Welcome to the True and Tried Beauty Blog!

Lord knows, the world doesn’t need another beauty blog. But here’s the thing—this one’s different. This isn’t just a collection of product reviews or generic recommendations. This is a space where the step-by-step details, honest explanations, and hard-earned insights take center stage. The stuff most blogs gloss over? That’s where we start.

*Thank you for visiting! I’ve curated these fantastic products to ensure quality just for you. Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep creating great content!

Hello, I’m Lynn! I am a mother with a full-time career in tech. I have a passion for discovering THE THING—the finest products and solutions that elevate our beauty routines. My journey through the beauty world has been both fun and enlightening, as I invest time in listening to beauty podcasts and experimenting with various products. However, I often find that the how-tos could use a bit more depth, which is why I decided to share what I have learned with you.

I’ve spent an obsessive amount of time navigating the beauty world. Why? Firstly, because I love it—beauty is fun, creative, and expressive. But secondly, because it’s practical. Let’s be real: looking polished pays off, especially in corporate environments. Studies show that women who look "put together" often see higher ROI in their careers. Is it fair? No. Is it gender-neutral? Absolutely not. And that sucks. But until the system changes (and trust me, I’m working on it), this is the reality we live in. Grappling with this double standard is exhausting, and it’s one of the reasons beauty blogs are so underappreciated. Women are expected to look flawless while hiding the time, effort, and money it takes to achieve that. Let’s break that cycle. Let’s be real about the labor behind the glow.

Why This Blog Exists

I’ve spent countless hours researching, testing, and returning products. (Fun fact: I once returned the Dyson Airwrap—it just wasn’t for me!) I’m not a beauty expert by trade, but I’ve learned a LOT along the way. I know what it’s like to search endlessly for the perfect product to solve a specific problem. I’ve wasted money on duds and hit the jackpot with true gems. I’ve leaned heavily on stores with generous return policies. And eventually, I realized—why not turn this borderline obsession into something useful for others?

This blog isn’t about promoting every product under the sun; it’s about sharing the absolute best of the best—the 10/10s that I believe in. Everyone’s skin, hair, and body are different, and what works for my pale, freckled, dry skin might not work for everyone. But some products truly transcend those differences (like Hada Labo lotion—I swear I’ve gifted it to half my family and friends by now!).

Why Affiliate Links?

You’ll notice some affiliate links on this site. Here’s how they work: if you click on a product link and make a purchase from a retailer like Amazon, I earn a small commission (usually 3-10% of the purchase price). This doesn’t affect the cost for you, and it means my incentive is to only share products I truly love and believe in. Because let’s face it—no one’s buying mediocre products (check the Amazon reviews). If I can connect even one person to Japanese eyeliner that stays put all day, my mission is complete!

A Labor of Love

This blog is cathartic. It’s a way for me to download all the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years—and hopefully help someone else avoid the trial-and-error process I’ve been through. And if you take anything away from this post, let it be this: Just do the thing. Whatever it is you’ve been dreaming about or holding back on because you’re afraid of looking foolish, just go for it. Even if it doesn’t turn out exactly as you hoped, you’ll enjoy the process and learn a ton along the way.

So here’s to all the beauty lovers, the skeptical shoppers, and the perfectionists searching for their holy grail products—welcome to the True and Tried Beauty Blog. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy creating it. 💄✨

🌟 Stay beautiful 🌟,

Lynn