Aurelie--welcome!  I can totally feel you on not being bothered to take it off at night!  Recently I was away at my in-laws and I forgot my make-up remover....oh man that was so hard to get off...I almost went to sleep with it on, but didn't want to get mascara on her pillowcase.  My husband also tells me I don't need to wear it as well, AND I also do all the cooking for us
And skeptical is the correct  word.  Enjoy!

Thanks Right Brain! I will do, to be honest I am kind of compiling a few e-mails so I can reply to some threads at once. tis website is fantastic, and even though I find it hard to swallow that I might have been wrong and lead in the wrong direction, I totally undestand what you're trying to achieve and that's wicked!
For instance after checking your website, I tried to look and see if I could see data on Shea butter, and guess what?! That was tested on animals! So it made me re-think my views, and for that I am most grateful!
The things I am "skeptical" about ( And I insist on using "" as I am not so much skeptical as curious, and for some reason I'd love to have a discussion with Left brain ( probably coz she's the most virulent of you all)) he he he, but that will be for when I get the internet) are more to do with the way things are said rather than what is said. ( does that make sense?)

Cate: I often than not wake up with very dry black marks around my eyes when I have put make up on, which then makes my eyelids swell a little, so I got my arm twisted and went and bought some Clarins make up remover, which is good for sensitive eyes ( but still don't use it as much as I should, hence why I forgot to mention it above. The bloody thing costs a fortune so I don't want to use it all quickly < That tells me that I am not as clever as I would like to think I am ;o)
Thanks for the welcome,a nd speak to you some more tomorrow at lunch time, :o)

Thanks for letting us know a little more about you, browneyedgirl!

Hi bay area,

I haven't tried any dermabrasion because I don't think I really need it. I am almost 30, but I don't think my wrinkles or fine lines are that significant, so I just stick to my facewash and my cream. Even though there's been a bit of changed in my morning routine ( might it be that I am spending too much time on this site looking at cosmetics? ) but I am now wearing a SPF30 face cream on top of the Ricaud lotion, and I have also started to wear eye make up even though I have started to wake up with swollen eyelids, and I make sure I take my eye make up off at night... So I am still a bit dubious about the make up bit, but I am using a face cream at night too, which I know my skin is thanking me for. I've also just had a wicked hair cut this afternoon, and got a colour done with highlights, yay!

I know that the best thing I could ever do for my skin is to stop smoking. After a few days to a a week tops it looks like a veil of greyness is lifted from your face, and your skin looks so much healthier( I stopped last year for about 3 months, and people kept complementing me onmy complexion, and most of my black heads disappeared ( and that's not counting the health benefits)

I'll stop soon though....
:shamed:

Do I have to blame smoking for my fine lines under my eyes?  What about the intense dryness of LA?  What about constant lack of sleep (seriously.. 3 hours a day for several days is SOOO uncool!)....
My sisters smoke too, but they don't deal with as much skin issues as me.  Well, 1 has fine lines under her eyes too, but she gets roughly 3 hours of sleep a night and works over 12 hour days. 

