Ask the Beauty Brains - Beauty Questions Answered

Eye creams

missionista — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:41:06 -0400

Dear Brains,

Forgive me if this has been asked before and I just didn't find it.

What is the difference between really expensive eye creams, kind of expensive eye creams, just slightly expensive eye creams, and affordable eye creams? I'm thinking specifically of Caudalie ($95), Pangea Organics ($55), Kiehls ($30), and Burt's Bees ($15) respectively. You posted once before about the difference between eye creams and facial moisturizers (thanks, BTW, that was very helpful), and I'd like to know if there's a difference among eye creams before I go spend a lot of money.

Appreciatively,

--Missionista

Know anything about sensitivity to nickel, beeswax, or carmine?

bluecatbaby — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:11:48 -0400

Okay, I have been going crazy in the last 6 months because the skin around my eyes seem to become swollen/red/itchy/flaky from just about anything I have put on it, except for olive oil and vaseline.

So, I have been reading a lot of websites where people talk about this kind of reaction. I am wondering, can anyone here give me some science-based info?

Specifically, I am wondering about nickel as a component of iron oxide, or in other ingredients. I already know that nickel in jewelsry gives me skin rashes. Also wondering about carmine, and I read in one place that beeswax can have a component that some people react to.

I need help coloring my hair.

Pixydust — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:09:28 -0400

I recently used blonde brilliance excellence highlighting kit and the highlights turned out yellow/orange.

I do not have money to go to a professional, my only option is to use a boxed dye. I want to use a beige blonde, but I

am unsure of which level to use. should I use level 8 or level 9? I don't want to look like Marilyn Monroe blonde, but I don't want it to be

too dark of a blonde either. please tell me if I should get light beige blonde or medium beige blonde. I want a pretty blonde color not a medium

to dark blonde color. there is a pic of kate hudsons hair below and I would love this color! please tell me which brand and which color to get. thank you

Magesium oil for beauty???

rozy — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:12:58 -0400

I hear magnesium oil being advertised for its health benefits and even beauty benefits. As a long time reader I know cosmetics cannot be absorbed into the blood stream most of the time. Can magnesium oil even enter the bloodstream or does it just sit on top similar to how a cosmetic or massage oil would?

Skin peeling to get rid of stretch marks

rics — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:00:32 -0500

Hi, i'm here again to consult the concerned members of this forum. okay so lately i have been reading some online articles regarding the non-surgical skin peeling to reduce or remove stretch marks. i read, for example, diamond peeling can help in renewing your skin by peeling its top layer thus giving you refined skin texture. i read that it will lose fine lines and wrinkles, as well as getting rid of stretch marks. is there a truth to that? if i have a good recommendation from people here i might try it to end my stretch marks problem for a long time.

Companies that DON'T list their ingredients online

rozy — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 01:11:18 -0500

They have this new product called Light Reflecting Pressed Setting powder and they dont even have have the full ingredients list on their official website- this is what they call an ingredient list:

Reflecting D7Complex™ (Sea Water, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Barium
Sulfate, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Aluminum, Iron Oxides): Transforms
light like a prism; optimizes light reflection on the skin.

Glycerin/Vitamin E Mineral Powder (Glycerin, Tocopherol, Silica):
Allows for targeted release on the skin; gives a soft-focus effect on
the skin; guards against dryness and leaves the skin feeling
comfortable; offers antioxidant benefits.

If you are going to charge an arm and a leg for your average products with average packaging at least post the full ingredients. Stop assuming customers are stupid. This is becoming a pet peeve but I usually see this on unpopular products being sold on amazon or something. Does this kind of thing get on your nerves?

Sally Hansen Hair Remover (Shower Spray)

LorieA — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:16:09 -0400

The Fake Bake blog reminded me of this. Look at the 6th ingredient:

Water, Potassium Thioglycolate, Isobutane, Urea, Sodium Hydroxide, Propane, Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Steareth-30, Ceteth-10, Carbomer, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Sodium Silicate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Silk Amino Acids, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Epilobium Roseum Extract, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Bisabolol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance, Alcohol.

Clay's minerals and hard water

RizosMios — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:51:20 -0400

I've been using rhassoul clay for awhile now, looking at it's mineral contents they are:

Silica- 58%

Aluminum- 2.47%

Iron- 0.64%

Sodium- 2.3%

Magnesium- 25.2%

Calcium- 2.34%

Magnesium and calcium are two minerals that are also found in hard water, in which one is recommended to buy special filters for shower heads if one lives somewhere with hard water. Would anyone have any idea why these two minerals work well in clay but not in water?

