Pretty Theory

Welcome to the Glow Club Let’s talk about body oil. Not just any oil. We’re talking about the rich, golden, melanin-loving body oils passed down through generations of African beauty queens. And what pairs beautifully with these oils? The golden spice that makes your skincare pop like it’s on a red carpet—turmeric. If you’re into natural skincare that actually works and has a bit of historical flair, this post is your new favorite. We’re diving into what makes African body oils and turmeric skincare the real MVPs of glow. No filters needed. --- What’s the Deal With African Body Oils? African oils aren’t new. In fact, your ancestors were probably glowing before Sephora even existed. These oils come packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, and all the things your skin drinks up like a tall glass of water. Shea Oil: The Moisture Queen Shea oil is the lighter cousin of shea butter. It glides on like silk and gives your skin major hydration. It’s loaded wit...

  Hi, Pretty Theorists There’s nothing quite like waking up to a glowing zit before an important date, event, or selfie marathon. But before you reach for your favorite benzoyl peroxide acne treatment, hold that thought — and maybe your breath. Because guess what’s been lurking in some popular acne-fighting products? Benzene. Yes, that benzene. The toxic, potentially cancer-causing chemical that you absolutely don’t want anywhere near your pores. What’s Going On? In early 2025, the FDA and several independent testing labs raised red flags after third-party testing detected benzene contamination in a number of benzoyl peroxide-based skincare products, especially acne creams, gels, and spot treatments. One of the main testing companies, Valisure, revealed that some of these products formed benzene as a result of chemical instability over time—especially when stored in warm environments like your steamy bathroom cabinet or hot summer bag. According to Valisure, some produc...

Hi Pretty Theorists ! Let’s talk about one of the buzziest beauty tools on the skincare scene: Gua Sha. If you've ever seen those dreamy TikToks of someone gliding a rose quartz tool across their cheekbones, you’re not alone. But did you know the shape of your face can totally change how and where you should use it? In this post, we're diving deep into the art of Gua Sha, how different face shapes affect technique, and how to get that sculpted, glowy, goddess energy without guessing your way through your skincare routine. --- What Is Gua Sha, Really? Gua Sha (pronounced gwah-shah) is a traditional Chinese healing technique that dates back over 700 years. Originally used for full-body scraping to stimulate circulation and relieve tension, it’s evolved into a beauty ritual that targets lymphatic drainage, facial sculpting, and glowing skin. Modern Gua Sha tools are typically made from: Jade (cooling and balancing) Rose Quartz (self-love and soothing) Bian Stone or Sta...

Welcome to Pretty Theory – Where Makeup Meets Mood Hey, you! Yes, you with the lip gloss and big dreams. Welcome to Pretty Theory, a beauty blog for the girls who love bold eyeliner, bare skin days, and a good blush theory. My name’s Prosper, and I’m the mind (and mascara wand) behind this little beauty universe. Pretty Theory was born from one simple idea: beauty isn’t just how we look — it’s how we feel, how we express ourselves, and how we show up in the world. Whether you’re a glam queen, a skincare minimalist, or somewhere beautifully in between, this blog is your new home. Here’s what you can expect at Pretty Theory: 1. Real Reviews, No Gatekeeping We’re spilling the tea on what actually works. I’ll try the trends, test the formulas, and tell you straight up if that $50 foundation is worth skipping brunch for. Check out my latest product reviews here. Need help picking your shade? Try Findation for a match. 2. Aesthetic Meets Accessible We don’t believe in beauty that...