Hello and Welcome to the newest post to my blog! Being new in the artistry, I decided that before I get too far into learning about the application of makeup, that I should know what is in makeup and why or why not certain types should be used. I've referred a number of people who like myself are building makeup kits to the website InMyKit.com by Emmy Award winning MUA Kevin James Bennett, and this past week had some time to read through his blog. Id like to share what I've learned.
Silicone. There seems to be or have been debate on whether or not this is a safe ingredient to use on skin. Having experience in the nursing field, I know that silicone is used directly on the skin in scar treatment and prevention, in ointment that is used to heal skin/pressure ulcers, and in bandages and dressings. Silicone molecules are:
-temperature and moisture resistant
-have strong bonding power
-can bend without breaking/flexible
-bond with other materials creating a bridge between them and breathing space between silicone molecules
-aren't oxidized by free radicals- free radicals cause aging, tissue damage, and change the color of foundation
-allows light to pass through and bounce back without a change in direction
-do not support bacterial growth.
-non-irritating
-lightweight
Silicone molecules used in makeup are larger than the size of a pore on your skin, which means that they will not clog pores or fill in lines and wrinkles since they cannot enter them. The skin wont absorb the emulsifying fluid in the silicone molecules and your makeup wont become clumpy or cakey with pigment. Instead, they remain ON the skin (bonding power and flexibility) protecting it from moisture loss yet allowing the skin to breathe and the other ingredients to do their jobs in or on the skin. This is how celebs can be awake all night and walk the runway the next day looking fresher than a new flower. The silicone in primers is the layer between the skin and makeup that will give the look of a flawless complexion and that "I got 8hrs of rest" radiance. Silicone based foundation and blush enhance the look even more. If you are dealing with sensitive or problematic skin, try silicone based makeup. Please remember to check out what other ingredients are in the product, to make sure those will not cause irritation or break outs.
A common ingredient. I'm still learning about ingredients and wouldn't dare put them all in the same blog posting. However, there is something that is in ALL products: fragrance. KJ Bennett described the difference between "fragrance-free" and "non-fragranced":
"Fragrance-free products use synthetic fragrance to mask chemical odors…so they appear to have no scent of their own. If you have a fragrance allergy, this is definitely not the way to go. Non-fragranced on the other hand means NO ADDITIONAL fragrance was added, so they smell of what they’re made of."
Mineral based makeup. Ever since this has become a craze, no one at any makeup counter has been able to convince me that this is the healthier way to go :o/ I don't know if it was the lack of product "knowledge" underpowered by the urge for a sale, or if the packaging didn't look quite appealing, or if it was my own lack of knowledge which I'm glad to now know that it's not as serious as it seemed. Whatever the reasons, here is some accurate and provable knowledge for your debate, kit building, or "non-mineral" based sale. ALL foundation contain minerals. Foundation period can cause irritation. The words "natural" and "hypo-allergenic" are not regulated by the FDA. Anyone can make those claims. All minerals can carry trace elements that can irritate the skin. All foundation contain mineral pigments which create the skin tones/shades. All foundation contain the same key minerals: mica, and zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, just in different amounts. You will also find bismuth oxychloride as a main ingredient in many, NOT ALL, "mineral based" foundations...but this is not a natural mineral. It is a synthetic made from a combination of other minerals including cooper and lead, yet is allowed to be used in product referred to as "natural". Lead has been used in foundation for FOREVER. I'm talkin' Bible days. So no, bismuth is not a more recent and safer natural mineral for foundation. Bismuth can cause irritation, itching, cystic acne (mild to severe), and rashes. If you are dealing with problematic skin, this is a no-no ingredient on your product list. On the ingredient list of any product, the ingredient the product contains most of is listed first and the ingredient that is in the smallest amount is listed last. Everything listed in between goes in order from the most to least amount of the ingredient. The FDA requires it. The amount of mineral used in a product is not regulated by the FDA, so even if a product only contains 1% or less mineral in its final product, it can still claim to be a "mineral based" product. Bismuth also creates a high shine leaving an unnatural glow. Back to the makeup. We all desire a natural look after applying foundation. If you want to use "mineral" makeup on acneic (skin with acne) skin, you will need to apply layer after layer to get a decent amount of coverage. It most likely will not end up looking too natural just as if you used"regular" makeup. Mineral makeup also grabs onto oily and dry patches, and tends to accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, and cake in areas where oil was absorbed. It will also grab onto the moisture that dry skin needs to hold onto. This type of makeup is not ideal for combination skin types. While not a horrible class of makeup, it just isn't the best choice to use over all skin types or problems.
