Frugalista Beauty Finds

Frugalista Beauty:

Best Drugstore Buys for $20 & Under

Beauty snobs of the world unite: We refuse to go without our vitamin-infused mascara that comes in the chic gold tube…or our favorite $60 concealer that fakes flawlessness…or that miraculous deep conditioner that costs more than our dinner but gives us magazine cover hair. Trust me, I’m one of you. To be sure, many of us are finicky, brand-loyal and downright elitist when it comes to our beauty arsenal, and with good reason. Most of us have tried product after product before finding the one that transforms us into our most magnificent version of ourselves, and aren’t too willing to give up any of our magic potions.  Far be it from me to pressure you to give up any semblance of everyday luxury, but, in the wake of our current economic downturn, I can’t help but wonder, Wouldn’t it be great to find a few substitutes of equal fabulousness that cost so much less that it’s nearly ridiculous? 

If it’s been awhile since you’ve prowled the beauty section of your local drugstore, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by many more brands and product choices, colors that rival the upscale lines, and skin care formulas that are not only affordable and effective, but are actually preferred by some of the top dermatologists over the luxury stuff. Among the best, most consistently performance-driven brands are Olay, L’Oreal and Neutrogena, but there are standout products in just about every other line as well.

Here are some of my favorite drugstore finds, each one stiff competition for it’s higher priced counterparts. Each will set you back $20 or less, and, if that’s not incentive enough to do some down-market exploring, keep in mind that many (though not all) of the larger, national chains do accept returns on beauty items. What have you got to lose, besides a few of those zeros on your Visa bill?

All Products Available At Drugstores Nationwide Unless Noted

Makeup
Face:

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $5.29

CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation, $13.99

L’Oreal True Match Line: Powder, Liquid Makeup and Powder Blush, $10.95 each

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation, $9.49

Rimmel Natural Bronzer, $5.49

Sonia Kashuk Only At Target: Concealer Stick and Beautifying Blush, $7.99 each

Eyes:

CoverGirl Lash Exact Mascara, $7.49

L’Oreal Voluminous Original Volume Mascara, $7.50

L’Oreal FeatherLash Water-Resistant Mascara, $7.95

Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof, $6.99

Neutrogena Skin Soothing Eye Tints, $9.49

Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Shadow Quad, $6.99

Rimmel Colour Rush Shadow Trio, $5.49

L’Oreal HIP Eye Liner Pencil, $7.99

Lips:

L’Oreal Colour Juice Lip Gloss, $7.95

L’Oreal HIP Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss, $9.50

Neutrogena MoistureShine Lipstick, $9.49

Revlon ColorStay Sheer Overtime LipColor, $10.99

Wet & Wild Lip Liner Pencil, $1.49

 

Skin Care

Almay Hypo-Allergenic Eye Makeup Remover Pads, Non-Oily, $4.99

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $11.49

Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser, $8.99

L’Oreal Skin Genesis Deep Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser, $7.99

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Blemish Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser, $7.49

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Night Formula, $13.99

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream, $12.99

Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum, $18.99

Olay Smooth Skin Exfoliating Scrub with Gentle Microbeads, $8.50

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, $19.99

 

Hair

Burt’s Bees More Moisture Raspberry & Brazil Nut Shampoo & Conditioner, $7.79 each

Clairol Nice’N Easy Colorseal Weekly Conditioning Gloss, $3.99

Dove Flexible Hold Hairspray, $4.29

Finesse Touchable Curls Defining Mousse, $3.19

Garnier Fructis Weightless Leave-In Anti-Frizz Serum Sleek & Shine, $5.99

John Frieda Collection Luminous Color Glaze, $9.99

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Crystal Clear Shape & Shimmer Hairspray, $5.99

L’Oreal Vive Pro Smooth Intense Shampoo and Conditioner, $4.99 each

L’Oreal Vive Pro Smooth Gloss Anti-Frizz Cream, $4.99

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo, $5.99

Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner, $13.00 each; www.drugstore.com

Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Shampoo, $6

Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Frizz Control Conditioner, $6

 

