Skin & Skin Care Products - Beauty Questions Answered

Juara Rose and Willowbark Blemish Free Mask: In the Beauty Brains Bathroom

LeftBrain — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 02:01:59 -0400

This is an interesting product because it contains a natural extract version of real drug active. This rosy-colored anti-blemish mask feels great during use. Our evaluator thought the aesthetic feel of the product was excellent. She said….”after just 5 minutes I forget that I’m wearing a mask, I love how natural it feels and the glowing [...] Read more: Juara Rose and Willowbark Blemish Free Mask: In the Beauty Brains Bathroom

Arborcide? Organic Preservative?!

KaitlinG — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:31:44 -0400

Hi, I recently read about this organic preservative. I emailed the company (active micro) and they provided me with the information and testing along with their formulation for the testing. Has anyone tried using this in their lotions? I would love to use in my current organic formulation.. Would love to hear feedback.
I looked online and I can only find this:

http://www.activemicrotechnology.com/products.html

http://swiftcraftymonkey.blogspot.com/2011/09/preservatives-liquid-leucidal-ecocert.html

http://www.formulatorsampleshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FSSM15010

natural oils being occlusive

mamaherrera — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:06:27 -0400

Here's my big dilemma and it applies to skin, hair, makeup. I love natural oils, My makeup has sunflower oil, castor oil, and beeswax. I put coconut oil on after my nighttime moisturizer. I apply castor oil to my scalp before washing my hair and do deep oil treatments on my hair at times. Now I've read that oils and beeswax are occlusive and don't allow your skin to breathe and that over the long-term, it will actually damage your skin and allow toxins to go to your liver because they can't escape through your face. If I"m really not allowing pores to breathe, than castor oil will eventually make my hair fall out, no?? So confused, and I remembered a blog from this site and wanted to come here for some help in understanding this. I already avoid silicones because of this, and now what?

Does Vaseline Lengthen Lashes?

LeftBrain — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 02:01:42 -0400

Aliases asks…Hi, new member here. I’m fascinated by your beauty blog with the fancy decos and infos. Perfect! Keep it up! I’ve read a lot of articles and watched many Youtube videos claiming that by applying Vaseline to your eyelashes and eyebrows every night before sleep helps to lengthen them. I wonder if it’s true? I [...] Read more: does-vaseline-lengthen-lashes

Is Tom’s of Maine Naturally Dry Antiperspirant Really More Natural?

LeftBrain — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 02:01:29 -0400

Pitty Pat asks… I read on the Cosmetics & Toiletries website about a new natural antiperspirant product from Tom’s of Maine. I really enjoyed the author’s explanation of the “recycled aluminum” claim but I’m still not clear on if this is really some kind of new and different natural technology. Can you guys please elaborate? [...] Read more: Is Tom’s of Maine Naturally Dry Antiperspirant Really More Natural?

Jan marini C-vitamin serum

avenue — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:58:17 -0400

Hi guys,
So I was wondering about C-vitamin in skincare products. Especially Jan Marini C-esta serum. I´ve read that vitamin c oxidizes after a couple of days and then becomes ineffective. The serum itself even changes in colour from white to brown after a short while. Is this true? Is C-vitamin (and especially this serum) useless?

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – Look at the Label

LeftBrain — Thu, 31 May 2012 02:01:28 -0400

It’s summer so it shouldn’t be surprising that sun screen products are rising to the top of Amazon.com. This week EltaMD if number 7! EltaMD Ingredients Zinc Oxide (9.0%), Octinoxate (7.5%) Despite scare stories to the contrary, zinc oxide this is still a safe sunblock ingredients. Octinoxate is good for UVB only. Purified Water As [...] Read more: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – Look at the Label

The Surprising Scrubbing Secret of SoftSoap

LeftBrain — Wed, 23 May 2012 02:01:40 -0400

Here’s an interesting product that I’m filing under my favorite topic: “Do beauty companies think we’re stupid?” The ingredients they tell us about… It’s a body wash under Colgate’s Soft Soap line. According to the front of the package, it features crushed Coconut and Jojoba extracts in a creamy body wash base. As you can tell [...] read more: The Surprising Scrubbing Secret of SoftSoap