Elmer's Glue for Blackheads???

adeerr — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:23:37 -0400

I read somewhere that you can use Elmer's glue to get rid of blackheads. This obviously sounded a bit off to me (on the Internet?? Gasp!), but I was wondering if there was any way that this could be a cheaper alternative to my much beloved Biore nose strips. Thoughts?

How to root lifting products like this one work and how does it help fine hair?

rozy — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:27:35 -0400

http://www.johnfrieda.ca/en-CA/ProductDetail/Hair-Care/Root-Awakening/Lift-Refresh-Root-Spray#/howitworks/
lol ironic the how it works doesnt actually tell me what I want to know.

Organic Hair Products: Rare Elements and Phylia de M- help me interpret their ingredients

Graytemples — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:12:21 -0400

I have samples of 3 Rare Elements products and like them very much. I am awaiting samples of Phylia de M to try. What is your take on these products? Please help me interpret their ingredient lists. Do you think I can get the same benefits from a cheaper brand? If so, which ones?

Anyone know of any triethanolamine based shampoos?

rozy — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:24:14 -0400

I heard this is milder than most cleansing agents so I wondered if this is available in any shampoos. Thanks. This is where I read about it: http://colinsbeautypages.co.uk/sodium-laureth-sulfate/

Anti-science advertsing to young girls/tweens (example)

rozy — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:57:20 -0400

Ugh I saw this really painful way skin care products marketed to teens 'Skin care shouldn't be "weird science"!'
http://www.terrafirmacosmetics.com/peaceout.html
Anti-science much? That's just what young girls need! *sarcasm*

How does PPD and ammonia free hair color work?

rozy — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:44:41 -0400

This hair color claims to be free of ammonia and PPD, two agents from what I understand basically let the product work. How could this product work to give color to hair? It also claims to be permanent hair color. http://palettebynature.com/

Adult Skin Problems

LorieA — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:51:14 -0400

Dear Beauty Brains,

I just stumbled on your blog and was fascinated by the investigations and science backing you put forth! I first of all would like to thank you for taking your time to research and inform the consumers! I am a pre med student so science itself just excites me and now I have found a blog to ask the unusual biology and chemistry questions along the beauty spectrum! Okay so here it goes, through out my teenage years I had no real acne problems. Just surface break outs for the most part that would clear in a day or I could scratch off. That was many years ago and I now am experiencing adult acne. A few things have changed since my acne started:

1. I moved from the bay area, California to Denver, Colorado (significant change in altitude, humidity and salts)

2. Had a boy four years ago (hormone changes)

3. Was put on a progesterone based birth control, have not been active on BC for a year and no change in acne

4. Moved from Denver metro area to Thornton, CO where I noticed the water is strange tasting and smelling (like marsh land smell and taste) which is when my acne really took off worse than ever

The only product I have used that worked was Arbonne FC5 purifying cleanser/toner. I have tried everything over-the-counter from Benzyl Peroxide 10%, Alba Dead Sea Minerals (second best for my skin), to everything containing Salicylic Acid etc etc the list goes on and on and ON! I loved the Arbonne FC5 purifying however, I cannot continue to pay so much a month as a mother, caretaker and university student! I was curious what exactly is helping my acne and is there a cheaper alternative IE anything that is $26 or below without shipping costs, something I can just walk in and purchase. I am assuming that the strawberry cells are what are clearing me up however do not know particularly if that is it alone or the combo of other ingredients. I really appreciate your Arbonne article, I agree that not everything they offer is worth it! Most items you can find one or two ingredient differences and purchase for a portion of their price! Please help me with my skin, I am in almost desperate need.

Thank you and best regards,

LorieA

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

Madeleinmia — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:38:51 -0400

Dear Beauty Brains,

I recently heard about Clinique's new Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector. They claim that it "strengthens" the skin to make it less transparent and that it reduces dark circles by up to 30%. Being a dark circle sufferer all my life I really want to believe that it actually works, but I have a feeling that you are going to tell me it's all just clever marketing BS.

Here are the ingredients:

Dimethicone, Water, Isostearyl Palmitate, Polyethylene, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Titanium Dioxide, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Petrolatum, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Morus Nigra (Mulberry) Root Extract, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Caffeine, Mica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sucrose, Milk Protein, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Laurate, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Sodium Chloride, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Whey Protein, Glycerin, PEG-8, Phytosphingosine, Sigesbeckia Orientalis (St. Paul's Wort) Extract, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Dimethicone Silylate, Cholesterol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Linoleic Acid, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Yeast Extract, Disodium EDTA, Pyridoxine Dipalmitate, Propylene Carbonate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Bran) Extract, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Iron Oxides

Another too-good-to-be-true skincare brand OR How can we get full ingredient list???

