Although there are tons of natural, DIY beauty recipes out there, I know that many of us (myself included) are not comfortable enough with their perceived level of efficacy to actually incorporate them into our daily routines. Contrary to this belief, there are a few ingredients that you can find in your kitchen that are as effective as products that you would purchase at the beauty supply store. Check it out:
1. Body Lotion
Coconut oil has been the most popular natural product for skin and hair recently because it is hydrating, softening, nourishing, and provides antioxidant protection. Most store-bought moisturizers contain synthetic ingredients that produce these effects. Coconut oil has all of the skin loving properties without the fillers and chemicals. I rubbed it all over my body immediately after showering as I would with an ordinary body lotion, and it left my skin softer than any other product has. It does feel a little bit greasy at first, but it does absorb to a more matte feel. Just make sure to get organic coconut oil if you can.
2. Pore Strips
Drugstore pore strips are great for removing impurities and blackheads, but many of them are very harsh and can stretch out your pores in the process. Luckily, baking soda can do the trick. It naturally draws out impurities from the skin and can even be used to help remove splinters. Simply mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of water to create a paste. Cut a pore strip sized piece from a paper towel and allow it to soak in the paste for a few minutes. Afterwards, stick it onto your skin as you would with a store-bought strip - the moisture will allow it to adhere to the skin. And voila! You have your very own pore strip that will clean your pores without stretching them out.
3. Eye Makeup Remover
Rather than remover pads or baby oil, simply use olive oil to remove your eye makeup every night. Just put a few drops on a cotton ball and gently sweep makeup away. It will remove even stubborn mascara, while conditioning, hydrating, protecting, and soothing the skin (much better for your skin than baby oil) and lashes. I know that many people don't like oily eye makeup removers, but they do help reduce pulling around the delicate eye area and help keep the area hydrated to prevent aging. Plus, you should be washing your face after removing makeup every night anyway, which should remove any oily residue that may be bothering you.
4. Bleach
Most of us are familiar with the concept of putting lemon juice in your hair and sitting out in the sun to bleach it. Lemon is also a natural skin lightener that is much safer and gentler than hydroquinone. Thus, feel free to rub it on knees, healed scars, armpits or other areas that are dark or discolored, or try using it to bleach hair. Use it daily for a few weeks to see visible results. Be careful when using lemons anywhere on your body...it's photosensitive, meaning that it attracts sunlight and can make you more sensitive to the sun.
Truthfully, these grocery store solutions can do the trick just as well as your traditional pore strip or makeup remover would. In fact, they may be better overall options than drugstore beauty products because they are often less expensive. A bottle of olive oil is cheaper than a pack of makeup remover pads. More importantly, many drugstore products contain many fillers, preservatives, dyes etc., which can be irritating to the skin and detrimental to your health. Even natural products or "paraben-free" products contain these types of ingredients, though they may pose less of a threat to your skin and health. Overall, these food solutions are much more natural and healthier options.
Aloha! I just got back a few days ago from my family vacation to Maui. First of all, I must say that it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth with some of the friendliest people. I was surprised to discover how popular skin and body care were and was inspired by many of the innovative beauty products that I encountered. After experimenting with some of them myself, I truly believe that Hawaii is the home to
some of the world's best beauty products.
What's so great about Hawaiian skincare products? Why?
