http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/categories/root/p2/feed.rss Mon, 20 May 13 14:59:02 -0400 Click here to visit the Beauty Brains blog. Root - Beauty Questions Answered en-CA http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3638/are-nail-strengtheners-with-formaldehyde-dangerous Fri, 19 Apr 2013 02:01:36 -0400 LeftBrain 3638@/bbforum/discussions Debby says… I read that Brazil has banned nail strengtheners because they contain formaldehyde just like they banned hair straighteners. Is this true and do we need to worry about U.S. products? The Beauty Brains respond: It’s true…sort of. How nail strengtheners work If you read our previous post on the best treatment for nails [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3637/how-to-save-money-on-hair-care-products-by-reading-the-ingredients Thu, 18 Apr 2013 02:01:31 -0400 LeftBrain 3637@/bbforum/discussions GrayTemples says…I have samples of 3 Rare Elements products and like them very much.  I am awaiting samples of Phylia de M to try.   Please help me interpret their ingredient lists.  Do you think I can get the same benefits from a cheaper brand?  If so, which ones? The Beauty Brains respond: Unless the [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3633/is-clinique-even-better-eyes-any-better Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:01:10 -0400 LeftBrain 3633@/bbforum/discussions Madeleinmia asks…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 [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3545/fake-bake-self-tan-liquid-look-at-the-label Mon, 11 Mar 2013 02:01:28 -0400 LeftBrain 3545@/bbforum/discussions Fake Bake Self-Tan Liquid is a top seller on Amazon.com this week. Let’s look at the label to see what makes it cook. Fake Bake Self-Tan Liquid Ingredients Water, SD Alcohol 40-B These are the solvents for the liquid. The alcohol is needed because the active ingredient is only partially soluble in water. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3631/response-to-new-cosmetic-legislation Tue, 16 Apr 2013 02:01:10 -0400 LeftBrain 3631@/bbforum/discussions You may have heard that new legislation has been proposed which would provide stronger regulation of the cosmetic industry. We thought you might be interested in hearing the cosmetic industry’s point of view on the proposed law. Three important trade groups (The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers And Distributors, the Professional Beauty Association, and the Personal Care Products [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3599/how-do-acne-facial-washes-work-if-theyre-rinsed-off Fri, 05 Apr 2013 02:01:22 -0400 LeftBrain 3599@/bbforum/discussions Janelle asks…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 [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3628/beauty-can-be-taxing Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:01:47 -0400 LeftBrain 3628@/bbforum/discussions It’s time again for our annual “Tax Day” post that lists tax related beauty items that sort of, kind of have to do with science. A little bit. 1. Modeling + makeup = money! If you’re a model you can deduct certain makeup and some clothing items. Project Runway, here I come! 2. Surgery for [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3625/urban-decay-naked2-look-at-the-label Sun, 14 Apr 2013 02:01:01 -0400 LeftBrain 3625@/bbforum/discussions Urban Decay’s sequel to Naked has is just about to break into the the top 20 best selling beauty products on Amazon.com Let’s look at the label to see what makes it so good. The ingredients for all the products are listed below. We’ll only summarize a few them that are of particular interest because [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3624/what-makes-one-ingredient-more-comedogenic-than-another Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:16:49 -0400 LeftBrain 3624@/bbforum/discussions Kristy’s question…Any idea on what makes one substance more generally comedogenic than another substance? The Beauty Brains’ response: The term “comedogenic” refers to the tendency of an ingredient to cause the skin to form blackheads. Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are follicles that have become plugged up with a mixture of sebum and dead [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3621/how-does-garniers-olia-oil-powered-hair-color-work Thu, 11 Apr 2013 02:01:27 -0400 LeftBrain 3621@/bbforum/discussions Lisa asks…The website for Garnier’s Olia is pretty amazing because it says this hair color is powered by natural flower oils instead of nasty ammonia. How does this product work and is it really better than Clairol or any other at home color kit? The Beauty Brains reply: Taken at face value, Garnier’s Olia sounds [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3612/can-i-make-my-own-wen-conditioner-by-mixing-regular-shampoo-and-conditioner Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:01:17 -0400 LeftBrain 3612@/bbforum/discussions Duchess Gummy Buns says…Here’s the link to someone who claims that you can make your own cleansing conditioner. My question is will this even work? And does mixing the two seem pointless? The Beauty Brains respond: First, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that “Duchess Gummy Buns” is the best screen name. Ever. [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3611/does-maca-root-really-boost-your-bust-and-bottom Tue, 09 Apr 2013 02:01:32 -0400 LeftBrain 3611@/bbforum/discussions Heather says…I have read of people using Maca for increasing bust and bottom size. From a scientist’s point of view is this true? The Beauty Brains respond: To be honest, we’d never heard of Maca (or its alleged boob and booty-boosting ability) until you brought it up.  But you made us curious… Maca mania Maca, [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3610/if-theres-lead-in-lipstick-can-i-use-crayons-instead Mon, 08 Apr 2013 02:01:37 -0400 LeftBrain 3610@/bbforum/discussions Natalia knows… I just saw a girl on YouTube who did a tutorial on crayon as lipstick because regular lipstick has lead. She obviously needs some beauty brain knowledge! The Beauty Brains concur: What?? You mean we can’t believe everything we see onYouTube? (Shocked baby face!) But seriously, we couldn’t agree more with you more, [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3609/bio-oil-look-at-the-label Sun, 07 Apr 2013 02:02:18 -0400 LeftBrain 3609@/bbforum/discussions The 12th best selling beauty product on Amazon.com this week is Bio-Oil. Let’s look at the label.  Mineral Oil Moisturizer and solvent/carrier for the other ingredients. Triisononanoin An ester that helps make the oil more spreadable. Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Myristate Two more another ester-emollients. Retinyl Palmitate Vitamin A derivative . Not as effective as retinol [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3607/sunscreens-how-do-i-understand-the-logic-behind-spf-numbers Sat, 06 Apr 2013 02:01:09 -0400 LeftBrain 3607@/bbforum/discussions Poulette ponders…Can someone help me understand the logic behind how SPF numbers are allocated to sunscreens? I’m thinking primarily of SS using physical barriers like zinc oxide & TO. For example, Josie Maran claims SPF 40 with Titanium Dioxide 9.5%, Zinc Oxide 6.0%, while Snowberry Everyday SPF has 16% ZO and claims SPF 15. There [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3597/do-whish-hair-inhibiting-swipes-really-work Thu, 04 Apr 2013 02:01:12 -0400 LeftBrain 3597@/bbforum/discussions Cindy says…What can you tell us about the new Whish hair inhibiting wipes? Do they really work so I don’t have to shave my legs as often? The Beauty Brains respond: Whish Hair Inhibiting Swipes are individually packaged towelette saturated with a skin soothing moisturizer that reportedly slows hair growth. According to the fine folks [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3592/does-lipstick-expose-you-to-dangerous-levels-of-lead Wed, 03 Apr 2013 02:01:12 -0400 LeftBrain 3592@/bbforum/discussions You’ve all heard the scary stories about lead in lipstick and, yes, it’s true that most brands of lipstick contain lead.  But do they contain enough lead to pose a hazard to your health? Let’s find out with the Beauty Brains “Lead in Lipstick” calculator. (References for each data point are included if you want to [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3589/what-does-it-take-to-be-a-cosmetic-scientist Tue, 02 Apr 2013 02:00:24 -0400 LeftBrain 3589@/bbforum/discussions Sue says… What is someone with an art degree and NO science background doing on site about cosmetic CHEMISTRY? If I want to read cosmetics articles written by non-scientists I can go to any number of other sites. The only reason I read your site (daily!) is that it’s one of the few written by [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3585/dd-bust-enhancing-creams-really-work Mon, 01 Apr 2013 02:01:31 -0400 LeftBrain 3585@/bbforum/discussions First there were BB creams, then CC creams. Now, researchers have developed the next wave of multifunctional products which are the so called “DD” creams (short for Dermal Décolletage) that have the ability temporarily enhance breast size. Bust enhancing breakthrough The technology uses an osmotic gradient to deliver plumping ingredients into the fat-laden tissue around [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3583/are-easter-eggs-good-for-hair-and-skin Sun, 31 Mar 2013 02:01:27 -0400 LeftBrain 3583@/bbforum/discussions Today is Easter so we’re re-running one of our