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September 03, 2010
- 25 Toxic Ingredients :: What To Avoid
It recently came to my attention that there are still a huge number of us who are not sure what ingredients are particularly toxic in our personal care products. Given that there is very little oversight or regulation within the industry, we owe it to ourselves to get armed with how to make well-informed buying decisions. Learn this checklist and eliminate these 25 toxic chemicals from your beauty arsenal, and you’ll be off to a flying start with making safer, healthier choices.1. ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM and OTHER ALUMINUM COMPOUNDS
Function: Used to control sweat and odor in the underarms by slowing down the production of sweat.
Present in: Antiperspirants. Banned by EU.
Health concerns: Linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease; may be linked to breast cancer; probable neurotoxin; possible nervous system, respiratory, and developmental toxin.
2. BENZYL ACETATE
Function: Solvent; hidden within “fragrance.”
Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.
Health concerns: Linked to pancreatic cancer; easily absorbs into skin causing quick systemic effects; animal studies show hyperemia of the lungs; possible gastrointestinal, liver, and respiratory toxicant; possible neurotoxin.
3. BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE and BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE
Function: Antimicrobial agent, deodorant, preservative, biocide.
Present in: Moisturizer, sunscreen, facial cleanser, acne treatment, pain relief. Restricted in Japan and Canada.
Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; may trigger asthma; possible organ system toxicant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and brain, nervous system, respiratory and blood effects; possible carcinogen.
4. BRONOPOL
Function: Preservative.
Present in: Moisturizer, body wash, facial cleanser, makeup remover, anti-aging products. Restricted in Canada.
Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; lung and skin toxicant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and gastrointestinal, brain and nervous system effects; irritant.
5. BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE (BHT)/ BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE (BHA)
Function: Anti-Oxidant; slows down the rate at which product ingredients change in color.
Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.
Banned by EU.
Health Concerns: Immune system toxicant; endocrine disruptor; probable human carcinogen; animal studies show brain, liver, neurotoxin, reproductive and respiratory toxicant.
- about 7 hours
source: (Feelgood Style)
September 02, 2010
- Hot Ticket :: Fashion’s Night Out & Josie Maran.
The fashion industry is in hyper drive with the lead up to Fashion’s Night Out (September 10th) and the whole industry is buzzing with excitement and anticipation, but let’s not forget… it’s Beauty’s Night Out too!For anyone who lives in NYC or is flying in for the big event, Josie Maran will be making a live appearance at the Sephora 5th Avenue boutique. From 7-9 PM the former supermodel and founder of Josie Maran Cosmetics, will be hosting her own in-store photo shoot, giving consumers mini-makeovers and pointers on how to pose like a pro before they step in front of the camera, where they’ll have their picture taken and walk away with a signed copy of their best shot with Josie.
The first 100 consumers who make a purchase that evening will receive a limited edition, created specifically for FNO, Argan Oil Color Stick in Cherry Popsicle.
And get this, if it’s you, you’ll be one of the first to try this amazing new item because it doesn’t officially launch until 2011.
- 1 day
source: (Feelgood Style)
September 01, 2010
- Top 10 Habits To Fight Premature Ageing
I’m often asked: When is the right age to start using anti-ageing products?The way I like to think of it is: When is the right age to start looking after the skin?
The answer to that is that you are never too young. The care you give yourself and your skin from a young age will benefit you as you age, holding back the effects of the ageing process.Of course, we can’t hold it back completely. There are 2 types of ageing: external and intrinsic.
Intrinsic ageing is the natural process that we inherit in our genes, we can’t stop this. External ageing is down to us and our lifestyle choices.Top 10 anti-ageing habits
- Moisturize: you can never start too early. Get into the habit from at least the onset from puberty, if not before, to moisturize the face and body after washing. Dry skin encourages wrinkles so keep it supple.
- Sleep: Lack of proper sleep can cause reduced circulation leading to dull and fatigued skin. The poor circulation can also contribute to dark circles under the eyes . The body naturally repairs itself while we sleep, so its important we give it sufficient to do this.It also beneficial to sleep on your back if you can. Sleeping on your side or front can cause ’sleep lines’ which, over years can become etched into the skin’s surface.
- Don’t smoke: The chemicals inhaled when smoking cause biochemical changes in our body that accelerate the intrinsic ageing process.Also think about that constant puckering action, causing those nasty ‘pucker’ lines around the mouth to develop.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation: It is a little harsh to say cut it out! As long as we don’t drink in excess that is fine. Excessive consumption causes the blood to rush to the surface of the skin and this in turn can lead to broken capillaries.
- Drink plenty of water: Our bodies are largely made up of water and if we don’t keep them hydrated properly it shows in the skin. Always drink plenty, aim for 2 litres a day. It is also essential for every other organ in the body.