1. Luscious, exotic flora = Products are natural and smell wonderful
Hawaii's natural beauty is breath-taking. Almost everywhere you go, there are naturally growing palm trees, coconut trees, plumeria flowers, and hibiscus flowers to name a few. Since nature is an important part of the state's character, many of the popular Hawaiian beauty brands are natural, featuring botanical ingredients like gardenia, pikake, and plumeria that tone, protect, and nourish skin. For example, classic Maui brands like Island Essence produce moisturizers with scents like White Ginger and Lokelani Rose. Luckily, the Hawaiian love for pure and natural products means that many Hawaiian products including Island Essence lotions are toxin-free. I was delighted to find that all of the natural products that I came across were super efficacious and felt great. Many of the fragrances use floral extracts and oils rather than synthetic ones, making them healthier for your skin and body as well as lighter and more natural smelling. Sometimes, I think floral scents are too heavy or old lady smelling, but the ones that I found in Hawaii were surprisingly refreshing. I bought some Moku Pua Body Mist in Plumeria Jasmine ($12) at a tropical fruit plantation with nourishing and moisturizing essential oils. I try and stick with natural products when it comes to fragrance because you're putting it on a large area of skin. It's hard to find a good natural body spray or perfume since there are only a few on the market. Moku Pua makes a variety of them as well as other nice natural hair and body care products.
2. One of the state's biggest industries is agriculture = Products feature really powerful fruits
The state's climate allows for tropical fruits such as pineapple, lilikoi (passion fruit), and papaya to flourish. These fruits contain enzymes to brighten and even skin tone by providing mild chemical exfoliation, vitamins A and C to promote cell turnover and growth, and other antioxidants to protect the skin from aging. And everywhere you look, you will see coconut trees. Recently, on the mainland, coconut oil has been the beauty buzz word for its extremely softening, hydrating, naturally antiseptic, and antioxidant properties, but Hawaiians have been using it for a while. This skin saving ingredient can be found in many of the moisturizers, soaps, and scrubs in Hawaii. Maui Soap Company makes a selection of beautiful moisturizing glycerin soaps in a variety of different scents all infused with coconut oil. My personal favorite is the Mango Papaya with mango and papaya extracts. In addition, Hawaii is known for its cultivation and manufacturing of sugar cane. Sugar scrubs like the Maui Soap Company Sugar Scrub ($10) provide soothing mechanical exfoliation that is much more gentle than salt or nut grains. This scrub also contains macadamia nut oil, another Hawaiian staple, which helps heal, soothe, and nourish skin.
3. Warm, sunny weather = Hawaiians know about sun care
If
you walk into a CVS or Rite Aid in New York City, you'll find that most of the products
in the sun care aisle are chemically-derived sunscreens with controversial ingredients like oxybenzone. In Hawaii, it is very easy to find good mineral-based sunblocks that can help deflect rather than absorb sun rays (as chemical sunscreens do) to offer you the best protection during those beach days. You can find natural mineral blocks like the Elemental Herbs Sunscreen SPF 33 ($8), the EWG's #1 rated sunblock, and the Coola SPORT Citrus Mimosa Mineral Sunscreen ($36) at many shops and craft fairs. Unlike many typical drugstore sunscreens, many natural Hawaiian sunblocks have a more subtle scent and lighter feel. And many of them offer more beneficial skin ingredients like the nourishing jojoba and almond oils as well as the shea butter and cocoa butter found in the Native Maui Organic Mango Extract Sunscreen SPF 30 ($38). In addition, Hawaiian brands like Maui Organics make excellent after sun care products. Soothe irritated or sunburned skin with the Maui Organics Cool Aloe ($15). While most after sun aloe products are filled with preservatives, dyes, etc., this Cool Aloe has only two ingredients: organic aloe vera gel and lavender oil.
For more information on chemical vs. physical sunblocks: http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2013/06/summertime-means-sunscreen-time.html
The only downside to Hawaiian beauty is that many of these products tend to be on the pricier side. It may not be financially feasible to use all of these products daily, but I would definitely recommend trying a product or two if you have the opportunity. You can find many of the
popular Hawaiian personal care brands in most gift shops if you ever travel there or order them online.
Additionally, one of
the state's biggest industries is hospitality, and Hawaii has some really nice spas. Many of the treatments incorporate the best of Hawaii's natural products into their treatments. Book yourself one! It's a great way to sample the islands' wonderful beauty products and beauty services. I had a Hanakatsumi Body Ritual, which consisted of a manual and chemical exfoliation, massage, and hydrating coconut creme wrap. My skin still feels super soft...I highly recommend it!
