Base Notes
Tested Glow — independent beauty reviews from Los Angeles
In the News
What the desk is actually reading this week.
The Latest
All reviews →
After the Sun
Body Care Routine for Post-Sun Skin
Slow Start
Retinol in Your Twenties: A Realistic Starting Guide
The Color Question
Should You Color Your Hair at Home? An Honest Split
Less Palette
Building a Five-Pan Eyeshadow Wardrobe
Chip Resistance
The Home Manicure That Lasts Seven Days
The Water Problem
How to Pick a Cleanser When the Water in Los Angeles Is Hard
Browse by section
SkinBarrier repair, acne, texture and sun care — reviewed by what is actually inside the bottle.5 articlesMakeupBase, cheek and lip, tested in real LA light and real humidity.5 articlesHairWash day, heat styling and scalp care for every texture in the city.4 articlesNailsPolish, press-ons and cuticle care that survives a full week.2 articlesShoppingSeasonal edits, price checks and the deals genuinely worth your attention.2 articlesWellnessSleep, hydration and the habits that show up on your skin.2 articles
Our promise
We tell you what we don't know.
We are an independent desk in Los Angeles. We read ingredient lists, we track formulation changes, and we say plainly when a claim is unsupported. We do not publish star ratings we cannot justify, and we do not accept payment for placement.
How we work →