The Never List
If you have been my client and/or friend, chances are, I’ve already preached to you about “harmful chemicals and toxins” found in most ingredients in beauty, cosmetic, and hair products. As I’ve recently been introduced to a clean, organic, and natural line of beauty products, I thought it would be a good time to consolidate everything I’ve researched and learned on this topic. While many people are diligent about checking the ingredients of the food they put into their bodies, the same level of diligence isn’t always present when it comes to what’s in our makeup, beauty, and skincare products. Despite the ever-increasing common knowledge of organic and natural food, it’s easy to forget that the ingredients in our beauty products can also have a negative impact on our health. As I have become increasingly more aware of the importance of clean beauty products, I came to a startling realization. I was spending loads of money to have the trendiest or “it” brand hair and makeup products so my kit would impress my clients and make them feel good about me and my abilities as an artist. As it turns out, I inadvertently put my and my client’s health at risk. Did you know that most of the makeup and hair products in department stores—regardless of whether they are found at the “high-end” or “lower-end” counter—are loaded with toxic chemicals that are hormone disruptors and are linked to cancer and birth defects? Neither did I. Until I did my homework. As most cosmetics require a long shelf life, they are adulterated with lead, dibutyl phthalate, diethylhexyl phthalate, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasers, mercury and related compounds, isobutyl paraben, isopropyl paraben, butylparaben, propylparaben, toluene, triclosan, carbon black, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and many other, unpronounceable substances that act as preservatives. As I became more conscientious about reading labels, I realized you need a chemistry degree to make sense of most of the products on the market. The craziest part is how ubiquitous these ingredients are in makeup, perfumes, lotions, and hair products. Here are the few main “Never List” ingredients you must know to familiarize yourself and avoid them entirely in your cosmetics and beauty products. Lead is most commonly found in lipstick and hair dye. Lead, a known neurotoxin, has been linked to reduced fertility in men and women, and it can still be harmful in small doses. While the dangers of lead seem obvious, it’s been found in lipsticks in the U.S. from various brands. Phthalates make nail polish stronger and are often hidden in ingredient lists under the catch-all label “fragrance.” They are most commonly found in perfume, deodorant, and nail polish. They can cause reproductive and developmental problems. Phthalates can lead to a slew of hormonal health problems; this ingredient has been linked to developmental defects, fertility issues, and obesity. Petroleum distillates are most commonly found in mascara. This ingredient also goes by other names on ingredient lists, such as “paraffin wax.” Parabens are commonly found in lotion, foundation, and many other beauty and hair products, allowing them to last longer by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold. They’re carcinogenic and can disrupt hormone function. They have been linked to breast cancer, skin cancer, and decreased sperm count. Because of these risks, five different parabens have been completely banned in other countries (isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben, and pentylparaben), while others are strictly regulated. Here in the U.S., the FDA does not believe that parabens present a danger to our health when used in cosmetics. Formaldehyde serves as a hair straightener, nail polish, and nail hardener. It is known to be a carcinogen; it’s also associated with respiratory problems, and it too can give you cancer. Hydroquinone in the U.S. is most commonly found in products used to lighten skin and fade freckles, age spots, and discoloration. A possible carcinogen, It has most naturally led to photosensitivity, which means your skin is ultra-sensitive to the sun, among other skin conditions. Quaternium-15 is most commonly found in eyeshadow, shampoo, and body wash. This ingredient is a formaldehyde donor, which is chemically bound to formaldehyde and will be released over time. A possible carcinogen, it has also been proven in patch tests to be a common allergen. However, there’s research that says that quaternion-15 is safe for use in cosmetics in concentrations up to 0.2%, you decide. Mercury and the pigment carbon black can be found in eye makeup. They’ve been linked to cancer and reproductive toxicity. Triclosan is commonly found in toothpaste, antibacterial soap, and hand sanitizers. This ingredient is banned in many other countries for being an endocrine disrupter that can lead to a variety of health problems involving our hormones, including obesity and fertility issues. Although these ingredients have been banned from cosmetics in other countries, in the US, it’s really a “buyer beware” situation; cosmetics companies can use any raw material they like, and there’s no way to know if they are safe before they reach the shelves. Except for color additives and a few prohibited