Bath & Body

Aquaphor Healing Treatment, $14.99

Boots No. 7 Fabulously Firming Body Cream, $12.99; Target

Burt’s Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Hand Crème, Honey & Grapeseed Oil, $9.99

Giovanni Cool Mint Lemon Salt Scrub with Crushed Mint Leaves, $13.99; www.drugstore.com

Nivea Crème, $7.49

Neutrogena Body Oil, $10.49

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, $7.99

Travel In Style

Glam On The Go

I’m a sucker for the old “good things come in small packages” saying. Sure, it’s probably just a myth that mothers made up to console their short and shrimpy kids, but I buy into it wholeheartedly. Especially when it comes to beauty products. In fact, my irrational love of hotels probably stemmed from their pristine vanities stocked with scaled-down sizes of Molton Brown and Kiehl’s products. Given the choice between an industrial-sized bottle of my favorite body lotion, or a Lilliputian version of it that can be nestled into my handbag, I’ll go for the mini every time. Fortunately, the fact that they are essential for travel helps justify my obsession.

Imagine my giddiness over these petite, FSA-approved primpers – each has won a coveted space in my travel bag, which is perpetually packed and ready for take off. Now, I just need somewhere to go. 

 

Lisa Hoffman Beauty Spa Facial Packette, $35; www.lisahoffmanbeauty.com.

A meticulously packaged, effective and luxurious spa-quality facial kit for home or on the go, consisting of ten products in numerical order to take out the guesswork. The formulas firm, brighten and moisturize, making a fabulous antidote for jet-lagged skin or a pre-event radiance boost without redness or irritation. Makes an excellent beauty gift for a bride to use the morning of her wedding.

Philip B. Botanicals Travel Sizes, varying prices; www.philipb.com. When I found that many of my beloved, über-luxe Philip B’s now come in airline-approved 2 ounce sizes, recession-be-damned, I needed them all. The whole brand is paraben-free, sumptuously healing for hair and body, and worthy of its countless beauty editor accolades. Though the full sizes are definitely splurge-worthy, these minis are a smart way to try before you buy big. Among the 2 ounce offerings are the Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo ($8), the White Truffle Nourishing & Conditioning Crème ($28), the Drop Dead Hair Straightening Baume ($8), the Jet Set Precision Control Hair Spray ($18), the Thai Tea Mind & Body Wash ($8), and the Lovin’ Hand & Body Crème ($8).

Fresh To Go Sizes, varying prices; www.sephora.com. Nothing beats nasty recycled plane-air faster than the squeaky-clean Fresh Sugar scents! Now, the purveyor of deliciously unique scents and soothing skin, hair, bath and body beautifiers offers several of it’s best-selling treats in plane-permitted sizes, such as Fresh Sugar Lemon EDP To Go (1 ounce, $24.50), Soy Face Cleanser To Go (1.7 ounces, $15) and Sugar Blossom Hand Cream To Go (1 ounce, $15). 

Skincare Secret Ingredients: Argan Oil

Skincare Secret Ingredients --What Works, What’s A Waste

Volume Two:  Argan Oil

The next lineup in our ABC’s of skincare is perhaps the most cult-y of all cult beauty ingredients in recent years, the exotic and eco-luxe Moroccan “Liquid Gold,” Argan Oil.

What It Is: Argan oil is produced from the kernels of the argan tree, a type of tree that flourishes in the difficult and extreme environmental conditions of Morocco. The oil is purported to be rich in cosmetic and healing properties. It has reached cult status over the past few years as one of the top age-defying, miracle ingredients for skin.

Why You’ve Heard Of It: It’s attracting buzz because it’s cropping up everywhere as a youth-boosting ingredient in products from hair treatments to body lotions to lipsticks. Besides its alleged age-defying skincare powers, argan oil is also newsworthy of late because of its power-packed vitamin E and essential fatty acid content’s nutritional benefits (but culinary arts are not my department) and the abundance of women-only argan oil collective co-ops of Moroccan Berber women. Seen as a self-sustaining means of providing fair wages and good working conditions to a population that would not have it otherwise, argan oil production through these co-ops has politico-socioeconomic ramifications as well (uh, also not my department).  Though it’s history is also attention-grabbing, in the interest of space and plain old-fashioned good manners, I’m going to skip over the oil’s mysterious legend of originally being extracted from undigested argan pits eaten by Moroccan goats. (You’re welcome). The argan oil used in present day products is harvested and processed in a much more um… sanitary way.

