Stop! Don't Throw Out That Lipstick!

Do you have a purse or drawer full of old lipsticks or glosses you decided you just can't wear anymore?

Or perhaps it is a shade that is seasonal...you know...looks good with a tan but not once your skin fades? Or vice versa!

Well now you no longer have to feel as though you wasted your money buying a color you are less than happy with. It is just a matter of doing a bit of layering and blending of more than one lipstick or lip gloss color.

Whichever color you like the least should be the one you apply first to your lips. Then take a more preferred shade and layer over the top of it. The change can be quite dramatic. Not only do you mask the disliked shade, but you may have quite possibly created a more attractive shade combination.

Of course if you have a shade that is on the dark side and it just doesn't seem to work with your light complexion, then use a shade that is much lighter to balance the color out. This will soften the darker shade and give your lips a fuller look since a dark shade tends to make lips appear a bit smaller. The same is true with working the colors to the opposite. Dark over lighter for a more dramatic effect.

One Note: If you enjoy playing with fluorescent, very dark or super shimmery colors these may not be able to be corrected with a more conservative shade. Unfortunately, they will bleed through or blend with the other color and will not look natural. The trash bin will then be the only answer or forever exiled to back of your cosmetic drawer until in some unknown span of time, you gasp, " what was I thinking?" Chock that one up to "bad store lighting"! C'mon you can do it...throw it away!

Blend lovely shades of pinks, reds, burnished golds, rusts, mauves and plums in a variety of ways and you will achieve a beautiful new color that will allow you to use up the old lipstick or gloss. Go ahead and experiment...if you don't like it, it is as easy as wiping off with a tissue or wash cloth.

No more wasted dollars going into the garbage can. After all in todays' economy who doesn't want to save a buck.

What I love about the concept is the perk of getting a surprisingly lovely shade.

The downside...once the disliked lipstick is gone, the color can't be duplicated.

However, you can always go back and buy another one. Or what I love to do is play around with a multitude of colors for an endless variety of lip color shades. This way my lips never look blah! And interestingly enough, I end up with some great looking lips.

Smooches and have a great weekend!

Ghosts Among Us

In honor of Halloween, and because there seems to be a surge in paranormal activity in the world (and in my personal life) right now, I have been reading the book, Ghosts Among Us: Uncovering the Truth About the Other Side, by medium and Ghost Whisperer producer James Van Praagh. This is an informative little book that could well be described as a Ghosts 101 manual. Van Praagh takes us on a journey starting with his own personal story and then goes on to explain some mysteries involving death, the spirit world and hauntings.

In each chapter a “practical” explanation is offered to some of our most burning questions regarding ghosts. His matter of fact and confident writing almost makes the reader feel like they are reading a textbook on the subject. In fact, the text was so straightforward and “normal” I was almost disappointed. I was expecting to be spooked and thrilled- but to Van Praagh, the spirit world is apart of his everyday life so he writes about it as such. He intersperses stories of his own personal experiences with the spirit world (and he has many)- some of them so fantastic you almost can’t help but believe.

Van Praagh is, of course, often met with heavy critics of his work. He writes about brushing aside those naysayers and staying true to his convictions and what he knows to be the truth about ghosts and the other side. In one anecdote, Van Praagh writes about going on the Howard Stern show. Stern, a very vocal critic of Van Praagh's, started the show by saying, “You know, I don’t really believe you can talk to the dead”. Van Praagh promptly replied, “I don’t care what you believe”. Needless to say, the interview went very well from that moment forward. Van Praagh insists that his spirit guides gave him strength to stand up to the shock jock.

Van Praagh also discusses how ghosts try to contact us via moving objects, flickering light bulbs, and showing up as "orbs" or other wispy figures in photographs. Throughout my life I have had personal experiences with all of the above and was thrilled to read other people's stories and know that I am a) not alone in these experiences and b) not crazy.

The most interesting part of the book, however, is when Van Praagh gives detailed descriptions on how to “make contact” with the other side. Here Van Praagh says that intention is the most important thing. One must have a motive behind wanting to contact ghosts, as ghost hunting is very involving and should not be taken lightly. The other components one needs to make contact are: permission, equipment, preparation, and investigation.

So for anyone who has had ghostly experiences in their life or anyone who is interested in making contact with the spirit world, James Van Praagh’s Ghosts Among Us is a great place to start.

Would love to hear about any ghostly encounters you daily connoisseurs have had...

Happy Halloween!

Image of book courtesy of: www.barnesandnoble.com

Ghosts Among Us can be purchased at: www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com

Home Sweet Home and I've Been Tagged

B and I arrived home from England a few days earlier than planned and I must say it feels great to be home. We had a fantastic time while there and I want to thank everyone for your well wishes while I was away!

Now, on to more important business... I have been tagged by the lovely Jenavira at Scent of Abricots. I also got an honorable mention from my favorite blogger to make me smile, Scentscelf over at Notes from the Ledge, so here I go!

When tagged, one must:

1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Write six random things about yourself
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them
5. Let each person know they've been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

For my six random things…

1.My favorite poet of all time is Dorothy Parker. Her reputation as the wittiest woman in America was well deserved- her poetry was always delivered with a sharp edge of satirical humor. Here’s one of my favorites:

The Flaw in Paganism
Drink and dance and laugh and lie,
Love the reeling midnight through,
For tomorrow we shall die!
(But, alas, we never do.)