Vaseline Total Moisture: In the Beauty Brains Bathroom

LeftBrain — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:01:06 -0400

Have you tried the latest Vaseline Intensive Care lotion restage? According to the fine folks at Unilever (manufacturer of the Vaseline brand), this new product is different because it contains Stratys-3™. What is that you ask? Well, they say that some moisturizers stay on top of your skin where do a good job of moisturizing [...] http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/05/21/vaseline-total-moisture-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom/

Nair Brazilian Spa Clay: In the Beauty Brains Bathroom

LeftBrain — Fri, 18 May 2012 02:01:26 -0400

We received the following Nair products to evaluate so Sarah Bellum and I teamed up to give this review. New from Nair Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Shower Power Hair Removal Cream Depilatory for legs and body that removes hair while you shower using Nair Shower Power technology Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Roll-On Wax Water rinseable [...] Read more: http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/05/18/nair-brazilian-spa-clay-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom/

Natural (or mostly natural) moisturizer

JenniferF — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:39:50 -0400

Can someone recommend a good facial moisturizer that contains minimal ingredients, preferably ones I can pronounce? I use coconut oil on the rest of my body and it works great, but I've heard it can cause breakouts.

I'm open to either a store-bought or homemade moisturizer.

Is Astaxanthin A Good Sunscreen?

LeftBrain — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:01:47 -0400

Jasmine asks…I actually saw that Eve Pearl uses astaxanthin in her make up which is meant to be a natural sunscreen. Apparently it doesn’t make you look whitish like other sunscreens and being a super anti oxidant its great for the skin. I want to try buying a few caps and mixing them in my make [...] Read more: http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/05/15/is-astaxanthin-a-good-sunscreen/

What’s Wrong With My Rose Hip Oil?

LeftBrain — Sat, 12 May 2012 02:01:16 -0400

Beccertron begs to know… I’ve been using 100% rose hip oil for some years now, and I’m interested in finding out the cause behind the formation of crystals around the neck of the bottle. The Right Brain responds (with a little help): As the name implies, rose hip oil comes from the seeds of certain [...] Read more: What’s Wrong With My Rose Hip Oil?

When Does 2+2 Not Equal 4?

LeftBrain — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:01:41 -0400

Ebony asks…Does mixing moisturizer SPF 20 and tinted moisturizer SPF 20 make SPF 40? The Right Brain responds: We have the smartest readers in the whole wide world. When this question came up in the Forum, astute reader SarahF came up with this answer: Common sense chemistry “…the easiest way of thinking about it is [...] Read more: when-does-22-not-equal-4

Do Mole Removing Products Work?

LeftBrain — Sun, 06 May 2012 02:01:03 -0400

Bluecatbaby asks…A salon in my town is offering a Groupon deal on a skin treatment called Rejuvi Spotaway. They advertise it as being able to remove brown spots and moles, and it is a topical product that is applied once in the salon. I’m interested but wary. Can anyone tell me if this is a [...] Read more: http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/05/06/do-mole-removing-products-work/

Lancome Visionnaire: What’s the Big Deal?

LeftBrain — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:01:46 -0400

SarahF asks…Is there any science behind the effectiveness claims Lancome is making for their proprietary LR2412 (in the Visionnaire product) for wrinkles, pores and evenness? Any theoretical reason to expect this would be an effective agent? The Right Brain responds: Sarah F is one of our most loyal Beauty Brainiacs and has been patiently waiting [...] Read more: Lancome Visionnaire: What’s the Big Deal?

Olay Oil Minimizing Toner: Look At The Label

LeftBrain — Thu, 03 May 2012 02:01:21 -0400

We’ve blogged before about whether or not skin toners really restore skin pH and we still don’t really don’t understand why anyone would need to use one. So imagine our surprise when we saw that the third best selling beauty product on Amazon.com is Olay Oil Minimizing Toner! Is this product any different than other toners? Let’s look at [...] Read more: Olay Oil Minimizing Toner: Look At The Label

Is Silk Good For Hair and Skin?

