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Thursday, 19 November 2009
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What is Really Natural About Mineral Foundation Powders?
The latest and greatest trend in cosmetics appears to be Foundation Powders. Every major cosmetic company is marketing the line that their product has miraculous powers. From improving acne to preventing clogged pores and moisturizing.
The truth is that Mineral Foundation Powders are just an alternative to the traditional cream or liquid foundations. They do not have therapeutic value nor can such a claim be made as Mineral Powders are cosmetics.
As for claims they are 'natural', again Mineral Foundations fail to live up to close inspection.
Firstly: Most natural minerals may contain traces of toxic impurities, so, for this reason, they undergo a chemical process of purification to make them safe to use on the skin as a cosmetic. After this process, the 'natural' description is ambiguous.
Secondly: Any product can be called a mineral make-up if it contains minerals as the main ingredient. The remainder of the product is likely to be a concoction of synthetic chemicals. A number of manufactures include vitamins, antioxidants and even green tea as therapeutic ingredients, these are in such small quantities, they are unlikely to be of benefit to the user.
Titanium dioxide the main ingredient in mineral foundation and to a lesser degree, zinc oxide, is white or opaque, but is ground down to 10 microns or less, known as 'nanoparticles' for the purpose of make-up.
What is of real concern is the inclusion of 'nanoparticles'. Now used in many skin care products, from sun screens to cosmetics and including mineral foundations. These minuscule particles are a greater risk of absorption through the skin, but in the case of Mineral Foundations, they can be inhaled and dusted into the nose, where they can be inhaled, and into the eyes.
While the increasing use of nanoparticles in skin care bounds ahead, safety studies and research into this new technology is falling behind. Some experts are concerned about the long term effects on the body from exposure to nanoparticles. Studies have shown that nanoparticles produce free radicals, cause cell toxicity as well as damage the DNA when exposed to UV light.
Manufactures are not obliged to list nanoparticles on the labels of their products. The only way the consumer can be sure to avoid them is to approach the manufacturer directly.
Among the other ingredients in mineral foundation powders, bismuth oxychloride, found to be an eye and skin irritant in some trials may be on the ingredients list. This synthetic chemical adds bulk to the powder; it gives sheen to camouflage lines and small discolorations on the skin.
Bismuth oxychloride is a by-product of lead, copper and tin refining, it is further refined with water and chloride. Too big a price to pay to make a facial powder feel silky!
The bio-chemists' rule of thumb, by law, is to list the ingredients in descending order - the largest amounts to the smallest. This list is often so long, there needs to be an insert in the packaging as all the contents won't fit on the bottle or container! The consumer invariably discards this information after purchase, making it difficult to check the product content at a later date.
The best advice when choosing a Mineral Foundation Powder, or any skin care products for that matter, is to keep it simple!
Select those products with the least number of ingredients. Avoid fragrance (there can be up to 4000 different elements making up just one fragrance) preservatives and especially bismuth oxychloride.
MOJO - Men & Women
Article by EnzineArticles -
Using Mineral Makeup - A New Trend in Cosmetics
Mineral makeup is a new cosmetic trend that emphasizes natural health and being eco-friendly by using organic ingredients. Mineral makeup is mostly made up of natural minerals. It does not contain any chemicals, additives, animal byproducts, talc, oil, synthetic fragrances, and other manufactured skin irritants. Mineral makeup is made by pulverizing sterilized minerals into a fine powder that is mixed with natural pigments to produce various shades.
Synthetic ingredients have a negative impact on the skin causing such problems as acne, blackheads, clogged pores, skin irritations, and dry skin. As well, some artificial colors are known as carcinogens. With natural makeup, there is a significantly reduced risk of allergic reactions and acne break outs. The minerals in the makeup consist of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxide. Iron oxide gives color to the makeup. Titanium and zinc are a natural anti-inflammatory, and titanium dioxide is a natural sunscreen and provides an SPF of 15 to 20.
Most mineral foundations consist of a foundation, concealer, powder and sunscreen. It is great for women with sensitive skin as it provides enhanced skin care. Manufactured make-up tends to be heavy on the face and can cake up on the skin. Organic makeup's texture is lighter, more natural, and allows your skin to breathe. It is based on a hypoallergenic loose powder that naturally nourishes and protects the skin.