Hi bay area,
Yes it can be, it's more mental than physical ( nicotine leaves the body in almosst no time, carbone dioxide takes about a week, and then it's all in the head), I don't smoke as much as I used to but I have been a smoker longer than I haven't ( roughly 17 year, and I am ashamed just writting it down) considering that I am 30 in less than two I weeks, I started quite young. So more for my appearance than for my healh I ought to stop, but it has to come from me and at the moment, despite all I know I don't seem to be ready, and there's no point trying to stop if you aren't, since it's all in the head.
My parents were both smokers and both have stopped after decades so I think there's still hope for us. :wink:
Taiwanesegurl, I don't think bay area meant to say that ciggies were solely responsible for the ageing of the skin and all skin problems but they are definately a key factor. Granted, you don't seem to sleep enough either and you might also have other circumstances for your problem, but I wouldn't rule out ciggies as a cause.
From my own experience, the problem I was having with my skin were seemed to be more grounded in the fact that I am a smoker, and that reportedly ciggies are generally bad for the health, and they increase the ageing of the cells, hence skin's and hair's.
They might not be solely responsible for all the skin complaints that I have but I know that they are the most prevalent reason in why my skin is not as bright as I'd like it to be, and why I get blackheads, because when I stopped for 3 months last year, that was the thing that I noticed the most, and where I got complimented on the most too. And if ciggies are not contributing to your fine lines at the moment, I wouldn't bet my house that it'd still be the case in a few years. It makes the skin thicker and dull and clogs pores and generally doesn't help. That's why I think I'd be wasting money in spending a lot on cosmetics or salon face treatment such as dermabraision, especially if I carry on smoking, I'm not saying it wouldn't help, but It would surely hinder the efficacy of said treatment... Doesn't mean that I do anything about it, I exfoliate and moisturise and protect it against the sun now but I still believe that the day I stop smoking is the day I'll give my skin te best treatment it needs. :wink:

Greetings All!

Jacqueline here - in Chicago - contender for the 2016 Summer Olympic games!

I can't even remember how I found this site a couple of weeks ago. I signed up, found the info I was after, and now I'm back for more information. Today I decided that I might want to introduce myself. Usually, I'm moving at the speed of light, and it's hard to make time to do "chat." This site is what I've needed for so long - not advertising with "promises," but real people with experience using products. Thank you!

Like many others, I've been wearing and buying makeup, doing unspeakable things to my hair on my head, and removing it from everywhere else for as long as I can remember. And I'm thinking that I'm among the older members here. The good news about that is that just last week, someone thought I was 39. Not for awhile, but I'll take it! :bigsmile: THAT has more to do with great genes than anything I could do. Although, my greatest secret is that I refuse to Worry about anything. I decided that in my early 20s, and I do believe that has something to do with the aging process.

Today I'm here looking for mascara recommendations, and I'm going to try the L'Oreal HIP first. I've tried so many, but I haven't found "The One." My on-going "challenge" is keratosis pilaris on the backs of my thighs and arms. The best thing I've found so far is the Salicylic Acid Cleansing Bar from Stiefel Laboratories along with any decent scrub. Although I've tried many with reasonable results, I always go back to St. Ives Apricot Scrub.

Thank you Brains for this FABULOUS resource and community.

"I'll be back!" :cool:

Thanks, PurpleRules. At drug store prices, I'll try it, too.

Hello, my name is Jessica, I'm 20 (in less than 2 weeks...ahem), and I recently moved to the Twin Cities with my boyfriend. Its fun, new, and exciting! I already have my Bachelor's Degree (in Art History), and I plan on going to grad school for Library Sciences (this week, anyway...lol). I'm a bit nerdy -- I love to spend my time reading (esp. paranormal/sci fi/fantasy genres) and playing video games, as well as reading up on the latest beauty...whatever! I am a former nail biter and hair fryier, but I'm trying to reform. I've recently embarked on the difficult process of growing out my hair color. Ack! Anyway, that's pretty much me right now!
P.S. I'm so glad I found this website!

Hi All,

I'm Jean and I think I have Dr Dawn beat. I'm 62 and trying to stay as youthful as possible. I have a website about anti-aging and so I was thrilled when Beauty Brains came on the Internet scene. I love their approach - based on science but not total skeptics.

I currently live near Guadalajara Mexico where the weather is gorgeous all year. Two nice things about running my website: I could do it from anywhere in the world; and I get to try as many new beauty products as I want!

