Beauty Blog

We are all aware of the bad effects of phthalates in hairsprays, lead in lipsticks, parabens in moisturizers, and countless other toxic chemicals in skin care and makeup lines that are harmful to the human body. Non-profit health organizations like The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have worked diligently to urge the cosmetic market to make full disclosures of ingredients, conduct pre-market safety tests and move away from harmful chemicals.  Many leading brands have come up with their versions of eco-friendly lines.  But we have to remember that since there is no government regulated authority to certify organic or natural products, there is no guarantee that the product line is 100% natural and safe.  Here are eight promising eco-friendly skin care and makeup lines that I found recently that are worth looking into:

1) KaiaHouse.com

An online beauty retailer who carries products that are safe, animal and environmental friendly.  It consults with the Environmental Working Group to verify the safety of every ingredient that goes into the products.  Kaiahouse has a wide assortment of makeup, hair care, skin care, anti-aging and vegan products. Every bottle of its “Save Your World” product saves an acre of rain forest in one year.  Another noteworthy product is “Speak Freely for Humanity” Vanilla lip balm (pictured above), every purchase of which contributes $1 to humanitarian organizations such as the Carter Center to help war and human rights victims around the world.

2)  CosmeticsDatabase.com is a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products compiled by researchers at the Environmental Working Group.  It has a searchable database of cosmetic and skin care lines with scores of 1 to 10 for product safety and levels of toxicity. So we can either type in the name of the product we are interested in and verify it’s safety level it or simply search for a safe product line from the listed categories for hair, skin, nail etc.

3)  TeensTurningGreen.com is a non-profit organization that educates young women to make healthy choices and commit to a healthy environment.

A division of the org called Teens for Safe Cosmetics works to bring about greener alternatives in cosmetics.  They have been vociferously active in trying to ban the presence of lead in lipsticks which is associated with learning disabilities, miscarriages, low IQ and behavioral problems.  Teens Turning Green collection of safe cosmetics consisting of facial masks, body butters, cleansers, toning mists etc is sold at Whole Foods Market (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/).

4)  Kahina-GivingBeauty.com

Kahina Giving Beauty is a line of natural skin care whose main ingredient is argan oil, derived from the Argania Spinosa tree indigenous to Morocco.  Argan oil has come into wide prominence recently for its anti-aging properties due to high content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, ferulic acid, sterols, polyphenols, and vitamin E.  Argan oil is even suggested to protect against skin cancer and improve the appearance of some skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.  The ingredients of the Kahina line come from women’s cooperatives from around the world and 25% of the profits go toward initiatives that improve the lives of the women. The line includes serum, cleanser, lotion and plain argan oil which is said to be the secret weapon of Moroccan women to reverse signs of aging.

5)  100PercentPure.com

As the name suggests , 100% pure is a line of skin care and makeup derived from 100% pure, vegan ingredients without addition of any synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or unhealthy toxins.  Their exhaustive collection includes tinted moisturizer with SPF 20, lengthening and conditioning mascara, caffeine eye cream, pure peach pigmented concealer to name a few and can be found at ULTA , Skin-One (with free shipping) or its website.

6)  JosieMaranCosmetics.com

This line of pure, gentle but effective makeup founded by the well known model Josie Maran, claims to be different from other earth friendly lines in the sophistication and luxury that it delivers.  It comes complete with bio-degradable packaging and is talc, paraben and petrochemical free.  You can check out this collection at Sephora and Barneys.

7) IAmaPeacekeeper.com

Peacemaker Causemetics ‘s line of eco and health friendly cosmetics was founded in 2002 and has been featured in numerous magazines like Marie Claire, Teen Vogue and The Oprah Magazine.  It is the first cosmetics line that donates 100% of its profits after taxes to women’s health and human rights advocacy organizations.  Shipping is free on all their orders.

8)  JuiceBeauty.com

Juice Beauty, offers organic beauty solutions created from an antioxidant rich organic juice base backed by age-defying technology.  All its ingredients are 95% certified organic and are procured from sustainable and organic farms from around the globe.  It offers a wide array of products including it’s best selling Apple Nutrient Eye Cream and SPF 30 Mineral Light Moisturizer. Featured in Allure, Vogue Japan, Elle and other top Magazines, Juice Beauty can be ordered online from the website or can be found at Sephora.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more organic makeup and organic skincare.

Utopia is defined as an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.  Origins has created a new product which is said to bring your skin back to it’s perfect, youthful state. Youthtopia Age-correcting serum with Rhodiola helps restore firmness and elasticity to reduce fine line and wrinkles.  After 7 weeks you are guaranteed to see results.  See the amazing results for yourself.