Do not let the wording on the front of a package fool you and do not let the words missing on the front of a package fool you either. Compare ingredient lists. Get familiar with where in the list ingredients are placed and what it means.
I hope that this has enlightened many of you who have read to this point. If you were already informed and I left anything out, please feel free to comment below so that others and myself can add to our base of knowledge. No one, MUA or not, should be hesitant or lazy about knowing what is in the products you spend money on or rave about using. The same way that many talk about their changed diet and what is in the foods they do or don't eat, what you put on your own or your clients skin should be just as important. The two kind of go hand in hand. What you consume (beverage and food) comes through and onto your skin and sends you searching for products to rectify or cover the flaws. What is in the products can reduce or make that situation worse. I welcome all constructive comments and critiques. Until next time: WASH YOUR HANDS AND CREATE!
Showing posts with label natural. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural. Show all posts
July 01, 2011
Natural Hair Queens: Add THIS to YOUR Regimen!
Queens, Empresses, Princesses, and every other inspirative name that you've been called since going natural: Hello to you ALL and thank You for taking time to read this post! I've been wearing my hair natural for over 10 years and have changed what I use on my hair quite a few times. One reason is because my hair seems to get tired of the same thing and wont react the same way (is it just me?) and the other is because I will find product that is better in and for my hair. So one day I asked one of the ladies in the retail section (thank you Madeline) of a particular salon to go over each and every skin care product that they sell to better educate myself on the various lines and what can be cocktailed. I was definitely impressed, and there is one product from a line of oils that has been added to my hair care regimen since that day.
Allow me to introduce/reintroduce you to AVEDA's Beautifying Composition.
This is a moisturizing oil for body, bath, and scalp as it reads on the bottle. It is light and really doesn't leave a heavy greasy feel. One benefit to using this product is that you can control how much you use because it dispenses in drops.
For those who do not know about Aveda, it is a world known brand. Their products are made from plant and flower essences and depending on the product, are between 93% and 99% naturally derived. They also carry certified organic items. There are Aveda salons, Aveda Institutes for cosmetology and esthetics, they have their own lines of hair color, makeup, skin and hair care for men and women of all ages and hair textures, candles and oils. They also will be releasing an Aveda relaxer and they have no idea that I am typing any of this.
Back to the Beautifying Composition. I know, I know: you want to know what this will do for you and what it has done for me. Well, key ingredients include:
-Jojoba oil: I know that some of you LOVE that ingredient. Just hearing/reading it gets your attention. It is great for hair that tends to tangle, split or break. It also leaves a lasting nice shiiiiine. Jojoba oil. :o)
-Lavender oil: You may not know that it kills lice and lice eggs, but it does, and I'm sure that you do know that it is used for aromatherapy all over the globe.
-Bergamot oil: This fruit oil stimulates hair growth, adds shine and protects the hair cuticle
-Rosemary: This oil also stimulates hair follicles, as well as strengthens hair, nourishes and removes dry skin and dandruff from the scalp, and slows premature hair loss and graying
-Vitamin E promotes circulation and causes capillary growth which in turn promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss and split ends. It is a hair conditioner for dry hair and helps to repair hair damaged from excessive heat (dryers, irons)
Beautifying Composition also contains lime oil which is an antiseptic, and oil from grapefruit peel. Grapefruit is EXCELLENT for the skin as oils, sugar scrubs, skin mousse, etc.
Yes, some of the ingredients are for dry hair repair, however Aveda advertises that the composition is for all hair types. I do not have dry hair so I will agree with the claim. Since my Nokia phone went for a swim and no longer works, I cannot take a crystal clear picture for you. After the first time of using this oil, I have been getting compliments on how my hair twinkles and has a very nice shine. Even more than before, people ask if they can touch my hair. I myself have seen my hair *TING* in not such bright light. My hair is already quite soft and spongy, so I cannot say too much about softening except that it does have the correct ingredients to take care of that, but I do notice that my curls are a bit more defined. I have never experienced an unpleasant greasiness. Start out with a little and add if desired. Again, the oil comes out in drops, giving you full control and preventing waste.