Nice to be here.

hi guys,
my name is james. i am interested in skin care hence why i am here, as a new member. i hope to gain insight on different peoples backgrounds on skin care for men. the male interest is growing vastly.
am i the only straight male in here, maybe not, sorry. i am researching male skin care and any info from anyone (male or female) would be good in terms of different regimes and shaving etc, from men of different backgrounds including race, job types, age, climate, problem skin and lifestyle. i do resesrch a lot but i always prefer personal views from the people who know and practice it. or even those who don't.
i am not creating a survey, just curious as to what goes on out there from the many different walks of life and how people look after their skin.
any info is good. maybe things such as...
what brands do you use?
is your regime carried out once or twice a day?
would older generation men change a brand or regime, or even try?
do you buy your man his products and think or know it is right for him?
do you know your or his skin type?
do you know what brands to look for and what they do?
do you use spf everyday, even in colder climates?
what is your or his regime? (have seen some in here).
do ladies like men who groom well and look after their skin, even if he does sport a stubble (and lifestyle)?
do you believe in what the products do and do they give you results you are happy with?
if you have a good and full skin care regime does your lifestyle get the same attention?
what is your favourite and worst brand, and why?
thanks
james

Bo hereeee!
just wanted to say helloooo.. im so excited i just want to click away and read all the discussions lol.
i live in La Jolla, SD and i got a lot of issues (not like mentally but like finding the right eyeliner or right face wash etc lol).
enough for now ... time to click away!!

p.s: if you have dark circles i just posted a discussion and would love some feedback ... thnx!

^_^

Hey,

I’m 16 years old and currently a junior in high school. I emigrated from the Communist ravaged country of Vietnam when I was 9 years old. Due to my father’s
influence, I was a drunkard at 5. I was often surrounded by diseased animals. They smelled most foul. My scientific endeavors and sociopathic tendencies
ended in Vietnam after I caused the death of water buffalo and nearly starved to death. Leeches are the devil’s minions. In my humble opinion, vampires
are poor rip-off of the original bloodsucking leech.

I am very politically active and president of the Speech and Debate club, Moot Court, Youth Court and Mock Trial. My nickname is the BallBuster. I try to detract
from my raging hormones by obsessing with my academics. Contrary to my interests, I aspire to become an anesthesiologist (for the $$ of course) so I can buy
my mother a Mercedes and condominium ASAP to shut her up. JK. I love my mommy. (:

After living with my ill parents and two disgusting brothers in a third world country, my sense of disgust has numbed. I would slice own cow if necessary.
Unlike my irritating older brother, I am not a certified genius. Instead, I am diligent and self-motivated. I am a firm advocate of personal responsibility. Although
I have a creative penchant, I rarely embrace it because I try to avoid being sent the loony bin. According to my AP English teacher, my essays are like
“acid trips.” My crack is especially whack.

This website is very informative and straightforward. I love being able to probe actual cosmetic chemists. Be wary~ I think it is very cool that there is so much
diversity among the members.

My makeup staples are L’Oreal Color Riche Star Secrets - Penelope’s Red and Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner for competitions. For everyday use, I prefer
CoverGirl tinted moisturizer SPF 15, E.L.F. Luscious Liquid Lipstick, and Olay Complete Sensitive skin with SPF 15. Since I have to purchase everything with
the money I earned, I am an avid coupon clipper.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN Brainiacs! Why do so many candies sound like STDs? Skittles, Mounds, Milky Way…

Hi, I just signed up and was asked to introduce myself...so here I be....
I go by the name of Sherri...shedra is my ID...but I answer to either.
I am married..live in Tennessee....was raised in Houston, TX.
I have been married all my life...to the same man
In dog years I'm dead.....but I am young in my mind and body...
I love animals, We have 3 dogs and 3 cats.
My weakness is makeup (#1) ....good leather purses....a great pair of Levi's and camera equipment.
My only hobby is wildlife photography...and nature photography...Anything in the outdoors..
I joined this forum to see if I can learn a few things....such as what is truth in makeup claims, and when am I having my leg pulled?

DexterIsDexterous: Ditto the love for Dexter! I’m glad they didn’t follow the books exactly because the series storyline is much better,
especially compared to the last few books in the series. I miss Biney though.

