Articles · Learning path · Beginner

Beauty basics that work and stay safe

20 lessons: skin, sunscreen, labels, patch tests, product shelf life, brushes, hair, feet and a home nail corner.

20 lessons · about 108 min in total

  1. 1 Know your skin type, then keep it to 3 steps: cleanse, moisturise, sunscreenTell oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin apart with a 30-minute check after washing, then build a 3-step routine and learn which extras are optional. 6 min read
  2. 2 Sunscreen SPF vs PA: what they mean, how much to use, when to reapplySPF measures UVB protection, PA measures UVA. Work out a face's dose from 2 mg/cm², reapply every 2 hours, compare chemical and mineral, and read Thai FDA labels. 6 min read
  3. 3 Pores and oily skin: which beliefs are true and which are notPores don't open and close with hot or cold water, their size is mostly genetic, washing more won't cut oil, how to blot properly, and when to see a dermatologist. 5 min read
  4. 4 Remove makeup properly: micellar water, cleansing oil and double cleansingMatch micellar water, cleansing oil or balm to what's on your face, know when a double cleanse helps, remove eye makeup safely, and get water-resistant sunscreen off. 5 min read
  5. 5 How to read a cosmetic ingredient list: INCI order, fragrance, allergensIngredients run from most to least down to the 1% line, parfum can hide dozens of substances, common allergens, and how to check a Thai FDA notification number. 6 min read
  6. 6 Patch test new products: where, how long, and which reactions mean stopTest a new product on your skin first: inner forearm or behind the ear for 24-48 hours, or twice a day for 7-10 days. How to read the result and when to see a doctor. 5 min read
  7. 7 Cosmetic shelf life: the PAO symbol, expiry dates, and when to bin mascaraWhat the open-jar 6M and 12M symbol means, how it differs from an expiry date, shelf life before opening, signs a product has gone off, and why eye products go first. 5 min read
  8. 8 Dry, chapped lips: why licking hurts, which balm helps, when to see a doctorLips have no oil glands, so they dry out easily and licking makes it worse. Pick an occlusive balm with SPF, skip irritants, and know the signs that need a doctor. 5 min read
  9. 9 Cleaning makeup brushes and sponges: how often, how, and when to replace themA wash schedule by brush type, the AAD way to wash without loosening the glue, drying flat, when a brush or sponge is done, and why makeup is not for sharing. 6 min read
  10. 10 Make regular polish last: prep, thin coats, capping the edge, fresh top coatAir-dry polish chips because of oil on the nail, thick coats, an open free edge and impatience. Prep, coats, drying times and the every-2-3-days top coat, step by step. 6 min read
  11. 11 Press-on nails: sizing, glue or adhesive tabs, how long they last, safe removalPick sizes that never touch skin, prep the nail so they stay on, choose glue or tabs for how long you need them, and take them off without peeling your own nail. 6 min read
  12. 12 Nail art tools: dotting tools, liner brushes, stamping and brush care after gelWhat each nail art tool does, how to make even dots, clean lines and a five-dot flower, how stamping works, and how to clean gel brushes without ruining them. 6 min read
  13. 13 Photographing nails with your phone: true colour, soft light, no heavy filtersGet nail photos that match real life: daylight or soft light, one light colour, a white reference, a plain background, the right angle, and no filters that shift colour. 6 min read
  14. 14 Setting up a home nail corner: desk height, light, airflow and safe storageSet up a home nail corner that is comfortable, well lit and ventilated, with the lamp in the right place, dust under control, and products away from children and food. 6 min read
  15. 15 Foot care at home: cut toenails straight, prevent ingrown nails, handle callusesA safe home pedicure: a short warm soak, toenails cut straight across, calluses buffed not cut, and why people with diabetes need a professional for foot care. 5 min read
  16. 16 Biotin for hair and nails: what the evidence says, and why it can skew lab testsEvidence for biotin and hair or nails is thin outside deficiency and a few conditions. High doses can skew blood tests, so the FDA warns. Ask a doctor first. 5 min read
  17. 17 How to wash your hair right, and when dandruff needs a doctorHow often to wash depends on your scalp. Shampoo goes on the scalp, conditioner on the lengths, warm water not hot, and when dandruff is worth a dermatologist visit. 5 min read
  18. 18 Blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons: heat styling with the least damageHeat from dryers, flat irons and curling irons breaks down hair protein. Dryer distance, temperatures, heat protectant, why never to iron wet hair, and how often. 4 min read
  19. 19 Dyeing your hair at home safely: the 48-hour allergy test and PPDBefore home hair colour: a skin allergy test at least 48 hours ahead every time, a strand test, gloves, fresh air, never on brows or lashes, and why black henna matters. 5 min read
  20. 20 Hair breakage and split ends: causes, trimming, and when to see a doctorBreakage and split ends come from friction, heat and chemicals. Split ends cannot be mended, only trimmed. How to handle hair gently, and which hair loss needs a doctor. 5 min read