How Do I Ask The Beauty Brains?
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WHY Should I Ask The Beauty Brains?
Most women agree that when they use the right products, they do feel better. But there are two problems with finding the right product. First, there are literally THOUSANDS of products for you to choose from. Second, you’re constantly bombarded with confusing and, sometimes, false information from beauty companies.
Our job is to help you cut through all the clutter by giving you honest, unbiased information about cosmetics. We believe that the more information you have, the better you’ll be able to find products that you like at a price you can afford.
WHO Answers My Questions?
Depending on the topic, your reply may come from any one of the different lobes of The Beauty Brains. Click here to learn more about the Brains.
WHEN Will My Answer Be Posted?
It may take us a few days to a few weeks to provide your answer. If we think your question will be of general interest to our community, we’ll post it on the blog. But sometimes we might simply answer you directly in a personal email.
If you don’t get an answer after a few weeks it means that we weren’t able to find enough scientific information to be worthy of a response or that we have more questions than we’re able to answer. We get so many emails that it’s not possible to respond to each and every one, but we promise you that we do read them all!
WHAT kind of questions can I ask?
Pretty much anything you put on your body is fair game for a question. Here are some of the categories that our readers frequently ask questions about.
Make up: eyeshadow, mascara, blush, eyeliner.
Skin care: body wash, hand lotion, facial moisturizers, acne preparations, wrinkle creams, facial masks
Hair care: shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, gels, mousse, shine sprays, putties,
Oral care: toothpaste, mouthwash, whiteners, anti-tarter products
And then there are antiperspirants, deodorants, eye care and ear care products, foot care, tattoos, scar products and the list goes on and on.
What questions should I not ask?
We typically don’t answer questions that ask for:
Shopping advice. There are plenty of other websites that can tell you where to buy the cheapest eyeshadow. That’s not what we do.
Product recommendations. We specialize in explaining how products work, but we don’t usually recommend products. Everyone’s hair and skin, and their tastes, are different so it’s impossible for us to tell you “what’s the best skin cream for me.”
Sarah Bellum will occasionally blog about her personal experiences with products but for the most part the Beauty Brains focus on the objective science of how products work.
What kind of information can I expect in my answer?
Most of our answers cover one or more of these five basic areas:
1) What you can really expect the product to do (or not do)
2) How the product does what it does.
3) How the product is made.
4) How the product is (or isn’t) different from similar products.
5) What the advertising behind the products really mean.
That’s it!
Now, to get your daily dose of The Beauty Brains subscribe via RSS now!
Want more Beauty Brains brilliance? Get your copy of the Beauty Brains book here.
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ingrown hair
after i wax my legs and hands,there is a relapse of ingrown hair on my waxed skin. It looks terrible and i have tried treating ,but nothing is working out. Does scrubbing help ? or is there any remedy to cure this skin problem?
Aside from surgical procedures, what’s the best way to lift eyelids that are just beginning to sag? I notice that my eyelids perk up after a nap, but I can’t sleep all of the time!
Hello. I was wondering if there are any negative effects of using self-tanners on ones skin? For example, could long term use promote skin cancer? Thanks for creating such an awesome site!
Please help me with a combination beauty/parenting question, re: using sunscreen. At around 7:15 a.m., I’ve been putting SPF 30 sunscreen which includes avobenzone on my fair-skinned daughters (ages 6 and 10) before they catch the schoolbus. Of course, they won’t re-apply it at any time during the day. Assuming they don’t wash it off with water or sweat, by 9:15, is its effectiveness completely worn off? They have PE and recess in late a.m. or early p.m., and thoses times are when they really need sunscreen. Are they still getting any SPF at those times? Am I wasting this product by putting it on them so early in the day?
Another question: I understand that chemical sunscreens degrade on your skin over the course of two hours. I personally use ones which have only titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Do the mineral sunscreens keep their effectiveness any longer? I’m just thinking that the minerals won’t change on the skin, kind of like the dirt that gets on my children’s skin and stays all day until their bath.
Hi, it’s Crista about the fighting chickens. Ofcourse they need a hair dresser they are in front of an audience LOL. Actually what I was trying to say is the guy is a hairdresser that flies around the world to work on Models hair and he raises fighting chickens. Amazing as it seems these animals are not mean I even held one.