2. My favorite living painter is David Stoupakis. His paintings are very haunting- gothic, yet modern. Every time I look at them, I can’t help but be affected by them for hours or even days to come. My favorite painting of his is “The Day the Frogs Rain Down” (above).

3. If I were able to invite any three people in the world to a dinner party (I love fantasizing about these things), I would ask Tim Gunn, Oprah Winfrey and Alexander McCall Smith- partly because they would make for fantastic conversation and company, but also because they are each connoisseurs in their own right:

I love Tim Gunn (as a lot of you know). To me, he is the ultimate connoisseur of quality, taste and style.

Oprah Winfrey, because she is responsible for introducing me- via her talk show and her XM radio “Soul Series”- to many of the spiritual concepts I have incorporated into my life.

And Alexander McCall Smith- one of my favorite authors of all time. His No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series warms my heart and provides an excitement in me that I haven’t felt since I was a child. I also love his 44 Scotland Street series.


4. My favorite cuisine is French, swiftly followed by Japanese…

5. I try to meditate every day… “try” being the operative word. Sometimes I sit in my meditation corner and do nothing but think about my “to do” lists, and sometimes I am really able to just be still and send my hectic thoughts away…

6. I’m currently writing my first novel… a mystery.

Now, as I am at the tail end of this tag party… most of my favorite blogs have already been tagged (please see “my blog list”, right) so I am listing only three below…

Rose at A Rose Beyond the Thames- This is a fabulous blog about life in London…

Lauren Elkin at Maitress- I love this blog about literature and culture in Paris, the city of light…

Marjorie at My Inner French Girl- I am new to this blog and am loving it so far...



Image of “The Day the Frogs Rain Down” courtesy of: http://www.phantasmaphile.com

What Is In My Lipstick? Organics Or Synthetics!

When deciding on a lipstick or lip glaze, you may be wondering what is in your lipstick or other lip color you might be purchasing, based on passed news of lead being found in red lipstick. This is not typically something we give caution to or spend any amount of time worrying about. Although lead in lipstick is disconcerting, it is not a prevalent problem at all.

However with that said, the news did change the way we view labels and to see what is in our products. It simply became another wake up call to consumers to be cognizant of what is in any product we eat or put on our skin. And of course when we eat or drink something, the lip color gradually wears off and in small amounts is ingested. The claim is a woman will consume up to 4 pounds of lipstick in her lifetime, presuming she wears lipstick at all.

So do we need to worry about our lipsticks and lip glosses?

Well it depends on your concerns. I personally avoid lip colors that possess chemicals and FD&C dyes, lakes and preservatives. Since it is a fact we do ingest our lipsticks in small increments, natural is a better choice for me.

What about color choices?

“Natural lip colors seem to be more limited in shade variations”, you may be questioning.

Well the truth of the matter is natural lipsticks and lip glosses will have more subtlety in shading, appear softer in texture and will make for a softer lip tone. You can get natural luscious lips and you can still achieve a deep, rich color or have luminous or vibrant color also through the use of Iron Oxide powders for depth and range of shading and Micas for sparkle, sheen and luminosity. Chemicals are unnecessary and you will be healthier for lack of them!

Another important factor to consider is your young teen girl. As she begins to explore makeup and color choices, wouldn't it be wise to also educate her as to the safety of lip colors? She can accomplish the same effect with a natural, organic product as she can from all the drugstore brands, only she will be much safer and be kept free from introducing more toxins into her delicate system. And as a mom, you can feel better knowing your daughter is using a healthier product to look her best as she comes into her own with her girlfriends.

Why can’t the colors be more intense like drugstore brands?

This really is the whole point of the matter. FD&C dyes and lakes are synthetically derived chemicals creating colors which will give the very rich, vibrant heavy color you may be use to in a drugstore brand lipstick or gloss, but then you defeat the purpose of going all natural. Dyes are usually a derivative of coal tar, are water soluble and have been linked to being a carcinogen, and many artificial colors have been banned for safety in our foods, yet can still be found in cosmetics. The FDA does not certify dyes for safety in cosmetics, just that they are free of high concentrations of lead and arsenic. Coal tar dyes are used in lip colors strictly because they are cheap to use.

Lakes are an insoluble synthetic color and are derived from aluminum, barium potassium and strontium. They have also been linked to causing headaches, nausea, allergies and contact dermatitis. Also it is typical to find these artificial colors mixed with Bismuth Oxychloride to create the pearlescent shine for those wanting a more shimmering effect.

The final color that you can find on the list for intense pink, purple and red shades is a color known as Carmine.

What is Carmine?