What It Does:  Argan oil is one of those elixirs that is said to work magic on a host of stubborn skin ailments, including chronic dry skin, wrinkles, acne, psoriasis and eczema, sunburn and even stretch marks. It’s also touted as a wonder potion for dry, damaged hair and scalp, with claims to mend and prevent split ends, nourish and strengthen hair and give great gloss. Moroccan women have historically slathered it onto their hair, faces, body and nails as a multi-purpose moisturizer and beautifier. What’s indisputable is its high antioxidant properties, which is always an anti-aging plus.

Why It’s Staying Hot: Magical Properties + Mysterious Back-Story + Inflated Price = Cult Status Beauty Product. Always. Duh.

Why Some Love It:  Argan oil is surprisingly lightweight, absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel sticky on your skin. Some also love it because it’s a great organic, eco-friendly and chic beauty product, which is a rare triple threat.

…And Why Some Don’t: To be blunt, the stuff smells like rancid nuts to me, which makes the whole application experience seem a whole lot more crunchy-hippie-earth-mother to me than I’d like.

Why It’s Pricey:  As more and more Western beauty companies distribute argan oil and even more incorporate it into their established brand line-ups, the further the oil gets from its authentic, and not so expensive, artisan roots. It’s gone from being a Moroccan tourist souvenir to a staple of the spa-and-Sephora set.

Find It In:

Many cosmetics by Cle de Peau Beauté feature argan tree oil, including the Intensifying Cream Eyeliner ($60), Eye Color Quad ($75), Brilliant Enhancer ($62) and Extra Silky Lipstick ($50); www.neimanmarcus.com.

Dr. Hauschka Lipcolor contains argan oil, as well as many other nourishing oils, for a moist, cushiony feel, $23.95; www.beautyhabit.com.

The Josie Maran Line, which includes a 1.7 ounce bottle of 100% Pure Argan Oil ($48), as well as a full-spectrum of cosmetics that include it as an ingredient. At www.sephora.com.

Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Body Line, which includes a body lotion, skin salve and dry body oil, each of which is blended with fairly-traded argan oil. At www.kiehls.com.

Moroccanoil hair products, from the hair treatment oil to styling creams and masks, contain argan oil in their blend of hair healing ingredients. At www.moroccanoil.com.

Pangea Organics Facial Cleansers and Moisturizers, which include the oil in its über-natural mix of effective and fantastic-smelling formulas. At www.beautyhabit.com.

The Verdict:

Invest in a small bottle of the least expensive, but purest argan oil you can find, and try it out on your face/body/hair/nails to see how it works for you before you invest in a whole slew of argan-infused products. Though a nightly dose of the oil left my face smooth and surprisingly non-oily come sunrise, I’m not convinced of its ability to lessen the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, and the odd nut-like scent was a bit overpowering. However, my dry hair is quickly soothed and shined with just a tiny amount of the oil applied after my shampoo and conditioner, and it’s fantastic on dry cuticles.

 

 

Be A Bride...Or Just Look Like One!

Blushing Bride

According to numerous makeup artists, when a bride does her own wedding-day makeup, she will most likely glam-up her every day look for eyes, foundation/powder and lips, either by using more dramatic colors or a different finish, like switching from matte to shimmery formulas. She will even buy special products just for the Big Day, like a new lipstick and waterproof mascara. But, when it comes to cheeks, she is likely to stay loyal to her old standby blush or bronzer, and believe that simply layering it on heavier than usual will fancy it up enough. Not so, say the experts.

