Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of patches of skin or nails due to ramped-up melanin production, resulting in blotchy looking skin, "raccoon" under-eye circles, and uneven skin tone. Although hyperpigmentation is common across the board, it's especially prevalent in women of South Asian, East Asian, Mediterranean, or African heritage — so almost everyone. It's a natural part of aging, and Read more

Ambergris is whale intestinal secretions, but you'd never know how gross it is from its high profile in the world of perfumery. An excellent fixative with a sweet, earthy scent, the stuff has a long history of association with fragrance — and whale killling. That's right, Captain Ahab didn't just want Moby Dick's blubber, he wanted his sweet, sweet ghost whale ambergris. Some ambergris gets Read more

The great likelihood is that if you've heard of an otto, it's been rose otto, which is sometimes a substitute for rose absolute in high-end perfumes. But what does otto mean, exactly? Well, it denotes the process an essential oil went through to be distilled. Ottos are steam distilled, while absolutes, the other common essential oil type, usually employ solvents to extract the oil. Steam Read more

If you're tempted by strawberries, you'll love fraises du bois (pronounced "frehz di-bwa"). French for "strawberries from the woods," these small, delicate berries come from forests, where they grow naturally. The highly seasonal berries are intensely flavorful, making them pricey and coveted. Fraises du bois are similar to but should not be confused with alpine strawberries, which grow on Read more

French for "hazelnut butter," beurre noisette (pronounced "bur nwah-zet") is butter that has been cooked until it has a golden brown color and a nutty flavor. Contrary to its name, this sauce, which has been used by French chefs since medieval times, does not actually contain hazelnuts. Before serving, it's often strained through a fine sieve to remove darkened milk solids, and acid (such as Read more

Grissini are long, pencil-thin Italian breadsticks made from flour, water, and salt. They originated in Turin, Italy, during the 14th century, where a certain version, grissini torinese, which are thicker, longer, and twisted by hand, are still popular today. Because of their bland flavor, grissini are often offered as a palate cleanser in between wines. They're also served alongside antipasti, Read more

This flavonoid (a type of vegetable-derived compound) has been popping up in lots of skincare products lately, promising skin texture and anti-aging benefits. Evidence has yet to show whether it's really the holy grail of skincare ingredients, but quercetin does have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. If you're in the market for a new magic bullet, or have have trouble with Read more