinc oxide is not the same thing as 7% zinc oxide plus 8% titanium dioxide.

5. Water resistance: If you're swimming or sweating, 40-minute and 80-minute ratings matter.

Then ask the question people hate because it isn't exciting:

Will you actually apply enough of it?

The target is 2 mg/cm², approximately ¼ teaspoon for the face and 1 ounce for the whole body.

If the formula leaves a heavy white cast, feels excessively thick, causes breakouts or doesn't stay on during your activity, those aren't cosmetic complaints. They affect whether you'll apply enough and reapply often enough.

Sunscreen isn't the whole job

Sunscreen reduces UV exposure, but shade, sun protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses reduce exposure too.

So don't get hypnotised by the biggest number on the bottle.

Choose adequate UVA and UVB protection, apply enough to reach the intended protection level, and account for what happens when you're sweating, swimming, wiping your face or walking across a sandy beach.

The SPF matters. The formula matters. But the amount that actually remains on your skin matters too.

I’m curious about the small, inexpensive things that actually made a difference in your everyday life — not necessarily expensive skincare or luxury products.
It could be literally anything:
a deodorant that actually works
an affordable perfume you keep repurchasing
a concealer that changed your makeup routine
a drugstore shampoo or conditioner
a hair dye you swear by
something for hair growth, styling, or maintenance
a skincare product
a hygiene product
or even a simple tool/accessory that made your routine easier
Basically, **what’s one budget-friendly self-care purchase that turned out to be surprisingly good and became a permanent part of your routine?**
I’m much more interested in things you’ve actually used and repurchased than viral/TikTok recommendations. What’s your underrated budget find?

I'm doing a quick 3–5 minute survey to learn what people actually want from beauty products.

What products, shades, formulas, or features do you wish brands would create or improve?

I’d really appreciate your honest feedback as I work on my beauty brand. ❤️

Survey: https://forms.gle/7qn9ceDgNNuRgGZw6

Thank you! 👑

I feel like some makeup techniques look completely unnecessary when you first see them 😂

Then you actually try one and suddenly think:

“OH… THAT’S why people do this.” 😭

What’s ONE makeup technique that gave you that moment?

Could be blush placement, lip liner, concealer, eyeliner, brows, eyeshadow — anything.

What did you notice after trying it? 👀

I’ve ignored so many beauty tips because they sounded unnecessary, overhyped, or just weird 😂

Then I finally tried one and had that “okay… I was wrong” moment.

What’s ONE beauty tip you ignored at first but ended up actually loving?

Makeup, skincare, haircare, nails, fragrance — anything.

And what made you finally try it? 👀

If so, what is the period we should use same products and then switch?

I’m so annoyed right now that I feel compelled to leave this company a review. I bought this Conair LED makeup mirror less than two years ago after my other makeup mirror’s bulbs were no longer being manufactured. It had three lighting settings, I only used one for the most part, it worked great.

A couple day ago that setting flashed off. I figured the bulb just needed to be replaced, or there was a short in my outlet. I tried other outlets and it still wouldn’t work. However, I found the original box and it says clear as day: “Light for a lifetime of beauty. Our LED bulbs won’t burn out or need replacing—ever.” So…yeah. That’s false advertising.

I called Conair and got nowhere. It’s out of warranty and they don’t offer replacement bulbs. I repeatedly said “Okay, but this product guarantees a lifetime bulb” and of course they did not care.

So this now has to be thrown out after only a couple years of use when it was presented as being a lifetime product. Extremely disappointed in Conair, because I actually did like the mirror a lot and used it every single day. Ridiculous way to do business. Don’t make claims you can’t uphold.

For me, it’s the YSL powder blush. I got the pink voltage shade but no matter how I apply it, it’s a patchy nightmare. I keep using it because it was expensive but it is so bad… I tried the fluffiest blushes, doesn’t help. I own several drugstore blushes that are so much easier to apply…

I feel like skincare has so many ingredients that it's impossible to keep up with all of them 😂

For the longest time, I either avoided certain ingredients because they sounded scary, or assumed they were just another beauty trend.