If you are lucky enough to have access to a professional makeup artist for your wedding day, and your budget allows it, then by all means collaborate with him or her on finding your best makeup look, and be open to any suggestions regarding the best formulas and shades. After all, their expertise is what you’re paying for, and knowing what works best in photographs and in different types of light is invaluable information. So, if you’ve got your heart set on wearing that new fuchsia blush with the mult-colored glitter flecks and your makeup artist ditches it in favor of a subtly shimmery shade she swears will make you look ephemeral instead of easy, she probably knows best. Many makeup artists include a trial run when they give you their rate quote, and this is the best way to make sure that you’re not in for any surprises just before you walk down the aisle.

For brides that do not have the option of hiring a makeup pro, DIY makeup is far from a tragedy and does not have to be as intimidating as it seems. Practice is everything, and taking the time to scour the best artist-authored makeup books can give you a crash course in great techniques and product picks for your coloring, face shape and the type of occasion. Most books include a section on makeup for weddings or special occasions, or at least different advice for day looks versus night.  Two of my favorites are The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, by Bobbi Brown, and Makeup Your Mind by Francois Nars, but there are plenty of other easy-to-understand, beautifully photographed makeup how-to books as well.

The best blush shades make you look magically lit-from-within, giving you a subtle glow – think incandescent, not iridescent. You may need to scrap the shade you usually wear, particularly if it’s totally neutral (which may read as flat in photos), too pale (disappearing act) or sparkly or frosty (shiny and downright weird in certain lighting) in favor of a silky matte or soft shimmer formula in a bloom-hued shade, from petal pinks to peaches to bright pink and rose. Here are some of my favorite bridal-worthy blushes:

Bobbi Brown Blush is a classic, silky-matte blush that is virtually idiot-proof. Best used as the Divine Miss Brown does it herself: start with a neutral shade of blush that looks like your own natural flush and sweep it from the apples of your cheeks up to your hairline. Follow with a pop of color in a brighter shade swirled only on the apples of your cheeks. I love the combination of the neutral Tawny shade topped off with Apricot, a melon-y pink that looks all scary clown in the compact but transforms into the soft, sunny flush once on; $22; www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow Blush has held a place in my makeup arsenal for several years now. The shades look rather bright in the compact but go on very sheer and give the most beautiful, ethereal glow. If you’re after the truly sweet, “blushing bride” look, layer light apricot Dolline and pure pink Shadore – either one over the other or swirled together with a large, fluffy blush brush; $37; www.neimanmarcus.com.

L’Oreal True Match Blush is a diva in drugstore clothing, in my opinion. It’s as silky and sheer as blushes triple its price, has a lovely shade range without a loser in the bunch, and even groups shades by skin tones for newbies. Apricot Kiss is my go-to pale peach when I need to fake a full night’s sleep but don’t want to appear made up, and it’s a fantastic bridal look for very fair-skinned brides who prefer peach over pink. Layer over a light matte bronzing powder for a modern sunny glow; $10.95 at drugstores.

LORAC Baked Matte Satin Blush, contrary to its name, looks mighty shimmery in the pan, but don’t be fooled – the color, though highly pigmented, does go on amazingly smooth and looks like a real matte yet glowy blush on your cheeks. My shade pick is Exposed, a radiant peachy-pink; $24, www.sephora.com.

Smashbox Blush Rush is a sheer yet long-wearing formula that feels like silk plus boasts an ultra-ingenius mirrored swivel compact. If you love berry-toned tints, the shimmery Crush shade is a must-try; $24, www.sephora.com.

Finally, like everything else wedding-related, the devil is in the details when it comes to blush. Choosing a spectacular shade is only the first step; Invest in the best quality, large blush brush you can afford, start with a little bit of color and only add more when you’re sure you need it to balance your look. Once you are fully dressed from tiara to toe, take a step back from the mirror and make sure that your cheek color hints rather than harasses. If it’s clearly too much color, soften it a bit with a bare fluffy loose powder brush and if that doesn’t work, buff it with a tiny amount of sheer loose powder until the color seems to melt into your skin rather than sitting on top of it. Now…smile! You’re getting married!

Bikini Bod In A Bottle

Beach Body, No Cardio Required?