It is the Cochineal beetle that is crushed to create the color that we find in Popsicles, gelatin, fruit drinks, cosmetics, processed foods, lollipops, etc. etc. It is essentially a safe color, has been used for centuries to achieve a vibrant red and came on the scene in popularity to replace coal tar dyes (Red Dye #40) due to their link to cancers. However, if you don’t want crushed beetle on your skin then this would still not be a preferred pigment. It is typically labeled on packaging as "artificial color added" or "cochineal dye" or "E120" or "carmine". Unfortunately, labeling without exact clarity of the ingredient is irresponsible since some people can have a severe reaction to this insect such as allergies, asthma attack or anaphylaxis. There are those concerned who are lobbying the FDA to make it a requirement for food companies to fully disclose the source of the color so a choice can be reached by the consumer to eliminate it from their lives not just for safety reasons but it is also not considered Kosher for some religions. Vegans especially don’t want any product on their skin that possesses this colorant, much less eat it.

I bet next time you go to buy a bag of lollipops, fruit juice or your favorite jello you'll take a peek at that label for the mysterious pigment known as Carmine. Personally the thought of smearing insect on my lips makes my skin crawl.

With a proper mix of natural waxes, butters and oils, blended with iron oxides, titanium dioxide and micas, you can achieve a beautiful shade of lip color that is not only healthier for your skin, but you don’t have to worry about ingesting the product in the same fashion as synthetically produced lipstick. And the best part is, when the organics are found in a blend of proper proportion they can actually have substantial staying power. No…they won’t outlast the synthetically derived all day lip colors, but then think about what it is you are putting on your lips in order for this to be achieved. Read the ingredients of these lipsticks and you will be stunned at the list of chemicals in these products all for the sake of it lasting all day. I would rather reapply than put this stuff on my mouth. Besides, these are very drying to the lips and can cause over time your lips to crack.

Lip colors made from organic butters and oils are very soothing to the lips and you get a fresh application of moisture repair every time you crack the tube open and spread it on your lips. They will be so soft and kissable and what woman doesn’t want the freedom from the chapped, dry look!

Give natural a try and see how lovely your face will be with a subtle splash of organic lip color!

The benefit offered to your honey....he won't have to worry about his skin either when you lay a nice big soft kiss on his cheek!


Smooches!!

The Stoke Park Club and Weddings!

This past weekend I attended at wedding at the gorgeous Manor house in Stoke Poges, just overlooking the golf course. I love a good wedding and this was one of the nicest I'd ever been too. It was also my first traditional English wedding and I was loving every minute of it. The night before we stayed at the illustrious Stoke Park Club hotel to catch up with friends and get ready for the wedding festivities in style- and did we ever! The hotel is magnificent. You'd be hard pressed to find something so utterly gorgeous, old fashioned and luxurious in Los Angeles so it was an incredible treat for me to stay there.

As we drove to the hotel I noticed the magnificent green of the golf course on my right and on my left a rather large pond- complete with graceful swans and beautiful water lilies. A strange sense of deja vu came over me. The feeling continued as we checked in at reception and then were presented to our room- The "William and Mary" suite. I later found out that Bridget Jones' Diary was filmed here- and that pond was the infamous one that Hugh Grant had so much trouble in. Our room was beautiful and traditionally English with overstuffed chairs and sofas- a grand bed and a stately color scheme.


The loveliness continued at the wedding the following day. Every guest turned out in their finest- gorgeous dresses and flamboyant hats; the men in tails and colorful ties. (My dark blue Temperley dress and Vivien Sheriff hat were a big hit!) It was a church wedding complete with traditional hymns (I had to do some improvisational lip syncing). The celebration continued afterwards as we were ushered towards the tents on the lawn, glowing with candle light. After cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, we made our way towards the dining area- an amazing marquis shining with the light of chandeliers and candelabras. Dinner was traditional- shrimp cocktail and lamb with roast vegetables. The conversation was lively and the dancing afterwards was even more so. My favorite part, as always, were the speeches. I always get emotional when I hear family members and friends give speeches at weddings- maybe it's because I know they feel safe in saying the things they wouldn't otherwise say and give expressions of love and emotion. My favorite speech was given by the father of the bride...

The evening ended with over two dozen Chinese lanterns being released to the sky... pure magic.

For information on staying at the Stoke Park Club please visit: www.stokeparkclub.com

Image of Stoke Park Club provided by: www.vivideventgroup.com

Image of room provided by: www.stokeparkclub.com

Hydrogen Peroxide Helps Cure Acne

The Miracle In An Ugly Brown Bottle

Hydrogen Peroxide it turns out can do wonders for curing acne, and keeping it at bay when used on a consistent basis for those with chronic acne. If you have fewer breakouts, such as before stress or during hormonal changes, you can reserve the use of Hydrogen Peroxide for those times of the month.

As a young girl I was very fortunate to have great skin. I never suffered from acne or any other skin problem growing up. Fortunately, I passed on this gene to my daughter who also has never suffered the embarrassment of acne or the scars they can leave behind. I never even could understand or fathom at a young age what this could be like for those who suffer from the pain of acne. As teenagers, for the most part, we were all into our own belly buttons. Plus, we all had friends who had acne and never really thought twice about it, but to those going through it, ....well let's just say it probably had devastating consequences and I am sure created some self esteem issues.

Believe it or not you can also find acne occurring to infants in small patches due to sleeping positions or sucking their thumb. Always check with a pediatrician before treating any skin problem on a small infant. Home remedies are great, but it always is best to get a professional opinion due to baby skin being so ultra delicate and super sensitive.

