Does vaseline thicken eyelashes?

Ying Yearns For Longer Lashes: Does VASELINE petroleum jelly really helps to thicken and elongate eyelashes and eyebrows? The Left Brain Responds: Vaseline petroleum jelly, or petrolatum, as it is technically known, is a multipurpose cosmetic ingredient. It is an excellent moisturizer because it creates a barrier layer on the skin that retards water loss. [...]

Should you worry about pee in your makeup?

Meagan Muses: I love your site– it makes me feel smarter all the time. I’ve got a question about diazolidinyl urea. I see it on labels for lotions and cleansers all the time. Doesn’t urea come from urine? That seems disgusting to me. What’s the story? The Right Kidney, uh, Right Brain, Replies: You’re sort [...]

How to kill lice and not your hair

Sandra Scratches Her Head: I’m having a lice problem, I just wanted to know what’s the most effective way to kill lice and nits and not dry or damage my hair in the process?? Thanx!! The Left Brain‘s Louse-y Reply: Sorry to hear about your lice infestation problem, Sandra. Unfortunately, it’s a pretty common problem. [...]

5 ways to reduce enlarged pores

Jess Just Wants To Know: I have had large pores for as long as I remember and have some spa days coming up so I want to know what products really work to shrink facial pores? The Beauty Brains reply: Unfortunately, none. At first glance, you may think that pore control products offer to make [...]

Mascara isn’t the only thing on your lashes

Here’s a bit of science information from the Beauty Brains that you might find interesting on a Saturday afternoon. There are tiny little animals called demodex mites that live on your face and eyelashes. These mites are not pretty to look at but they do the excellent service of keeping the bits of dead skin [...]

How to get rid of shaving bumps and ingrown hairs

Jincy Wants The Juice: I am dealing with a frequent problem of having ingrown hair after waxing my legs, arms and even my underarms. I don’t know what to do about it. I have tried using a scrubber, moisturizing cream to remove it, but this is just getting worse every time I wax. Now, my [...]

The 3 biggest lies that cosmetic companies tell you

Kris’ Question: I’m testing out Arbonne right now, but am thinking I can’t afford it. My mother-in-law is a “beauty consultant” for BeautiControl and they seem to have a pretty extensive line of skin care products. Do you know anything about the quality of their line (I’m looking mainly at cleansers, toners, anti-aging products and [...]

The world’s top 5 skin moisturizing oils

Pamela Ponders: Since the weather is getting drier, I’ve decided to look for some cuticle treaments to help them from drying. I’ve noticed that a lot of them include very similar ingredients, like jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, shea butter, and in particular sweet almond oil and lavender oil. Do these ingredients really help to [...]

Does Hylexin really work on dark undereye circles?

Etienne Inquires: I love your blog because it is so informative and a great unbiased resource when trying to be a smart shopper. I have looked through your archives but I haven’t come across a post that directly addresses my problem: serious dark circles around my eyes. I have had these ever since I was [...]

How do teeth whitening mouthwashes work?

Emma Wants White: Hi! I love the site & am an avid reader! I am very interested in comparing ingredients between products nowadays thanks to your blog. My question is, is there a difference between using those whitening mouthwashes, and just swishing some hydrogen peroxide around your mouth? Since usually the first or second ingredient [...]

The Beauty Brains