Kisha’s quandary: It depresses me to see your site be so negative, it seems like no product works out there and that we are so dependent on chemicals drugs and studies , which a lot of times are purposely rigged to have the drug companies make the most money. How in the word have we survived for so long without those drugs before????
The Left Brain’s reply:
Kisha, as I’ve said before, our mission is to educate our community about the truth behind cosmetic products. And the sad truth is, there are many products out there that do NOT do what they promise.
Bogus beauty buys
Some examples include the Pink Patch, Collyre Bleu Eye Drops, Airborne, Kinoki Detox Foot Pads, the Brava Breast Enhancement system, Clarins 3P Screen Mist, and a host of high-priced, over-promised anti-aging products like Perricone.
Many of the products that we’re asked about, like the ones I just mentioned, are dubious at best. I rarely see questions that have a clear cut, positive answer like “does Suave shampoo really get your hair clean.” So, since our community asks us about questionable products, the answers that the Right Brain and I give are often negative because many of these products are more about BS than beauty science. It’s unfortunate that you think it’s depressing to learn the truth about products that are trying to trick you. I think it’s much more depressing to wake up one morning and realize you spent a lot of your hard earned money on products that don’t deliver they benefit they promise.
Cosmetics that really work
However, just because I blog about a lot of bogus products, that doesn’t mean that NOTHING works. In fact, the world of cosmetics offers MANY products that are highly effective. The Right Brain and I have blogged about these in the past, but in case you haven’t seen them, here are 10 quick examples of cosmetics that really work:
- Crest Teeth whitening strips
- Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant
- Avocado oil for soothing skin
- Coconut and Palm oil hair strengthening products like Ojon
- Hair dyes of all kinds
- Silicone scar removal sheets
- Skin lighteners like Meladerm
- Fluoride tooth paste
- Skin moisturizers
- Hair relaxers
The Beauty Brains bottom line
In conclusion, I’m sorry that you feel our site is negative and depressing. But I’d rather tell you the straight truth about cosmetics and have you leave the Beauty Brains community than let you go on thinking that all the advertising you read about cosmetics is true. Hopefully you’ll continue reading so we can help you be a smarter shopper. Thanks for your question.
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Dear Brains,
What can I say? I totally gush you. Utterly. Gush.
Re this question: personally, I’d rather know – but I think I understand Kisha’s distress; it can be overwhelming when you start to realise the enormity of manipulation going on – and just how consistently you’ve been suckered.
I find it more empowering – and easier to bear – if I never expect companies to be honest with the public; they’re beholden to their shareholders, not us.
These days, I work on the buyer-beware principle: I read; I ask a lot of questions; and I try to use my consumer dollar for good (or efficacy!)
And speaking of good, talking about people using their powers for: Brains. Gush. Utterly.
You mentioned “Silicone scar removal sheets” as a product that really works. This surprises me! Have you posted on this before? If not, I’d love to hear the science behind it. Also, it must be said that I really appreciate the posts on what doesn’t work because I’d rather spend my money on product that do!
Kudos to the Beauty Brains. The truth is not depressing. What is depressing is the deception, manipulation, and chicanery of business, all just to make a buck. …and consumers (like me) falling prey. Thank you from a loyal fan.
Millie: You made us all gush back. Thank you!
Sarah: We did blog about scar sheets almost 2 years ago but I couldn’t find the post we wrote. I’m guessing it got lost when we migrated data from our old website.
The research we found at the time indicated that silicone scar sheets could help reduce the appearance of some types of scars depending on their size and age.
As the saying goes “The TRUTH will set you free”…and in my case from spending my retirement fund on expensive wrinkle creams!
I tend to disbelieve products that fall into broad categories:
1) products that do things that seem flat-out impossible. Sealing splits ends, for an example.
2) products that reverse or undo aging. Sorry, we all age at the rate of one day per day, guaranteed.
3) products that promise something for nothing. “Eat everything you want and lose weight!”
Beyond that, it’s pretty simple. Once you realize that nothing is gonna turn anyone into Angeline Jolie who wasn’t Angeline Jolie to start with, it gets easier to filter the nonsense.
Are you sure you are using the right detox foot patch?
You may be using a knockoff made in CHINA or KOREA.
For more info on the ORIGINAL patch made in JAPAN, please visit:
htttp://www.4kawase.com
The original is just as much nonsense as all the knock-offs. There’s no proof that foot patches (or pads) have any “detoxifying” effect.
One more to your list, Monistat chafing relief powder gel… Same than Cinique’s pore minimizer but way cheaper
Janis, Angelina has had a little help from the scalpel
. She was gorgeous to begin with, but her nose has been refined. Just a bit of FYI for you. Actually, who in Hollywood HASN’T had a little (or alot) of help!?
I wonder what Tina Turner uses….
Thanks to the Brains for all of the great knowledge they pass on to us. At the least they help keep more money in my pocket and less in the hands of unscrupulous companies. At their best they help me to have a better understanding of what I’m putting on my body. You all are GREAT!!!
I appreciate the honesty. Sometimes I’d like to not be a super sluthe when it comes to my beauty buys and rely on a real scientist.
….I though Perricone was a waste of money.
Hi Brains,
I have noticed that in your Top 10 Products, you list palm oil hair strengthening product as one of the best. I wonder then if you are taking any consideration of environmental issues associated with beauty products? Ecoempire Blog looks into some of these issues, you might want to read this particular blog about palm oil.
http://ecoempire.org/2011/06/23/the-tips-and-tricks-of-avoiding-palm-oil/
Maybe the Brains need an eco conscience too???
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