favorite Easter posts. Spring is here and today is the day the Easter Bunny leaves a little surprise on your doorstep. No, we don’t mean rabbit pellets, silly, we’re talking about Easter eggs! To commemorate the occasion, here are our top 5 favorite facts about eggs [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3586/what-does-it-take-to-be-a-cosmetic-scientist Mon, 01 Apr 2013 02:01:24 -0400 LeftBrain 3586@/bbforum/discussions Sue says… What is someone with an art degree and NO science background doing on site about cosmetic CHEMISTRY? If I want to read cosmetics articles written by non-scientists I can go to any number of other sites. The only reason I read your site (daily!) is that it’s one of the few written by [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3581/st.-ives-apricot-scrub-look-at-the-label Sat, 30 Mar 2013 02:01:33 -0400 LeftBrain 3581@/bbforum/discussions St. Ives Apricot Scrub is a classic product that’s reached the 14th best selling spot on Amazon.com this week. Let’s look at the label and see what makes it so scrubiful. Water (Aqua) Solvent for the other ingredients. Juglans Regia Shell Powder (Walnut) The main scrubber in the formula. Glyceryl Stearate Primary emulsifier that helps [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3575/does-contaminated-vitamin-e-cause-cancer Thu, 28 Mar 2013 02:01:33 -0400 LeftBrain 3575@/bbforum/discussions Elana44 asks…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. The Beauty Brains respond: Before we answer this [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3579/what-is-nmf Fri, 29 Mar 2013 02:01:47 -0400 LeftBrain 3579@/bbforum/discussions Please join us in welcoming Zoe Weisman as a contributor to The Beauty Brains. Zoe is Director of Product Development for Concept Laboratories, Inc. and can be found on LinkedIn. Maxy asks…I’ve seen the abbreviation “NMF” used on a variety of skin care products. What does NMF really mean? Is it a scientific term or just more [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3574/can-i-make-my-own-super-product Wed, 27 Mar 2013 02:01:33 -0400 LeftBrain 3574@/bbforum/discussions Haidee says…Daily skin care 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.  I wonder if they usually interact in a way that make them virtually impossible to mix or it is just a marketing [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3573/do-protein-conditioners-make-hair-break Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:01:33 -0400 LeftBrain 3573@/bbforum/discussions The Beauty Cat asks…I’ve been told that protein, when topically applied to hair, can make it break off. A girl I know said that a stylist put a protein-packed deep conditioner on her hair and put her under the dryer and her hair started breaking off (I believe she had been under there for about [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3571/how-does-chi-smoothing-system-work Mon, 25 Mar 2013 02:01:43 -0400 LeftBrain 3571@/bbforum/discussions TheBeautyCat begs to know…I was looking at the ingredients in the CHI Enviro American Smoothing System and I’m not understanding how it smooths the hair since it says that no bonds are being broken. It says it’s “formulated with amino acids, proteins, silk and pearl. The combining of cysteine can synergize with hair’s natural cysteine, [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3570/elta-md-uv-clear-spf-46-look-at-the-label Sun, 24 Mar 2013 02:01:30 -0400 LeftBrain 3570@/bbforum/discussions Elta MD sunscreen is the 20th best selling beauty product on Amazon.com this week. Let’s look at the label. Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 Ingredients Zinc Oxide (9.0%), Octinoxate (7.5%) Sunscreen actives. Purified Water Solvent/carrier Cyclomethicone Volatile silicone that acts as a spreading agent. Niacinamide Form of Vitamin B3 that can help reduce age spots. [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3569/pubic-hair-removal-is-it-safe Sat, 23 Mar 2013 02:01:22 -0400 LeftBrain 3569@/bbforum/discussions SassyORDuck says…I’ve been getting bikini waxes for years but finally decided to try lasers after they came out with what seemed to be an effective at-home model. I just bought the 4th generation Tria and was able to do one test patch under my arm without too much incident, although I had to start with [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3567/is-fluoride-toothpaste-giving-me-cancer Fri, 22 Mar 2013 02:01:02 -0400 LeftBrain 3567@/bbforum/discussions Michelle says: I am not even sure I trust the dentists to do the teeth whitening. They say they can carefully control the application, but I am still really skeptical that the H2O2 itself cannot do long term damage to the enamel – and if one wants to be cynical – more business for them [...]]]>