Hi Beauty Brains! I was wondering if you could tell me about the product OC8. It says it has “ACRYSORB® micro-particles” (which sounds like a marketing gimmic to me), and it absorbs only the excess oil on your skin. I’m just wondering if it really does absorb the excess oil like it says it does. And if it is absorbing oil, like it says it is, and it’s all sitting on your skin, would this cause breakouts? Thanks!
hallo beauty brains! I’m going bald! the past three years I’ve noticed my hair gets fewer and fewer above my forehead and around that area. I’s not bald yet of course or too bad, but visible.I have visited a doctor that gave me a lotion and some vitamins for the hair but they didn’t work, I was also advised to eat more vegetables and fruit but it didn’t stop falling. Is there any other way to make my hair stronger or grow some, than planting some?
Hey there
I was just wondering about the Phyto product like ‘Phytospecific” formulated for ‘ethnic’ hair more importantly help for hair that’s been realxed. I know that Oprah uses it and I’ve heard good things about the ‘Vital Bath’ Conditioning product, and I was just wondering if its worth the money?? Also any tips for helping Black hair that’s Coarse/Relaxed grow and what products/ingredients to look for?
I currently use a product called Aphogee (www.aphogee.com) I find their Treatment for Damaged hair is great! But my hair is still seeming thin, coarse, and it’s not growing!! I’ve tried everything from Dark & Lovely to Goldwell Kerasilk to Nioxin, but I’m beginning to fear there’s nothing I can do to help my hair!!!
Hello Beauty Brains!
Many people have been raving about the wonders of using Apple Cider Vinegar diluted with water as a toner, and claims have been made about how it can exfoliate, shrink your pores, and prevent your face from becoming too oily. How true is this? Thank you!
Love love love your site!
Another Apple Cider Vinegar question. Will it clarify your hair? (Remove product buildup) Or will the acidic nature actually damage and dry the hair? I know it can dry and irritate skin when used as a daily “toner”
Can an Apple Cider Rinse, or as an additive to your bottled shampoos and conditioners really help dyed hair hold color longer without damaging the hair? Seems to me the acid nature of the product would remove some of the deposited color? Especialy if it can work as a clarifyer or remover or product buildup on the hair shaft.
First off, thank you, Beauty Brains, for saving me a lot of wasted money! I have a question about henna. Most hairstylists say to use henna on your hair will damage it, but henna supporters say that it can actually condition it and make it stronger. Which ones are telling the truth?
Hello Beauty Brains! I have a few questions for you. I’ve been hearing this a lot on my local media recently, “Even though you may have oily skin, it could actually be very dry underneath. Thus, you should use a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.”
Is it actually true that oily skin could be “dry underneath”? Say I live in a tropical climate, is it necessary to still use a moisturiser if I have oily skin?
Beauty Brains, I love your blog and am an avid reader. I hope you can help me with my problem: I have my hair colored, and get a touch-up every 3 weeks to cover my grey. I’ve recently switched hair colorists, and while I love the new color, seem to be having a bad reaction to the product. After about a week, my scalp gets itchy and a little flaky, and actually hurts a little if I run my fingers through my hair (I know it sounds odd, but it really does feel like that). The salon that I’m now going to uses Redken products. I think that my old salon used Goldwell products. Am I having a reaction to this new brand of hair dye? Is there anywhere to research which brands are better for your scalp/hair than others? Thank you for your help!!
Beauty Brains: I have a somewhat stupid question–I take the beta blocker Coreg (carvedilol) and have been warned to avoid drinking grapefruit juice as it can interact dangerously with the Coreg. Does grapefruit oil/extract in a shampoo have the same potentially dangerous effect, when absorbed through the scalp? (The shampoo in question is Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet Shampoo, which lists grapefruit oil about tenth down the list of ingredients.) Thanks for your help!
Help !!!! I finally gave in and quit dyeing my hair to avoid the gray and had it bleached and colored to match my gray hair (a little more silver)but the ends and outer layer keeps wanting to turn a dirty blonde. The inner layer and the top arer staying the color I want.What can I do to prevent this and do any of the shampoos for silver hair really work? If they (shampoos) work which ones do you recommend? Thanks
Hello! I am wondering what you think is the best natural solution for the dark circles under eyes. thanks for the help!
ingrown hair
after i wax my legs and hands,there is a relapse of ingrown hair on my waxed skin. It looks terrible and i have tried treating ,but nothing is working out. Does scrubbing help ? or is there any remedy to cure this skin problem
Is Stila Hair Refresher anything more than thirty-dollar talcum powder?
ingrown hair
after i wax my legs and hands,there is a relapse of ingrown hair on my waxed skin. It looks terrible and i have tried treating ,but nothing is working out. What can i do prevent this? Also, what do you recommend for getting rid of scars/ blemishes?
i have natural black hair (that is now salt & pepper) for years i had dyed it ligth brown..then one day went black Now my question is how do i get it back to brown, have tried several dyes and nothing has changed but my roots..
had to resend missed the “y”" on my e-mail
I’ve heard that when sunscreen/sunblock separates, it’s no longer good. That shaking it up to remix it is basically wasted effort and applying it will do no good at all. Is this true?
