Hi! I’m Alyssa.

I’m a beauty and lifestyle editor known for reporting on the latest trends and treatments. I also write in-depth beauty reviews, fashion features, and interview celebrities and industry experts alike. A few of my favorite stories include covering the deadly outcomes of popular plastic surgery procedures, untangling the complex nature of clean beauty, and how glamour filters on social media pressure us to look a certain way. My writing has been featured on E! News, InStyle, Business Insider, and more.

About this Substack:

Can I first let you in on a little secret? I’ve sabotaged my skin (and health) for beauty more times than I’d like to admit. And while I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a masochist, I do love experimenting with makeup, trying new skincare formulas, and getting dolled up. My job as a beauty editor has also made me endure a lot, like letting a face mask burn through my flesh to “test” out its glowing results or having blood ooze out of my pores after a facial with a celebrity esthetician.

I know all too well that beauty is pain. But why does it have to be? That’s what this newsletter will explore.

I’m not the only one who’s powered through the pain for perfectly shaped eyebrows or has felt insecure after using an Instagram filter. Deep down, we care about our appearance. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t feed into society’s unrealistic expectations or the industry’s fear-mongering advertisements. Wanting to put our best face forward is a universal sentiment.

And who better to examine this topic than someone who’s pushed the limits for beauty? This newsletter will analyze the pop culture moments, viral trends, and cosmetic launches that keep us from ending this vicious cycle. So, grab a glass of wine, light a candle, and spritz a calming face mist—and let’s go on this journey together.

Stay up to date!

Great news! Every post is sent directly to your email, so you don’t have to worry about missing any new editions, updates, etc. And if you want even more insider intel, follow me on Instagram and TikTok.