LeftBrain — Tue, 01 May 2012 02:01:53 -0400

Scand says…Could you please explain the benefits and structure of using real silk by products in hair and skin care? ….and what might a substitute be? The Left Brain responds: If popularity is any indication of efficacy , then silk must really kick ass because there are 42 different silk-based ingredients that are used in [...] Read more: Is Silk Good For Hair and Skin?

Do Spray-On Sunscreens Work As Well As Lotions?

LeftBrain — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 02:01:10 -0400

Rebecca requests…On a recent trip to the beach I was unfortunate enough to sit down wind of someone applying a spray on sunscreen. I think less than half of what she sprayed actually hit her body because most of it was blown away by the breeze and landed on me! I could feel it and [...] Read more: http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/04/29/do-spray-on-sunscreens-work-as-well-as-lotions/

New Natural Acne Cure

LeftBrain — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:05:29 -0400

The Beauty Brains are often accused of unfairly bashing natural products. Typically this bashing is accompanied by an additional accusation that we’re “paid off” by the Big Chemical Companies so they can keep on selling nasty chemical products instead of safer and cheaper natural alternatives. To be honest nothing is farther from the truth. When ever [...] Read more: New Natural Acne Cure

SKIN79 Super+ Beblesh Balm BB Cream: Look at the Label

LeftBrain — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:05:53 -0400

One of the top selling Beauty Balms on Amazon.com is Skin79′s Super+ Beblish Balm. Let’s see what makes it tick… Skin79 Super+ Beblish Balm Ingredients Water Solvent Propylene Glycol Humectant Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Skin lubricating silicones Titanium Dioxide Sunblock, whitening agent Isopropyl Palmitate Emollient Talc I’m not sure why the heck talc powder would be included [...] Read more: SKIN79 Super+ Beblesh Balm BB Cream: Look at the Label

When Can I Get A Scar Removing Procedure?

LeftBrain — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 01:01:25 -0500

Ellen inquires…When is the best time to get dermabrasion on a scar? The Right Brain responds: As the Beauty Brains attorneys would like us to point out, that’s definitely a question for your doctor. (Sheesh! I can’t believe we actually have to pay for such stellar legal advice!) Anyway, we can’t give you medical [...] Read more: when-can-i-get-a-scar-removing-procedure

Bengay Zero Degrees Pain Relieving Gel: In The Beauty Brains Bathroom

LeftBrain — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:05:33 -0400

If you saw our recent post on cosmetics that are really drugs, you know that topical analgesics belong to a category of OTC drugs. Today we’re here to tell you about a new entry in that category: Bengay Zero Degrees Pain Relieving Gel. Less smelly This product is noteworthy for a couple of reasons. First [...] Read more: bengay-zero-degrees-pain-relieving-gel-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom

Why Does Garnier Body Hydralock Contain Skin-Drying Alcohol?

LeftBrain — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:01:25 -0400

HaleBopp says…Hi Beauty Brains. Such a fantastic resource, thank you! I have a question regarding alcohol denat in a body moisturiser for dry skin. It’s listed as the 8th ingredient in Garnier Body Hydralock (Rich Texture) in the UK. After my research on here, I have learnt that you can’t simply isolate one ingredient and say [...] Read more: Why Does Garnier Body Hydralock Contain Skin-Drying Alcohol?

Rosacea only on nose?

darkeyes — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 01:31:52 -0400

Hi,

Can you only have roascea on your nose? I feel like my nose is always red but the rest of my face isn't. It especially gets more red in the cold and when I touch it. How can I alleviate the redness?

Thanks.

Is Glutathione Good For Skin?