Further evidence that women are expecting more and more out of their beauty products: two major beauty companies, Rodial and Tarte, just launched bikini-readying products that blur the line between fat/cellulite-busting supplement, sun tan in a bottle and veritable magic potion. Sounds great, right – you can slack on your diet and exercise regimen and still be tanned, toned and trim? Not so fast –all you personal trainers and tanning salon owners out there can step away from the ledge, as you are not in danger of being replaced. It’s safe to say that a sleek physique is still going to take some hours logged at the gym, but wouldn’t it be great to use a beauty routine that can speed up your results a bit?

Though I’m a fan of both of these innovative brands, it’s tough to not be skeptical of the hyperbolic, borderline-fantastical claims of Rodial Skinny Beach Supplement ($59, www.beauty.com) and the Tarte Cellufight Natural Anti-Cellulite Self-Tanner ($40, www.tartecosmetics.com). Let’s look at the lofty goals of each product:

Rodial Skinny Beach Supplement is best used during the two weeks before summer or an upcoming vacation, so encourage slimming while preparing your skin for sun exposure. The Claim: Beta-carotene stimulates pigments to promote skin darkening without excess sun exposure, which would, in theory, give you a layer of insurance (in the form of a pigment-boosted, natural layer of UV protection against burning) while antioxidant green tea extract acts to encourage fat combustion and help limit the absorption of lipids. The Results: In my experience, the citrus-flavored drink definitely gave my energy a little lift during the day, and my naturally medium-toned skin took on a slightly darker cast, without a weird carrot-orange tint, after two weeks of use. Sadly, no, this potion didn’t cause weight loss, but it did leave my skin feeling slightly firmer.

Tarte Cellufight Natural Anti-Cellulite Self –Tanner is a hydrating, gradual self-tanner that’s powered, according to the company, by a clinically proven anticellulite complex. The Claim: Tanned and taut skin with one product. Moisturize and achieve a healthy, gradual glow that works on all skin tones. Formulated with “skintight” complex, a proprietary anti-cellulite complex that firms and tones skin while improving elasticity. Plant and bionutrient extracts boost cellular metabolism, shedding excess fat tissue, and caffeine helps stimulate blood flow, immediately reducing "the orange-peel" effect on problem areas such as waist, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Clinically proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties prevent long-term buildup of fat tissue under the skin. The Results: As a self-tanner, the gradual and subtle results are even, streak-free, and natural-looking. Because any tanning of the skin – whether real or faux – will reduce the appearance of cellulite, Cellufight does make cellulite-ridden areas look noticeably smoother and less bumpy, and my skin definitely feels firmer. Dramatic cellulite control wasn’t accomplished after two weeks of use, but I’ll think positive and continue to use the product. And though other less pricey brands offer great gradual self-tanners (Avon and Jergens to name two), I do love that Tarte’s is free of parabens, phlalates and other health-threatening ingredients.

 

Recessionista Hair Color

Recessionista Hair: Color Me Happy

It wasn’t that long ago that women, myself included, stayed fiercely loyal to their hair colorist’s advised schedule, keeping up bi-monthly appointments to banish gray hairs, every-six-week color refreshers or highlight touch-ups without question.  Those days are becoming a distant memory to colorists all over the country, at a time when even the swankiest Beverly Hills salons are noticing that their appointment books are showing some blank spaces each week. It seems that everyone, no matter what their bank balance says, is looking for ways to lower expenses, and trimming down a pricey salon habit is an easy target.

It’s not just a by-product of economic worries, the fact is that beauty companies have significantly upped their game in recent years, too, and the hair color and care industry is no exception. Ever since innovative hair-product companies like John Frieda (the first on the scene) and Frederic Fekkai (a more recent sales blockbuster) introduced their wildy-popular at-home glaze treatments, women everywhere have found that, for a fraction of the price of a salon glazing treatment, they can have glossy, shiny, unbelievably healthy-looking hair in just a few minutes. Similarly, for about one-eighth the price of salon color, the advent of idiot-proof, ten-minute root touch-up kits by Clairol, Revlon, and other beauty powerhouses, allows women to seamlessly stretch out the time between color appointments without having to suffer through an inch of tell-tale roots.