ingredients, a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without approval from the FDA. Most people use multiple personal-care products every day—makeup, shampoo, soap, lotion, deodorant—with no knowledge of what to avoid in their products. Without knowing the harmful ingredients that can damage one’s health, it is easy to fall prey to all the misleading marketing without ever realizing what is in their daily products. While the industry has taken some minor steps in the right direction, as a whole, it needs to be more. Thus, it’s up to us to remain steadfast in our search for only the cleanest products. My advice: Become an avid reader of ingredients. You don’t need a degree in chemistry; you just need to read labels to ensure none of the items listed in “The Never List” above (and all 1500 more ) are contained in your beauty products. If you find any of these ingredients on the label, simply pass on that
Effortless Elegance: Minimalist Makeup for Spring Events
Minimalist makeup for spring events makeup is all about embracing simplicity and enhancing your natural beauty. With a focus on soft, subtle touches and a radiant glow, you can achieve an effortlessly elegant look that will leave you feeling confident and beautiful on your special day. Embrace the beauty of simplicity and let your natural radiance shine through. Prep Your Canvas: Skincare Essentials: Before diving into makeup application, it’s crucial to prep the skin properly. For spring brides, incorporating hydrating and brightening skincare products into their routine is essential. This ensures a glowing complexion that looks healthy and radiant on the big day. Flawless Base: Start by applying a lightweight, hydrating primer to create a smooth canvas for makeup application. Opt for a sheer, dewy foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out the skin tone while still allowing your natural skin to peek through. Conceal any blemishes or dark circles with a lightweight concealer for a flawless finish. Soft Focus Eyes: Keep the eyes soft and natural by opting for neutral eyeshadow shades in soft pastel tones such as peach, champagne, or soft rose. Sweep a light matte shade across the lid for a subtle wash of color, then add a touch of shimmer to the inner corners to brighten the eyes. Define the lashes with a few coats of mascara for a fluttery effect. Subtle Enhancements: Enhance your features with subtle touches of color. Sweep a soft peach or rosy blush across the apples of your cheeks for a natural flush of color. For the lips, choose sheer lipstick or tinted lip balm in a flattering shade that complements your natural lip color. Glowing Finish: Finish off the look with a subtle highlighter on the high points of the face – the cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose. This will add a natural-looking glow that catches the light beautifully, giving you that radiant bridal glow. Setting the Look: To ensure your minimalist bridal makeup lasts throughout the day, set it in place with a lightweight setting spray. This will help to lock in your makeup without adding any heaviness to the skin. Minimalist makeup for spring makeup look and bridals makeup is all about embracing simplicity and enhancing your natural beauty. With a focus on soft, subtle touches and a radiant glow, you can achieve an effortlessly elegant look that will leave you feeling confident and beautiful on your special day. Embrace the beauty of simplicity and let your natural radiance shine through.
Know When Makeup and Beauty Products Expires
I know how much you love that perfect pink lipstick. Or the eyeliner that’s been sharpened to no more than a nub. But there comes a point when you must let go and accept that your favorite beauty products eventually become breeding grounds for bacteria. Here’s how to know what’s still good and past its prime. Mascara: This is the makeup item you should be most vigilant about. As the brush is removed, applied, and put back in the tube, it brings any bacteria that has collected along the way. Lingering bacteria can cause redness, itchiness, or even conjunctivitis (a.k.a. pinkeye) and styes. Switch mascara every two to three months to be safe. It will also have a distinct gasoline-like smell once it’s gone wrong. If you develop any adverse symptoms, immediately throw out any of your eye makeup that may have been contaminated. See an eye doctor if your eyes are still irritated a day or two later. Foundation: Except for powder formulas, all foundations are water-based, which means bacteria love them. An unopened foundation can last for a couple of years, but once the seal is broken, it’s best to replace it after 6 to 12 months. Keep foundations out of moist environments (such as your bathroom) and away from heat, as high temperatures encourage the growth of the bugs and can speed up the spoiling—true for beauty products in general. An off smell or a change in color tells you the formula is finished—applying it could cause irritation or breakouts. Concealers: Concealers are meant to cover blemishes, not cause them—which is what can happen if you use a concealer that’s too old. You’ll know it’s gone bad because the color will start to shift. Concealers in powder and stick form can last up to two years, while liquids should be tossed after one. Face Powder: Powders are the Energizer Bunny of makeup. They keep going…and going—at