Savefei — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:07:03 -0400

I recently came up with this brand 'Real Purity' http://www.realpurity.com/

I just tried their makeup remover: http://www.realpurity.com/eye-make-up-remover.html

It works wonderfully and feels fantastic. There are some good reviews and pictures on MUA too http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp?ItemID=118166

The only thing I have in doubt is the ingredient list. There are only three things listed:

Pure Sesame Oil, Pure Wheat Germ Oil and Candellila.

I think these things are enough to make a semitrasparent creamy paste and remove most makeups BUT where does the aroma scent come from???

There's no fragrance or even 'natural' frangrance listed. Though the scent itn't strong, it does not seem to be from the three ingredients listed. This leads me to doubt if they hind more ingredients behind the label.

--------------------------------------------- a little break----------------------------------------------

Not enough evidence? I read through their ingredient lists for other products. Really unbelievable and suspicious!

For example:

1. Cleasing Gel http://www.realpurity.com/skin-care/cleansing-gel.html

Purified Water, Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, Botanserve TM

How can it 'clean' when there's no surfactants, solvents or other equivalents? By the alcohol in witch hazel?

Ok maybe it's just a very gentle cleanser... but what about this?

2. Creme Supreme http://www.realpurity.com/skin-care/creme-supreme-1-oz.html

Purified Water, Pure Safflower Oil, Pure Wheat Germ Oil, Glycerin Sea Kelp, Phyto Collagen, Raspberry Nectar, Comfrey, Hops, Lime Tree Rutin

How can they put water and oil together without any emulsifier???

-----------------------------------------------------------another break--------------------------------------------------------

With the questions above I tried to find more information on their website. I found all the info here http://www.realpurity.com/about

In 'Our Story' session, I feel its a serious brand focused on all nature ingredients. Good news. Let's continue.

In FAQ part, I found something worth discussion:

2. Do your products have an expiration date?

We recommend a shelf life of one year. We do not use any chemicals in our products, therefore there are no preservatives to extend the life of the products like many other companies use

'Shorter shelf life' seems quite honest though I think it's still too long if there are really NO preservatives.

13. What type of preservatives does Real Purity use?

All Real Purity products do not use preservatives in the mainstream sense. Dr. Rich spent four years in Research and Development and has brought to the marketplace what we believe to be the first all natural plant perservative system. This system is completely proprietiary to Real Purity.

Oh they do add some kind of preservatives. That's really a good news.

10. Does Real Purity use Fragrances or Synthetics?

Real Purity has never and will never use any type of artificial or synthetic fragrance in our products. When you hear us speak about people before profit, this is exactly what we are talking about. We can purchase a 55 gallon drum of synthetic Sandalwood for the cost of two gallons on Pure Sandalwood we choose to use the Pure!

This seems impressive... maybe adds some credits to this brand?

14. Why does my skin break out sometimes when using the cleansing gel?

This is a normal reaction to the cleansing gel removing debris from underneath your skin.

Emmm... Does this sound OLD? Debris under skin? Detox? To be honest this answer turns me off a little.

-----------------------------------------------------------Final Words--------------------------------------------------------

I typed so long only want to get some truth about this brand. I really love the makeup remover and I've been searching for a perfect remover for so long! I want it to be pure (no synthesis oils, surfactants, emulsifier in the base), simple (no perfume, colors as additives, short ingredient lists) and effective and this one seems to be perfect at first glance. But with so many things in doubt, maybe I have to continue my searching (which I'm so tired of).

Do you guys have any idea on their ingredient lists? Is there any way that we can force them to list full ingredients? Help needed!

Product has sun protecting ingredients-but no spf or ppd rating?

Fish_crackers — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:51:27 -0400

While searching for reviews on some sunscreens(my current addiction), I came across a French brand called Institute Estederm, that with products that claimed to block "all or some sun exposure." I found this claim to be incredulous, but the most curious thing is that most users didn't burn or tan with this product....Like in this Photo Reverse product, it does have sun protecting ingredients, but why no spf or PPD rating? I highly appreciate your answers! thank you!

Does peppermint oil break down the sweat that results on hair after an intense exercise?

sillabear — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:04:20 -0400

Hi!

I am looking for ways to minimize the amount of times that I wash my hair and I recently came across information that utilizing a mixture of 1:2 parts of peppermint oil to jojoba oil will break down the salts that are deposited on the scalp from pores after a strenuous exercise. Is this true? If not, do products such as dry shampoo rid one's scalp of these potentially damaging salts?

Thanks!

Do Hair Care Products Expire?

cyw — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:25:05 -0400

I was wondering if there is an indefinite shelf life for shampoos, conditioners and styling products? Or should they be used up quickly before they expire?
Thanks very much.