It wasn't until I had my own children that my skin began to change. I showed the onset of sun damage, got a mild form of rosacea and would have bouts of adult acne here and there, but mainly around my menstrual cycle since hormonal changes cause changes to our skin. This includes why young men get acne due to their elevated testosterone as they enter puberty. Higher testosterone levels tend to also create an oilier complexion which creates less cell turnover, whereby plugging pores. And for the most part, young men are not great at keeping their skin exfoliated.

Also when I began to wear liquid foundations or used the wrong cream, I would develop a nasty pimple that sometimes would become cystic. And anyone who has experienced one of those, knows the pain those suckers can cause. I also began to get a small taste of the pain and struggle that acne sufferers endure, if only with just a few pimples, it was all I could do to try and hide them. So my heart goes out to those who really suffer from worse cases.

I learned a long time ago how to resolve the problem on my own and what caused acne. It is a naturally occurring bacteria which lives in our sebum and once the pore gets plugged the bacteria begin to multiply creating the abscess we know as the pimple. This type of skin infection is caused by Propionibacterium Acnes and it thrives on our sebum and the lack of air getting into the pores of our skin. It is never about an ingredient feeding the bacteria that causes acne but about sebum (food source) and lack of oxygen (blocked pore) being the absolute cause of acne.

First thing I did was remove any products from my skin care that would cause blockage of air to my pores. Then I reduced the amount of products I used to clean my skin. I simplified my regimen. I also stayed clear of Salicylic Acid and some AHA's such as the potent Glycolic Acid. These can be extremely harsh to delicate skin which mine had become after I developed rosacea and I found extremely irritating to my acne. I also discovered never to pop or pick a zit as this will not speed healing, but can serve to only make it get worse and cause more scarring.

I used things like gentle Kaolin Clay and Rice Powder masks for soothing and detoxifying my skin. These worked wonderfully as a holistic treatment for these painful skin ulcerations. I also stuck with exfoliating towels that work equally as well at keeping a beautiful polished glow to my skin as any fruit acid. And I learned much patience as I allowed my body to heal itself all in good time.

As Close As My Medicine Cabinet

After more research, I discovered I had the answer sitting in my medicine cabinet. Hydrogen Peroxide, it turns out, is a powerful enzyme catalase, and it not only kills the bacteria that causes acne, but helps to oxygenate the pores which helps prevent future outbreaks by destroying the bacteria since they cannot survive where there is oxygen. You may notice a slight foaming on contact as the hydrogen peroxide begins to work. By keeping pores open and clear, acne cannot take hold, leaving an acne free complexion.

Propionibacterium Acnes is anaerobic and Hydrogen Peroxide is aerobic by producing oxygen in an H2O2 solution of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide to 97% water. Water helps to open the pores while the hydrogen peroxide portion creates pressure within the skin, killing the bacteria that causes acne.

The 3% solution can be used as a toner and is safe to leave on the skin. There are other products which contain other versions of peroxides such as Benzoyl Peroxide, but this may be a bit too drying and harsh for the skin. Hydrogen Peroxide on the other hand is far milder, decomposes rapidly, and will not have the same bleaching effect that Benzoyl Peroxide can. However, still avoid repeated applications of even the liquid version as it can cause bleaching over time to eyebrows and around the hairline. Just know this is nowhere near the same strength as what stylists use to color hair.

There Will Always Be Critics!

There are some that say this product causes free radical damage due to the oxygenating process and causes premature aging. Well anyone who has studied up on free radical damage could make this argument, however, we are exposed daily to other far more damaging free radicals than a weak solution of HP. Sun, smoking, harsh peroxides, like benzoyl, daily outdoor pollution and so on and so forth. Besides since HP oxygenation is instantaneous, then decomposes rapidly and is not systemic, any free radical damage they may claim, is minimal and doesn't warrant the concern posed by some. Those who suffer from acne surely know the scars left behind cause much more damage to the aging process since scars are a result of destruction of collagen producing cells which results in thinning of the skin....Not to mention the effects on ones' self esteem!

Again, it is about weighing options and figuring out what is most important to you. Personally, I don't use HP everyday as a toner, I only use it when I feel a bit of a spot forming and it dries right back up and I only apply it to the areas of my face as needed. Acne can strike some people all over their back and chest, their face or just in isolated areas, such as forehead, temples, nose area and chin. Otherwise known as the T-Zone. If you may be concerned about the opposing argument, then use it only when needed and not as a daily routine. OTC Hydrogen peroxide has been used for decades without toxicity and is determined safe when used as directed. It is a known antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial agent, making this an excellent mild solution for acne sufferers.

It has worked for me for many years and folks say I still look 10 years younger than my age of 50 years. So it is again a personal decision, and I feel comfortable with the level of protection it provides and it is not anywhere near as damaging as simply taking a walk outside in the lovely fresh (polluted) air or spending a day at the beach! You decide.....

Take Care and Hugs!

An American in London

Greetings from London! We arrived last Thursday in England and were greeted with weather that rivaled the heat in LA! We flew Virgin Atlantic in premium economy which is ideal for us- we don’t have to pay the exorbitant prices of upper class and still get to sit towards the front of the plane with larger seats and plenty of leg room… they even give you champagne! (Which I turned down of course, never drink while up in the air… water only, thank you).