- Eat plenty of fruit: Fruits are a valuable source of vitamins needed for healthy cell function. Without sufficient levels the skin cannot properly repair and renew itself, leading to premature signs of ageing.
- Exercise regularly: For the skin its not so important what exercise you do as long as its done regularly. Its important to increase the circulation, which in turn stimulates cell renewal and repair.
- Sun protection: There is some controversy about certain ingredients (namely methylparabens) in suncreams actually accelerating the ageing process. The most important thing is that you avoid midday sun, use adequate protection (natural sunscreens if you can) and always avoid burning. Ageing due to sun exposure (photo-ageing) is a big problem and massively increases wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.
- Cut the stress: High levels of stress, whatever the cause, change the skin. It compromises our immune system and can lead to higher levels of sensitivity – not to mention those ‘worry’ lines.Remember to take some time each day to refocus yourself and let your worries melt away.
- Smile: Remember smiling uses less muscles than a frown! It also makes you feel better on the inside when you smile.If ever there was a way to look and feel more youthful its gotta be a smile…….
“They say that age is all in your mind. The trick is keeping it from creeping down into your body” ~Author Unknown
If you like this post you can catch me over at http://which1works.com and at my Facebook Page
Image courtesy of Cobalt 123 at Flickr
- 2 days
source: (Feelgood Style) - The New Fall Face :: What You Need
The new Fall face seen all over the runways this year makes a return to fuss-free and low maintenance with neutrals, earth tones, and a light-handed approach to application dominating. Creating a no makeup look using organic & natural cosmetics, without looking like you’re wearing nothing, isn’t quite as simple as it sounds, so here’s what you’ll need…
RMS Beauty – Uncoverup #22: The start of any great looking face is flawless skin. Uncoverup melds beautifully with skin to give you a smooth, radiant finish that looks like your skin, only better. Use as concealer or foundation – this is all you need for the perfect base.
Vapour Organic Beauty Mesmerize Eyeliner – Black: The best way to wear eyeliner so it looks barely there is to draw a very fine line as close to the base of lashes as you can; you get definition without the drama.
Tarte Cosmetics Natural Cheek Stain – Natural Beauty: This award-winning blush is renowned for giving a sheer, natural looking flush, now in a completely natural formula.
Alima Eyeshadow – Perfectly Tailored Collection: Go from denim to your favorite wool suit with this versatile quartet of eyeshadows that has everything you need to define, line and shade.
Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara: The hydrating formula can be applied lightly for natural or layered for dramatic and it dries quickly without being ‘crunchy’.
Aveda Uruku Color Gloss – Peony: All the shine of a gloss with the pigment of lipstick, this brand new color gloss is a gorgeous every day pink to work with any outfit.
Writer :: Emma Pezzack – www.futurenatural.com: the best organic beauty products in the world.
Image :: Jeffrey Fiterman – Photographer / Julianne Kaye – Makeup
- 2 days
source: (Feelgood Style) - Team Tags: An Easy Way to Shop Eco on Etsy
Have you taken the handmade pledge? If you’re ready to get your handmade shop on but want to find the most eco-friendly goods available, team tags make that super simple on Etsy!
What is an Etsy Team?
An Etsy team is a group of sellers that share a common goal, passion, or craft. The artists support each other, share tips and tricks, and help promote each others’ shops. (Full disclosure: I’m a member of Team Eco Etsy and Team EtsyVeg.)
That all sounds great for crafters, but what about for shoppers? For eco-friendly shoppers, the team tags can help narrow your Etsy searches to find just what you’re after! There are tons of teams on Etsy dedicated to environmental issues. By including a team’s tag in your search, you’ll find results just from those members.
For example, if I was looking for Earth friendly purses, I could search purses and then scour through all of the results looking for recycled, upcycled, and organic finds. It makes the search much easier if I add “teamecoetsy” to my search. The results are all for purses by Eco Etsy members, who strive to run green businesses and produce environmentally friendly products.
Eco-Friendly Teams
Etsy has hundreds of teams, and navigating them all can be tricky. Here are a few teams and their tags to help you search smarter!
- Eco Etsy – teamecoetsy – recycled, organic, and vintage products
- Etsy Veg – etsyveg team – vegetarian and vegan products made without any animal ingredients
- Etsy Earth – etsyearthteam – Earth friendly goods
- Etsy Organic – etsyorganicteam – uniting sellers of organic goods and promoting an organic, sustainable lifestyle
Do you guys shop for eco-friendly fashions and beauty supplies on Etsy? I’d love to hear about your favorite sellers and teams in the comments!
Image Credit: Photo via psarokokalo
- 2 days
source: (Feelgood Style)