What products REALLY activate collagen?

kbdrake — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:25:58 -0400

I understand that lasers and retinoids have proven to actually stimulate the body to increase collagen but does anything else? I feel like I'm always reading about new products that claim they do this...

Retinol products

Janine — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 03:44:10 -0400

I use BeautiControl Regeneration capsules on my eyes and the eye serum all over my face, which seems to work really well on fine lines. I am UK based and have to have it shipped from the US, I was wondering if there are any products more readily available in the UK that will do the same job? I know Retinol can irritate some people's skin but it works for me so if possible I would like to continue using it minus the shipping fee.

to wash or not to wash?

duchessgummybuns — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:41:25 -0400

i have dandruff and it's annoying when it seems to only be aggravated by my new wash every two to three days regimen, but i can't help it because i don't like washing my hair everyday but i feel like that's what making it worse? i've tried jason's tea tree oil shampoo and to no avail and i am TIRED of head and shoulders, can you please recommend a balance for me? can i still save my natural hair oils but actually treat my dandruff at the same time or is it hopeless?? :(

What's the point of acne cleansers if they just wash off?

JanelleK — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 01:49:34 -0400

I thought of something interesting whilst washing my face in the morning with an acne wash - Do cleansers with medicational ingredients really have any effect at all since they are on the skin for such a short time? Does that suggest that I should not waste my time buying specific acne cleansers (like ones with 2% salicylic acid for example), and just stick with plain cleansers, since the acne-clearing ingredients go down the drain anyway?

Beautybrains, what do you think?

Thermal reconditioning

sillabear — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:17:53 -0400

Hello!

I am new to the forum and I deeply appreciate the fact that this website is based on scientifically proven information. Personally, I feel that belief in something without evidence is detrimental to most aspects of one's life... but away from my rant, here are my questions:

Has anyone had experience using thermal reconditioning (also known as Japanese straightening, amongst other names)? I have biracial hair and strongly dislike my curls, as I feel that I look more exotic/attractive with straightened hair. Primarily, I would like to know if this means of permanent straightening had any negative effects on anyone's hair (particularly biracial hair). Did this method of straightening produce the desired hair texture? How do you maintain the health of your hair after undergoing this process? Any reliable information regarding this hair straightening process would be fantastic!

Thanks! :)

Anesi Aminofirm

kitty66 — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:30:08 -0400

I would like to ask if this cream would help with newly appeared stretch marks. Here's the ingredients list:

Water,
Mineral Oil, Octyldodecanol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100
Stearate, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Hydrocotyl Extract, Propylene glycol,
Methyl Silanol, Mannuronate, Triethanolamine, C11-C13 isoparaffin,
Water, Alcohol Denat, Decyl polyglucose, Ladys Thistle Extract, Ladys
Mantle Extract, Horsetail Extract, Soy germ extract, Wheat germ extract,
Alfalfa extract, Radish extract, Phenoxyethanol, Methyparaben,
Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propyparaben, Lactose, Non-fat dry milk,
Whey protein, Soluble collagen, Diazolidinyl Urea, Dimethicone,
Fragrance, Coumarin, Alpha-isomethyl ionone.
If it's no good then can you suggest something that would work, or at least point out which ingredients should I look for?

Anyone know when the new sunscreen pills will be out?

rozy — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 05:15:47 -0500

I wonder if they are still working on developing them. How much longer by estimation? Do they have a date set yet? Probably not but that would be so cool this going to be so cool. Except for all the people whining that its poison exploding inside you and its killing you and zombies are real.

Does Wearing Hair Up Really Prevent Damage?

MadeiraD — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 22:39:48 -0400

I've heard a lot of people saying that wearing hair up reduces friction on the hair and means less damage, is this true?

Tocopheryl Acetate. Is it cancerogenic?

Elana44 — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 07:05:00 -0400

There is a lot of buzz going on around tocopheryl acetate and it being cancerogenic because it can be contaminated with hydroquinone. My question is, is there any recent study showing it? Is there any way to check if tocopheryl acetate in my cream is contaminated...

Could you mix active principles in a cream?

Haidee_Hammond — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:12:59 -0400

Daily morning skin care (or night, but let make it simple usually requires more than one principle to be effective, like emollients SPF, antioxidants, peptides... but there is no way that you can find a single cream mixing all those (not the cleaners, of course), let aside being clear about the amount or the clinically proven results. I wonder if they usually interact in a way that make them virtually impossible to mix or it is just a marketing strategy. By the way... would be very difficult to stabilize some of this lotions? (If you don't stop me I will start a lab at home after reading a couple of books O:-) )