Anyhow, customs was a breeze, luggage retrieval was a breeze and the moment I stepped outside I became rather hot in my jeans, cardigan and trench coat- what was I saying before I left about getting away from the eternal summer of California? Maybe I brought the weather with me…

The first evening was spent in Surrey at my wonderful in-law’s house. We got to see most of the family including my adorable niece who has decided I am her favorite person in the world (for now, anyway).

Since then we have spent every evening in London- Chelsea to be exact. I love it here. The people are so chic- my people watching skills are in full swing. Yesterday we had lunch at a new restaurant in Sloane Square called The Botanist. It was packed with people and I must say they could have all qualified as connoisseurs. I think the English subscribe to the same mantra the French do: quality over quantity. I loved looking at the well dressed men and women lunching daintily over sea bass and salmon cakes. The English love high quality accessories- gorgeous handbags, lovely watches, tasteful jewelry. Now I know this is a generalization but I can truthfully say everyone lunching at The Botanist fell under this category

Yes, everything is going swimmingly, in fact so far, I only have two problems with being here. Number one being jet lag- there is nothing as maddening as finding yourself wide awake at 3am, finally falling asleep at 4am and then having to wake up at 9am. Number two being expense. The exchange rate of dollars to pounds is slightly better than it used to be but still- we just had a modest brunch that cost almost $60- and on the way to brunch I saw a pair of True Religion jeans that I own (I spent $165 on them) for sale for nearly $400!

I did, however, manage to find an outfit to wear to the wedding this weekend. I am going with a lovely deep blue dress by Temperley, London and a fantastic hat by Vivien Sheriff… all purchased at Selfridges.

The plan for this week? Lots of dinners with family and friends, an Agatha Christie play in Windsor with my cousin on Friday night (how could I resist?!) and, of course, the wedding on Saturday.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Image of The Botanist Restaurant courtesy of: www.squaremeal.co.uk

Preservatives In Cosmetics - Natural vs Synthetic

After many years of using skin care products, it has resulted in wanting the best for my skin, especially as I age. Not really sure what that might have been at the time, but I was definitely going to determine what was best for overall skin health.

I knew I didn’t want to use crèmes that were loaded with a bunch of synthetics or harmful chemicals, and I felt I wanted a naturally preserved product as well, or so I thought. I mean, after all, the synthetic preservatives have been getting slammed lately and the negative press has forced me to take a closer look at going natural. The new generation buzz words were “Go Natural” or “Go Green”.

I have found so many retailers or ecommerce sites offering some fantastic skincare products. Some look so yummy too, as though you could eat the stuff. The pictures are enticing you to buy and give them a try. And I have too! They smell so good when you first crack the lid on the jar, you just can’t wait to try them out. I use them for awhile and after about 2/3rds of the way through the product, I notice a funky smell or they seem to be separating. What happened?

Well this is when I learned more about the differences in preservatives, and there are definitely two divided camps on this issue. So I examined both sides and came to my own conclusion!

First off ~ Is it really about a bad or good preservative? I believe preservatives are necessary due to creams and lotions being formulated with water to help emulsify the ingredients. This gives the product the lovely texture we know and love. Even though the thought of a naturally preserved product sounds perfect, going with a natural product can also provide a haven for yeast, mold, bacteria and fungi. So the natural ingredients we strive for also produce natural sugars and in a moist environment these plant extracts provide their favorite food source. Let the multiplying begin!

The only time you can typically get away from preservatives is when there is no water added such as with the case of thick body butter scrubs. These are strictly melted and whipped together to create the product. They are not emulsified, so water is unnecessary. However, I still look for a bit of preservative in these due to the fact body scrubs are used where? ....That’s right, in your shower! What’s in the shower?....That’s right, water! Many of us don't stop to think about it. I know I haven't! So, when using these close to water or dipping wet hands into the jar, water has now been introduced and all the nasties can begin to grow. This includes naturally created shampoos and conditioners.

Naturally Preserved ~ for those who prefer this method for their skin care, they have chosen out of a need to purify their lives and remove as many chemicals from their products as they can. I am in full agreement with this lifestyle. It is great to protect our bodies from further contamination. The downside to purchasing these products which are naturally preserved or even preservative free is about storage and handling and their cost. They are typically very expensive to produce.

The preservative free products must be manufactured in small batches and in many cases they are only produced once the order is placed. These are great products for those who are patient and can wait for their special cream, but it is difficult to mass produce these on a higher commercial level which can be a hindrance for growing a business or for a consumer needing their product immediately.

Unfortunately, preservative free products must be stored in the refrigerator immediately after opening and must be made in the most sterile environment possible, and I do mean sterile. So purchasing from a trusted source is essential. They also typically cannot be shipped during hot summer months. They also should be used up within a few days to a week despite what you may have been told by the seller. If they say they can withstand longer then you may call into question whether or not it is truly preservative free. Sometimes preservatives are left off the ingredient list by the unscrupulous or are masked under the label "other ingredients" or "fragrance". Anything below 1% ratio is allowed by the FDA to be listed this way.