Overall, Hawaii was heaven for a healthy beauty junkie like myself :)
Oily Skin
People with oily skin, should be looking for light-weight, gel-based products that are oil-free. Labels like "mattifying," "for blemish-prone skin," or "pore minimizing" are good for oily skin. Try this healthy oily skin regiment with some of my favorite products:
Daytime
Combination
Most people classify their skin as combination. It's tricky balancing the drier areas of the face with the more oily ones. In general, look for hydrating oil-free products, keeping a good mix of purifying/clarifying (will remove excess oil without overdrying dry areas) and moisturizing products.
- Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash ($21 at Sephora)
is the perfect product for combination skin. It delicately balances the dry and oil areas of your face.
- NUDE Skincare Purify Toning Water ($26 at Sephora) removes impurities from the skin, purifies pores, soothes skin, and refines pores.
- Boscia Luminizing Black Mask ($34 at Sephora) is like a giant pore strip for your face that detoxifies oily areas, softens dry areas, and brightens the entire face.
- Philosophy Total Matteness Oil-Free Mattifying Pore Eraser ($40 at Sephora) improves skin appearance by minimizing pores. It also helps control oil production, while leaving skin feeling soft.
- Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer ($27 at Sephora) is one of the brand's bestsellers. It's a light-weight, oil-free, fast absorbing formula that has ginseng, a powerful antioxidant, as well as coffee beans to wake up your complexion.
Daytime
Normal
Since oil and dryness aren't a concern for people with normal skin, look for products that are balancing to maintain healthy levels of sebum, hydration, and nutrients. Opt for products that will help boost radiance and aid with natural processes like cell repair.
Daytime
Dry
If you have dry skin, steer clear of oil-free products. Also, many sensitive skin and mature skin products are gentle and suitable for dry skin too. Look for thicker, creamy consistencies, moisture trapping ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, as well as skin-soothing ingredients such as vitamin E and fatty acids.
Daytime
**All product recommendations are toxin-free :)
What's the one makeup product women can't seem to live without? Surveys show that it is mascara. I tend to agree because a little mascara can make a huge difference. It only takes 2 minutes to apply and can really open and highlight your eyes more naturally than eyeliner or eyeshadow can.
But the market is so saturated with mascara products these days. How do you narrow down your options? First, I like to start by focusing on paraben and sulfate-free products (like the product recommendations below). In general, try to look for smudge-proof formulas. Save water-proof formulas for the beach because they often peel or clump easily. Many mascara formulas are similar, so it's really all about the brush. Different brushes serve different functions. Most women with normal lashes are looking to boost lash definition. Fine toothed comb brushes like the Juice Beauty Lash Defining Mascara ($19 at Ulta) can help sweep lashes upwards, while depositing clump-free color onto lashes that won't transfer to skin or stick lashes together. Volumized lashes can offer a slightly more dramatic look. I absolutely love the Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! ($19 at Sephora), and it is definitely a fan favorite. It is "clinically proven to increase the appearance of lash volume by 424%," and the natural formula is very gentle on lashes. Overall, I like the mascara's light, soft feel and natural look.
For those of you with sensitive eyes...try Almay's mascaras, which are hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist recommended for contact lens wearers. I especially like the Almay One Coat Triple Effect Mascara ($8 in drugstores). Almay is an affordable and effective brand with products for people with sensitive skin and eyes, and their mascara is no exception. They make specific lengthening, thickening, volumizing, etc. mascaras, but the One Coat Triple Effect is a very general mascara product. It builds, extends, and sculpts lashes in one simple sweep.
For those of you who prefer waterproof products...try the bareMinerals Flawless Definition Waterproof Mascara ($18 at Ulta). The formula is waterproof, but it is not as sticky or flaky as many other waterproof products, while the fine bristles help brush lashes upwards and allow you to easily reach all of your lashes. With beautiful shades like Ripe Plum and Espresso, you had definitely a color that goes with any look.
