I'm Anne. I'm 50, have been married to a great guy for 28 years. I have a 27 year old daughter, and a 24 year old son. I live on Camano Island in Washington state. It is about half way between Seattle and the Canadian border. I've been reading the forum for about two weeks now, but haven't introduced myself because I really don't like talking, or writing, about myself. As you can tell from my blog name, I'm not very inventive. I just could not think of a catchy blog name. I discovered the blog by a link on one of the other beauty blogs advertising the Beauty Brains book. I actually ordered the book before even knowing what a great blog this is..
I have always liked makeup, and never leave home without "putting my face on." I have always collected eye shadows and lip sticks, but have just lately been discovering all the new exciting products on the market. I never knew what some of the new products were for, or how to use them. A paint pot , to me, was a can of house paint! I've been off work with a back injury for a bit over a month now, so it has given me a lot of time to check out beauty blogs. I've had a great time learning about new products and how to use them. I've been buying some of them, and having fun experimenting. I really appreciate the brains letting us know what products are worth the money, and what is a waste of money. I've also learned from all of you reading the forum, so hear is a thank you to all of you! I feel like I'm discovering make up all over again.
Welcome Anne, sophia, and all the other new members!
I'm glad you decided to introduce yourself Anne, I was the same way only it took me about 2 months before I introduced myself....and I too had never heard of a paint pot either and of course I love them!
Thank you Cate! I bought my first two paint pots yesterday. Unfortunately, they were two from the MAC Fafi collection, and they were out at the store, so they are on order. I look forward to playing with them when they arrive.
Well I'm a guy so does anyone have suggestions with a woman's touch? I like anything John Frieda for my hair that I buy at CVS and I like using the covergirl liquid makeup to conceal acne.
I'm definitely partial to stuff CVS pharmacy carries as far as cosmetics. Left Brain, I emailed you about whether a product (in my case a Redken CAT spray) , yes that is the name, is an effective "protein treatment" for hair or whether that is all bunk. Any thoughts anyone?
Teddy
I'm Swiss,live in Geneva and am 45.I have always loved makeup as I think it's like painting on a canvas, I'm looking for the perfect natural look where one notices the great healthy look and not the makeup.I have okay skin and drink lots of flat water. I think it would be nice to have a site for mature beauty where one takes into consideration the wrinkles and such.I know know it's not good to wear powder or shiny metallics for example.
My make up is: benefit liptint for cheek and lip colour,maybelline black mascara,lots of moisturiser,I stayed out of the sun because I used to get herpes mouth sores and I guess that saved my skin.
I use a mask once a week and clean makeup off every night really well,it's a must.
I love the travel size but we don't get that here,bummer.
Teddy..I love that you were not too intimidated to sign up on a forum that is mostly women. Having men on the site can give us a whole new perspective on things. If you tell us more about what kind of hair you have, and the conditions you are trying to correct, we will be able to give you better recommendations on products.
Trueblue...There are several of us "more mature" women on this site, and its always nice to have another come aboard. Even though I'm 50, I still like to do a light dusting of face powder to set my foundation. Some of the newer powders are so fine, you really can't see them on. I know we are suppose to stick to matte shadows, but I like to sneak a little shine in. I love the new HIP loose shadows from L'Oreal. I use the soft pink on the inside corner of my eye, and on the brow bone. I just got the bronze, and place it just above my eyeliner. I think we can get away with it as long as its not too obvious. After all, you just have to have fun with your makeup!
Hi all you Newbies. We love new input at the Forum. Actually the BB site and forum has helped me have more fun with beauty products while still not breaking the bank. It is a very lively group!
I'm Jasmine and I'm 20 and live in the UAE. I've been into skin care and beauty products ever since I hit puberty and started with my mother's age old home remedies (like icky egg yolk in hair). I've been reading The beauty brains for a few weeks now and I really love the unbiased "brainyness" behind the blog. I also like how most people in the forum tend to know each other.