Constant dipping of fingers, steam from the bathroom or getting any kind of moisture inside the jar, will begin deteriorating the product and bacteria will multiply at an astounding rate unless they are sold in an airless pump. Also, refrigeration will not stop nasties from growing; it will only slow the rate a bit. Just look at food stored in the refrigerator, if forgotten after a few days or a week, you go back and find something fuzzy resembling a Chia pet or smelling rank. This same principal applies to your skin crème. In an airless pump the product could sustain longer, how long is not known exactly. Challenge testing is usually required to know precisely and even if something looks and smells fine, the vast numbers of micro-organisms can only be detected under a microscope!
See The Importance of Chemical Preservatives!

Also to consider: a preservative free product or naturally preserved product cannot fight off the nasties as well as a synthetically preserved product. Once you introduce the open jar into your bathroom, or in your purse, or leave it in a hot car, you will see these are all prime environmental changes which will rapidly cause bacteria to grow in the product. The special handling, extremely short shelf life of preservative free skin care products, plus the frozen face feel for these types of crèmes, pretty much help determine these weren’t quite for me. So I looked in to naturally preserved.

For those who use natural preservatives, they can buy a bit more time in way of product life, usually up to 6 months shelf life before opening. After that, the product should be used up within 30 days. There are some natural preservatives that have been shown to be quite effective but they are not indestructible to air and water contamination, whereby this essentially can make them ineffective to deterioration or oxidation.

• Essential Oils ~ These have antiseptic properties and are shown to kill bacteria and fungi. The downside is, they also can create sensitivities to the skin and some people are allergic to essential oils and will develop a contact dermatitis or rash. They also can break down or evaporate every time you go into your favorite face crème.

• Neem Oil ~ Now this is my favorite natural preservative and I make sure it is in any face crème I use. It is wonderful for all skin types, even those with acne. It is an antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and even anti-parasitic.


• Sweet Orange Oil ~ This is wonderful for killing bacteria and fungi in the product and typically it will give the crème a subtle sweet orange blossom smell. Very nice and calming when I use a crème with this in it.


• Vitamin E ~ Is an excellent anti-oxidant and can help prevent degradation of a product. However, once exposed to air or light it begins to degrade, so it must be supported with another preservative since it does not kill bacteria.


• Honey ~ It is a natural anti-microbial and anti-bacterial, and is great for the skin. It is a great moisturizer due to it having natural humectant properties, holding moisture against the skin.


• Rosemary Extract ~This is a great anti-oxidant and helps to prevent decomposition of the product.


• Grapefruit Seed Extract ~ It is a natural antibiotic, anti-septic and preservative found in many skin preparations, however this ingredient is not as natural as some think. It is mainly synthetically produced from Grapefruit Seeds under a chemical synthesis involving catalysts and reagents under extreme heat to create the aforementioned extract. It also is known to contain methylparaben and triclosan in commercial preparations, and the natural extract has not been shown to provide any antimicrobial protection whatsoever. So typically it is the latter of these two inserted contaminants that are preserving the skincare product.
  


• Potassium Sorbate ~ This can be considered natural since it comes from a natural source, however it is again synthetically altered to create the preservative used in many skin care products. This ingredient can give a shelf life of up to 6 months, maybe a year, but that is pushing it. But again, once jar is opened, product needs to be used within 30 days. Also this ingredient is very rarely used alone but in combination of another preservative because it supports only the prevention of mold and yeast. It will not stop bacterial growth.

Synthetic Preservatives ~ For those wishing to have preservatives in their formulations but definitely not Parabens, here is a small list of the ones that work quite well giving shelf life up to 2 years before opening and about 90 to 120 days in a jar and up to a year in tube, squeeze bottle or airless pump after opening, and have shown very few problems with skin or equated with long term side effects, like the paraben family. In any preservative system it is about how something is stored, and shelf life is shorter for jars since lids come fully off and fingers are dipping into the goodies. Airless pumps, tubes and squeeze bottles don't allow air to get in and product is dispensed into the hand so shelf life is extended.

I am still undecided on Parabens since I am not convinced they are the “Black Hat” that watchdog groups are making them out to be. We must realize that the percentages used are below 1% in ratio. But that is not to say they are good for us either, I am strictly undecided at this point and I want to see conclusive studies showing me they cause cancer. For now I avoid them when I can since they are also known to be skin sensitizers and I have very sensitive skin as it is. Plus, I feel this requires further study and once I investigate further, I will let my readers know what I have learned.
Research Update On Parabens: Debate Over Parabens~Truth and Research!

• Benzylalcohol ~ Is a broad spectrum preservative and is a viable alternative to parabens. It works to fight gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and helps to retard yeast and mold growth.


• Tetrasodium EDTA ~ This is a chelating agent designed to bind metals ions such as zinc, magnesium, calcium. It is an effective stabilizing agent for anti-oxidants and improves efficacy of other preservatives. It is typically found in combination with preservatives for the best in stabilizing a product. EDTA is also used in chelation therapy which is approved by the FDA for treatment of heavy metal and lead poisoning.


• Phenoxyethanol ~ Offers a universal higly effective broad spectrum protection for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, mold, yeast and fungi. It also is not a formaldehyde releasing agent. Probably most popular paraben free and propylene glycol free preservative on the market. This is one I look for combined with natural preservatives.


