Category: Cosmetics

Throughout my training as a makeup artist at AVEDA in NYC, I learned about the nasty chemicals that go into many of the cosmetic products that we use every day to make ourselves more beautiful. These chemicals can stay in your body long after the makeup is gone, potentially causing all sorts of problems. One of the most questionable of these chemicals is parabens.

What are parabens?

The simple answer is that parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and in food and beverage processing. The main types are methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butyl-parabens (check for these on the labels of your favorite products, and then replace them with something better). The more complicated answer is that parabens are believed to be endocrine disruptors and reproductive toxins.

Why should I care?

Because endocrine disruptors and reproductive toxins are chemicals that interfere with hormones and disrupt normal growth and development of intelligence and reproductive capabilities. The average woman in the U.S. uses around 12 personal care products a day, while the average teenage girl uses up to 17! If all of these products contain parabens, even in small amounts, that is a lot of toxic chemicals entering your body every day. Imagine the effect this could have over a lifetime of makeup use. You might be thinking that you are safe because you only put cosmetics on your body, not in it. Make no mistake if you are putting something on your body (i.e.: makeup, lipstick, glitter, etc) it is going in your body.

If parabens are so dangerous why are they in my makeup?

Many people believe that some government agency, like the FDA, regulates what goes into your makeup. That if you can buy a product at your local drugstore or department store, it must be safe. This is not always the case. There is very little government regulation over cosmetics. Companies are not required by the U.S. government to perform health studies or pre-market safety testing on cosmetics. Companies can use just about any chemical they want in your makeup and they arent even required to disclose to you what those chemicals are.

What can I do to protect my family?

Read labels but remember, not all ingredients have to be listed on cosmetics. If it is paraben free it will say so, this is an accomplishment that cosmetic companies are proud of and they will flaunt it! Also, keep in mind that claims like “organic”, “natural” or “dermatologist tested” are not regulated for use on cosmetics and do not mean a product is safe. Do you research and refuse to buy or use cosmetics or personal care products containing these questionable chemicals.

As a creator of cosmetics for dancers, cheerleaders, and actors, I am especially concerned about the health of children and teens who use and love my cosmetics! Pubescent and pre-pubescent teens are especially vulnerable to the risks of exposure to these chemicals. My goal at JAM has always been to develop a healthier cosmetic option for dancers, cheerleaders, actors, performers or anyone who wants a long lasting makeup WITHOUT all of the “long lasting chemicals”. This is why I am so excited to announce that as of Fall 2009, JAM cosmetics is PARABENS FREE!

Over the past 10 years cosmetic surgery has turned round its negative persona and emerged as a trendy and affordable way to get the body and face you’ve always wanted. No longer reserved for famous celebrities and rich business moguls, cosmetic enhancements are now common place amongst the masses with more affordable procedures available than ever before. It’s seems there is no stopping the rise of this industry as the quick fix solutions it offers are giving everyone the chance to get their dream figure, without hours spent in the gym.

The popularity of this kind of surgical makeover has risen mainly because of its visibility in popular consciousness. TV shows such as Ten Years Younger and Nip/Tuck are lifting the taboo on cosmetic surgery and revealing the dramatic results to thousands of men and women who are, in turn, quickly following suit.

One of the main reasons for the dramatic rise in cosmetic surgery throughout the UK is the falling cost of procedures. Prices for even the most complicated surgeries have dropped dramatically giving more people the opportunity to improve their looks and fix those body problems that have been plaguing them for years. Safer and quicker procedures are another feather in the cosmetic enhancement industry’s hat with technological advancements making surgeries less invasive and in turn more appealing to the public. Recovery times are getting quicker so you can have the surgery you want without taking too much time away from other commitments. Even larger surgeries are becoming more appealing as most people are able to spend the majority of their recovery time in the comfort of their own home.

Many people are beginning to see the great results of cosmetic surgery first hand from friends and family members and it’s inspiring them to try it for themselves. With clinics popping up all over the country, and more surgeons turning to the vocation, waiting times have become nonexistent and procedures have become more advanced drawing new customers in from every walk of life.

The rise in these procedures has had a knock on effect for cosmetic surgery claims with the number people suing for procedures gone wrong rising just as quickly as the surgeries themselves. Simple procedures such as Botox and fillers, can be seen as a safer and more cost effective way to jump on the cosmetic surgery train but with clinic appointment books bulging it seems there is no stopping the trend which promises to deliver a better version of yourself in just a few short days.

Women and men spend millions of dollars every year attempting to improve the quality and health of their skin. They spend time and money on products and services to refinish the surface of their skin only to return to habits and routines that continue to damage both their skin and bodies. Most cosmetic and beauty products contain additives, preservatives, and chemicals designed to improve appearances at the cost of health. Not only do conventional cosmetics clog pores and weigh down skin, they also contain harmful toxins that absorb into the blood stream and into the body.

Companies create conventional cosmetics and beauty products using oils and fillers that weigh down skin and clog the pores. Although some of these products create the appearance of smooth, even skin, bacteria and dirt become trapped in the skin by the oils in conventional cosmetics and create pimples and blemishes. Most men and women then resort to even more cosmetic use to cover up these skin problems, resulting in an even greater incidence of clogged pores. Skin absorbs the oils and fillers in conventional cosmetics resulting in makeup that literally weighs down the face. Not only does foundation and powder look heavy, it also feels heavy. This heavy feeling results from not just the skin’s absorption of the product, but also the inability of the skin to breath.