With my make up I try using mostly high end brands like estee lauder or elizabeth arden etc. but for skin care I don't believe in spending alot of money since I find that the effect isnt worth the price.
I also believe in using herbal or naturally found products. I've actually just started using a shampoo I made at home using soap nut and two other herbs called shikakai and amla. Apparently they're great for hair and my grandmother used to swear by it. She died at the age of 80 with relatively thick hair that was still mostly black.
Anyhow, I figure my home treatments work well compared to lotions and potions I buy elsewhere and I also feel like I'm at less of a risk using these.
I'm currently off from university so I'm mostly at home pampering myself to beauty treatments. I feel like they don't work so much but it's almost like a compulsive addiction :-S
It's great to be a part of this forum! Thanks for accepting me.
Sunblock, Sunblock and Sunblock!
I haven't found the perfect sunblock yet that gives me good protection and doesnt feel heavy and sticky on my face. I was using Neutrogena Age Shield sunblock with SPF 45 but it was wayyy too heavy and greasy. Also after a while of having it on I'd notice it would form a sort of film over my face and if I rub my chin or something it would flake off. Which was really gross. And I couldnt really use any foundation over it cuz then I'd look like cake face.
Apart from that, when my skin gets too dried out from all the air conditioning I use baby oil or olive oil on my body. Thank God my skin isnt acne prone or the humidity outdoors would wreak havoc on it like it does for most people out here with acne prone skin. But most people here are realllly beauty conscious and they often go to dermatoligists not to combat any skin problems but to get PERFECT even, smooth skin. So if you don't have alot of money to splurge it can be a bit hard to keep up.
Apart from that I don't really need to use anything to combat the weather. I'm mostly indoors where it's mostly all air conditioned anyway.
HELLO!! My name is Corbin. Im 27 years old from just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. I work at Vanderbilt University as a Research Assistant in the Biochemistry Department studying proteins in the Mass Spectrometry Research Center. I just gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy, Gavin in December. I started reading Beauty Brains right before I left work for maternity leave looking for information on Arbonne. And now I'm hooked. I just started a disscussion on Post-Pregnancy Beauty....so if anyone has any advice.....
Products I use:
Purpose Face Soap
Oil of Olay Moisturizer with Sunscreen
Clinique Super Balance Makeup
and Burts Bees Lip Balm
And to tell you the truth, I do GREAT if I get to shower these days.
Corbin: you are so cute! Congrats on your baby and finding the Beauty Brains! The showers will come :) I nanny for an infant 2 days a week...mama is happy to get a shower or work done :)
Hey! Thanks Cate. My world has just been flipped upside down, and I'm LOVIN' every moment. I've been back to work about two weeks now, so this weekend all I did was SNUGGLE with my baby boy.
Thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Bethany and new to cosmetics. I've never really worn them and finding what I like or actually would use is impossible. Dept stores would dump me in frumpy brown colors and really bad colors of foundations. I finally got excited about cosmetics when I found a website that showed how to apply eyeshadow and showed incredible ways to use color. No more frumpy browns and MAC products sounded like the place to start.
I headed to the nearest MAC counter and fell in love. The colors..pinks, purples, blues, browns (sexy ones) greens..it was like being in a candy store. The girl showed me how to wear the eye shadows and how to use the brushes. I was amazed that she didn't try to push the products or threaten me that my face would fall apart by the time I was 40.
I went to the Prescriptives counter and found foundation that was exact to my skin. The price killed me but I LOVE it. I'm on a medication that causes redness on my skin and it covered it completely. For the first time in my life I feel beautiful.
My biggest hobby is quilting and the design process of it. I can go on forever about fabrics, needles, sewing machines, threads (can you tell?) and everything else on quilting. I'm amazed at everyone's knowlege of cosmetics and the love you all share for them. I found this site as I was looking into spending some hard earned money on some very expensive products and wondered if I was being taken advantage of. The information has been really informative and is perfect for a beginner.
Just want to say Hi since i just joined. It's fortunate that i came across this site as it offers good and interesting topics.