• Germall Plus ~ A brand name of a combination of preservatives. A very effective preservative to protect against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, along with mold and yeast. It is comprised of Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea and Iodopropynyl.

Well that is pretty much it for the most common types of choices to stay clear of parabens.

Also, realize there are organizations that will still find fault with even these types of preservatives. They will lay claims to them being unsafe or toxic and show biased articles and MSDS (material safety data sheets) giving you worse case scenarios. The ratios used in cosmetics do not even come relatively close to posing this level of hazard or have the level of toxicity proclaimed. Preservatives are used at a ratio of .05% to 1% to entire product and are deemed safe, non-toxic and are totally acceptable in this dose by the European Union and Japan. An elevated concern is only necessary if these ingredients were high on the ingredient list or in undiluted form, but of course we all know that is not going to be the case.
Article Update: Skin Deep Data Base Used To Spread Bad Science!

An Example: Phenoxyethynol is created by treating phenol with ethylene oxide in an alkaline medium. Each ingredient individually does not sound great, but when they react it creates a safe and effective preservative. Individually many chemicals may harm you, but together they create a beneficial product. For instance, lye alone is extremely dangerous, but after it reacts with oil and water to create castile soap it is harmless and useful. The MSDS for a pure ingredient can cause undo alarm. But as you consider other ingredients that are widely used and safe in cosmetics you will find that the MSDS sounds alarming for them as well. For instance commonly used ingredients like glycolic acid, lye, citric acid, potassium sorbate and even essential oils have MSDS warnings that could be misunderstood and deemed as too dangerous to use in cosmetics. However, we all know that these ingredients are commonly used in cosmetics and some as natural preservatives. The MSDS sheet is designed to inform the end user of how to handle the ingredient properly in an undiluted form.

I have provided two resources without bias on Phenoxyethanol: CIR Cosmetic Review Expert Panel and International Journal of Toxicology.

Also some may have heard about the Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream and its safety in regard to infants. Again, I did research and though the FDA gave a warning as to the potential of harm, there were no actual reports of injury or illness caused by this product containg Chlorphenesin (click for documentation) and phenoxyethanol, the two suspected preservative ingredients. Why the FDA came out of nowhere on this warning is perplexing to the say the least. However, my conclusion is the chlorphenesin posed the major health risk more so than phenoxyethanol based on the information I located, especially since phenoxyethanol given in oral doses of the percentages used in cosmetics posed no health risk. First off chlorphenesin is not commercially available in the United States and it clearly states in the warnings; it is not approved for use in small children. And all the side effects listed are in the FDA warning as well. However, I personally don't eat my cosmetics, do you? How it ended up as a preserving ingredient in a nipple cream is anyone's guess, but more than likely an import from overseas. Such as we are now seeing toxicity in infants in China drinking formula with Melamine in it! And to be in compliance and for regard for their customers, MOM Enterprises has since removed the product from sale.

So be careful when coming to conclusions and weigh all the evidence and don't allow a few radical alarmists make it seem as though the sky is falling. Most of it is pure sensationalism on being the first one to report the negative aspects. I have yet to see independent studies involving human test subjects showing problems with preservatives and proving it is that one particular ingredient over perhaps a combination of ingredients or exposure to many products as being supposedly so toxic to ones' system, and this includes parabens.

With that, I say enjoy your cosmetics without undue fear or paranoia caused by watchdog groups that do not show both sides of the research but only extremes in high concentrations as an individual ingredient, not in conjunction with other ingredients used or in a dilute solution.

Now as to my personal conclusion: I have chosen to go with a synthetic preservative system combined with a long list of natural preservatives. This gives me the best of both worlds. I get healthy skin care products which will remain stable in all environments and I focus on most or all of the ingredients are from natural plant sources with one or two ingredients being in the synthetic preservative category. Why? Because I know I don’t want micro-organisms to be able to rapidly multiply in my favorite jar of skin cream since they will compromise my skin health more than a minute amount of preservative. And I am not convinced, and studies have not proven that all the fancy sounding chemical or synthetic anti-aging emollients truly work any better than plant extracts. My skin looks great and feels quite smooth, and I am staying away from the majority of the anti-aging synthetic gunk. Besides if watchdog groups are claiming absorption of these crèmes into the skin then why would you want more chemicals going in?

Well that’s it folks…kind of in a nut shell! It is all about personal choice on this one. No rules or precise indication of parabens really being the demon preservative. However, for the sake of argument I felt it was prudent to at least explain some options for those who are sick of all the chemical junk offered on the commercial market.

Good Luck in your pursuit of the perfect skin care product. I have found mine and have created an entire line of botanically derived skincare products! Try ONATI today! The Name that says it all: Organic~Natural~ Age-defying~Toning~Invigorating

London Town

This Wednesday my husband and I are off to London to spend three weeks working and visiting with family and friends. During this time, my posts on The Daily Connoisseur will be less frequent but I will do my best to update you all on any exciting adventures I get myself into. I especially want to thank those of you that gave me such valuable feedback on what to wear as a guest attending my first English wedding- I can’t wait to report back and tell you how it goes!

