http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/categories/root/p6/feed.rss Thu, 23 May 13 05:43:17 -0400 Click here to visit the Beauty Brains blog. Root - Beauty Questions Answered en-CA http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3359/favorite-beauty-science-stories-of-2012 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 01:03:25 -0500 LeftBrain 3359@/bbforum/discussions We’ve recapped the most popular blog posts and Forum entries of the year but in case you’re curious, here are the Beauty Brains personal favorite beauty science stories of 2012: (Presented in David Letterman Top 10 Countdown style!) #10 Does the bird poop facial really work? #9 New hair repair technology really works #8 What [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3349/beauty-science-2012-our-fabulous-forum-fanatics Sun, 30 Dec 2012 01:03:29 -0500 LeftBrain 3349@/bbforum/discussions The Beauty Brains may be experienced cosmetic scientists but that doesn’t mean we’re the only ones who can dispense valuable beauty product advice. Our Forum if FULL Of questions and answers from some very smart people.  If you haven’t checked out their Forum posts you’re missing a lot of engaging discussions that could impact which [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3347/dr.-lewinn-by-kinerase-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:04:51 -0500 LeftBrain 3347@/bbforum/discussions This week we tried two new Kinerase products. The first is a makeup remover that “restores the skin’s natural protective barrier to help it regain and retain lost moisture.” Cleansers are typically not the best product to restore skin moisture. Some of the ingredients in this formula (like ceramides) would be more effective in a [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3346/beauty-science-2012-our-most-talked-about-posts Sat, 29 Dec 2012 01:01:27 -0500 LeftBrain 3346@/bbforum/discussions Here are the top 5 most talked about posts on the Beauty Brains in 2012:  Proof that expensive salon products aren’t better than drug store brands Who else is sick of chemical free products? Do beauty companies think we’re stupid? A new hair repair technology that really works! The top 10 mildest body washes]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3344/beauty-science-2012-the-beauty-brains-in-the-news Fri, 28 Dec 2012 01:01:22 -0500 LeftBrain 3344@/bbforum/discussions Looking back over the year I’m reminded that the Beauty Brains have been quoted in some interesting publications: Oprah’s “O” Magazine Select Magazine (complete with misquote!) On Today.com (re. hairspray) On Today.com (re. face wash) On Today.com (re. anti-aging) And here are a few more from previous years… Science Magazine In the HuffPo In Psychology [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3345/burts-bees-and-joey-new-york-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:31:06 -0500 LeftBrain 3345@/bbforum/discussions Coconut is the theme of this post. If you’re looking for an absolutely delightfully coconut-scented foot cream then you should check out Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme. It’s really more of an ointment than a cream because it’s based on glycerine and olive oil instead of water. That means it will spread better across the [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3341/laura-mercier-shade-creme-lip-color-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:05:16 -0500 LeftBrain 3341@/bbforum/discussions Laura Mercier has a new collection called Arabesque which features a blend of pinks, blues and neutrals. The lipstick is particularly delightful and has a “cushiony, lightweight texture.” Unlike a lot of lipsticks which rely on oils and waxes like Candelilla and Paraffin, this Mercier product uses a unique blend of esters and polymers to [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3340/beauty-science-2012-the-buzz-in-the-beauty-brains-forum Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:01:05 -0500 LeftBrain 3340@/bbforum/discussions I refuse to do any real work this week so I’m recapping the “best” of the Beauty Brains for 2012. In case you didn’t know, we have a Forum where you can discuss any beauty topics you wish. There are over 8000 registered users many of whom provide excellent advice on all kinds of products [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3337/christmas-beauty-science Tue, 25 Dec 2012 01:01:58 -0500 LeftBrain 3337@/bbforum/discussions Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! The Beauty Brains are taking the day off to be with our families so we’re re-running one of our favorite Christmas-themed posts. We all have our favorite memories of the season – Christmas trees, stockings stuffed with gifts, the beauty of a new fallen snow. But nothing says “happy [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3332/play-the-beauty-science-game-december-23 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 15:00:17 -0500 LeftBrain 3332@/bbforum/discussions Can you spot the TRUE story in this week’s Beauty Science Game? 4 of these facts are fake – guess the real beauty science story and leave a comment. I’ll post the answers tomorrow. Beauty breakthrough from the deep blue: Sea Cucumber extract is found to boost collagen production. McDonald’s is the latest fast food [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3331/c.o.