How I personally use Beautifying Composition: With my hair wet, I apply the oil all over and rub onto my hair and scalp. I put on a shower cap with well fitting elastic and go to bed. When Im ready to style, I use my fingers, check with the mirrors, and repeat until Im satisfied. I do not use this everyday or even every other day, although I do wet my hair everyday to style it. The oil still does its thing.
Another way to use the composition (as far as hair goes) is to massage some into your dry scalp and then shampoo.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I hope that you have enjoyed this post and got a few smiles in along the read. If you pick up or order a bottle from AVEDA, let me know what it has done for you below in the comment section or on Twitter @heidistylhix. It is the only yellow oil in that line of oils and comes in a yellow-ish hexagon shaped box:
Until next time: Wash your hands and CREATE!
Allow me to introduce/reintroduce you to AVEDA's Beautifying Composition.
This is a moisturizing oil for body, bath, and scalp as it reads on the bottle. It is light and really doesn't leave a heavy greasy feel. One benefit to using this product is that you can control how much you use because it dispenses in drops.
For those who do not know about Aveda, it is a world known brand. Their products are made from plant and flower essences and depending on the product, are between 93% and 99% naturally derived. They also carry certified organic items. There are Aveda salons, Aveda Institutes for cosmetology and esthetics, they have their own lines of hair color, makeup, skin and hair care for men and women of all ages and hair textures, candles and oils. They also will be releasing an Aveda relaxer and they have no idea that I am typing any of this.
Back to the Beautifying Composition. I know, I know: you want to know what this will do for you and what it has done for me. Well, key ingredients include:
-Jojoba oil: I know that some of you LOVE that ingredient. Just hearing/reading it gets your attention. It is great for hair that tends to tangle, split or break. It also leaves a lasting nice shiiiiine. Jojoba oil. :o)
-Lavender oil: You may not know that it kills lice and lice eggs, but it does, and I'm sure that you do know that it is used for aromatherapy all over the globe.
-Bergamot oil: This fruit oil stimulates hair growth, adds shine and protects the hair cuticle
-Rosemary: This oil also stimulates hair follicles, as well as strengthens hair, nourishes and removes dry skin and dandruff from the scalp, and slows premature hair loss and graying
-Vitamin E promotes circulation and causes capillary growth which in turn promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss and split ends. It is a hair conditioner for dry hair and helps to repair hair damaged from excessive heat (dryers, irons)
Beautifying Composition also contains lime oil which is an antiseptic, and oil from grapefruit peel. Grapefruit is EXCELLENT for the skin as oils, sugar scrubs, skin mousse, etc.
Yes, some of the ingredients are for dry hair repair, however Aveda advertises that the composition is for all hair types. I do not have dry hair so I will agree with the claim. Since my Nokia phone went for a swim and no longer works, I cannot take a crystal clear picture for you. After the first time of using this oil, I have been getting compliments on how my hair twinkles and has a very nice shine. Even more than before, people ask if they can touch my hair. I myself have seen my hair *TING* in not such bright light. My hair is already quite soft and spongy, so I cannot say too much about softening except that it does have the correct ingredients to take care of that, but I do notice that my curls are a bit more defined. I have never experienced an unpleasant greasiness. Start out with a little and add if desired. Again, the oil comes out in drops, giving you full control and preventing waste.
How I personally use Beautifying Composition: With my hair wet, I apply the oil all over and rub onto my hair and scalp. I put on a shower cap with well fitting elastic and go to bed. When Im ready to style, I use my fingers, check with the mirrors, and repeat until Im satisfied. I do not use this everyday or even every other day, although I do wet my hair everyday to style it. The oil still does its thing.
Another way to use the composition (as far as hair goes) is to massage some into your dry scalp and then shampoo.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I hope that you have enjoyed this post and got a few smiles in along the read. If you pick up or order a bottle from AVEDA, let me know what it has done for you below in the comment section or on Twitter @heidistylhix. It is the only yellow oil in that line of oils and comes in a yellow-ish hexagon shaped box:
Until next time: Wash your hands and CREATE!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)