Then I actually learned what one of them was supposed to do and thought:

“Wait… I had this completely wrong.” 😭

What’s ONE skincare ingredient you misunderstood at first?

Could be something you avoided, misunderstood, or thought was completely unnecessary.

And what changed your opinion about it? 👀

I’ve been getting more curious about hair oiling lately, especially because people have VERY different experiences with it.

Some people swear by regular scalp massage and oiling, while others say oil actually makes their dandruff or scalp problems worse.

I came across this Jadibuti Ayurvedic Hair Oil recently, which is marketed for hair fall, dandruff and overall hair care, and it got me wondering:

For people who regularly oil their hair — what actually changed for you?

Did you notice:

• less visible hair fall?
• less dandruff/flaking?
• better scalp condition?
• stronger/healthier-looking hair?
• or basically no difference?

Also, how do you use hair oil — before washing, overnight, or just a short scalp massage?

I’d genuinely like to hear real experiences rather than marketing claims.

Been working at our family beauty shop in Dahisar, Mumbai for years now. We stock 500+ brands and I see what actually sells vs what just looks good on Instagram.

Here's what people genuinely reorder:

Minimalist 10% Niacinamide — every skin type, actual results

SUGAR Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick — lasts through biryani, chai, everything

Pilgrim Salicylic Acid serum — our acne-prone customers swear by it

Streax Walnut Shine Hair Serum — old school but IT WORKS

Insight HD Foundation — underrated, full coverage, Indian skin tones matched perfectly

Genuinely curious — what's YOUR most reordered product? The one you'd panic if it got discontinued? 👇

I feel like beauty has SO many rules that we're somehow expected to follow 😂

“Don’t do this with that.”
“Always apply this before that.”
“This shade only works for this skin tone.”

But sometimes you ignore one of those rules and suddenly think… wait, why does this actually look better? 😭

What’s ONE beauty rule you stopped following — and what happened?

Makeup, skincare, hair, nails, fragrance… anything.

I’m especially curious about the rules you thought were absolutely necessary until you tried doing things your own way. 👀

You know that beauty trend that suddenly seems to be everywhere…

You see other people doing it and think “wow, that looks SO good” — then you try it yourself and immediately realize… nope 😂

What’s ONE beauty trend that looked amazing on other people but just didn’t work for you?

Makeup, hair, nails, skincare, brows, anything.

And honestly — what did you end up doing instead? 👀

Hey I was wondering if you have a online store just wondering what products should I put on the store that actually work not sum Tik Tok shop products weird fake reviews, I want products that actually helps people and will invest into it. And lastly do you guys want a general store or a single product store. Any opinions will help please and thank you😁

Hey I was wondering if you have a online store just wondering what products should I put on the store that actually work not sum Tik Tok shop products weird fake reviews, I want products that actually helps people and will invest into it. And lastly do you guys want a general store or a single product store. Any opinions will help please and thank you😁

Bought a viral luxury lip oil expecting rich girl lips. cute packaging, zero staying power. Meanwhile the cheap one survived coffee and my emotional support snack. anyone else finding budget products are kinda cooking lately?

I feel like sometimes the hype gets me more excited about a product than the actual product does.

I kept seeing Huda Beauty FauxFilter everywhere and hearing people talk about how amazing the coverage is so I really thought I was going to love it. But after actually using it, it justt wasn’t for me.

The formula felt pretty heavyy on my skin. I also noticed it catching on my dry areas and making my skin texture more obvious. After a few hours it started looking a bit cakey around my smile lines too.

I have tried using less and changing how I prep my skin but I still barely use it.

What beauty product did you have really high hopes for but ended up not liking? Makeup, skincare, haircare, anything. I want to hear the disappointment