Shedra: Very cool, I’ve always admired photographers. There are true artists behind those lenses. Do you upload your pictures anywhere, l
ike DeviantArt? I admire you and your husband’s commitment. That’s really wonderful, kudos to both of you. Stay strong and in love!

pirates97: Hey! Aw, that’s really sweet. How old is your daughter? I am so anxious for the Brains to release their report on mineral makeup.
Ooh, can you post the websites?

pirates97: You can click on my username and email me. My personal email is listed on my account information. Cool. Thanks~

Hello,

I'm a 20 year old chemical engineering student from Montreal. I have a very simple beauty regime consisting of using daily cleanser and moisterizer once a day and hemp cream if skin is especially dry. I seldom wear make up, mostly because I haven't got a steady hand or the cash to buy some. I do however have an avid interest the science of cosmetics and I would like to make my own creams and hair products. Currently, my goal is to make a coconut oil conditioner (leave in) which is in semi solid form at room temperature and has a tolerable smell. I'm thinking of making an oil infusion rather than mixing it with an essential oil since the latter tend to be fairly expensive, although the oil might get rancid depending on what I mix it with...anyway, I also want to make a some nice scented soap (out of scratch of course). I like this site because it can really breakdown what the purpose of cosmetic ingredients are which is great info for home projects.

Hi taiwanesegurl,

Thanks for the link, that is very useful. I made a batch of soap during the holidays and it works so that was really neat (minus the possibility of trace amounts of Hg and glass from a thermometer bursting, oops). I will definately try it again using some tips from thesage.

I don't have to take a virology class in my program. The only biology related courses I've taken are some general biology courses and one on biotechnology (and organic chemistry courses). The biotech course I took last semester covered a great deal of genetics including use of viruses in genetic engineering, but that's pretty much it. I think only students who wish to specialize in genetic engineering would have to take virology (its like that in my uni anyway).

Hi,
im Dii andim 23,i live alllllll the way on a litttle island called Malta bang in d middle of the meditteranean. This is a great web site, very interesting, and love reading the comments many ppl make, im a beauty therapist/ make up artist/ nail technician. so its nice to hear wat women really want, so it helps me understand my clients better. ive been in the industry for the past 6 years, and love it. .
so any topic concerning cosmetics im in for :)
again,,,, great site
xoxo

Hi everyone!

My name is Lejla, I'm 23, live in Denmark and study Art History at the University of Copenhagen.

I found The Beauty Brains a year ago or so, and it's been my holy grail of beauty product information ever since. The only thing I am missing is having The Beauty Brains in my pocket when I'm out shopping - a small handbook or something like that, with the most important information so I can look it up while I'm out there in the jungle of beauty products. Thank you so much for this fantastic site.

My beauty regime changes a lot, I'm not very loyal to any particular brand because I like to switch and try new products all the time. However, I must admit that I have a weakness when it comes to those "natural" organic brands like The Organic Pharmacy and Jurlique, not because I believe that they are necessarily better for my health or my skin, but just because I like the way some of their products feel and smell, I prefer the smell of essential oils to synthetic fragrances.

The one single product I've been using loyally for the past 3 years is Jurliques Daily Exfoliating Cream (used to be calledFace Wash Cream): http://www.jurlique.co.uk/invt/9100900
I'm in a comfort zone whenever I use it, like putting oatmeal in your face, and it exfoliates well without being too harsh or drying. On the contrary, it's quite hydrating.

The downfall with these "natural" organic brands is that they are very, very expensive, so being a student, I only once in a while indulge in these products, so my Face Wash Cream is only used once a week.

Sometimes I also indulge and buy The Organic Pharmacy's Carrot Butter Cleanser: http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/product4.php?product_ID=1&product_sub_group_ID=1&product_group_ID=1
It's so lush and moisturizing!

But I've been trying to cut down costs and right now I use an inexpensive cleanser from a local beauty supplies shop called Matas: http://www.matas.dk/hudpleje/uparfumeret+ansigtspleje/renseprodukter/matas+renselotion+500+ml.aspx?CategoryId=206&ProductId=216

For moisturizing, I'm currently using a calendula cream from Jurlique, but I won't be buying it again.