The heavy binders and fillers of conventional cosmetics also contain chemical additives that are harmful to the body. Conventional beauty products such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and bronzer contain a myriad of binders, toxins and dyes that absorb into the blood stream. A build up of such chemicals can produce allergic reactions and increased sensitivity in some men and women. Some of these allergies and sensitivities can result in chronic conditions and sustained sensitivity to conventional dyes, cosmetics and perfumes. Hypoallergenic products have risen as a result of consumers’ needs to use products less harmful on the body. Although most of these products still contain fillers that clog skin, the rise of products for sensitive skin proves that consumers have reacted poorly to conventional cosmetics.

Naked Minerals contains no additives, dyes, colors, fillers, binders, waxes, or any other ingredient beyond natural minerals. The Naked Minerals makeup is all-natural and uses only the finest minerals to create a cosmetic that improves skin appearance and quality without clogging pores. There are no oils in Naked Minerals that traditionally clog pores, and the weightless feel and function of Naked Minerals allows skin to breathe. Naked Minerals is completely hypoallergenic with none of the toxins or chemicals traditionally found in conventional cosmetics. All of the colors are naturally derived from their mineral origin and none contain the heavy oils found in conventional cosmetics.

Cosmetics can be categorized under various products such as, body sprays, hair color products, skin care creams and lotions, facial and eye make up and different sprays and gels. The manufacturing of cosmetics originated in the twentieth century and currently there are many small and big organizations involved in sale and distribution of cosmetic products.

As per archaeological findings cosmetics are believed to have been first used in Egypt around 3000 BC. By the twentieth century use of make up gained widespread acceptance in all sections of society. The cosmetic industry is one of the most profitable industries in the world. With technological advancement, improvement in the manufacturing and testing of cosmetic products and the ever increasing demand for these products the cosmetic industry continues to make profit.

Cosmetic products manufacturers are no longer limited to their geographical boundaries as technology has bridged the gap between manufacturers and consumers sitting miles away in the comforts of their homes. The advent of globalizations has brought one of the biggest revolutions in business and trading called internet. The usage of internet gives the consumers to access information on different cosmetic products being manufactured and used all over the world. It is no longer impossible to buy cosmetic products being used by your favorite celebrity.

Cosmetic products manufacturers can enhance their business interests and market visibility by marketing their products on online portals and trade directories or websites. This helps manufacturers display their company and product information to a larger audience. Displaying information on portals or websites also help you get feedback on your range of products. Cosmetic products manufacturers can touch base for clients interested in placing bulk orders for cosmetic products. Cosmetic products manufacturers can look to foster a long term working relationship with spas and beauty saloons looking to buy cosmetic products on a regular basis.

One of the major changes witnessed by the cosmetic industry in the last few decades has been a gradual shift towards natural and organic cosmetic products. Eco friendly and natural cosmetic products are one of the biggest market trends currently in vogue. Owing to the growing trend there are many established cosmetic products manufacturers that have partnered with small scale cosmetic products manufacturers in developing natural and eco friendly cosmetic products. This has helped many cosmetic products manufacturers gain market recognition and make use of market opportunities.

Cosmetic products manufacturers are using eco friendly materials for the purpose of packaging and distributing cosmetic products. Usage of eco friendly products has also reduced energy input during the process of manufacturing as light weight environment friendly packing materials increase recyclability as well.

There is a widespread demand in natural products around the world it is important for cosmetic products manufacturers to comply with government regulations. The concept of manufacturing natural cosmetics can go a long way in increasing the sustainability of cosmetic products manufacturers. By publicizing natural cosmetic products on different mediums of communication manufacturers can look to educate consumers on ethical and environmental factors involved in producing natural and organic cosmetics.

Somewhere, a woman is ecstatically shelling out $125 for what she believes is the product of her dreams, a 1 oz jar for cosmetics full of what claims to be a personal care product that can heal anything, even damaged DNA. Read the five reasons why you should pass on this trend.

Scary fact # 5 – People actually believe these claims. Can a jar for cosmetics hold a product capable of altering your genetic code? This first point is simple, practice critical thinking. People suffer with abnormalities brought on through genetics that can’t be cured, yet a super-duper face cream won’t only tone your skin, but alter your DNA, in essence reprogram your body to only promote firm skin. Does that make sense to you? Didn’t think so.

Scary fact # 4 -Last time I checked, DNA is more than skin deep. This isn’t like putting a band-aid on a boo-boo. We’re talking about DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic code that not only determined your eye color, but also your ability to roll your “Rs” when singing “arriba, arriba” every Saturday night. This material isn’t covered in cosmetology school; it might even take Mensa a few meetings to get through. Effective use of DNA based stem cells in products could happen, one day. As of now, development and continued research remains.

Scary fact # 3 – Beauty or health? We all know it’s important to care for and pamper your skin. The idea of having a jar for cosmetics filled with a DNA miracle serum at your fingertips seems magical. Yet, imagine the joy that would surround the discovery of a cure for cancer. Let’s get our priorities straight. I’d much rather see lives saved from the use of stem cells than purchase a lotion that can alter my DNA.

Scary fact # 2 – The controversy lingers… Stem cells are a touchy topic. People haven’t quite made their minds up as to whether they support of oppose the use of these cells for research and further development of a variety of projects, spanning everything from the medical to the beauty industry. If controversy over the basis of the product is still in the papers, it’s probably not on store shelves just yet.

Scary fact # 1 – Aging can be beautiful. It’s our nature to grow older. Skin ages along with the individual, through every passing year. It’s a normal and indiscriminate process, it happens to everyone. Though some hide it or adopt a skin treatment routine earlier than others, we experience the same blanket process. Choose to care for yourself over altering yourself and you won’t ever need a DNA-repairing product.

A jar for cosmetics was built to contain just that, cosmetics, and we’ve got the supplies for your journey. Regardless of the product’s benefits, better hydrated or DNA altered skin, remember that appearance isn’t everything. Live life to the fullest, laugh lines and all.