I'm an enthusiast of Virgin Coconut Oil, found that this oil has a lot of miracle benefits. If you would like to discuss or ask anything about Virgin Coconut Oil, i would be happy to join.
I'm currently trying Bencoolen Virgin Coconut Oil, and their facial skin care and bath/shower products - so far it's very promising. Will try other range of their products when i finish up with my current brand.
My name is Stephanie, I'm 23, a law student. I'm a really long time reader but I'm not really into make up. I love BB's articles that debunk product promises. I take BBs advice on just about everything. This blog prompted me to start trying cheaper hair products. My main beauty love is nail polish. I started a new blog that concentrates on it so I've been trying new products. One of them is Bag Balm. It's a great moisturizer and I use it everyday, but as far as I can tell it's just petroleum jelly with an additive to prevent cow utter fungus, Hydroxy Quinoline Sulfate. But.... now I've noticed my nail polish, regardless of brand, is lasting twice as long as it usually does, 6 or so days with no chips or tip wear and I'm starting to think it might be the Bag Balm since i haven't changed any other part of nail routine. Any thoughts?
I can't imagine that a moisterizer would have any effect on how long your manicure lasts. In fact, oily residues, the type you'd get with petroleum jelly, would shorten the life of your polish. Did you repurchase any of the nail products that you use regularly? A new bottle of base coat or top coat might explain it; even if it's the same type you used before.
Anyway, welcome. I'm a bit of a nail polish junkie myself.
Nope, in fact my bottle of seche is about half way done - should be time to chuck it really soon. There really is nothing that I have changed about my routine. It's really bizarre.
Maybe it is the bag balm. Maybe I'll be very science-y and try it on one hand and see if it makes a difference. The only other thing I can think of is diet. Have you started taking supplements or changed your diet recently?
Hi, I stumbled onto the beauty brains website. I am really glad that I did. I am twenty two from the bay area obviously. I love anything that has to do with beauty. I am currently in school trying to get my AA so I can transfer. I am toying with the idea to go for a cosmetology license. I've always wanted to, I just dont think it will make me enough money. Any thoughts on that? Well, i just wanted to introduce myself I look forward to enjoying this website and its honesty!:swingin:
I just became a member and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Kelsey and I'm a student living overseas currently. I'll be moving back to the U.S. - Texas - this month. I am studying Exercise Science and Nutrition. I love health, beauty, and fitness. My dream is to one day open a health spa. I really enjoy researching about cosmetic products, while learning about which to avoid and which are safe.
I currently do not have a skincare routine, because unfortunatly, nothing has worked for me yet (help!). I have tried Paula's Choice - One step Face Cleanser, BHA 1% Lotion, Moisture Boost Toner, and Hydrating Treatment Cream - but her products contributed to clogging my pores, etc. I have tried many other products, but I went through a phase where I was (still am) scared of many of the ingredients in products. Currently I am just taking it easy with some olive oil on the skin as a moisturizer, and as I have been cooped up in my parent's home, I have been not wearing makeup. Water has been my cleanser.
I have just been trying to clear my acne and blackheads. Wow...wish there was a cure to blackheads! Nothing has worked so far - how irritating!
Well, I am an avid fitness fanatic and am in training to become an ACE certified Personal Trainer for an on-the-side job. I love it:) I one day hope to live overseas again spreading good nutrition in underdeveloped nations. I hope to be involved in some sort of Humanitarian assistance, hopefully developing nutrition programs for the malnourished.
And that's me...although there is much much more to me:)
I stumbled upon this site while searching for people looking for work in the cosmetics industry. I own Essential Wholesale, Essential Labs and von Natur. Essential Wholesale sales bulk raw material for cosmetic manufacturing, soapmaking, aromatherapy products and bulk finished cosmetics. Essential Labs private labels personal care, mineral make-up, skin care and more for companies seeking natural formulations. von Natur is our retail brand which sells online and in spas. We are looking for more employees. We are an Oregon based company and we are willing to train.
