BRAZEN BLOG

As a skincare herbalist, I spend a lot of time educating people about the beautiful intersection between nature, skin, and health. One of the most common — and important — topics that comes up is preservatives. You might see skincare brands proudly advertise “preservative-free” formulas, but what does that really mean? And why should you care? Let’s dive deep. Why I Started Making Skincare Before I became a skincare herbalist, I was a chef — and someone deeply … read more

Gua sha is an ancient healing technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Once used primarily on the body to treat stagnation and chronic illness, it has beautifully transitioned into the skincare world, offering a gentle, natural method to lift, tone, and detoxify the skin. As a skincare herbalist, I love gua sha because it not only supports the skin physically but also energetically — clearing tension, promoting circulation, and moving lymph fluid for a truly holistic glow. T … read more

As a skincare herbalist, I see many of my clients struggling with mysterious skin issues that don't always respond to the usual treatments. Often, the root cause lies deeper, involving imbalances in the immune system and the body's histamine pathways. Two common but often misunderstood culprits are Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Histamine Intolerance (HIT). Today, we'll dive into what they are, their differences, similarities, and how they can show up on your skin. What is Mast Cell A … read more

Dear Courtney. I am a brand new Brazen Bee client with sensitive skin and cystic acne, what do you recommend? Courtney: Cystic acne is often the trickiest acne to clear, I'm sure you're well-aware! We need to start with extreme gentleness. Lots of other companies come at cystic acne like it's an immediate battle. I have found that that usually makes it worse and isn't what the skin wants or needs. The skin is already angry, a battle isn't what we want.  The two things I would like you … read more

In the modern world of skincare, where synthetic ingredients dominate the market, many are turning back to nature’s time-honored remedies. One such ingredient making a resurgence is beef tallow—an ancient, nutrient-dense fat that has been used for centuries to nourish and protect the skin. While it may seem unconventional, beef tallow has a profound history in skincare, dating back to ancient civilizations that understood its deeply moisturizing and healing properties. Let’s ex … read more