LeftBrain — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:01:39 -0400

Navacka says…I was advised to use a supplement Glutathione to rejuvenate body sells. Supposedly, this supplement helps keep cells in good condition and therefore promote better health and skin. Nonetheless, according to material that I found I understood that the best way is to inject because the supplement doesn’t absorbed if it passes through a [...] Read more: Is Glutathione Good For Skin?

oil cleansing

sarahf — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 18:06:43 -0400

Hi,

Of course, this is really not an "ask the beautybrains," but an "ask Lindygirl" question;) I've never used anything special to remove my mineral sunscreen (and makeup w/ mineral sunscreen), but I recently thought it might not be a bad idea to do. I get my skin reasonabley clean with a Paula's choice creamy cleanser (which purports to remove makeup), but I do feel a little residue. Usually, by the time I apply my nighttime treatments, my skin feels fine. Still, I thought I might try an oil cleanser as an experiment. My questions are which are best oils or oil cleansers, and how do you use them? Today, I tried olive oil on a face cleansing pad, followed by the creamy cleanser. I think this worked pretty well for me. Any suggestions, though, would be appreciated. I'm a minimalist so I like to keep things simple.

Thanks, Sarah

Dove Clear Tone Antiperspirant: In The Beauty Brains Bathroom

LeftBrain — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:01:41 -0400

One of our most popular posts is about the top 5 causes of darkened armpits. It’s amazing how many women have this problem! As we explained in that post, one of the 5 causes is from shaving. Now the research and development team at Unilever’s Dove brand have developed a new antiperspirant that is designed to [...] Read more: http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/04/13/dove-clear-tone-antiperspirant-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom/

Can Soap Really Kill Germs?

LeftBrain — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 02:01:42 -0400

Mitte must know…I often get contact dermatitis on my hands from soaps (liquid, soapbars or even the “mild” ones). I understand a good hygiene is necessary to prevent spreading of bacteria and virus, but how effective is really soap (surfectants) when it comes to killing germs in the first place? Is there an effective alternative [...] Read more: can-soap-really-kill-germs

American Modeling Association Rates Arbonne As the #1 Skin care line

Cole — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:41:50 -0400

We are the #1 Skincare Company recommended by the American Modeling Association! Amazing! Check it out www.advantagemodel.com

Every year Arbonne saves millions of dollars by refusing to pay for Advertising. The only way to find out about Arbonne is through word of mouth and it can only be purchased through Independent Consultants. Did you know that Halle Berry is paid $50 Million per year to Advertise for Revlon? And what do you think are the chances that Halle Berry is walking into CVS and spending $3 on an eyeshadow? All of the money Arbonne saves in cutting out the middlemen (Advertising, wholesalers, distributors, retailers) goes back into Research and Development, that is why our products are hands down better than anything else on the market. This is also why Arbonne can afford to pay their Independent Consultants such high salaries! We have the #1 compensation plan of any other Network Marketing company in the nation. However, you WILL see Arbonne in magazines in Ads talked about by celebrities as TESTIMONIALS! We do not pay for them! These are real people, using our products, and loving them so much that they can't stop talking about them. Oprah Magazine in May 2007 The Regis & Kelly Show in June 2006 Oxygen magazine in June 2007 Success from Home magazine in June 2007 Empowering Women magazine in August 2007! Redbook in Feb 2008 Men's Health in August 2011 Huffington Post in Sept 2011 Twin Cities Live in June 2011 iVillage in Jul 2011 Easy Eats Magazine in Jan 2012

SO MANY MORE

Nutritionist Christine Avanti Uses RE9 Advanced Cleanser And Serum

New Beauty magazine's Spring-Summer issue, page 41, includes celebrity nutritionist Christine Avanti sharing her love of Arbonne RE9 Advanced cleanser and serum. Both products are part of the 39-year-old's everyday skin routine.

Dr. Adnan Nasir Recommends Arbonne's RE9 Advanced Shave Gel In Men's Health

Dr. Adnan Nasir, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina, the director of dermatology at Wake Research Associates and Expert Advisor to Men's Health magazine, recommends Arbonne's RE9 Advanced Shave Gel for keeping one's face smooth. Dr. Nasir touts the use of antioxidants in the Shave Gel, which reduce damage to collagen that in turn helps to prevent wrinkles. To read additional Skin Saver advice from Dr. Nasir, pick up the August 2011 edition of Men's Health magazine.

Arbonne's FC5 Featured In Divine Caroline's Clean And Green Roundup

Arbonne's FC5 products were selected as a "best natural skincare line" on Divine Caroline, a member web site dedicated to women that reaches 750,000 unique visitors each month.

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