Beauticate · Melanie Grant, The Skin Oracle Shares Her Secrets For a Flawless Face

To spend time in Melanie Grant’s world is to realise there’s a more pared back, refined approach to take with your skin care, and possibly your life. The skin stalwart opened her first studio in 2012 in Sydney’s Double Bay, followed by her Melbourne studio in Armadale in 2016, before establishing her first permanent international […]

Notes on Mists

While they’re not an essential step in the skincare routine, I’m such a fan, misting is how we finish all of our treatments in my studios! A relaxing sensory experience that calms, soothes and nourishes the uppermost layer of our skin. With just a spritz or two, the humble facial mist can deliver a serious […]

Notes on Adult Acne

Many of us think that acne is something we leave behind in our teenage years. Yet adult acne, defined as acne occurring in adults over the age of 25, is more common than you may think. Though this can be an incredibly stressful and often painful condition to deal with – especially if you managed […]

Notes on Congestion

Congestion is a skin condition that occurs when our sebaceous glands produce excess oil (otherwise known as sebum). Our pores become clogged with this excess oil along with dead skin cells, dirt and debris, resulting in a bumpy congested complexion. Congestion presents itself in a myriad of imperfections, everything from whiteheads (closed comedones), blackheads (open […]

Notes on Gua Sha

Pronounced qwah-sah, this ancient Chinese practice involves ‘scraping’ the skin using a gua sha tool made out of a smooth stone, typically jade or quartz. Many of my clients say they experience a puffy complexion first thing in the morning. This simple tool and practice has many benefits, it promotes blood flow, and lymphatic drainage […]

Notes on Toners

Toners have come a long way since we were first introduced to them. The astringent, alcohol-heavy and terribly drying toners of decades past have been superseded by new modern-day formulations that are the ultimate prep point for skincare.  Toners are often misunderstood products that are commonly overlooked or confused with essences, but they can yield […]

Notes on ‘Normal’ Balanced Skin

It’s important to point out that ‘normal’ skin isn’t a medical term, it’s a marketing term. Despite what Instagram might have us believe, nobody has 100% ‘normal’ skin all of the time. In fact, most of us will experience varying skin states at different points throughout our lives.  While there is technically no ‘normal’, the […]

Notes on Squalane

Squalane is a skin-identical ingredient, meaning it’s already present in the human body. This is why it’s so well-tolerated and well-absorbed when formulated into skincare products. Known for its incredible hydrating abilities, squalane is a powerful moisturiser and emollient, meaning it locks moisture in, prevents water loss, and keeps the skin soft and supple. Why […]

Notes on Blackheads

One of the most common concerns I hear from my clients, they affect all walks of life, at any age and unfortunately once settled in, they can be notoriously stubborn. However, treatment is relatively straightforward – and believe it or not, it doesn’t involve extractions – and is best approached from a preventative standpoint, coupled […]

Notes on Cleansing Brushes

Should you be using a cleansing brush? Despite their popularity, facial cleansing brushes can actually cause more harm than good.  Said to deeply clean and exfoliate the skin, and marketed especially towards those with acne and congestion, these electrical devices rely on a circular motion to physically buff the skin. While they can certainly cause […]