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 how you know I’m all grown up and stuff.

So if you use this basic layout and just swap colors around you can run through your entire shadow collection without getting bored OR having to think too hard. And colors that you wouldn’t normally put together can be quite fetching once you start toying with them. For instance, this is green and pink and I have some blue right at the lash line.  A couple key points for something like this are: (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…)

When you think about it, combining a lash treatment with color really seems like a no brainer. Most of us would rather cut down on our prep time rather than add to it, and this is a handy liquid liner, disguised as a lash treatment!

I’ve been using DermaLash Color from DermaQuest Skin Therapy for about 2 months with reasonable regularity, almost every day or night. I received it in “Cocoa”, a nice brown that actually goes pretty well with a variety of colors. I’ve worn it with everything from blue to yellow and it impresses me every time. Who cares about that though, you want to know if it works! (more…)

Before I launch into my thoughts on the Garden Girl products, I just want to say that I love the fact that you can host a “Garden Party” in your home as well as simply purchasing these products online.  Just because someone is buying from a home party doesn’t mean they should be handed a bottle full of junk for twice what it’s worth. SO many home sales companies are offering little more than cheap fillers and harsh ingredients and I am so happy to see a responsible product in a setting that reaches so many more consumers. There aren’t too many consultants (yet, if you want in then do it now!) but you can have a sample party and still get some goodies for being a hostess while offering your friends some of this  paraben/petroleum/sulfate/phthalate free goodness.

Okay, that part of my fawning is over with, let’s move along….

I’m definitely not the first to get the word out about Garden Girl products, and Joycey Couture beat me to it over at Bionic Beauty, but I was pleased to read her review today and find that she had the same results I did…lots o’  love! (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.

(more…)

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…)

I used to be a total cosmetics snob. Only the best for me. I’d look down at all those cheap drugstore items and count my blessing that I could afford the “good stuff”. Well, that was back in my DINK (Double Income, No Kids) days and a lot has changed since then. Time, and my bank account, have taught me that sometimes you don’t really have to fork over a bundle to get a decent product. Sometimes the least expensive mass market products can work wonders compared to their uber-expensive counterparts.

But sometimes, cheaper is just, well, cheap. (more…)