What’s the difference between skin toners and astringents?

Glitterati gushes: My facialist told me that toners are important because they re-balance the pH of the skin after cleansing. I could see that cleansers might be slightly basic, but will the toner really re-balance that? I like toners anyway for the astringent properties you mention, so I’d continue using them regardless of the pH [...]

Are you bothered by boob sweat?

Agent 23 asks: I hate under-boob sweat. It annoys me to no end. Plus it’s not like I can avoid it when I exercise. While sweat from everywhere else on my body evaporates within minutes, underboob sweat just sits there. I know I have the option of showering immediately after working out, but I don’t [...]

3 ways to protect your hair from heat

Cristy’s question: Is it beneficial to use a heat protector on my hair when using a hair dryer and flat iron vs not using anything? The Right Brain’s heated reply: Heat protection IS important for your hair, Cristy, because heat is bad for your hair. But that’s not exactly a news flash now is it? [...]

Can coconut oil grow your hair long

Shiney Says…Can coconut oil grow my hair long? The Beauty Brains respond: The Beauty Brains previously wrote that coconut oil was one of the few oils that could actually penetrate hair and provide great conditioning. For that reason it’s better than many other oils – both natural AND synthetic.  So it may help keep your [...]

What can you do about greasy hair?

Becky begs for help: What shampoo is good for a little kid with very greasy hair? My daughter, who’s five years old, gets very greasy hair over the course of the day. I wash it every morning, but by late in the afternoon it’s so greasy and smelly that I have to wash it again. [...]

What You Can Do About Greasy Hair

Becky begs for help: What shampoo is good for a little kid with very greasy hair? My daughter, who’s five years old, gets very greasy hair over the course of the day. I wash it every morning, but by late in the afternoon it’s so greasy and smelly that I have to wash it again. [...]

How to care for your dry skin and breakouts

Olivia Says: My face is starting to look really bad, it’s dry, and I’m breaking out badly on my cheeks and forehead. What type of cleanser should I use? (I’ve heard that plain soap dries out your skin.) Also, what kind of facial mask should I use? The Right Beauty Brain Replies: It sounds like [...]

The 10 strangest ingredients used in cosmetics

This article about a cosmetic science program for kids at the Boston Museum of Science reminded me of all the other odd source of raw materials used in cosmetics. So, here are what the Beauty Brains think are some of the strangest ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care products. Top 10 Strange Cosmetic Ingredients [...]

A beauty industry secret: Who really makes your cosmetics?

Karen’s concern: I always understood that among the cosmetic brands that there are sister companies like L’Oreal is made by Lancome, etc. If this is true, how does the quality/effectiveness of the drug store brand compare to the more pricey department store brand? While we’re at it: Are the drug store brands, including house brands, [...]

Does nail polish go bad?

Patricia’s puzzled about polish: Does nail polish go bad or can it become contaminated? For example, you paint your nails once or twice and then don’t use it for a couple of years because you misplaced it, is it still safe? The Right Brain nails the right answer: If you’re looking for an excuse to [...]

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