Hello to all. Was quite happy to find this website -- ran into it courtesy of Google when I was looking for a way to deal with dandruff. (I've done so successfully, but it was a person on LJ that told me how -- salt scrubs! Haven't seen a single flake since then.)
I'm 42 -- my major interest is hair care since my hair is mid-thigh length and very thick. I use henna and indigo in a two-step application to tank the sparse but ever-increasing number of greys I have, and I like the resulting color without the cuticle-lifting damage of typical hair dye. I'm not a natural product anti-chemical junkie (I've never been able to grasp what "anti-chemical" means since everything is a chemical), but I do like the fact that henna has been around for thousands of years and has as a result been extensively beta tested. I figure that, like tobacco, if there were any problems, they would have become evident by now.
I don't bother much with cosmetics except maybe every other year for very special occasions. With my coloring, I'm fortunate that I don't have to bother in a lot of ways. I'm dark with olive skin, so mascara or blush isn't really needed. My skin's always tended to be oily as well, so I don't wrinkle much at all and my skin's in pretty good shape.
Hair routine is simple -- once a week wash (it's coarse, dry, and thick, so it doesn't need any more) with Pantene, up every day in a hairstick bun or braided bun, coconut oil for conditioning with a few drops of whatever floral oil I feel like using that day, most often jasmine, lily of the valley, or lilac. That's about it. No heat styling, and I only use a wide-tined detangling rake to comb it.
Hello,
I ended up here by accident and found that you have so much information I couldn't pass up joining your group!
In the last few years, my sensitive skin has gotten more and more sensitive.
I found out I can't use any kind of liquid soap such as shower gel, liquid hand soap and even many dish soaps. I have always had red itchy hands, but now I know that most of it has been caused by these types of products.
Thats why I got here, research.
I am staying to learn more
It is nice to meet you all.
Linda J.
I don't know if its the weather, but a lot of us have had sensitive skin recently. If you still need recommendations for products to deal with it, I highly recommend skintypesolutions.com Lots of good skin info on it. Don't get me wrong, I love Beauty Brains too, but its all about skin on the other site. I come here for my make up fix :) Again, welcome and good luck with the sensitive skin.
Thank you Anne,
I have always had sensitive skin and the older I get, the more noticable it it.
This last few weeks I have found that most of the products that cause a reaction contain some kind of sodium.
Wellcome all,
Kelsey, I am an avid fitness fanatic too. I train people as a side job, It's fun!! It is satisfying to know you have the potential to have such a positive impact on someone's life!! That's why I do science, which is my full time job now.
I am and AFAA certified instructor, although I am a total Pilates convert. I teach mostly Pilates, I am certified through PowerPilates for mat, and will finish my equipment certification this year (600 hours of apprenticeship is no joke!!).
Hi all. I am new to this type of communication. I live on the ocean on southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia Canada in the town of Sooke. I am an Executive Director, do volunteer work, walk on the beach, love to read and socialize with my women friends. I am 55 years old and have always taken care of my skin. I have very few wrinkles although I am starting to see age spots (red and brown) and hate the slackness around my mouth. Can't afford and not brave enough for plastic surgery. For many years I used Nivea but as I got older I started looking at other products. Recently I decided that I needed to do more research on skin care and anti aging products. Boy, what a mistake that has turned out tIo be!! I am more confused than ever. I can't remember all the names of all the products I have read about (post menopausal memory breakdown - LOL) but I did find a site called Hydroderm that gives great free samples for just shipping and handling - full size samples not just tiny tubes - two large tubes of 'bodyshape' cellulite cream; a liquid serum and face cream; and just got another offer in my email for Triple Effects Eye Serum - amazing for $5.95!!! I was reading some of the discussions and went onto Ebay but again - WHAT REALLY WORKS???? Obagi New Derm Clear; Reversa Anti Aging; WHAT the heck is tretinoin; Mere de la Mer anti aging; clinique zero gravity; retinol green tea; vitamin K creme; derna E with tea tree oil; bee pollen; avacado; Good heavens, what's a girl to do!!