75% of people tested agreed that their skin felt firmer

73% of people tested saw younger-looking skin with fewer lines

You will pay $50 for a small bottle, but for facial utopia I think this serum is worth a try.  What product do you find works best for reviving your skin’s youthful state? 

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for Origins

Well my sister and I were having lunch on Saturday and while we were waiting to be seated I asked her if I could borrow her mascara because in my laziness I did not wear any makeup and now that I was surrounded by moderately good looking people, I regretted it.

So she handed me her tube of Dior Black Out Mascara - OMG - loves it!

It’s really great when you come across great products on the spur and when you have no idea or conception that you are looking for something.  So there I was no eyelash curler present, just my tube of Dior mascara and plumping wand…. a few strokes thru my pathetic lashes later and BAM! - thick, black long lashes.

Great product, really works seriously. I went to Sephora immediately after lunch and bought my very own tube. Tis’ now my current favorite mascara.

If you are searching for show stopping black eyelashes - try DIOR BLACK OUT MASCARA.

For more  Discount Mascara, Click here!

I like her, and it’s not because we have the same name.

“Michelle Obama graces the cover of next month’s Vogue magazine, marking the second time a U.S. first lady has appeared on the front of one of the world’s leading fashion magazines. Obama, 45, who has been hailed by both U.S. retailers and the media as a new fashion icon, donned a magenta sheath dress for the cover photo. The dress was designed by Jason Wu, who also created her white inaugural ball gown. Famed photographer Annie Leibovitz took the cover photo and several fashion shots featured inside the March edition of Vogue.”
(Source Makeup Beat Blog - continue reading full article, Click here.)

Smarter Beauty Blog Highlights: 

• Cheap Skin Care Products that Work - Pond’s Cold Cream
• Poor Rihanna - Learn How to Hide Bite Marks & Bruises
• Mood Swing Emotionally Activated Lip Gloss - Inspired by Smurfette, Have ALL the Smurfs

Have you ever thought why Smurfette was the ONLY girl in a village of dudes?! What the heck? As a kid it never fazed me that she was pretty skanky if you really think about it… Haha! I’m just sayin.

Well if you want to be the envy of the entire male village like Smurfette than check out the Too Faced Mood Swing Emotionally Activated Lip Gloss! 

Apparently this lip gloss starts out Smurfette blue then based on your “mood” changes to a beautiful berry shade. I think the idea is cute and fun! Depending on your body heat level, the gloss blooms into countless shades of Smurf-berry pink. You never know what shade you’ll get but that’s half the fun, right?

Price $18.50

If you want to give the Mood Swing Emotionally Activated Lip Gloss from Sephora - Click here!

For more Discount Cosmetics and Low Priced Make-Up - Click here!

Okay let’s all let out a collective gasp - ready? — Ahhhhhhh!!!

Did you guys know that all a TAN represents is nothing more than damage to the skin. It is the body trying to defend itself against an environmental hazard — too much UV light..

So as it turns out the saying “The only safe tan is a fake tan” is actually true and not some clever marketing tagline for tanning products. Now if only artificial tanning products could perfect the process without turning out orange.  * sighs*

While in the Land of Smarter Beauty..

• Tips on How to Treat & Prevent Bikini Razor Burn
• Bobbi Brown’s Spring 2009 Eye Shadow Collection
• Pur Mineral Makeup is BETTER than Bare Minerals Cosmetics
• Let’s Talk Blush - Clown Versus Pinkish Glow

Okay so one of my guy best friends is dating this girl who is as sweet as pie BUT (and being a beauty blogger this was a major BUT) she applies makeup like a Circus clown…

1. Chola Eyebrows - Really!? What year is it again? 2009 I believe, I haven’t seen McDonald’s arches like that since the movie “Mi Vida Loca” came out on VHS!!

2. Excessive Frosted Eyeshadow! - Maybe on their own it would be okay but coupled with the brows and garish blush application - Major OVERKILL

3. THE BLUSH -Strangely the thing I find the most offensive is her blush application! Maybe because growing up in California I have seen those kind of eyebrows all my life, and like I said I could even forgive the frosted eyeshadow if I am drinking, but the blush…come ON!!

Not only does she choose shades like nuclear pink and toxic orange BUT she applies the shades in literally triangles on her face! In lieu of applying sparsely to the apples of her cheeks and dabble along her nose or forehead (basically where the sun would hit your face naturally) as featured above she literally tries to carve self made cheekbones with a crayola pen on her face.