Does shea butter work as a skin moisturizer? I have a friend who uses it around her eyes and swears that it helps minimize wrinkles. I use it on my heels and nothing seems to work as well.
I have a really big problem with my cuticles!! I use a hand cream with SPF twice a day and rub cuticle oil 4+ times! ! But my cuticles are always ragged. Specially my right hand (the index finger is the worst). Any suggestions?
I have a plastic surgery question. I’ve heard about a method called UltraShape, which claims it can literally melt fat with ultrasound without affecting sorrounding tissues, moreover you can melt a pound of fat and then go right away to your daily routine, and doens’t need anesthesia. Is that possible?
how can they make sure they are not burning other tissues? Is it available in the US?
Beauty Brains, can you tell me if there are any types of products or substances which can help with the static electricity which afflicts my hair so badly in the wintertime?
What is in Mary Kay’s Timewise line that isn’t in anything else? I recently had a servere allergic reaction to it, and I’m curious why I’ve never had a reaction to anything else in my life but this seemed to set me off. For example I use Sabon NYC’s Seaweed line, Lush’s Ocean salt and Sabon’s Dead Sea Mud Mask – no problems EVER.
Love the blog, thanks!
I love shopping in Bath and Body Works and this year when I go in there has been a lot of hype about their Wexler line of anti-aging skincare line. And they tell me about MMPs and MMPIs and how this is supposed to be a revolutionary skincare line. Is it really worth the hype and is it worth the money to help ease the signs of aging?
hey, great blog! I’d like to know…. is there an eyebrow regrowth product that actually works? I’ve found good reviews on Talika, but frankly, I think it’s too good to be true… thank you and keep up the great work.
I just found your site thru the Beauty addict website. My question is; What is really a skin tightening lotion that works?
Dr. Brandt has a VERY expensive one as does Dr. Perricone. Does it really work or just a huge waste of money…again??!
Thanks so much for your help.
First, I want to tell you that I absolutely love your site! I have a question about products that contain salycitic acid – I have acne prone skin, so I use a scrub with salycitic acid in the morning, and toner pads with salycitic acid at night – are there more benefits to a product that you leave on (like a moisturizer) compared to a cleanser? Also, if I use a toner or cleanser with salycitic acid and then put a moisturizer on top (without any in it), does that diminish the affect of the salycitic acid? Thanks so much for the advice!
hey brains i just wanted to know, specifically what brand of coconut oil is best for conditioning my hair? in walgreens they sel softees coconut oil and blue magic coconut oil conditioner, what do you think about these brands? will they be effective or should i buy pure coconut oil, if so, where can i find pure coconut oil?
please be specific, thanks a lot
Hi, Just love you web site. I read it every day!! I’ve wrote before about the problem I was having about keeping my silver hair from getting a yellow tinge to it and you and your readers really helped. Now I have another question for you. I was wondering about the product ” Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream”. It claims that it can help with broken capillaries on your face. I have a few of them and before a spend a small fortune on this product, can something like this, that you put on your face really correct a problem under your skin?Also, if anyone of your readers have a similiar problem, what do they use or recommend? Thanks!!
I have a question on the use of kohl eyeliners, not to be mistaken with the modern kohl eyeliners you see in drugstores, but with the more eastern kind, known as kajal or sirma. Mostly, women from the Egypt and Asia use the kajal or sirma types, it comes in powder or a solid stick form. What my question is, is it harmful to use these types of kajal or sirma? I came across a report that there has been a lot of lead poisoning rooted toward usage of these products even though the ingredients are mostly harmless, however ingredients do vary from product to product. My problem is that I like the fact that, well as it claims, it aids against eye diseases and is good for the skin near the eye. How can I tell if the product does have traces of lead in it?
Love the santa hat on the brain lady! Lookin forward to future holiday icons.
I am buying a ceramic flat iron off Ebay. Is there truly a difference between HAI and CHI brand name items vs. non brand name irons that are also ceramic?
Hi darlings! I recently wrote a post on my blog about puffy eyes and the use of preparation H (the hemorrhoid cream). As I can find, many people use this gel as a quick and perfect fix for completely banishing the dreaded under eye bags, while the others swear that the cream does more harm than good. Since I value your opinion and expertize above all, please solve this mystery. Happy New Year and all the best!