Now I use St Ives peach scrub when I shower
At night I cleanse with Aveeno skin brightening cleanser (my skin does not seem brighter!)
Yves Rocher Botanical Night Creme - no change - it is rather heavy on my skin so can't use in the day before makeup it is too heavy
I am using the free sample Hydroderm Mineral face powder and bronzing powder - I like it a lot
I use the usual variety of liners and mascara(usually Maybelline)
I have been looking at the products that other members list on the discussion site. Where do you guys GET this stuff. I have never heard of most of it!! at least not in BC Canada!!
And then there are ingredients. The more I look up the more I am confused.................. HELP!
Welcome! Another NW gal. I'm 50 and live on Camano Island, WA. I can see Vancouver Island from my house. I always thought it was just all Whidby Island until the sun light hit it just right, and I could see the water between Whidby and Vancouver.
It is confusing all the different products out there. Thats why this site, and ones like it are so helpful. If you are interested in a particular product, you can find reviews of them on makeupalley.com or totalbeauty.com, or ask here. The Beauty Brains said that most of the expensive products out there have similar products that are much cheaper, yet work about the same. Some of the cheaper products are actually better. Another place to check on products is cosmeticcop.com. If you know your skin type, (Oily vs Dry, Sensitive vs Resistant, Pigmented vs Non-pigmented (sounds like you're pigmented if you ave the discoloring, and Tight vs Wrinkled) you can check out skintypesolutions.com. It is dedicated to just skin care.
Again, welcome to Beauty Brains!
Anne
P.S.
I think the women in the NW have less wrinkling because we get so little sun!
Thanks for the tips about sites to check out. I will go and try to get some answers for my muddled brain - lol. I have never heard of Camano Island but am going to mapquest to see where it is. I do agree that the moist weather is so much easier on the skin - and hair! - than the colder dryer air - especially in northern Canada where I lived for many years. Our small town is inside a harbour but when I go to the mouth of the harbour I can see WA quite clearly.
There are also some great samples on the hydroderm.com site - I got two huge tubes of BodyShape for 5.95 shipping and handling only - a caffeine based cellulite cream - always wanted to try it but the cost is so high so now I can try it for cheaper.
I stumbled on the beauty brains site by accident but find it very helpful to read through the forum comments about what other women have found ...........also getting lots of new website links to check out. So many others I found turned out just to be advertisements.
Hello! I'm from Greece, 27 and love cosmetics. I'm a clinical dietitian (RD) and am slowly starting up my private office.
I adore buying new eyeshadows and nail polishes, but it's really annoying that here I can't find half the cosmetics I want to try (eg L'Oreal HIP has not been launched here yet, or Benefit is impossible to find). Thank God my brother is in the UK now studying for his masters and I send him lists with things I want to get.
Make up routine: I use either sweet almond oil or a calendula cream my best friend (pharmacist) makes. Always mascara and eyeliner and always take off before bed. Sunscreen is a must here in Athens, but I still haven't found the right one for sensitive, dry skin that will not melt off as soon as I sweat a bit.
Hello to all!
Melia
Hi, I'm DiveGirl, the newest member here on the BB forum. My name comes from one of my favorite things to do, scuba diving, although I haven't had a chance to go in a while. I'm a SAHM mom to 2 boys, a kindergartener and a preschooler. I'm in my mid-30s and I love BB for the way the Brains give the science behind the sparkle. To me, they're the Alton Brown of beauty (I'm a Food Network fan, and Alton hails from my part of the world).
I don't wear makeup much, though I do find the comments and reviews on products to be helpful. I'm more concerned, personally and for my family members, with the haircare and skincare discussions. I've been lurking for a while and enjoy reading all the discussions. I, like others on the board, am loyal to DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.
That's all for now. I just wanted to say hello and tell everyone how glad I am to join the group. Thanks!