For those of you with sparse lashes...try a thickening formula like the Jane Iredale Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara ($33 on dermstore.com). The large brush adds a lot of color with each sweep (you only need 2 coats) while separating lashes. Like all Jane Iredale products, this mascara is good for your lashes too. A good tar-free mascara is hard to find, but this is one of them. Also, it contains seaweed to condition and fortify lashes.
For those of you with short lashes...try a lengthening formula like the Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara ($8 at Ulta). I didn't think that the fatter brush on this mascara was going to work well for lengthening, but it's actually really nice! Since my eyelashes are pretty short, this is usually my go-to mascara. The formula glides on really smoothly, and the brush makes for a neat and full application. This product comes in multiple shades, but my personal fave is the Black Shimmer. The "shimmer" is very subtle, but really adds a sparkle to the eyes.
And don't forget about your lower lashes to complete the look. Since they're smaller, they can be harder to reach. If coating the lower lashes is tough for you, invest in the Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($10 at Sephora). The short brush is designed for reaching all of those lower lashes, and the formula removes easily when exposed to warm water.
Make sure you curl your lashes BEFORE you put on your mascara. Curling them with mascara on can make your lashes brittle and cause them to stick to the curler. My personal favorite curlers are the Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($18 at Sephora) and the Laura Mercier Eyelash Curler ($16 at department stores), which has a cushy pad that prevents pinching and unique compact shape for travel. Also, heating your curler with a blow dryer helps your curler curl (just be careful not to burn yourself because the metal will get hot). You can even buy heated curlers like the Sephora Heated Eyelash Curler ($17 at Sephora). If you have lashes like mine that don't curl very easily, you can use a brush with a curved wand like the Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara ($19 at Sephora) in addition to curling your lashes. As the name implies, the S-shaped wand will help sculpt and shape lashes more effectively than a straight brush. Many drugstore brands make a product with a curved wand, but I like the Buxom one because of the ultra fine brush bristles and the vitamin-rich formula.
Another way to improve your mascara wear is by applying a primer first. This will hold the mascara onto your lashes for a longer period of time and prevent smudging, flaking, and fading. Like your hair, your lashes can get brittle after being coated with mascara day after day. Primers can also protect your lashes from mascara. The Tarte MultiplEYE Clinically Proven Natural Lash Enhancing Primer ($22 at Sephora) is a natural option that nourishes and conditions lashes with HydroPlant peptide to help them naturally appear longer and fuller.
The nice thing about mascara is that there are many great options for wallet-friendly prices. So, picking up your favorite mascara from the nearest drugstore can be a guilt-free treat. After all, there's nothing more elegant than luscious lashes!
What is your favorite mascara?
Many of us have our beauty routines set so that we have a system that allows us to efficiently get ready in the morning and get ready for bed at night. However, there are a few non-obvious measures we can take to tweak our beauty routines in minor ways that produce huge results:
1. Moisturize right within a minute of washing.
Apply a healthy moisturizer like the Hempz Age Defying Herbal Body Moisturizer ($25 at Ulta) IMMEDIATELY (within the first 2 minutes after
cleansing is ideal) after washing your face or your body to most effectively hydrate your skin.
Moisturizers work by trapping moisture from the air into your skin.
Plus, the water will allow for a smoother moisturizer application...it
will be easier to rub into your skin, it will feel less greasy, and you
will end up needing to use less lotion. Keep your lotion in your shower/next to the shower so that it's handy as soon as you're done washing.
2. Wash your hair at night instead of in the morning.
This revision in your beauty routine can actually improve the appearance of your skin. Going to sleep with greasy, dirty hair that contains products like hair spray, mousse, etc. can allow that stuff to get all over your skin (or get all over your pillowcase and then your skin) while your snooze. All of that gunk can clog your pores during the crucial time of repair and recovery that occurs when you are asleep, which can lead to break outs. Since your hair is also likely to be filled with aging pollutants that tag along as you go through the day, it is also important to keep them from migrating onto your skin. Wash them off to help ward off premature signs of aging. And don't forget to follow up each hair wash with a face wash. Many shampoos and
conditioners contain harsh detergents that can strip your skin of good
natural oils as well as lipids (that give products that thick consistency) that can clog your pores. Make sure
you clean all of traces of those products off of your face to prevent
dryness and/or breakouts.