I second Jim’s question about nanotechnology, and I’d also like to ask: Is nanotechnology safe? I’m thinking specifically about the product Spectral DNC, which claims to deliver its active ingredients via ‘nanosomes’, and that such a method is more effective than conventional formulations of Minoxodil.
My question about safety arises after listening to an NPR segment about the possible dangers of nanotechnology, specifically concerning the possibility of inhaling nano-sized particles of metals. Now, Spectral DNC says it includes copper, and as it is delivered to the scalp via (sometimes malfunctioning) sprayer, it is virtually impossible to avoid inhaling some of the liquid. Is this potentially dangerous? Thank you so much!
Hi. I have dark spots on my cheecks and forehead (caused by hormones and sun exposure) and I am using a lotion prescribed by my dermatologist (2 months now and the results are not as I expected…). Recently I knew of a product of Civant Skincare – Meladerm – which has very good reviews. Can you tell me if it is so?
Thank you very much!
Hello! I am so GLAD I found you! I have had this problem now for about 3 months……. I wash & condition my hair on a Daily basis and by the middle of the day my hair smells like “sweat?, Muggy?” I just can’t describe it, it just smells! Even worse when I’m running late in the morning and I am not able to wash my hair I could smell that sweat, muggy smell throughout the day. I there anything I can do to stop this ?? Or at least prevent it??
Thanks A Bunch!!!!
what is your view on animal testing? Is there any sort of ethical animal testing, and if so how can one find out which companys do this? I have checked PETA, but there rather biased. I know what companys dont do any animal testing, but I would like to know if there is any way to find out which companys test without harming the animals. Thanks.
Hello Beauty Brains,
Do you know if there is any ingredient other than aluminum that works as an antiperspirant. I ask not because I am afraid of getting alzheimers, but because the antiperspirants I’ve tried make me itch like mad.
Hi,
I’m interested to know how different types of cleansers, like gels, mousses, bars, creams etc work on your skin? do they have the same result? Are they used for different skin types? Any help you can give would be great! thankyou.
The link below is to an article that says that an inventor is working on a hair gel that uses COW SALIVA. Beauty Brains, this sounds like your kind of story! I would love to know more about this hair gel. Would you please investigate this and report back to your readers?
http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/wftwarch.pl?010507
Hello Beauty Brains,
I’m a 28 year-old fair-complexioned, Caucasian female with normal-dry skin, which is generally clear. I have been experiencing clusters of dry, red raised bumps on either side of my chin since the summer. I have been using hydrocortisone on the areas after cleansing, which helps to calm/lessen, but certainly not cure the clusters. (Needless to say, concealer is my new best friend.)
I have considered the idea that this may be some form of Rosacea from reading various articles on the web. I have a flush to my cheeks and am prone to blushing, which are two common skin types for those who have Rosacea. I have two questions.
1) Does this skin condition sound familiar?
2) Do you know of any OTC remedies for me?
Current facial products: Cetaphil Cleanser (used with well-worn washcloth at night and in the evening), Ponds Cold Cream and Hydrocortisone on the mystery area.
Thanks for your time!
Katy
help, my hair is 90%grey. i want silver like paula deans. my hairdresser used violet mixed with lightest blonde. result light blonde. i hate it. what to use to get it silver?
I’ve been getting my hair colored using Wella’s Kolestone line for the past few years. My parents however, keep telling me that coloring your hair is not good for your kidney. I tried searching for the ingredients of the hair dye online, but all I can find is this safety data sheet (http://www.wellausa.com/msds/Koleston_Perfect/Koleston_Perfect_Reds.pdf).
Is there any actual scientific claim or research that shows dying hair is bad for any body organs? I just really would like to show this to my parents so they will stop nagging me about dying my hair.
Thank you so much!!! Btw, I just found your site yesterday and I’m totally addicted. The first thing I did when I woke up was to come to your site.
Thanks for providing scientific truth that’s hidden under layers of marketing hypes. I’m showing everyone I know this site!
I have read a lot of good reviews on Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple and Hope in a Jar. I’m wondering if the product is worth the price?
I recently read the following article and it has me a little freaked out, especially in regards to the ingredients it lists on the last page. How concerned should I be?
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=9e5a72a9-d392-4516-9c6d-551716cf9964&p=1
Hi Beauty Brains!
I was wondering if you knew about any safe (semi-painless) way to remove acrylic nails?
I love your site!!
I cut my hair 2 days ago and i dont like how it turned out. I feel like I wished i’ve never even cut my long hair. Now i feel like I want my long hair back. what do I do?
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