-bigelow-dr.-hiosous-quince-hand-lotion Mon, 24 Dec 2012 01:01:23 -0500 LeftBrain 3331@/bbforum/discussions FemChem asks a favor…I have moderate ezcema on my hands and this lotion is the only thing I’ve found that helps. It seems to work better than prescription corticosteroids. Unfortunately, I can’t find a place to buy it anymore and I’d like to find a replacement. What ingredients do you think are actually beneficial? Thanks [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3333/somersets-womens-shaving-oils-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Sun, 23 Dec 2012 13:48:58 -0500 LeftBrain 3333@/bbforum/discussions Somersets Shaving Oil is an interesting new product that’s based on a mixture of oils rather than foaming surfactants. It’s a different kind of shave that will appeal to some women more than others. Our evaluator found that armpit shaving with the oil was very difficult but shaving legs was reasonably ok. This makes sense technically since [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3329/natures-gate-herbal-hand-cream-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Sat, 22 Dec 2012 01:01:43 -0500 LeftBrain 3329@/bbforum/discussions We’re always skeptical about so called “natural” products because they typically use standard “synthetic” ingredients and sprinkle in a few natural extracts. Nature’s Gate Herbal Hand cream is different however- this one really walks the talk. Using emulsifiers like Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides and Sorbitan Stearate (made from plant starches) and even Glyceryl Undecylenate which [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3327/vidal-sassoon-pro-series-hair-care-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:40:46 -0500 LeftBrain 3327@/bbforum/discussions Ah Vidal Sassoon we knew ye well. How we remember your original cherry-almond scented fragrance! And you’re back with a new fragrance, new formulas and new packaging and a bunch of new collections: color, moisture, repair, volume, and smooth. There are additional stylers in their hold collection and a permanent home hair color series (which [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3322/what-do-new-sunscreen-regulations-mean Thu, 20 Dec 2012 01:01:45 -0500 LeftBrain 3322@/bbforum/discussions Cecil says…Heard something on the news about new sunscreen laws. What’s up with what? The Beauty Brains respond: Even though it’s the start of winter here in the U.S. it’s also the start of a new era of sunscreen regulations. Sort of. Sunscreen summary The new law is really a modification of what the FDA [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3319/salon-versus-drug-store-products-the-tress-test-results Wed, 19 Dec 2012 01:01:50 -0500 LeftBrain 3319@/bbforum/discussions Our loyal readers (both of you) might remember this blog post from a few months ago about comparing salon versus drug store products. Here’s the quick recap: Heide (a stylist) said drug store hair products leave her client’s hair “silicone impacted.” She says the silicone buildup from drug store products can easily be seen by rubbing [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3313/dollar-store-danger-dont-get-burned-by-cheap-products Tue, 18 Dec 2012 01:01:06 -0500 LeftBrain 3313@/bbforum/discussions In my recent forays into a few major “dollar store” outlets I noticed a fair number of products that appear to be imported knock-offs of U.S. products. Now, I’m all about fair trade and competition, but it seems to me that these importers aren’t doing a very good job of translating claims. Case in point. [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3302/are-ingredients-in-european-beauty-products-the-same-as-the-us-versions Sat, 15 Dec 2012 01:01:36 -0500 LeftBrain 3302@/bbforum/discussions Mary C says…I wanted to ask this question mainly because I noticed the packaging is different and I am also aware that Europe has stricter policies in regards to cosmetics than the US. For example, does L’Oreal use different ingredients for their US version of their shampoo vs their European version of the same shampoo? I [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3309/will-anastasia-eyecream-provide-a-noticeable-difference Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:01:09 -0500 LeftBrain 3309@/bbforum/discussions Kokochoc has a question….Is Anastasia Eye cream worth the price and are the claims true? Thanks I love your site and finally have the nerve to ask my own question. The Beauty Brains respond:  Wow, Kokochoc, I hope we’re not so intimidating that you feel like you have to work up the nerve just to ask [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3308/jan-marini-bioglycolic-face-cleanser-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:01:42 -0500 LeftBrain 3308@/bbforum/discussions There has been plenty written about the benefits of using glycolic acid facial cleansers. Basically they help your skin renew itself and keep your pores from getting plugged up. Jan Marini’s