The irony is that she wouldn’t be “that” bad looking if she would wash the layers of crap off her face. Oh and let her eyebrows grow back…

Honestly girls when it comes to blush, I think most of us can agree that keeping it subtle and natural looking is always best. Having two streaks of color painted across your face is a “DON’T”!

I mean there is a reason they call it “blush” for petes sake! It is suppose to mimic the natural flush that fills your face when you are young, embarrassed or hot. And if that is how your face lights up when you are flushed naturally, I think you should see a doctor. You may have some sort of rare disease.

I am just saying! Am I being too harsh or do you guys agree?

Honestly, not everyone can pull off rockstar red lips. It’s sad but true, you need to exude a certain amount of moxy to do the look justice. For example the following celebrities showcase perfect examples of “Bangin’ Red Lip Action”. 

Plus another key detail with red lips is that not all shades of red works for all girls. For example the orange based ones that look awesome on a Beyonce girl look horrible on me. I lean towards deeper shades like the one on Charlize Theron.  However I am careful not to crash the chola line, going too dark on the red lipstick starts to classify you as goth or gangsta!

Well I think Stila has come up with a nifty little invention. Their “Paint your Pout Red” palette features a lip smoother, three shades of red lip color and lip brush. Pretty much providing you the tools you need to create your perfect red lip—but if you’re still at a loss, simply push a button and a Stila makeup artist will talk you through the application steps for the look you’re craving.

Price - $60

I think it would be an awesome beginner’s introduction to the realm of red lips! You can mix the provided shades into the perfect shade for your skin tone.

If you want to shop for low priced Stila cosmetics, click here.

What shade or brand of red lipstick do you LOVE - love!? 

Check out  ecoTOOLS, the premiere mass eco-conscious cosmetic brush and bath accessories collections are not only affordable but chic! These professional make-up brushes do the job of any salon-quality brush at half the price! The ecoTOOLS cosmetic collection features animal-free taklon bristles (made from soft and pliable synthetic hair, with the metallic ferrule made from recycled aluminum cans.) The beauty brushes are housed in reusable pouches and printed with plant-based ink, utilizing resources that minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Some great new products are the Retractable Kabuki Brush ($7.99), which is perfect for applying face powder or bronzer. It also features a sleek retractable case made of recycled aluminum.

TIPS FOR HOW TO GET GORGEOUS  WITH ECOTOOLS!
Perfectly pretty rosy cheeks are a girl’s best accessory this holiday season. The ecoTOOLS Blush Brush ($6.99) is expertly-tapered to apply your blush evenly along your cheekbones. To re-create Reese Witherspoon’s effortless definition, sweep the brush lightly across your cheekbones to gradually highlight your natural features. The slight contrast will make a glamorous difference that will keep you glowing morning, noon and night.

ecoTOOLS products can be found at select Walgreens, Kmart, and Ulta stores or online at Smarter.com, or EcoTools Online.

Hello gals, and Happy Holidays!

Perhaps you’ve already picked out your holiday outfit, and if you have, then you are way ahead of the game than I am. Usually I have a dress in mind and then the night of, I mysteriously will change my mind. Again. And then again. And then again. My boyfriend will attest to this agonizing ritual.

The dress I have in mind is babydoll black with gauzy overlay and silver threads. It’s short, it’s rocking and I wore it last year but it’s coming out again. I had so much fun at New Year’s in it and it was so comfortable, I have no qualms about it appearing again this year.

Ok, so I bring this up only because I think that Rihanna’s eye (above, done with Nars Duo Shadow, color Joulee Poupee) is such a refreshing look. It does have an 80’s bent but I think the look will look wonderful with a vibrant red dress (as long as the rest of the face is nude). This is to avoid the spangled glitterball one might become once we go crazy on silver and gold eyeshadow. Why not do something a bit unexpected and try a fresh strong color on the eye?

Also I totally dig Jessica Biel’s strong pink lip. It’s an alternative to the classic red lip. It looks so pretty, don’t you think?

Nars lipstick in Funny Face is a good pick. My personal favorite is Nars in Niagra (coral peach).

A good example of glitter overload versus glitter chic is the photo below: Same dress, two different looks.
Mary Kate keeps it simple and understated with loose hippie hair and no accessories while Carrie (though I love her) turns it up a wee bit too loud with fussy hair and dark tights and accessories galore).

Hope your holidays are sparkly!!!