As home hair product companies offer women salon-look options for home use, the hair gurus of the world have had to adapt not only to stay competitive but also to ensure that their clients don’t completely wreck their hair in between professional treatments. Sure, it can be embarrassing, shameful or downright criminal to admit to your longtime trusted hair pro that you took fate into your own hands with a wand full of flaxen highlights in front of your bathroom mirror. But, as long as you are honest with your colorist about what you’ve used on your hair the majority of salon professionals will share some of their hard-earned guidance to keep your locks salon-look lush month after month.

Amateur colorists of the world, rejoice! One example of a hair demi-god paying it forward is Alterna’s Global Artistic Director, Michael Shaun Corby, who shares his hard-earned color expertise with us mere mortals.

Handle With Care

Fortunately for do-it-yourselfers, Corby finds that at-home color has become quite sophisticated. He says, “Years ago, it wasn’t possible to get natural-looking, rich color at home, however, with the high-tech formulas of today, it’s very possible.” Though boxed kits are easier, more professional looking and therefore more tempting to use than ever before, keep in mind that hair is not indestructible. Corby advises that the key to great results is in the treatment of the hair throughout the process, and says “Many people end up trashing their hair with at-home kits, while in the salon the stylist uses professional products that ensure the hair’s health before, during and after coloring.”

So what, exactly, does this special hair handling entail?   Corby’s best strategy for salon-quality color at home:

• Before you color, apply a rich, moisturizing hair masque, like Alterna's Caviar Hair Masque. Leave on for 15 minutes. This will deeply hydrate the hair, and make sure hair is healthy and ready for color.
• As soon as you wash out the color, shampoo hair with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo, like Alterna's Caviar Anti-Aging Moisture Shampoo. This will help neutralize the peroxide in the hair, which in non-technical terms means it will actually halt the coloring process, so the hair doesn't continue to absorb color and endure damage.
• Condition hair with a rich conditioner.

Memorize The Color Wheel

Whether you’ve invested hundreds of dollars or ten dollars on your new hair color, there’s nothing worse than watching your hard-earned hue go down the drain, literally, with each washing.

Says Corby, “Hair color, whether it's done at-home or in a salon, easily fades and turns brassy. How you care for your colored hair can make all the difference.”

Anyone who has experimented with home color has undoubtedly battled the brass at some point. Brunettes dread red tones, redheads fear orange, and blondes are determined not to go yellow. The products you choose after coloring are vital to keeping your color true and vibrant. Corby shares that Alterna addressed this very challenge:  “Alterna created three different formulas that use opposing pigments on a color wheel, to prevent those red, orange, and yellow tones from appearing.”

If you never took Art 101, the color wheel may be foreign to you, but in hair color terms, here’s all you need to know: “The Caviar Brunette line uses teal pigment to counteract unwanted red tones, the Caviar Red line uses blue pigment to counteract unwanted orange tones, and the Caviar Blonde line uses purple pigment to counteract unwanted yellow/brassy tones,” Corby explains.

Of course, staying reasonably close to your natural color (within one or two shades) is the universal cry of salon pros, and it’s wise to keep the laws of color in mind before you select an at-home shade as well, to avoid any un-natural undertones that tend to scream “Amateur!” to the world. For example, if your medium brown hair naturally has a strong red tint and you desire a deeper neutral brown color, you need to choose a shade without any warmth to cancel out your red/orange tones, usually a name that includes the words “cool, ash, neutral” in the name. And, if you’re confused by nonsense names like “Moonlit Dawn Brunette” then a visit to the company’s website or a call to their toll-free hotline for advice on choosing a shade is a absolute must.

It must also be said that when lightening dark hair, each strand cycles through a range of colors – from red to orange to yellow – before reaching a true blonde stage, and the untrained colorist risks ending up with a head of pumpkin or apricot-hued hair. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you!)

So, if you’re more apt to rush to the phone to schedule your jury duty service than to return your salon’s appointment reminder call, embrace your inner cheapskate and be thrilled that luxe-looking locks may be just a drugstore away. Count the money you’ll save by going longer between salon visits, but, I beg of you, keep these hair insider secrets in mind before you take matters into your own hands (and bathroom) and remember that when it comes to color, avoiding a mistake is infinitely easier than correcting one!

