Do shave minimizing lotions work?

Glitterati want to know: Do “hair growth inhibiting” products like Jergen’s Shave Minimizing Lotion really work? The Right Beauty Brain’s Rigorously Researched Response: Uh, not really. The hairy truth These products don’t reduce the rate at which hair grows and they don’t even do much to reduce the hair that’s already grown out! We agree [...]

How does mascara work?

In case you didn’t know, some of the beauty blogs are running a series of posts about Mascara during the month of May. They call it “The Great Mascara Hunt” and it’s a lot of fun and could be useful for your Makeup Kits. Even though we’re not ” officially ” participating we thought we’d [...]

Hair loss products: What really works?

Balding Bob Says: Hey Beauty Brains, I’m enjoying your website but you never have any questions from guys. So here’s your first one: Do all those hair loss products really work? I need to know! The Brains Respond: Bob, the sad truth is: No. Those products don’t really do much. Unless you’re talking about the [...]

The truth about animal testing and cosmetics

Sandy asks…Can you please elaborate more about how no ethical companies would sell a product without testing on animals? How, then, can some companies label themselves as animal-testing-free? Wouldn’t these same animal-testing-free companies then be unethical or even illegal to misrepresent their position? And the Left Brain chimes in… Ah Sandy, you pose some excellent [...]

Is mineral makeup better for your skin?

Kim’s Query: Is mineral makeup better for your skin than other foundations? Also, some of them say they have SPF 15. How much of the makeup would you have to use to actually get this level of protection? The Right Brain’s Response: Kim, we’re not sure if you’re referring to powder or liquid foundations, so [...]

The perils of parabens

Snapdragon77 asked: Everyone is afraid of PARABENS! The product line that I use (Bioelements) lists methylparaben and propylparaben as the last ingredients, and I know that they are preservatives, but what do I tell a frightened clientele who have just heard “Parabens=Bad!” The Left Brain Responds: What are parabens? Parabens are preservatives used in nearly [...]

What is hair made of?

Hair is primarily made of a special type of protein called “keratin.” Keratin is the same tough, water insoluble material that fingernails and animal horns and hooves are made of. Hair also contains natural oils (lipids) and water. These hair “ingredients” are arranged in 3 primary structures: the cuticle (which is the outermost, shingle-like layer); [...]

Cure your acne with a laser beam

Looking for a better way to cure your acne? Check this out – a new laser can permanently eliminate zits! Professor Rox Anderson with Harvard Medical School, Boston, has developed a technique that uses a laser to melt fat deposits below the skin. In theory, this same technique could destroy the over active sebaceous glands [...]

Is monistat bikini chafing gel a good makeup primer?

Cassie’s cautious: Hi Beauty Brains, wonderful site- I check it everyday! Today I have a question regarding using Monistat chafing gel as a primer for your makeup. I frequent other makeup blogs and one girl swears by this product as her makeup primer. She says the texture is the same as the Smashbox Photo Finish [...]

Fructis fortifying cream conditioner

Let’s take a look at Garnier’s Fructis Fortifying Cream Conditioner. This product is appropriately positioned for “normal” hair, in other words, hair that doesn’t need intensive conditioning. (That means you don’t color or highlight or any other kind of chemical processing!) So, if you need a moderate level of conditioning and you like bright fruity [...]

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