MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'cosmetics'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:02:12 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159404&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2011%2F08%2F22%2F5-ways-to-reduce-animal-testing%2F Nicky wants to know…I’ve read your earlier posts on testing cosmetics on animals but I’m still worried that cosmetic companies abuse too many bunnies and such. The Right Brain replies: The Scientific Advisory Committee of the European Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (also known as ECVAM) have announced that there are 5 new methods of testing skin and eye irritation that previously had to be done on rabbits. That means that products like hand soaps, face creams, and make up (among many, many others) can now be safely formulated and tested with out harming a single hair on a hare. But it gets better: one test mimics human skin so well that it will COMPLETELY replace testing on rabbits. Two of the other tests can identify severe eye irritants which will eli... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159404 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:01:44 +0100 5159404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130885&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2011%2F08%2F14%2Fhow-can-you-tell-if-beauty-companies-are-green%2F Beauty Detective asks…What is the definition of a green product according to you? The Left Brain responds: As you know if you read our recent article on the Huffington Post, we don’t really believe there IS a good definition of a green product. (Or a “natural” or “organic” product for that matter.) The best definition we’ve seen involves the sustainability guidelines established by the  Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). How can you tell if a cosmetic company is sustainable? The GRI is a Netherlands-based organization that has established guidelines for companies who wish to report their impact on the environment. The report covers a number of factors that determine a product’s environmental impact including the following: Raw Materials (ch... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130885 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 06:01:00 +0100 5130885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028669&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2011%2F07%2F13%2Fshould-you-pre-poo-with-burts-bees%2F Tamar asks…Is there any real benefit to pre-pooing? I want to try products like Burts Bee’s Avocado Butter pre shampoo treatment, but i don’t want to waste my money. I’ve heard great things about it, but to me it would seem like I would just be washing out all of the beneficial ingredients. The Right Brain replies: First it was regular shampoo, then it was no poo ( washing your hair with conditioner), and now it’s pre-poo. What’s next post-poo? What is pre-poo? The idea of protecting your hair by loading it up with oily materials before shampooing actually makes some sense. (There’s a similar approach in skin care called “super-fatting.”) If you saturate the hair with oil, it will “overwhelm” your shampoo to some degree and ... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028669 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 05:05:07 +0100 5028669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997668&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2011%2F07%2F04%2Fdiy-cosmetics-for-4th-of-july%2F Happy Independence Day to all our American readers! To celebrate we’ll travel back in time and take a peek at cosmetic science around the time of the American Revolution. Do It Yourself Cosmetics If you’re interested in learning what life was like in colonial America, you can find an excellent summary at Fortklock.com; the details of how women made their own makeup was particularly fascinating. Believe me, they didn’t have much to work with! Here’s a quick comparison of colonial chemistry to our modern day magic. Lip color Then: Mix beet juice with lard. Now: Something in a nice pinkish-taupe like NARS Turkish Delight! Blush Then: Either pinch your cheeks or, for the cultured sophisticate, mix beet juice with talc or cornstarch. (Jeez, those colonials were really bi... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997668 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 06:01:47 +0100 4997668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4993007&cid=t_116949_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautyramp.com%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Expert beauty tips for applying makeupQuick tips to attract attention in party. Here are some gorgeous makeup tips to make you dazzle at any event. So, if you are planning to attend a party, just remember a few tips to look amazing and outstanding for the event. 1. EyelinerApplying brown or black eye liner makes the eye pop. If you apply eye liner of such shades then it adds depth to the eyes. It could add beauty to the eyes with an effective highlight. Applying them on the lash line adds warmth to the eyes. So, complete your eye makeup with eyeliner.2. CheeksA gel blush could be just perfect if you want to emphasize your cheekbones. Use fingers to apply it evenly on the cheeks. Applying blush to your cheeks will help in adding the glam factor. It is a perfect way to up... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4993007 Sat, 02 Jul 2011 10:50:35 +0100 4993007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4993016&cid=t_116949_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautyramp.com%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Experts SayThese tips will make your eyes look beautiful. To get that charm in your eyes that makes everyone spellbound just requires some attention. It is easy to get that look. Follow these make up tips from the best professionals in the make up industry and wait for the compliments: 1. Striking look: This look creates an instant impact. a. Apply some cream on the eyelids to get a smooth base for the eye shadow.b. Apply light pink colored eye shadow to cover the upper eye lid.c. Apply dark purple liner to highlight the lower eyelid. Choosing a dark color will help add magnetism to the eyes.d. Dark hues should be applied on the corners of the eyes only. Quick Tip: Use light eye shadow to get best result. 2. Long lasting impact look: This look can make you look outstan... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4993016 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:45:09 +0100 4993016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984719&cid=t_116949_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Applying EyeshadowChoose a color which will make your eyes pop. A perfect eye makeup completes your look for the day with an attractive touch. It is essential to select the correct eye make up which suits your eyes well. If you don’t apply eye makeup regularly, there is nothing to fear. Just remember the following steps to get a perfect eye make for the occasion: Cosmetics Required: 1. Primer cream 2. Eye shadow brush3. Eye shadow (for base)4. A dark eye shadow (for highlighting the eyelid)5. Mascara6. Eye liner7. Glitter (if want to add a shimmer)8. Cotton wool Applying Eye Shadow: 1. Clean your skin well before you start applying make up.2. Dampen the brush before you start.3. Apply some primer cream on the eyes to provide a soft and smooth base.4. Apply a bas... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984719 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:17:50 +0100 4984719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976227&cid=t_116949_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Choosing a FoundationFoundation makes the skin look even and shiny. The first step to apply makeup starts from applying foundation on the skin. It covers the skin well and makes it look even. It hides all the imperfections like scars, dark circles, and discolorations. Every individual has different sort of skin, and based on the skin tone makeup foundation must be selected. 1. Dry Skin Dry Skin FoundationUse liquid foundation for dry skin. Skin appears to be dull and lifeless in such a case. This happens because the skin lacks moisture. For such a skin type, select a foundation which has a moisturizer in it. It will help in making skin even and well moisturized without looking stretched. Liquid foundation is perfect for such skin type. Don’t apply powder as it will... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976227 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:26:48 +0100 4976227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976229&cid=t_116949_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Blue eyesAlways select eye shadow that enhances depth of the eyes. The best makeup tips for any eye color is just to select a color that can enhance the depth of the eyes and make them vibrant and lively. Same goes for beautiful blue colored eyes.There are several shades of blue and selecting an eye shadow depends on the color your eyes are. 1. Light blue: It is the lightest shade of blue. For this kind of eye color it is preferred to use light shadows to make your eyes attractive. Dark liner can be used on the edges of the eyes to give that stunning look.2. Deep dark blue: Shades of golden and mauve go well with this eye color. You can use dark shades like royal blue eye shadow to highlight the eyes. All color eye shadow varying from light to dark compliment the e... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976229 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:30:34 +0100 4976229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976231&cid=t_116949_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Green eyesFollow our make up tips and make your eyes sparkle. When it comes to eye makeup for green eyes, there is a lot you can do for a mesmerizing effect. Play with colors, the impact will be wonderful and real. There are many shades of green. First you have to determine your eyes fall in which category to make it simpler to select the right color eye shadow. 1. Deep green eyes: This is the darkest shade of green and the color that reminds us of a forest. For this shade, any eye shadow looks amazing. Darker shades like violet and purple suit this eye color beautifully. 2. Soft green: This is the lightest shade of green eye color. This kind of eye color gives an impression of mystery. Avoiding darker shades for this soft green color eyes is the best option. Go for s... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976231 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:14:37 +0100 4976231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976232&cid=t_116949_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Smokey eyesGet the perfect look with this dramatic eye make up. Do you have a desire to give your eyes the same smoky look that your favorite celebrity was spotted carrying on the red carpet? It is not at all tough as there are simple steps to get that sexy eye makeup. Complexity Level: Easy Time Required: 15 minutes Resources Required: a. A matte black baseb. Black powdered eye shadowc. A matte highlighter (preferably matching your skin color)d. Other highlighter of gray colore. Black eye kohlf. A silver eye shadow to add shimmery look to eyes (optional)g. A blending brush for black eye shadow and highlight colors Procedure1.Pick up a flat brush and dab it in the matte black base.2. Apply it on the base of the eye from the inner portion of your eyelid. Do it well ... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976232 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:30:03 +0100 4976232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976234&cid=t_116949_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Green Eye ShadowIt’s the latest trend in fashion. Your eyes do talk. Using a perfect eye shadow to highlight your eyes completes your make up. Use of green eye shadow is the latest trend and makes you sparkle for the day. You can apply green eye shadow with a pink or golden base. Both colors go well with green and it gives an outstanding look. Follow these simple steps to apply green eye shadow to make your eyes dazzle: Applying Green Eye Shadow Green Eye Shadow 2Quick tips to apply Green eye shadow. 1. Clean your skin around the eyes before you start applying make up on eyes.2. Dampen the brush with some droplets of water before you start.3. Apply some cream on the eyes to provide a soft and smooth base.4. Apply golden eye shadow in less quantity with the brus... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976234 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:45:29 +0100 4976234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968936&cid=t_116949_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Make up 4Apply moisturizer as it binds the moisture to the skin giving it a smooth look. Different skin tones demand different make up. Use these few handy tips before applying the makeup and then you are ready to dazzle for the world! 1. Moisturizer Don’t forget to apply the correct moisturizer as it binds moisture to the skin giving it a smooth look. Moisturizer makes your skin soft, silky, and lively. It acts as base for the makeup you are about to put on. 2. ConcealerIt is applied to give a flawless complexion to the skin. It hides all unwanted spots and dark circles on the skin. The concealer should always be selected according to the skin type. Concealer appears gray or ashy on dark complexioned people. So, they can opt for golden or orange undertones to balanc... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968936 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:54:13 +0100 4968936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960344&cid=t_116949_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2F Sonal Bahuguna: PerfumesFragrance is the essence of life. Fragrance is the essence of life. Who doesn’t want to enjoy a pleasant odor throughout the day? It increases confidence levels and improves concentration. Fragrance changes the aura completely and enhances the spirit. We all use perfumes but the fragrance doesn’t last for long. The following tips are useful for holding the fragrance of your perfume for a longer time: 1. Perfume should be always applied on clean skin. The most appropriate time to apply perfume is just after shower because at that time the pores are open and the body is moisturized, as a result the perfume easily gets absorbed in these pores. And the fragrance stays for a longer time. 2. Scent should be applied in layers. You can opt for soaps, body... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960344 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:45:57 +0100 4960344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960195&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2011%2F06%2F22%2Fis-amla-powder-good-for-hair%2F Celeste asks…What is Amla powder and what does it do for hair? The Right Brain replies: Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a fruit from the myrobalan-tree which is native to India and Burma. Like its cousin the North American gooseberry, amla fruit is edible with tart citrusy flavor.  Amla is allegedly high in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tannins which give it high antioxidant strength.  Amla also contains flavonoids, kaempferol, ellagic acid and gallic acid. Preliminary medical research has shown Amla potentially provides a surprising variety of benefits including antiviral and antimicrobial properties; prevention of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, activity against some cancers; reduced severity of acute pancreatitis, age-related renal disease, and diabetes; and ... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960195 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 06:01:18 +0100 4960195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952952&cid=t_116949_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fscience-across-the-spectrum.html Penrose, Escher, back – M.C. Escher‘s famously paradoxical illustration of 1960 depicting a stairway atop an “impossible” building, and made famous recently in a dreamscape of the Hollywood movie “Inception“, that seems to ascend or descend interminably is a good example of how projecting our 3D world into two dimensions in artwork can be exploited to manipulate our perceptions. The stairway was originally conceived by father and son team Lionel and Roger Penrose in 1959. Now, Japanese chemists have reconstructed the illusion using a single molecule. Yet another source of antioxidants, in the trees – Researchers in France explain how several species of poplar tree have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties. They h... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952952 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 07:16:06 +0100 4952952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934521&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2011%2F06%2F12%2Fblush-science-101%2F Shirley from WebMD asked us a series of questions about blush ingredients for WebMD’s series on “Decoding” cosmetics. The Left Brain responds: 1.  What are the basic types of ingredients in blush, (powder, cream, gel, liquid, mineral powder, etc.)? Blush has a variety of ingredients including colorants, extenders, perfumes, preservatives, feel enhancers, oil absorbers, binding agents, spreading agents, and base powders. 2.  How do these ingredients work to bring that flush to your cheeks? There are 2 types of colorants.  One type provides the color, the other masks your natural color.  Things like mica and titanium dioxide can block out your natural color and allow the cosmetic color to be more noticeable. 3.  What are the differences in ingredients and form... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934521 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 06:01:02 +0100 4934521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4554686&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2011%2F03%2F06%2Fis-body-butter-making-my-skin-fall-off-2%2F Beauty Chick needs help… Sometimes when I apply my Tahitian Noni Moea Spa body butter, it seems to roll right off in nasty little balls. Is this the cream’s fault, or is it my dry skin coming loose and rolling off (ew)? Either way, what is a good solution to preventing this? The Right Brain replies: It seems unlikely that you’re stripping off enough dead skin to form nasty little balls, especially if you’ve just towel dried your skin after a shower. So, our guess is that it’s the product’s fault. What causes “skin balls?” Products that contain a high proportion of oils don’t mix with water very well. When you put a product like that on damp skin, the oily materials can’t get absorbed into the skin and so they can slough off in lit... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4554686 Sun, 06 Mar 2011 06:01:47 +0100 4554686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133807&cid=t_116949_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSciencebaseScienceBlog%2F%7E3%2FuyWyzE7plmY%2Flatest-science-snippets-2.html Shampoo in your eyes – Botanical extracts added to shampoos almost never do anything at all and are usually  there purely and simply to make the product look more natural.   They are used at very low levels indeed. Expensive shampoo is a waste of money as is the cheap stuff you buy by the gallon. Supermarket own brands are fine, apparently. Free scientific calculator – Red Crab is a free and portable calculator for Windows that is perfectly suitable for complex algebraic equations like fractions, square roots, exponents and a lot more. The best option to take a look at the calculator’s capabilities is to load a few of the demo projects that ship with the download. First all-digital science textbook will be free – Within two and a half years, the E.O. ... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133807 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:00:04 +0100 4133807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784322&cid=t_116949_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F23%2Fthe-toxic-situation-of-cosmetics%2F From the storyofstuffproject: The Story of Cosmetics, released on July 21st, 2010, examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo. Produced with Free Range Studios and hosted by Annie Leonard, the seven-minute film by The Story of Stuff Project reveals the implications for consumer and worker health and the environment, and outlines ways we can move the industry away from hazardous chemicals and towards safer alternatives. The film concludes with a call for viewers to support legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of cosmetics and personal care products. * * * * * * For a sample of related Situationist posts, see “Our Carcinogenic Situation,” “The Situation of Bottled Water,” “‘Flow&#8... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784322 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:01:57 +0100 3784322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740785&cid=t_116949_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-hasnt-changed-my-love-of-lipstick%2F This week, NBC Nightly News reported on an expert panel in San Francisco looking into the connection between environment and breast cancer risk. Things like pesticides and chemicals in water bottles are a concern, but to date there is no concrete evidence linking the incidence of cancer to the environment. Fortunately, experts are not about to give up — they will continue to research all aspects of environmental risks and breast cancer development. The news report also included a brief discussion about the chemicals in makeup. I love wearing makeup. By age 14, my friends and I were really into makeup. My mom is one of those women who never left the house without her hair and face done, so it was inevitable that she would influence me to have a love of lipstick, blush, and eye shadow. Alm... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740785 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:53:54 +0100 3740785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695532&cid=t_116949_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Feco-friendly-beauty-products-wash-your-face-with-bamboo-not-water%2F photo from Eco Salon As Eco Salon points out, you’d be hard pressed to find a girl who cares about the environment, but doesn’t care at all about how her skin looks. That’s where Kaia Naturals’ Bamboo Facial Cleanser Cloths come in. These eco-friendly beauty bombshells are made from 100% soft, sustainable bamboo, and contain cleanser, toner, and eye makeup remover – and they don’t require water. Here’s what the cloths don’t contain: alcohol, synthetic fragrances, parabens, or sulfates. Where can you get these supposedly miracle wipes? Why, right here. via Eco Salon Post from: BlissTree Eco-Friendly Beauty Products: Wash Your Face With Bamboo, Not Water (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695532 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:49:35 +0100 3695532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3566698&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2010%2F05%2F15%2Fhow-does-waterproof-mascara-work%2F Liz loves lovely eyes so she asks… How do waterproof mascaras work? The Right Brain’s Raccoon Eyed Response: Before we talk about waterproof mascara, go read our description of how mascaras work so you understand the basics. Did you read it? Come on, did you REALLY read it? OK, that’s better. Wet or wild? It’s easy to make a product like a mascara or a hairspray that is completely waterproof – you formulate it with ingredients that aren’t soluble in water and you leave out the detergent type ingredients that make it water washable. The problem with this kind of formula is that it would be really hard to wash off. The trick to making mascaras waterproof is to balance the oil and water soluble ingredients in the formula to give good resistance to water w... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3566698 Sat, 15 May 2010 14:00:34 +0100 3566698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560177&cid=t_116949_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fhealth-department-whats-really-in-your-perfume%2F photo: Thinkstock At Blisstree, we like to smell as delightful as the next woman, but we haven’t put that much thought into what’s in the perfume we spritz on every morning. Have you? We all should, according a report from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Rather than list specific chemicals on bottles of perfume, many perfumes just list the ingredient, “fragrance.” This is like ingredients in your favorite soup being listed as “food.” Looking at a sample of 17 popular perfumes, it was found that each had an average of 14 unlisted ingredients in them. In fact, the 17 fragrances contained an average of ten chemical sensitizers each, which can trigger allergies, asthma, headaches, and dermatitis when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Food manufacturer... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560177 Thu, 13 May 2010 15:43:09 +0100 3560177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515503&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2010%2F04%2F29%2Fhow-can-you-preserve-diy-cosmetics%2F Ejogo inquires…I’m working on a product for my hair which is thin and I find that using the egg with other products works but after a few weeks, it goes bad. What chemical can I use to keep it from going spoiled but doesn’t damage my hair? Any help is greatly appreciated. The Right Brain responds: As we’ve pointed out in previous posts on preservative free products,  you could be in for a world of hurt if you’re using unpreserved cosmetics. This is especially true for products based on eggs (nature’s perfect nutrient) because they provide such a good nutrient base for bacteria to thrive on. If you mix your own product and use it while it’s fresh you’re less likely to have any problems. But if you have any “left overs” you’... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515503 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:01:06 +0100 3515503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322490&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2010%2F03%2F02%2Fquick-drying-nail-polish-science%2F We’ve blogged before about nail polishes so we thought you might be interested in this video from Joanne the Science Goddess that shows the differences between quick drying and long lasting nail polishes. It’s always fun to watch cosmetics catch on fire! (Source: thebeautybrains.com) thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322490 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:05:27 +0100 3322490 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251285&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2010%2F02%2F08%2Fbeauty-science-for-valentines-day%2F Today’s post is a shout out for anyone looking for a good Valentines Day present for their beauty-obsessed, science-geeky gal pals. Flowers and candy are always nice on Valentines Day, but, being chemists, the Beauty Brains also like presents that combine two of our favorite hobbies (beauty science and kissing.) Like this “Make Your Own Lip Balm Kit!” It’s got everything you need to build your own lip lock laboratory of love – including skin-softening emollients, yummy flavors, and other ingredients that we talked about in our post on how lip gloss works. Have you tried any DIY cosmetic kits? Leave a comment and share with the rest of the Beauty Brains community. (Source: thebeautybrains.com) thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251285 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:25:19 +0100 3251285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3204990&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2010%2F01%2F25%2Fwhats-the-best-way-to-apply-sunscreen%2F Kelly’s question…I wanted to see if you might have an answer for me about sunscreen and how to apply it. Forever, I have been told that you apply your products first – eye cream, serums, moisturizer and then your sunscreen is the last step before your makeup. Yesterday, on another well respected blog, Dr. Schultz from Derm TV, suggested that your sunscreen should go on first so it is closest to the skin and can be effective. He suggests that you skip serums in the morning, as they aren’t likely to work as intended. He also suggested that you apply products from the thinnest to the heaviest. Protecting my skin from the sun is my primary concern and if I am not using the products correctly or making them ineffective, I want to know the right way! The Left Brain’... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3204990 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:01:42 +0100 3204990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193840&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2010%2F01%2F21%2Fbath-bombs-how-to-diy%2F After our post on the Top 5 Bath Bombs, we had a follow up question about how many bath bombs would it take to make you float in your tub. Since then we’ve had several emails asking how you can make your own bath bombs.  There’s a ton of info on the web, so to save you the trouble of Googling yourself (that sounds dirty, but it’s not) we thought we’d list our favorite sources for Bath Bomb DIY info. Build your own bath bombs Teach Soap has a nice description of the ingredients and how to mix them but they’re a bit sketchy on details for the molding process. Better Homes and Garden’s version is good, but not great, mainly because it lacks pictures. CSIRO has a nice, simple version for kids that also provides some basic science background. Not Martha is ... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193840 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:01:29 +0100 3193840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3136632&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2010%2F01%2F02%2Fwhy-does-shampoo-stop-working-after-awhile%2F Tammy’s request…It seems I have to change my shampoo all the time because my hair gets used to it. Why is this? The Right Brain Responds: A lot of people complain that their shampoo “stops working” or that their hair “gets immune” to it and they have to change. Hair care researchers have looked into this question but have never been able to find any solid scientific reason that this should happen. But, as usual, we have a theory: Shampoo burnout? Many shampoos contain some level of condtioning agents. Back in the day, unless your shampoo was a “2-in-1″, it was not generally capable of depositing any conditioning ingredients on your hair. But today, that the 2 in 1 (shampoo plus conditioner) technology has found its way into moisturizing sham... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3136632 Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0100 3136632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3015371&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F11%2F21%2Fare-photofacials-worth-the-cost%2F Amy asks…I was wondering about photofacials. Are they either effective, worth it, or a good idea? The Right Brain responds: Effective? Yes, at least to some extent. Worth it? Maybe, if you can afford several thousand dollars and can wait a few months for results. Good idea? Read on and decide for yourself. Lasers have been used for decades to “burn” away upper layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They also have had some application in the treatment of acne and spider veins. Click here for a detailed description of the benefits and risks of laser skin resurfacing. In recent years, the FDA has approved “N-Lite” laser therapy for treatment of crow’s feat. This type of laser uses a specific frequency of light that stimlates collagen pro... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3015371 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:01:01 +0100 3015371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2995715&cid=t_116949_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fnaturally-fresh-crystal-deodorant-review%2F I am almost embarrassed to post this review, but it’s for one of those products that I wonder why I had never heard of it before I stumbled across it on some crunchy blog somewhere. It’s the Naturally Fresh Crystal Deodorant. Once I became pregnant and then became a nursing mother, I became increasingly concerned about the products I use and the chemicals they contain. This deodorant contains natural mineral salts and ammonium alum and checks out well on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. It’s important to note that this product is a deodorant and not an anti-perspirant. While you might still sweat, the crystal provides a natural barrier against odor-causing bacteria. You simply moisten the stone (or apply it to wet armpits after a showe... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2995715 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:54:06 +0100 2995715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920336&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F10%2F23%2Fchic-clicks-the-best-of-this-weeks-beauty-blogs-26%2F In this week’s Chic Clicks, one of our favorite beauty blogs dares to invoke Gilligan’s Island. Yes, that’s right – we said Gilligan’s Island. Happy clicking! Shoes, stilettos, patricia field and more are featured in “the high heel” a new short video on Girlawhirl. StyleBakery hunts for chic riding boots that aren’t too tall. SheZoom features up and coming fashion designer Jenny Galluzzo as she releases her new line of timeless fashion inspired by her Grandmother, Jackie O, and Mrs. Howell (a.k.a. “Lovey” on Gilligan’s Island). SeenON! wants you to shop their Cosmo’s Sexiest Beauty Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To Looking Gorgeous. The contest ends Tuesday, so enter today! StyleList finds fall sweaters for all shapes. Are you baffled b... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920336 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:01:49 +0100 2920336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2682010&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F08%2F08%2Ftoo-many-shampoos-revisited%2F The Right Brain returns: In our post on “Too Many Shampoo Choices” we quoted Rob Fisher’s blog. Rob came back with some excellent comments clarifying his earlier rant. Rather than keep his points buried in the comments section, we thought we’d followup with another post. Take it away Rob: Are there too many choices? It was fun to find my article mentioned here and read your comments, so I thought I would respond. In answer to each of your comments: 1) There are too many choices if you just want to buy some shampoo quickly, but don’t want to end up with your hair accidentally volumised or something. Of course, if you really care about getting the best possible product there can *never* be too much choice. To turn it around, I think there can never be too many ... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2682010 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 06:01:34 +0100 2682010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2649123&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F07%2F29%2F78%2F Cynical Girl sez…I have over-highlighted my hair and it’s fried. The salon recommended a Redken All Softconditioning treatment and another Redken protein treatment. Will any of these products really make a difference, or do I just need to cut off the damaged ends of my hair? Is it possible to add too much moisture or protein to my hair? Any risks? The Right Brain replies: Cynical Girl – it looks like you’ve committed the cardinal sin of chemically caring for your hair: you over-processed. But, rather than publicly berating you here on the Beauty Brains blog, we’ll give you some information that will help save your hair. Is protein powerful? Your stylist recommended a couple of Redkin products. There’s certainly nothing wrong with using those – the... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2649123 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:01:52 +0100 2649123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424274&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F05%2F20%2Fwho-wants-to-get-tan-without-cancer-concerns%2F Mid Brain muses: According to this article, the Fake Bake sunless tanning market is hot. Over the last few years major skin care manufacturers have discovered how to combine a skin moisturizer with a sunless tanner to make an effective light sunless tanner that gives a steady color change. These new tech products prevent the streaking effect that has been a major drawback of traditional sunless tanners. They also provide daily moisturization so there’s a reason to use them everyday. You get healthy skin and a natural looking color. How do sunless tanners work? To understand sunless tanning it is helpful to have a simple understanding of skin structure. Skin is made up of two primary layers, the dermis and the epidermis. The dermis is the inside layers of the skin where all the blood... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424274 Wed, 20 May 2009 06:01:22 +0100 2424274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398952&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F05%2F09%2Fmore-natural-cosmetic-nonsense%2F Left Brain laments: I just read an excellent article on the Daily Mail about whether natural cosmetics are really better for you or not. The author raises some excellent points that seem completely ignored by cosmetic & personal care marketers who want to convince you that “natural is better.” Naturally Nefarious Of course natural things like lead, radiation, and snake venom are bad for you, but did you know the following have all been demonstrated through scientific studies… 1. Soya bean emollient (derived from soybeans) mimics the effect of estrogen in the body. This is the same thing that Parabens are said to do and which makes them “dangerous”. 2. Olive Oil on skin slows the recovery time of damaged skin. 3. Lavender Oil & Tea Tree oil can cause... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398952 Sat, 09 May 2009 15:13:39 +0100 2398952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376405&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F04%2F27%2Fwill-heat-ruin-your-hair-products%2F Q questions… I usually buy the big 750 ml pump bottles from Tigi’s hair care line. Because they are so big I have to leave them standing on the floor, but I am worried if the under floor heating system might ruin the product or some of the ingredients? Left Brain gives the lowdown: An excellent question especially considering the amount of money you are putting out for Tigi hair products.   The short answer is YES, you could be damaging the product. It’s better to store your personal care products at room temperature (72 F or 25 C) and in a dark cabinet. The reason is related to product stability. Cosmetic Stability As part of the product creation process, cosmetic chemists perform stability tests to ensure that the product you buy & take home will be the same as when it fir... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376405 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:48:17 +0100 2376405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349005&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F04%2F16%2Fbaby-shampoos-are-safer-than-soup%2F Mid Brain muses: It’s refreshing to see the mainstream press actually get the science right in their stories once in a while. So kudos to Joe Schwarcz of The Gazette on his excellent piece on the subject of cancer causing ingredients in baby shampoos. We blogged about this in our post on Lil Rinser. But Joe took it a step further and did an outstanding job of debunking claims by one of the top NGOs, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. (NGO for those of you not in the know, stands for Non-Governmental Organization.) The dose makes the poison Joe very aptly pointed out that the ingredients that the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics feared the most are not likely to be of concern at the levels used in cosmetic products. Specifically he mentioned formaldehyde and dioxane. He accurately noted the fo... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349005 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:01:19 +0100 2349005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258805&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F03%2F09%2Fbeauty-research-can-a-cellulite-cream-help-me-lose-weight%2F Heidi Has A Question…Can I lose weight by using an anti-cellulite cream? If so, will it work on any fat or just on the parts of the body with cellulite? The Right Brain Responds: Heidi, I’m afraid that anti-cellulite creams are NOT an effective weight loss treatment. In fact, there’s no solid scientific evidence to show that they do much of anything at all. What is cellulite? Despite what you might be told at a spa, cellulite is not some special medical condition. Although its dimpled appearance (seen frequently on thighs and buttocks) is disturbing, cellulite is really just a type of body fat. For that reason, there has been little published in the peer reviewed medical journals. Does anything really work? But what about all the products marketed as cellulite reducers - ... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258805 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:01:08 +0100 2258805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2147508&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F01%2F31%2Ftop-5-reasons-skin-care-products-stop-working%2F Deetopia…I’m always curious about this. Few days ago, my friend was complaining that she needs to change her skincares since it’s no longer working on her skin. It made me curious. Can skincare actually stop working? Can our skin become immune to the skincare we use? Is that possible? The Right Brain responds: As the Left Brain pointed out in the discussion in our Forum, we couldn’t find any scientific studies that definitely answer your question. So, we’ll do the next best thing - speculate! Here are 5 possible factors that could contribute to the perception that skin care products stop working. (And thanks to Judy and Purple Rules for adding their comments on the subject!) 1. Skin reacts differently to products over time We’ve blogged before about how... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2147508 Sat, 31 Jan 2009 06:01:03 +0100 2147508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2080990&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F01%2F06%2Fdo-you-make-this-mistake-when-applying-cosmetics%2F Sandy Says: On the back of my daily cleanser (Alpha Hydrox Nourishing Cleanser to be specific) it instructs to apply with an “upward motion”. Is there any actual reason for this, or was it just thrown in to seem more “special”? Should I be applying other products in a certain direction/motion? The Right Brain Responds: We aren’t aware of any real scientific need to apply facial cleansers with an upward motion. Our guess is that it’s marketing speak to make the product sound more special. Maybe they think that since gravity drags your skin down (making it saggy and wrinkled) you can push your skin up to get rid of wrinkles. Who knows what they really mean? How You Apply Cosmetics Can Make A Difference Does your application technique ever make a difference... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2080990 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:01:24 +0100 2080990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2035526&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F12%2F13%2Fare-your-cosmetics-left-or-right-handed%2F Lisa’s curious about chirality: I recently learned about products that are chiral. They do sound more beneficial (since I now understand chirality), but does that necessarily mean that the other products that don’t claim to be chiral are no good? The Left Brain’s leftist reply: You must be taking Organic Chemistry right now if you’ve learned what chirality means. It’s an interesting concept and one that this particular Beauty Brain had a difficult time grasping. Let me explain for the benefit of the rest of our community. What is chirality? Chirality essentially means that an object can’t be superimposed on its own mirror image. The easiest way to think about it is to look at your hands. They’re the same size and shape, right? But you can’t put your left han... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2035526 Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:01:54 +0100 2035526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2013555&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F12%2F05%2Flegitimate-eyelash-growth-enhancer-coming-to-a-store-near-you%2F Remember back when the Beauty Brains told you about a company developing a legitimate product for improving eyelash growth?  Well, that product is one step closer to reality, now that the FDA has confirmed a bimatoprost derivative appears to increase eyelash length and thickness. (You can read the entire 108 page report here). Eyelash Growth Proof In the study cited by the FDA, 78% of people showed an improvement versus 18% of people using a placebo control.  Also, only 4 subjects in the 278 person trial reported eye problems.  This is the kind of evidence that was lacking with the Jan Marini Eyelash product.  The fact that bimatoprost was a patented ingredient by Allergan also had something to do with Jan Marini’s troubles. When Can you get Latisse? Allergan still has some hoops... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2013555 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 06:14:01 +0100 2013555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1960511&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F11%2F15%2Fdont-mess-with-hormone-creams%2F The objective here is that I want the skin to absorb the hormone, but I don’t want the hormone to get into the body for circulation to other parts of the body.)Any assistance you could give would be much appreciated. The Left Brain’s Response About Mineral Oil and Hormones: You can certainly ask the pharmacist to put your prescription into your regular cream, but we highly doubt that he or she will comply. While mineral oil may not be a problem (it’s a common ingredient in many cosmetic and medicinal bases) there are other factors to consider. The other ingredients in the formula can affect how well the active ingredient does or doesn’t penetrate your skin. Changing from the cream base that your Rx designates to an untested cream base could render your prescription ... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1960511 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:01:55 +0100 1960511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1943279&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F11%2F07%2Fsize-does-matter-for-hair-care-ingredients%2F Maddie’s A Mad Scientist…You really got me into looking into my beauty products. The thing is that I’m also a chemist and a pharmacologist, so I do get a kick out of “hunting down the molecules” of my beauty products… there’s only one problem, I need some facts!! How small does a molecule have to be to effectively penetrate the hair’s cuticle and how large does it have to be to be able to effectively form films on my hair strands? The Right Brain’s Right With Her: Thanks for the question Maddie. It’s especially rewarding to know that some of our readers have a scientific background. Your question is not a simple one to answer hair penetration is not soley related to the size of the molecule. Size does matter (if you catch our dri... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1943279 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 04:38:24 +0100 1943279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1860605&cid=t_116949_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F08%2Ffda-issues-a-warning-letter-to-labcorp-regarding-the-illegal-marketing-of-the-ovasure%25e2%2584%25a2-test%2F On September 29, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety (OIVD), Center for Devices and Radiological Health, issued a warning letter (FDA Warning Letter) to the Chief Executive Officer of the Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) regarding the illegal marketing of the OvaSure™ ovarian cancer [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1860605 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:39:45 +0100 1860605 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1829059&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F09%2F25%2Fhow-does-aquacurrent-science-work-on-skin-and-hair%2F Mixed Vibe is mixed up: I have just stumbled upon Aquacurrentscience.com by P&G; I also did a quick research on aquaporins at wikipedia, but neither the website nor wikipedia reveal how easy it is for a product (Panthene, Olay, and Secret, for instance) to have any effect on aquaporins as to improve moisture in hair and skin claim. Can my favorite nerds (hope i’m not insulting anyone) give me a good explanation on the mechanics behind Aquacurrent science and how it affects aquaporins as to induce greater results when it comes to hydrating skin and hair?  The RIght Brain responds: Actually, MV, we revel in our Nerdness, so certainly no insult there! All about aquaporins If you looked it up on Wikipedia, then you already know that aquaporins are proteins that selectively conduct ... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1829059 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:01:39 +0100 1829059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815192&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F09%2F22%2Fhow-does-oil-free-moisturizer-work%2F Pas71 is perplexed: How does oil free moisturizer work? The Right Brain replies: Pas’ question came to us as comment in our recent post on our post on Which Is A Better Moisturizer: Oil or Water? and we thought it would make an excellent follow-up post.  Ordinary oil According to Wikipedia, an oil is defined as follows: An oil is a substance that is in a viscous liquid state (”oily”) at ambient temperatures or slightly warmer, and is both hydrophobic (immiscible with water) and lipophilic (miscible with other oils, literally). This general definition includes compound classes with otherwise unrelated chemical structures, properties, and uses, including vegetable oils, petrochemical oils, and volatile essential oils. Oil is a nonpolar substance. Functionally speaking, o... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815192 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:01:00 +0100 1815192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1802613&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F09%2F17%2Fhow-does-jk-jemma-kidd-lip-gloss-change-color%2F Pam is perplexed: I read a review about a lipgloss that adapts to your natural lip color. It’s called JK Jemma Kidd Lip ID color adapt gloss. Does this really work? The Right Brain replies: The quick answer is “sort of.” For the detailed response, we’ll have to descend into the Stygian depths of supermodel hell… JK is for Jemma Kidd, not JK Rowling For those of you who haven’t graduated from Catwalk College, Jemma Kid is a former runway model who now has her own line of makeup. One of her products is ID Color-Adapt Lip Gloss. Here’s what Target’s website says about this miracle product: Innovative hitech formula reacts to natural lip PH for a completely individual, perfect color match, Nontacky and hydrating; glides on transparent and colo... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1802613 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:01:15 +0100 1802613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1645831&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F07%2F23%2Fthe-10-strangest-ingredients-used-in-cosmetics%2F 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 10. Placenta - The life giving uterus lining expelled after birth has been used in some beauty care products for years. Various manufacturers claim it helps stimulate tissue growth, reduces wrinkles and is good for your hair. Unfortunately, none of those claims have ever been proven. 9. Whale vomit - This material called Ambergris is useful as a fixative in perfumes. It has a sweet, earthy odor and is usually found washed up on a beach in South America or Australia. It h... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1645831 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:15:11 +0100 1645831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1531068&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F06%2F19%2Fam-i-in-danger-from-exploding-hairspray%2F Boolean’s sizzling science question: I know some cosmetics, especially aerosols, come with recommended storage temperatures. (I suppose there’s a possibility that high heat may melt the product, denature certain molecules, or drive undesirable reactions. I don’t know whether some bulk shipment containers for cosmetics are temperature controlled but if you order something online, the product is bound to spend at least one day in the back of a hot UPS truck. Since I live in Texas and the temperature inside a closed vehicle can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, I was wondering if most cosmetic formulas were thermally stable enough to spend a few days in transit without alteration. Also since most aerosols warn consumers not to store at temperatures above 120 degrees Fahren... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1531068 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:01:18 +0100 1531068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1480576&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F05%2F30%2Fdo-curling-shampoos-really-work%2F Charlotte Comments: I’d love to believe that those curling shampoos will really shape my thick hair. What do the Brain’s Believe? The Right Brain Responds: Well, Charlotte, this is an easy one. Curling shampoos do NOT make your hair curly. In fact, if you read the labels carefully, some of them don’t even SAY they’ll make your hair curly! Let’s take a look, shall we? What do curling shampoos claim? Even the most flagrant offender of the truth, Wash n’ Curl shampoo, only IMPLIES that it will make your hair curly just from shampooing. Read the label carefully - it says it provides “the most beautiful curls with body, bounce and resilience after styling.” Well, duh! If the shampoo only makes your hair curly AFTER you style it, it’s not rea... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1480576 Fri, 30 May 2008 20:54:13 +0100 1480576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1432326&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F05%2F09%2Ften-cosmetic-products-that-really-work%2F In conclusion, I’m sorry that you feel our site is negative and depressing. But I’d rather tell you the straight truth about cosmetics and have you leave the Beauty Brains community than let you go on thinking that all the advertising you read about cosmetics is true. Hopefully you’ll continue reading so we can help you be a smarter shopper. Thanks for your question. (Source: thebeautybrains.com) thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1432326 Fri, 09 May 2008 12:03:46 +0100 1432326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1315337&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F03%2F20%2Fis-menthol-lip-balm-bad-for-you%2F Today’s question and answer post is brought to us by Forebrain, the newest lobe of the Beauty Brains. Please join us in welcoming Forebrain to the Beauty Brains community! Michelle’s menthol madness: I heard from a friend that the menthol in products, such as lip balm and face wash, is actually irritating, and the tingling effect that one feels is your face or lips or whatever getting chapped. I figure that menthol can irritate your skin, but is it really harmful to the skin? Forebrain’s inaugural response: Your friend is only partially right. Menthol may sometimes be irritating, but the cooling sensation that you feel when you use menthol-containing lip balm or facewash is not because your skin is getting chapped. The sensation is actually caused by the effect of the menthol on your... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1315337 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:01:21 +0100 1315337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1265171&cid=t_116949_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F242802175%2Fnanocosmetics-really.html As I'm sure every student remembers, when you're in the middle of studying for a test, you often end up doing the most counter-intuitive thing to studying: you surf the net in search of... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1265171 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:20:28 +0100 1265171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1169545&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2008%2F01%2F23%2Fis-clinique-careful-about-their-packaging%2F Kimmi is careful: Is it true that tub-style skincare packaging can become contaminated with bacteria? If so, then why don’t more companies package their products in tubes or bottles? The Right Brain responds: Yes Kimmi, it’s true that any product packed in a tub is more prone to bacterial contamination. To a large extent, that’s because you dip your fingers into the tub so any bug living on your skin can be transferred to the product. That doesn’t happen with tubes. The good news is that the preservatives used in most cosmetics will keep bacteria from growing. Of course, that means more “chemicals” like parabens must be added to the formula. But then again, preservatives need to be added to the product whether it’s sold in a tube or not (to provide protection during ... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1169545 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 05:01:15 +0100 1169545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1123222&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F12%2F31%2Fa-beauty-question-and-answer-year-in-review%2F The year’s end inspires reflection and anticipation. That’s why we here at the Beauty Brains have put together a list of some blog highlights of 2007. Most Popular Beauty Brains Posts Since most of our topics come from the Beauty Brains community, we never know which ones will rise to the top in terms of popularity. Here are the top 5 most visited posts of 2007. Dry shampoo and other weird ways to wash your hair. Top 10 Split End Busters. Is Meladerm a good Skin lightener? One Hour to Bigger Breasts. Celebrities Without Makeup. It seems our community is most interested in hair, skin lightening, bigger breasts and celebrity smearing. Or maybe that’s just reflective of the Internet in general. Eyelashes, Hair Growth and other Brains Controversies While the topics above may ... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1123222 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:11:02 +0100 1123222 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1070962&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F12%2F05%2Fare-your-cosmetics-left-or-right-handed%2F Lisa’s curious about chirality: I recently learned about products that are chiral. They do sound more beneficial (since I now understand chirality), but does that necessarily mean that the other products that don’t claim to be chiral are no good? The Left Brain’s leftist reply: You must be taking Organic Chemistry right now if you’ve learned what chirality means. It’s an interesting concept and one that this particular Beauty Brain had a difficult time grasping. Let me explain for the benefit of the rest of our community. What is chirality? Chirality essentially means that an object can’t be superimposed on its own mirror image. The easiest way to think about it is to look at your hands. They’re the same size and shape, right? But you can’t put your left han... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1070962 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:02:14 +0100 1070962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1068631&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F12%2F04%2Fhow-does-lip-gloss-work%2F Alicia asks: I work at an after school program for young women and we are having a makeover day (partly because I want them to try more natural looks than the traditional teenage racoon look they’ve all been sporting). Along with makeup tips, I wanted to teach them what are common ingredients in their makeup. So what is in lip gloss, mascara, and eye shadow? The Right Brain gets lippy: Good for you, Alicia. We love to help our community learn about cosmetics. You should find our previous posts on mascara, eye liner, and lip balm ingredients helpful. And here’s a brand new post on lip gloss, just for you! What is lip gloss Most lip glosses are in the form of a gel but some companies do make a stick or pomade version. Regardless of the form, these products are all designed to giv... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1068631 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:40:04 +0100 1068631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1032971&cid=t_116949_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F185927318%2F Today’s Chicago Tribune sings the praises of the “geek girl” and offers an overview of undiagnosed geek girlness in movies ranging from literary characters like Mary Bennett and Hermione (from Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter books) to The Truth About Cats and Dogs (”geek girl cult classic“), to Heather, who has Asperger Syndrome and who was recently on America’s Next Top Model. Time was when a girl with food stains on her shirt, spectacles on her nose and a passion for, say, theoretical physics or existentialist philosophy could, at best, be a big screen punch line or a sitcom sidekick. Well, that was then, this is now. With “Beauty and the Geek” for the first time featuring a female brainiac, and Heather the art nerd eating the beau... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1032971 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:30:48 +0100 1032971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=999421&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F11%2F02%2Fdiy-cosmetics-fun-with-fragrance%2F I’m not lucky like the other Beauty Brains because I don’t have access to a lab for making all the cosmetics my heart desires. However, here’s a kit from Thames & Kosmos that will appeal to budding perfumer in all of us. The Perfume Science kit is a mini-lab complete with a variety of perfume oils, mixing vessels and book explaining the basic science behind it all. The kit is uber-cute but be careful. I got some lavender oil on my hand and I’m still smelling it 2 days later. Where do YOU find the best recipes for home-made cosmetics? Leave a comment and let the rest of the closet cosmetic chemists in the Beauty Brains community know about it. -Mid Brain (Source: thebeautybrains.com) thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=999421 Fri, 02 Nov 2007 06:24:06 +0100 999421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=942947&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F10%2F11%2Fare-cosmetic-pump-products-a-pleasure-or-a-pain%2F Jill is perturbed about pumps: When the pump dispenser for a product (Olay eye lifting serum, for instance) no longer dispenses, I usually take the pump cap off and extract the rest by hand. My husband calls this depression-era mentality, but there is often about a third of the volume still remaining, especially in small bottles, that the dispenser can’t reach. Why throw it away? Why do cosmetic manufacturers use the pump dispensers? Do they expect us to toss their product into landfills? Do the same products ever get sold in multiple containers? The Left Brain squeezes out this reply: I understand your frustration with some products that are dispensed with pumps. However, cosmetic companies are not necessarily trying to get you to waste product. In fact, most companies want you to p... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=942947 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 05:02:07 +0100 942947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=931173&cid=t_116949_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F165919010%2F Forget about the latest “bizarre” theory for what causes autism: The Daily Mail has the answer and it is cosmetics. Eye liner, hairspray, blush. Foundation, highlights in your hair, bronzer. Perfume, lipgloss, highlights in your hair………..all contain chemicals (chlorophenol, triclosan, phthalates, sodium laureth sulphate, propylene glycol, a dash of arsenic in your eyeshadow) that one needs to be detoxed from. Is beauty (and theories of autism causation) only skin deep…….. Photo courtesy of ilonanoli via Flickr. Share This (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=931173 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:59:54 +0100 931173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=875950&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F09%2F17%2Fare-sunless-tanners-safe%2F Victorio asks…are spray tanning booths safe? Also while you’re being sprayed there is a lot of residual mist that is being inadvertently inhaled is this dangerous to your lungs? Left Beauty Brain replies. Spray tanning booths use the same chemicals found in the sunless tanning sprays and creams that you can buy from your local grocery store (or chemist for our UK Beauty Brains). We’ve discussed how sunless tanning works in the past for those who are curious. But we didn’t say whether spray tanning booths were safe or not. That’s an interesting question. Sunless Tanning and DHA Sunless tanners take advantage of a browning chemical reaction between your skin proteins and a compound called DHA (Dihydroxyacetone). It’s actually pretty neat now that they&#821... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=875950 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:45:00 +0100 875950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=806526&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F08%2F18%2Fdont-be-tricked-by-cosmetic-ingredient-lists%2F In part 1 of this post Scatter Brain blogged on what you need to know about “Angel Dusting” a practice that involves adding very low levels of certain ingredients just to make the product more attractive to consumers. In part 2, she gives you tips on what do do about it. How to read an ingredient list So, how do we protect ourselves from paying for ingredients that are listed yet negligible? The answer is not that simple. First, find out if possible the therapeutic amount of the ingredient you want in a product. Then look on the product’s label at the order the ingredients are listed. The Federal Trade Commission mandates that ingredients on cosmetics must be listed in descending order of predominance. The higher on the list, the greater the likelihood the product contains a... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=806526 Sat, 18 Aug 2007 05:02:00 +0100 806526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=775302&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F08%2F02%2F5-ways-beauty-products-can-go-bad%2F Karen is quizzical: Do beauty products have expiration dates hidden on the package? Whenever I see a great deal for an expensive beauty product on eBay or at a discount store like Marshalls, I wonder if the product has expired and is no longer as effective. The Right Brain responds: There’s no way to tell if a cosmetic has expired just by looking at the package, but we can tell you what to look for when products go bad. What can go bad with beauty products? Changes in odor Fragrances are made of dozens of different ingredients that can react with the rest of the product. It’s not surprising then, that the fragrance is often the first thing to go bad. A little fragrance fading is totally normal, but if you detect a sour or rancid odor it may be a signal that something is seriously wron... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=775302 Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:38:06 +0100 775302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=723144&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F07%2F10%2Fwhy-smashbox-should-be-ashamed-of-o-glow-blush%2F Tamara’s Intrigued: Smashbox’s O-Glow gel claims to generate a natural blushing effect by stimulating skin circulation. I’m intrigued, but the thought of intentionally inflaming my cheeks with a foreign substance strikes me as a bit weird. Does this really work? The Right Brain Blushes: Let’s take a look, shall we? According to Smashbox: “This revolutionary silicone-based clear gel works on every skin tone and is microcirculating and skin energizing to keep cheeks naturally flushed for hours.” O-Glow does change to a pink color, but not for the reasons Smashbox gives us. We captured our evaluation of this product in the following pictures: Picture #1 shows that O-Glow is a clear, colorless gel when it comes out of the tube. In Picture #2 you see that when rubbed... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=723144 Tue, 10 Jul 2007 05:02:16 +0100 723144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=660366&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F06%2F06%2F4-ways-to-tell-if-your-cosmetic-has-expired%2F Gilda’s guilty of using old product: I have a Matrix Sleek Look shampoo and conditioner I bought 3 years ago, Can I use it? Is it effective? The Right Brain reassures her: Three years for a shampoo or conditioner is not out of the question, so your Matrix might be fine. But what about cosmetic products in general? if you’re really worried that your product being past it’s peak, ask yourself the following questions. If the answer to any of these is YES, then you might want to splurge on a replacement. 1. Does it fail the “See and Sniff” test? Most cosmetics are designed to last a couple of years. A shampoo or conditioner like Matrix will probably still be fine. But before you use an old product, squeeze a little bit out and look at it and sniff it. Does it still smell okay? Maybe ... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=660366 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 05:01:29 +0100 660366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=623481&cid=t_116949_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F18%2Fchemicals-to-blame-for-majority-of-breast-cancer-cases%2F Filed under: Breast Cancer, Research, Environment, Products, Daily newsA bundle of scientific reports indicate more than 200 chemicals, found in the air and in consumer products, cause breast cancer in animal tests. Researchers report in an American Cancer Society publication that reducing exposure to such compounds could prevent many women from developing the disease. Family history and genetic make-up are responsible for only a small percentage of breast cancer cases. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, are most likely involved in the majority of cases, say experts.These finding are too incomplete to make widespread conclusions, but still, they are considered "the most comprehensive compilation to date of chemicals identified as mammary carcinogens" and are so convincing t... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=623481 Fri, 18 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 623481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=590858&cid=t_116949_87_f&fid=34591&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.badscience.net%2F%3Fp%3D410 Ben Goldacre Saturday May 5, 2007 The Guardian Wrinkly ladies nationwide have coordinated a stampede for Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect face cream, after it was endorsed by the BBC’s Horizon: so let’s do face creams. Basically they’re all the same. They all moisturise, like vaseline, but without the greasiness. And most also contain mashed up protein [...] (Source: badscience) badscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=590858 Sat, 05 May 2007 01:43:06 +0100 590858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=590860&cid=t_116949_87_f&fid=34591&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.badscience.net%2F%3Fp%3D408 You and Yours has just broadcast one of the weakest pieces of journalism I have heard in a very long time. The Boots No7 face cream has precipitated a mass stampede of wrinkly ladies since it was endorsed by BBC Horizon: it is, people say, the only “scientifically proven” cream. The reaction of You and [...] (Source: badscience) badscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=590860 Fri, 04 May 2007 11:53:30 +0100 590860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=559247&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F04%2F21%2F3-things-you-need-to-know-about-hot-hair%2F Shendel says: What makes a heat activated hair product well, heat activated? Do heat activated products really protect hair against heat? Specifically I’m wondering about the Ciment Thermique leave-in by Kerastase that claims it actually *treats* hair during heat styling. Is that possible? The Left Brain Responds: The quick answer is: sort of. The long answer is that you have to understand terms like “heat-activated” and “heat protection” do not have universally accepted scientific definitions as they relate to cometics. Essentially, every company comes up with it’s own definition. So to help you make sense of these confusing terms, here’s how The Beauty Brains define them: Heat activated This is the most vague of the heat related terms. When a product sa... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=559247 Sat, 21 Apr 2007 17:19:56 +0100 559247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=540858&cid=t_116949_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2007%2F04%2F13%2Fwill-olay-thermal-pedicure-foot-treatment-give-me-a-hot-foot%2F Lauren’s lament: “I bought the new Oil of Olay Thermal Pedicure Foot Treatment. How does it work? How does it know to stop getting hot? Could it ever get too hot? I don’t want to burn my toes!” The Right Brain responds. Olay’s Thermal Pedicure works by a chemical process known as “heat of dissolution.” Which is just a fancy way of saying when the product is mixed with water, heat is released. We won’t bore you with the laws of thermodynamics, all you really need to know is this: Unlike most liquid products, Thermal Pedicure is based on a chemical called “PEG-4” instead of water. Why? Because when PEG-4 is mixed with water it releases heat. This is not new technology, there have been many self-warming products that use this neat little trick. Can it get too hot? Not... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=540858 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 05:02:02 +0100 540858