Mid-length is the last word for Spring, or is it? (more…)

Or, Ingredients Matter.

I had my first serious reaction to eye makeup about a week ago. The thing is, it was ultimately my fault.
I have in my possession some mineral shadows that contain dyes. While these aren’t strictly “mineral” shadows, the range of color offered from these dyes gives me some of the variety I crave. I am aware that many D&C dyes and other synthetic colors can be a problem, particularly in the eye area, but I decided to use the product anyway.
This isn’t a new concept for me. Writing here and researching certain common ingredients has led to an increased awareness on my part about the possible hazards of cosmetics. Knowing this I make my choices accordingly. I know the hubbub about parabens, and I understand it, but I will still purchase products with parabens. However, I have issues with ingredients like bismuth and dimethicone, and try to avoid them as much as possible. I have a responsibility to myself and the other women in my life to weigh risks and benefits and decide what is most important. These are personal decisions, and I won’t ever fault anyone for purchasing strictly organic products OR for not giving a damn and purchasing whatever they feel like. If you have the information you need then, well, you’re a grown up and you are entitled to do whatever you please. (more…)

In embracing my natural curl, I have dramatically changed my methods of taking care and styling my hair.

If you are not familiar with the No-Poo, water-soluble silicone, air drying, no brushing, deep conditioning, cool final rinse, finger scrunching, hair plopping, and hair clipping terms associated with the “Curly Girl” Method, I have some good reading for you.

“Curly Girl,” by Lorraine Massey: A great introduction to the entire concept and theory behind the correct way to manage your fabulous curls. Massey is the Queen when it comes to the curly girl method. (more…)

“Unwanted Facial Hair:  What’s a gal to do?” remains the most popular and poignant post at Mythbuster Beauty.  If there is one point I can emphasize with all women on the subject of hair removal is simply you are NOT alone!

HisWifey understands our plight:

Wow- although it is upsetting that we as women have to go through this, it feels kind of good to know that I am not alone in this. I am 36, and until 2 months ago, was pretty happy in my skin. I have always been a little hairy (controlled with waxing) but I have noticed this dark line above my upper lip that won’t go away with waxing. Went to the Dermatologist and in her wisdom, she diagnosed me with Melasma and prescribed me with a bleaching cream containing Hydroquinone. I was hesitant to use it as I have read not so good things about it. Well, I caved and finally used it. What a mistake! All it did was lighten the upper lip area, making the dark hair below my skin more visible than before! I am devastated and not to mention extremely depressed. Makeup helps it but I just want my skin back. It is embarrassing to say the least. (more…)

It’s the end of a long day here in Utah and Whew! doesn’t just the title of this post contain wonderful possibilities?!  Who would not benefit from a little less stress in their life?  Sign me up pronto.

A few weeks ago, I was very fortunate to receive a most precious and beautiful glass vial filled with a product from Drops of Nature labeled the Renew Elixir. 

Developed by Drops of Nature, Renew is the modern elixir formed from a unique synergistic blend of 100% pure plant and essential oils. Sourced from the four corners of the earth and chosen for their notable ability to help brighten the spirit, lift the mood, relieve symptoms associated with PMS, menopause and hormonal imbalance.

This powerful blend of Sweet Orange, Lavender, Peppermint, Clary Sage, Bergamot and Pomegranate Seed Oil counteracts the effects of sunshine deprivation providing a grounding effect that acts to synchronize and balance the body, mind & soul. The prefect stress reliever for today’s world. (more…)

In 2002, Suki Kramer started her own skincare company, Suki, Inc., and has recently branched out in making a cosmetics line as well, Sukicolor. I first heard of Suki’s skincare line through my friends at Megsmakeup.com. If you haven’t had the chance, you can read my enthusiastic reviews of two of her products: Suki’s Lemongrass Cleanser, and her Sukicolor Tinted Active Moisturizer. Most recently I have fallen in love with a new sukispa product which I will be reviewing in detail soon, sukispa’s renewal bio-resurfacing facial peel!

The only thing that is better than finding an amazing skincare line, is getting to interview the phenomenal people that are behind these companies.

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Oh the places and people the Internet will take you! I have gathered so many great friends while researching and reading from many sites (beauty related and in general). Every once in a while, you will come across someone who not only shares the passion for all things beautiful, you find an individual who creates something extraordinary!

Let me introduce to you Christy Kane, her amazing website and some of wonderful things she has to offer! (more…)

 An Open Letter to Phenomenal Girls Everywhere:  from Justina Chen Headley (author, North of Beautiful) 

A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine called me up in tears.  An acquaintance had commented on a photo my friend had uploaded on Facebook:  “You must have turned heads in your heyday.”

 ”Sweetie,” I said.  “You’re gorgeous!  Forget about it.” 

Right. How can we forget dings to our beauty -intentional or not-when we’ve been taught to care how people view us?  “Does my butt look big in this?”-a demand for reassurance disguised as a question.  “Do I look old?”-we ask the mirror, studying every cavernous pore and buying creams to combat wrinkles and age spots.  We count calories, we cut fat grams.  We wear our fat jeans on bloated days only to curse our fat genes because every day is a bloated day.  (more…)

How about a little show and tell story? This is a story about my hair, and it is a bit of a sob story. Here is my picture at the age of 2 in 1971 with my older sister, Monique, and younger brother, Eddie. Can you guess which one I am?

My sister has always had stunningly gorgeous, very dark brunette hair. She could wear it short, or easily grow it very long. She had just the perfect balance of waves and thickness.

In the early 80’s when the style was preppy, she could wear perfect wispy bangs and draw the rest back with a stylish pink and green ribbon headband. On lazy mornings, she could sweep it all up in a ponytail, simple and elegant.

When hair styles went bigger and wavier in the mid 80’s, she got a body wave perm. Monique could then style it any way she pleased: full and wavy, or blow dryer straight with curled ends. Yes, I thought my sister had the perfect hair, and I was always green with envy. (more…)

Bionic Beauty wrote a post yesterday asking what we were all up to on New Years Eve, “What are your plans tonight?”  Yes, the beauty blogger demographic really knows how to live it up, and isn’t this the greatest picture of Cyndi Lauper?

Wishing you all a safe and prosperous 2009, Happy New Year from the Team at Mythbuster Beauty!