Hi all,
Im glad I found this great forum. I love,love skin care stuff,a makeup addict and now that I am ugh mature looking for tips on being the best I can be at 60. :shocked:
If I can give one tip to help with your skin, it would be to use sunscreen on face, neck and back of hands.
Thanks for welcoming me !
Welcome MrsSmith2! You might want to check out this conversation..... What are your tips or tricks to staying young looking? Lots of good information was given.
Hi Everybody,
I'm Scatter Brain. You may remember a column or two I've written about cosmetics advertising and marketing practices. I'm a freelance copywriter and I've written for various cosmetics companies including Mary Kay, Merle Norman and Ecco Bella. I've also done work for independent estheticians. Most recently I've written for a local day spa/salon/laser center (which has been an interesting relationship because the laser stuff scares me yet fascinates me at the same time...to zap my face or not zap my face...that is the question)
Unfortunately, when I have big writing assignments, I don't participate much, but I do lurk when I can. The first quarter of 2008 has been especially busy, but I'm in a bit of a lull right now. Good thing...my roots need touching up, I need to lose 20 pounds, get my skin cleared up and get a mani/pedi. In other words, I look like heck after spending three months in my cave writing.
I've loved cosmetics since I was in Jr. High, working in my daddy's drugstore and playing around with the Revlon lipstick samples. I'd also love to say that I have a strict skin care regimen but I'm not organized enough...hence the Scatter Brain monniker.
I love The Beauty Brains because I'm an information junkie. And because, of all the industries, cosmetics tend to have a very "interesting" marketing and advertising history.
Well, I suppose I'm properly introduced now and to quote Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."
What an awesome place! I found you all while searching for ingredients about a particular skin care line produced by Dr. Patricia Wexler.
I'm a 39 y/o professional female who, like most of us, care about the products we put on and in our bodies and the money we spend in these markets. Its overwhelming the amount of marketing and propaganda we are subjected to each day, clearly designed to drain our wallets. I've found I prefer to do my own research and poll other's opinions prior to making buying decisions. It appears I have found a place that combines factual information with the experiences of people just like me.
I'm looking forward to interacting with all of you!
It's so great to have all of you join the Beauty Brains forum.
Get started now by posting your very first question or comment. Inquiring beauty brains want to know!
i'm jamy. i've always had really bad skin allergies, so i decided to come up with my own product line for my thesis. please check out my post, SKIN CARE / COSMETICS SURVEY and help me out :) thanks everybody!
My name's Aurelie, I live in the outskirts of London, UK but I am French. I have been int he Uk for more than a decade now. I found this website while I was researching information on setting up your own cosmetic business, and was looking for information on how to make them, and what are the bodies regulating cosmetics in the UK. I have found the website extremely interesting, and while I am a bit skeptic ( Maybe it's not the word I am looking for here) about some of the information given to us, it's changed the way I think about cosmetics, and what's in them and what they do.
Unfortunately I only have the net at work, which I can only use in my lunch break but I have copied pages upon pages of this site on my USB stick ( or memory stick or whatever you call those) and have spent hours upon hours reading the website.
I will probably not be able to to communicate a lot, but when I do I'll try to be constructive and not use any logical fallacies, :o)
Also forgot to say that I do not follow a particulat beauty regime. I wash my face with soap ( used to be Living nature, but they've gone and changed the quantity to less, the packaging and the composition but not the price!) and have tried Aveda ( it's rubbish, I use it also to wash my spotty bottom! but I got my money back on it so am not too fussed, he he he) and use a cream by Dr Ricaud on my face.
My body is any shower gel or soap available, and I mositurise with a mix of butters and oils I made myself.
I don't wear make-up ( only for big celebrations) and don't use products on my hair either.
To be honest, I can't fathom waking up 30mins to 1hr earlier every morning to put slap on me face, and can't be bothere to do the same at night to remove it so I just don't bother, and my boyfriend always tells me I don't need it (but he could be lying coz I do the cooking for the both of us, and he might be scared to offend me, he he he)