I try not to complicate my beauty regime too much, so the above mentioned products are basically what I use, with the addition of some rosewater for freshening up and rose hip oil for those very dry places.

As far as makeup goes, I use mineral foundation (works really well for me), currently from Lily Lolo: http://www.lilylolo.co.uk/
Other than that I use MAC and B

Hi, I'm Music and I live in Australia. I'm in my early 30s. Food, perfumes and nice smelling things are my obsessions.

Before OZ I've lived in New Zealand, UK, Singapore, and Indonesia. I've been to 14 countries so far. So I'm a bit of a wanderer, following hubby wherever he goes. :) The bad thing about moving around is I'm always on the search for a new skincare regime. Things that work for me in one country don't always work in others. Different seasons make things more complicated, too. I've written about my travel, food, and other things I like on my blog http://beautifullybrainymusic.blogspot.com. Nothing too fancy, just me. Do say hi if you pop-in there. :)

I found this site while searching for something on the internet. I've been hooked since. :)

Hi. I'm Lisa, I have blue hair, and I'm officially a beauty junkie. I have been employed by several major conglomerates and I do makeup, sell on eBay, am a licensed esthetician, do some web stuff and write a beauty blog. I give away things on my site every single month. :)

It's all a bit exhausting sometimes, but one of my serious missions in life is in helping fellow beauty junkies to not be bamboozled by hype, greed, and misinformation. There's a lot out there, and it's very disheartening to me to see what some "respected professionals" prattle off to consumers on a regular basis. Ugh.

I love reading about anything beauty and fashion related. This year I'll be turning 35 and hope to connect with more like-minded individuals on the web. I still feel as if I have a lot to learn, and I think that beauty can be achieved no matter what your budget or expertise.

My favorite lines are Nars, Makeup Forever, Urban Decay, Stila, Smashbox, NYX, Ojon, Oscar Blandi, 100% Pure, and MAC to an extent.

Thanks for reading.

hello all!
i'm dawnimitsu and i am a beauty junkie. i like my beauty products served with a nice big dollop of science on top. and i mean real science backed by controlled studies, not just marketing statistics. i am frequently conflicted between low  and high tech solutions for beauty concerns. i love nice simple products but then worry that i might be missing something if i don't use the cream that contains everything under the sun.  i do my homework before major cosmetics purchases but i do succumb to cute packaging and slick marketing more than i'd like to admit.
as for products, i really want to love mineral makeup but i can't get past the mess. i am pale and am constantly questing for ever lighter shades of foundation.   i am currently using olay's definity color recapture foundation- it makes my skin so soft, even if the color is a tad too dark for me.
the only anti-aging products i truly believe in are retin-a and sunscreen. retin-a is a no brainer since its prescription but i get bogged down by the amount of information available on sunscreen. i am currently using up a tube ot the white sunscreen from dhc but i want to try the newer neutrogena ones with the new type of sunscreen whose name alludes me.
i love weleda's skin food.  
thanks for reading.

Hi Beauty Brains,



I am 52 and a retired physician. I live in Miami, FL. I had a hip replacement last year and now that I'm the Bionic Woman, it's only fitting that I should renew my interest in all things Beauty. (Not that I wasn't interested before but I didn't have that much time so I pretty much stuck with one of two things). While indulging this interest I realized how much BS there was out there ... and then I discovered this website and ... WOW! I have been a faithful reader ever since.



While I'm figuring out what I should do with the rest of my life, I am indulging in my old loves: gardening, photography, cooking, relearning algebra, trigonometry and physics (NOT chemistry), petting my cats, making jewelry, origami.... Maybe I'll just become a dilettante.
I'm looking forward to learning from all of you in the forum and the blog.

Hi Anne. Thanks for  your welcome. Retirement rocks. I don't know what's better: not having to make nice to the boss or having  the time to do all the things you've always wanted to. As for my age, I consider myself "grown up" :)