least, for up to two years. Still, some powders contain small amounts of water from botanical extracts, so there’s the risk of it growing bacteria if you leave it lying around your bathroom. Look on the ingredients panel for long Latin names—these are often botanicals, and their common names (such as oat extract, chamomile, aloe, bamboo, and green tea extracts) are typically listed in parentheses. Blush: The same rules that apply to face powder apply to powder blush since neither contains water. Cream blush, however, should be replaced after a year. To prolong the life of any blush, clean your blush brush regularly and store the color in a dark, dry place. If your blush gets wet, you risk promoting bacterial growth. Moisture can come in the form of residue from your foundation and face cream as well. If you’re applying blush over these products, the oils cling to the bristles and transfer to the blush. This will eventually cause a dull gray film to form on powder formulas or a white, chalky layer on top of creams. To prevent this from happening, after applying foundation and moisturizer, wait a couple minutes before putting on blush. You can also blot excess oils from your face first, then, after your blush is on, immediately wipe off your brush with a dry towel. With powders or creams, texture is also an indicator—if the formula has become so hard it won’t budge from the compact, it’s time to buy a new one. Eye Shadow: You want Eye-enhancing shadows, but be careful of the Eye-irritating ones. To keep your eyes from getting red or itchy, replace powder eye shadows after about three months. Even though they are similar in formulation to other powders, because they’re constantly in contact with a mucous membrane, there’s a higher risk of transferring bacteria to the product and then back to the eyes. Pay extra attention to cream-based shadows, which tend to grow bacteria more quickly than powders. If you use your fingers to apply, wash your hands before doing so, and be aware of any color switches or off-putting smells. Eyeliner: Liquid or pencil, these eye definers should be replaced about every three months. Like eye shadows, they are applied near a sensitive area and can pick up bacteria and bring it back to the eye very easily without any visible signs of contamination. If you’ve used a dingy liner, you could experience redness, itchiness, or, in extreme cases, conjunctivitis. Pencils will last a bit longer than liquid if you’re steadfast about regular sharpening, but you’ll know they’re dead once a white film starts to develop on the tip that can’t be sharpened off. Lipstick & Lip Gloss: The wrong lipstick color may spoil your mood—but the risk of the formula spoiling (or growing bacteria) is low since they don’t contain any water. But since they’re repeatedly exposed to the mouth area, he suggests replacing lip products after a year or if you’ve recently been sick. Lipsticks and lip glosses contain oily ingredients that start to smell like stale cooking oil over time; also, look out for changes in texture. “You’ll know a lipstick has gone bad when it gets hard and you can’t spread the pigment on your lips; lip gloss will feel streaky and globby if you try to apply it. Makeup Brushes & Applicators: Grungy Beauty may be back this fall—but that shouldn’t include your makeup brushes. If cleaned and stored properly, good brushes can last for years, but when the bristles start to fray or fall out, it’s time for a new set. To keep them looking pristine, I suggest wiping them on a dry paper towel or washcloth after every use and giving them a thorough cleaning every two weeks with a gentle hair shampoo. The best way to store them is propped upright in a glass, where they can air out and won’t be squashed and deformed. Cheap makeup sponges should be replaced after two uses—one side, then the other. (The exception: high-quality ones that come with a cleanser, such as the Beauty Blender, which
Fall Beauty: Achieving a Stunning Autumn Makeup Look
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the air becomes crisp, it’s time to revamp your makeup routine and embrace the beauty of fall. Achieving a fall makeup look that captures the season’s essence is all about embracing warm, earthy tones and incorporating cozy, autumn-inspired colors. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a stunning fall makeup look that will have you feeling confident and in tune with the season. 1. Prep Your Canvas Before diving into your fall makeup look, ensure your skin is well-prepped. Start with a clean and moisturized face. Consider using a hydrating primer to create a smooth base for your makeup. As the weather gets cooler, it’s essential to keep your skin hydrated to prevent dryness. 2. Flawless Foundation Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. Opt for a matte or semi-matte finish to counteract any excess shine that may occur as the day goes on. Use a makeup sponge or brush to blend the foundation evenly for a natural and flawless complexion. 3. Embrace Warm Tones Fall is all about warm and earthy colors. For your eyeshadow, reach for shades like burnt orange, deep browns, and rich burgundies. These colors mimic the hues of the season and can be blended together to create a smoky, sultry eye look. Matte and shimmer finishes can be combined for added dimension. 