Mineral makeup does not enhance wrinkles like traditional powders. If you have fine lines, wrinkles, or crow's-feet, the minerals will not accentuate them, but instead, aid in smoothing and covering them up. As well, it is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and ingredients that hydrate the skin and conceal wrinkles. The result is silky, soft, smooth, and healthy skin with a youthful and glowing appearance.
There benefits of wearing organic make over manufactured mass produced makeup are numerous. It does not harm and aggravate the skin with damaging chemicals, oils and chemical additives. As well, it does not obstruct the skin's pores or create a breeding ground for bacteria, and it protects the skin from damaging UVA rays. It provides the wearer with a natural appearance.
Organic makeup is fast becoming the new choice in beauty care as the ingredients benefit the skin. Most women report that wearing mineral makeup feels like they are not wearing any makeup at all. The minerals benefit the skin as they soothe and alleviate itchy, inflamed, red, bruised, and flaking skin. It also cools the skin and promotes quicker healing time. It will not aggravate your skin even if you sleep while wearing it. As well, it is an affordable way to nourish your skin and get the same quality of skin texture as you would in an expensive spa.
Mineral makeup has transformed the cosmetic industry. It used to be only available at chic spas, but now mineral makeup is available to everyone. In the past few years, mineral makeup has become extremely popular with women of all ages. Wearing mineral makeup will make you look and feel fantastic.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
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SHISEIDO Shopping & Shiatsu
The vast beauty department provides a real treat for any beauty junkie come Christmas, but those looking for the ultimate in winter skincare should stop to enjoy the secluded and luxurious treatment rooms located just off the main floor. The Shiseido facials on offer combine shiatsu pressure points massage with aromatherapy and Japanese hot towels which help unwind tired minds as they work to pamper each of the senses. Targeting individual skin concerns to leave the complexion glowing, plump and beautifully nourished, a Shiseido facial makes for the perfect wind-down after a busy day's Christmas shopping.
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M LAB - On The Spot
Although adult acne is much more prevalent than is often realised, no matter how clear our skin, most of us come under fire from the occasional blemish from time to time. M Lab's Blemish Control Spot Treatment is a blend of skin-regenerating exfoliators and soothing ingredients that act like a magic wand, reducing redness without leaving the area dry and tight as many blemish products can do. Plus, its huge 82% active ingredients help cleanse pores and keep further breakouts at bay.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
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Men Anti-aging Skincare: Are You A Wuss For Caring About It?
Maybe 50 years ago you would have been called “girly” for being interested in men anti-aging skincare. However, going to a gym and exercising was unheard of back then too.
Times have changed. Men’s awareness has changed too.
Sure, men don’t get desperate and hysterical about aging like women do. Actually, most men get more handsome as they get older. A few wrinkles and lines on a man’s face make him look manly and distinguished. But that’s no excuse to be careless about men’s skincare health. Caring about how your skin looks doesn’t make you less masculine. In the past, society expected men to grow older in silence. But now, manufacturers design product lines exclusively for men.
For a man who’s interested in trying a skincare product, I recommend looking for a facial cream. Hold off on the body lotions for now. Unlike your body, your face is always exposed to the world. You can’t hide it. That’s why it’s particularly important to keep face skin firm and radiant.
Men especially suffer from inflammation and redness of the face. Many men work outside and get frequent sunburns and windburns. And in the winter, men’s skin can become very dry from long hours in the cold.
Another area of concern is under the eyes. Men with demanding, high-stress jobs develop bags wrinkles, and lines. Couple a career with being a family man and it adds up to too little sleep and dark circles under the eyes.
Men anti-aging skincare products come in all kinds. Just like women’s products, a lot of them contain harmful ingredients. As a newbie consumer of men’s skincare cream, be careful.
One ingredient to avoid is called mineral oil. It’s touted as a moisturizer, but what it actually does is coat skin and clog pores. This prevents skin from “breathing”; it also makes it harder for skin to eliminate toxins. On the label, mineral oil also goes by the name: liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, and petrolatum.
On the other hand, one of the best ingredients for men is witch hazel. It soothes skin by reducing inflammation and redness. It’s also beneficial in healing shaving cuts and sunburn. Witch hazel is essential to any men’s skincare cream.
A smart man looks for ways to improve himself and his lifestyle.
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