new Bioglycolic Face Cleanser is a creamy concoction that contains not only glycolic acid but also sorbitol to help condition your skin. It’s described [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3271/can-you-mix-retinol-with-aha-and-bha Wed, 05 Dec 2012 01:01:56 -0500 LeftBrain 3271@/bbforum/discussions Lindygirl asks… *Sigh* I just found this on my fb feed and now I am confused. Is Paula correct here? You can mix OTC retinols and AHA or BHA? It is a moot point for me now that I am using a low dose prescription retin-A, but I don’t want to be giving other forum [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3307/play-the-beauty-science-game-december-16 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 01:01:53 -0500 LeftBrain 3307@/bbforum/discussions Can you spot the TRUE story in this week’s Beauty Science Quiz? 4 of these facts are fake – guess the real beauty science story and leave a comment.  I’ll post the answers tomorrow. Guess which story is TRUE Drinking 4 cups or more of coffee a day can prevent wrinkles. (Great, now we’ll have [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3306/sun-bum-lip-balm-and-gud-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Sun, 16 Dec 2012 10:09:15 -0500 LeftBrain 3306@/bbforum/discussions Two new goodies came in the mail today… Sun Bum Lip Balm Can you get hooked on lip balm? I don’t know but I could get hooked on the tasty flavors that Sun Bum uses in their SPF lip balm line: Banana, Pink Guava, Mango, Coconut, Key Lime and Pomegranate. They’re yummy AND they contain [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3305/bangls-magnetic-bracelets-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Sun, 16 Dec 2012 11:07:00 -0500 LeftBrain 3305@/bbforum/discussions What are Bangls? Are they the long heralded return of the 1980s girl band? No, but they are almost as fashionable. Bangls are new magnetic clasp bracelets that are “click ably cool and seamlessly swappable.” 4 multi-colored magnetics connect to create one bracelet. This is not some cheesy toy, the magnets are uber powerful and [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3292/willa-smile-butter-lip-balm-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:51:26 -0500 LeftBrain 3292@/bbforum/discussions Since we literally wrote the book on lip balm (Can You Get Hooked On Lip Balm) we’re always excited to try the latest products. This week we’re using Willa Smile Butter which comes in three delightful flavors: Miami Mango, Vera Cruz Vanilla and our favorite St. Tropez Strawberry. While it’s touted as being “formulated from [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3301/orogold-24k-deep-day-moisturizer-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Sat, 15 Dec 2012 13:47:53 -0500 LeftBrain 3301@/bbforum/discussions Here’s something unusual: a moisturizing cream that contains real gold flakes which supposedly “increase circulation and oxygen to the skin.” The Gold standard Let’s be very clear: this product is outrageously expensive ~$125 for 2 ounces) and we can find NO technical evidence to prove that gold flakes provide any skin benefits whatsoever. So why are [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3300/is-a-leave-in-conditioner-the-same-as-a-styling-cream Fri, 14 Dec 2012 01:01:18 -0500 LeftBrain 3300@/bbforum/discussions Bluecatbaby says…For a long time I have used a leave-in conditioner, and then a styling cream, before either heat styling or air-drying. But it occurred to me that they look and feel almost the same in my hand, maybe the styling cream is redundant. Do they each have different benefits? My conditioner is Garnier Fructis [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3299/the-hoo-rag-bandana-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:12:21 -0500 LeftBrain 3299@/bbforum/discussions What the heck is a Hoo Rag? It’s a stretchy bandana that can be used as a pony tail holder, a face rag, a balaclava rag (not to be confused with baclava), a head band, a neck warmer and more.  While this isn’t a beauty product per se, it can help protect your skin from cold winter [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3297/the-beauty-brains-in-select-magazine Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:01:16 -0500 LeftBrain 3297@/bbforum/discussions Last month we were proud to be in Oprah’s O Magazine. This month on of the Beauty Brains is quoted (or should I say MISQUOTED) in Select Magazine. The article is titled “Making Conscious Holiday Makeup Choices” and it’s primarily about the safety of cosmetic products. We were asked a question about whether or not [...]]]> http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/3296/goldfaden-md-bright-eyes-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:25:33 -0500 LeftBrain 3296@/bbforum/discussions “Bright Eyes” is supposed to reduce the “appearance of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines.” We’re always skeptical that under eye circle products really have much benefit because the problem is caused primarily by broken capillaries underneath the thin skin of your eyes. Having said that, this product does contain at least two ingredients that [...]]]>