4. Define Your Eyes To make your eyes pop, don’t forget to define your brows and add mascara. Fill in your eyebrows with a shade that matches your natural hair color, and use an eyebrow gel to keep them in place. Apply a volumizing mascara to your lashes to achieve a wide-eyed look. 5. Rosy Cheeks For a healthy flush of color on your cheeks, opt for a warm, rosy blush. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks and blend it slightly upwards towards your temples. This will give you a natural, flushed appearance that complements the fall aesthetic. 6. Create a Bold Lip One of the easiest ways to achieve a fall makeup look is by selecting a bold lip color. Deep reds, plum shades, and berry tones are perfect choices for the season. Matte or satin finishes work exceptionally well, and you can use a lip liner to define the shape of your lips for a polished finish. 7. Highlight and Contour Enhance your features with subtle highlighting and contouring. Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow. Use a matte bronzer to contour your cheekbones, jawline, and nose for added dimension. 8. Set Your Makeup To ensure your fall makeup look lasts all day, use a setting spray to lock everything in place. This step will help prevent your makeup from smudging or melting, especially if you’re out and about enjoying the fall festivities. Creating a stunning fall makeup look is all about embracing the warm, earthy colors of the season while highlighting your natural beauty. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve a flawless autumn-inspired makeup look that complements the changing leaves and crisp air. Whether you’re going for a casual daytime look or a glamorous evening style, these tips will help you capture the essence of fall in your makeup routine and leave you feeling confident and beautiful all season long. #FallLook #SeasonLook #LookoftheSeason #Fall #HolidayLook #FallBeauty
Here Comes the Bride: Creating the Perfect Bridal Look
As a makeup artist specializing in bridal hair and makeup, I’ve had the privilege of being part of countless brides’ special days. There’s something magical about the moment when the bride walks down the aisle, radiating joy and confidence. It’s an honor to contribute to that moment by creating a bridal look that not only enhances her natural beauty but also reflects her personality and style. The phrase “Here Comes the Bride“ evokes images of elegance, romance, and timeless beauty. It’s a phrase that encapsulates the anticipation and excitement of the bride’s entrance, as all eyes turn to her. As a makeup artist, my goal is to ensure that the bride looks and feels her absolute best on her wedding day, so she can confidently take that walk down the aisle. Creating the perfect bridal look is about more than just applying makeup and styling hair. It’s about understanding the bride’s vision for her wedding day and translating that into a cohesive look that complements her features and complements her gown. It’s about listening to her preferences, addressing her concerns, and collaborating to bring her dream bridal look to life. One of the first steps in creating the perfect bridal look is the consultation. This is where I sit down with the bride to discuss her vision, her dress, her color scheme, and any specific ideas or inspiration she may have. During this consultation, I also take the time to get to know the bride personally, so I can understand her individual style and personality. Once we have a clear vision of the bride’s desired look, the next step is the trial run. This is where we put the plan into action and create a mock-up of the bridal makeup and hair. The trial run allows the bride to see how everything will come together on the big day and provides an opportunity for any adjustments to be made. On the wedding day itself, my focus is on creating a calm and relaxing environment for the bride as she prepares to say “I do.” I arrive early to set up my workstation and ensure that everything is ready to go. I work closely with the bride and her bridal party to ensure that everyone looks and feels their best. When it comes to bridals makeup, my approach is all about enhancing the bride’s natural beauty. I use high-quality products and techniques to create a flawless finish that will last throughout the day and into the night. Whether the bride wants a soft and romantic look or something more bold and dramatic, I tailor the makeup to suit her preferences and features. When it comes to bridal hair, the options are endless. From classic updos to bohemian braids to soft waves, I work closely with the bride to create a hairstyle that complements her features and complements her gown. I take into account factors such as the bride’s hair type, length, and texture, as well as the overall theme and vibe of the wedding. As the bride takes that walk down the aisle, I feel a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I’ve played a small part in making her special day even more beautiful. Seeing the look of happiness and confidence on her face is truly the greatest reward of all. So here’s to the brides, the ones who inspire us with their love stories and their dreams of happily ever after. Here’s to creating the perfect bridal look, one brushstroke and curl at a time. And most importantly, here’s to love, laughter, and a lifetime of memories to cherish.