For product info and hair care tips, please visit:

www.4alternahaircare.com

www.clairol.com

www.fekkai.com

www.johnfrieda.com

www.revlon.com

Chemistry Set: Parabens

Chemistry Set

The What, Why & Controversy of Parabens

Sad, but true: unless you’ve got a degree in chemistry, you probably have very little clue what is in the beauty products that you use every day. Few of us have the time (or inclination) to analyze the laundry list of mostly unpronounceable names on the ingredients in our makeup, skin care, hair care and bath and body products. And this is not a new phenomenon – chemicals, including parabens, have been used for nearly a decade in the beauty industry, but the buzz surrounding their safety is a white-hot topic lately. And though it seems like paraben-free beauty alternatives are everywhere, your use or non-use of them is still a personal choice.

Parabens: What They Are, Why They’re Used

Parabens are chemicals used to preserve the longevity, or shelf-life, of beauty products and foods and allow them to resist extreme heat and cold. They are, and have long been, the most commonly used preservatives in the beauty industry, and are normally used in quite low levels and considered to be safe. However, questions arise regarding the safety of other types, including propylparaben, methylparaben and butylparaben. Because combining preservatives can give better protection against bacteria and microorganisms that can taint our products, mixing different types of parabens (including the questionable ones) is common.

Where You’ll Find Them

You’re most likely to see parabens on the ingredient lists of makeup, shampoos and conditioners, skin care products, sunscreen, soaps, anti-perspirants/deodorants and even toothpaste. They are easy to spot: Just look for anything that ends with “paraben.” Because a quick inventory of your beauty arsenal will likely shock you with its prevalence of parabens, it can be overwhelming to consider ridding your life of them. And, it’s worth noting that even if you do make a clean paraben-sweep, there are still many other potentially-threatening chemicals in the majority of beauty products that would still be present, and are often shrouded by confusing names, chemicals such as phthalates, the estrogen-mimicking endocrine system-disruptors, and sodium laurel sulfate, which gives shampoos and soaps their foaming and sudsing quality.

Why They’re Under Fire

Although there is no concrete, scientific evidence to prove a link between parabens and breast cancer, many Americans are choosing to play it safe and switching to paraben-free products. There are studies that show that there may be a paraben-cancer connection due to the disruption they cause to the body’s hormones and endocrine system, but again, the proof of a direct link has yet to be made. In the meantime, many new paraben-free beauty brands are launching every month, and countless others are clearing their existing products of parabens.

How To Go Paraben-Free

Just as giving your home a “green” makeover doesn’t happen overnight, if you choose to avoid parabens, there’s no reason to be wasteful and throw out every product you own. As you use items up, look for a paraben-free replacement. Many beauty websites, including Sephora.com, have special designations for paraben-free products to make them easier to spot. In your search, don’t get confused by the terms “natural,” “organic,” or the ambiguous “green.” These words aren’t interchangeable – a paraben-free product does not have to be organic, and vice versa. And, unfortunately, “natural” and “green” are basically meaningless marketing tools in today’s market, since there are no regulations to define their ingredients.

Paraben-free skin and hair products are much easier to find than paraben-free makeup, but cosmetic companies are starting to catch up now that the demand for them is so significant. The latecomer to the paraben-free game is mascara and other eye makeup items, as effective preservatives in this category are vital to keep harmful bacteria away from your eyes; Be cautious when trying out mascaras that claim to be “natural” so you know what you’re exposing them to.

Do keep in mind that even paraben-free products may contain a different type of preservative to make it safer, last longer and resist mold and bacterial growth, and you may be sensitive to them. And, be safe by being particularly aware of expiration dates, as paraben-free means a shorter shelf life. I should know better, but though I’d never consider eating food that has spoiled, I’ve ignored the expiration date on many a beauty product. Don’t do it!

Just like the choice to go vegan, go green or go gluten-free is a personal choice, so is going paraben-free. The most important thing is to be just as aware of what we put on our skin as what we put in our bodies.