Now on to the subject of packing. I believe a true connoisseur packs light (lots of baggage is never a good look) but this is proving difficult. Three weeks is quite a long time and I still haven’t figured out how to work the washing machine at the flat in London. Right now my suitcase sits stuffed but I think tomorrow I will cull through my options and pair down my clothes to a few streamlined choices that will work well in different combinations and situations.

One of the things I love about London is the way people dress. There is an air of sophistication and formality you just don’t get in Southern California. Here, a pair of True Religion jeans, a white t-shirt from Vince and a good pedicure will take you anywhere you want to go. In London, I look forward to wearing dresses with tights and chic boots, ballet flats with skinny jeans and heels in the evening- velvet jackets and plaid coats. Oh dear, what was I saying about packing light? I think I have my work cut out for me. I must remember that the benefit of leaving room in one’s suitcase is that it leaves room to purchase things along the way…

Of course, the most important thing to bring on a trip is a good book.
This time I will be reading Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon. I'm a HUGE mystery fan and I hear this is the ultimate. It's one of those books that has always been near the top of my reading list but for one reason or another I haven't gotten around to it- until now. Suddenly that 10 hour flight isn't looking so bad...

I hope you all have a wonderful week and I look forward to writing to you from London town!

Image of Andrea Laliberte's "London" courtesy of: www.allposters.com

Image of The Maltese Falcon courtesy of: www.fantasticfiction.co.uk

Get Positively Beautiful- Or Don't Waste the Pretty

A few nights ago I was having dinner with two of my really good girlfriends. Enjoying each other’s company over Italian food and candlelight we were discussing the usual topics: career, men and beauty (not necessarily in that order). While discussing beauty we somehow got on the topic of how we take ourselves for granted and sometimes don’t present ourselves to our full potential.

I was telling them that earlier in the day I had worn a dress I don’t usually wear and had received several compliments from total strangers while working and running errands (granted some of those strangers were homeless- but hey, every compliment counts). This, of course, got me thinking. Why did I never wear this dress? Is it because I’m afraid that it will draw attention to me?

Incidentally, my girlfriends related. We found that we usually “play down” our beauty either because we don’t want the attention or simply can’t be bothered. What a shame! My friend J said this reminded her of the catchphrase: “don’t waste the pretty” from the bestselling book He’s Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt. Whether stressing over a man, your career or your perceived beauty flaws, women everywhere are wasting the “pretty”- and we were some of them!

Then, yesterday I got my bi-monthly delivery from Amazon (I have a slight addiction and always have books on the way to my house) and was delighted to find in the stack of books I’d ordered Carmindy’s new book, Get Positively Beautiful- The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous. Carmindy is the makeup artist on TLC’s hit show What Not to Wear and is single-handedly responsible for educating me on the application of makeup thanks to her first bestselling book- The 5-Minute Face: The Quick and Easy Makeup Guide For Every Woman.

In Get Positively Beautiful, Carmindy urges women to look at their beauty from a positive angle. Rather than looking in the mirror and focusing on what you dislike about yourself, she encourages us to focus on what’s fabulous and flaunt it- in other words, don’t waste the pretty! She denounces the unfortunate beauty standard that the industry and celebrities have placed so high. The book is filled with tips for makeup application in every season- for every type of face- and even has a section in the back with real makeovers (and we all know how much I love a makeover).

The book is also full of positive beauty mantras to say to yourself in the mirror. Call me crazy, but I believe mantras work. One of my favorite television shows of all time is Absolutely Fabulous, that whacky, farcical delight about two women navigating their way through life in a constantly heightened state. In one of my favorite episodes Edina and Patsy are in the bathroom and Edina asks Patsy: “When you look in the mirror, what do you see?” Patsy promptly replies, “Me looking Fabulous”.


Now that's the type of attitude we could all benefit from...




Get Positively Beautiful by Carmindy is available from: www.amazon.com

Image of book courtesy of: www.barnesandnoble.com

Image of Patsy courtesy of: www.bbc.co.uk

100% Vegan Friendly, Synthetic Mineral Makeup Brushes Arrived

At last the day has arrived to unveil our Luxury Spa Line of Mineral Makeup Brushes for purchase. These are truly a professional line of brushes made with the highest standards in quality. We simply won't settle for anything less.

We are several days behind schedule, but they have finally arrived and we are excited about it knowing the wait was well worth it. They will be officially available for purchase on Friday 10/03/08

You will love the feel and texture of these magnificent brushes against your skin, especially how they feel when held in your hand. Just look at the benefits of using this brush line:

• Easier to clean
• Tips won't crush
• Softness unequaled
• Will absolutely not shed
• Will not cause skin to itch
• Can be used post procedure
• 100% Cruelty Free Synthetic
• Excellent for precision application
• Hold their shape better than natural hair
• Large chunky handles for ease of handling
• Grabs and holds the minerals for cleaner application
• You will be overjoyed at the results from using one of these fantastic brushes

So come on in and take a peek!

Just a reminder, all of our natural hair brushes are on clearance at 50% off retail. We still have 1-3 mineral makeup brushes left in stock in each style. So grab yours while you still can at these incredibly low prices.

Happy Shopping! Cheers!