3. Use a moist egg-shaped sponge to apply your foundation.
I've only recently started using an egg-shaped sponge to apply my foundation (where have I been all this time?). It honestly makes my foundation look great! In general, I prefer sponges over brushes (which sometimes leave streak marks) and your fingers because it's easier to blend everything together in way that doesn't appear too thick on your skin. Plus the egg shape of egg shaped sponges really allow you to get all the hard to reach areas of the face like around the nose and under the eyes. I bought the Ulta Super Blender Sponge ($5 at Ulta). I must say that it certainly makes my foundation look so light and natural on my face. Wet it and then squeeze out the excess water before dipping it into your favorite foundation, BB/CC/DD cream, tinted moisturizer, powder, etc. This will keep the foundation on your skin rather than in your sponge as well as give you that even, airbrushed finish.
4. Exfoliate regularly.
Two to three times per week swap your night face cleanser for a cleansing facial scrub (make sure that it will cleanse your skin as well as exfoliate) like the JUARA Rice Facial Scrub ($29 on skinstore.com), and trade your body wash for a body scrub like the 100% Pure Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub ($25 at Ulta). Or simply, wash your face with a facial brush using your regular cleanser 2-3 times per week. Overall, this simple step will give your skin a radiant glow. In addition, exfoliating will improve the efficacy of both your makeup and your skincare:
- Dark spots, hyper pigmentation, and scarring will fade faster.
- There will be fewer dead skin cells to clog your pores and cause breakouts.
- You will have a smoother canvas on which to apply your makeup. It will go on more easily and stay on for longer.
- Your
skincare products will work better. Moisturizers and serums won't have
dead skins cells standing in their way of penetrating your skin.
Be careful not to overexfoliate because that can irritate your skin, damage your skin cells, and overstrip your skin of good, natural oils.
5. Do your face makeup after your eye makeup.
It's common to apply foundation, concealer, and powder before applying your eye makeup. However, when we apply our eye makeup, we often find ourselves smudging, leaving specks of shadow under our eyes and on our cheeks, etc. Rather than having to clean it up and then touch up your face makeup, put your eye makeup on first. It saves you a clean up and looks way neater...putting undereye concealer on after eyeshadow really masks any traces of eye makeup that may have fallen onto your face during the application process and makes your eyes look brighter. We also tend to rest our hands against our cheeks when applying eyeliner or eyeshadow, which can botch up your foundation.
What's great about these suggested modifications to your routine? They don't require you to spend more time or money on looking and feeling fabulous. It's simply a matter of rethinking beauty rituals that most likely already exist in your day.
...continuing from last week's post, there are also many beauty trends that have emerged over the past decade. There's always one product that acts as a catalyst for these trends. However, many brands have later presented new and improved as well as healthier versions of these original products. Check it out:
1. Gel Eyeliner generally comes in a pot or pan. It has a creamy formula that glides on when you apply it with an eyeliner brush. The liner dries on your eyes and doesn't budge as easily as pencils often do. Plus, they have a more natural finish than many liquid liners do. Overall, gel liners produce a rich color and allow for a neat application.
Out with the old...Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23 at Sephora)
Today, many color cosmetic brands make a gel eyeliner, but Bobbi Brown was the founder of this magnificent concept. I must say that I'm a huge fan of gel liners, and Bobbi Brown definitely has the best color selection with plums, blues, light browns, shimmers, etc. However, it contains parabens as well as BHT. Also, compared with other brands, Bobbi Brown's liners are smaller and dry out quickly given the price.
And in with the new...Buxom Lashliner ($16 at Sephora)
In general, it's tough to find a paraben-free gel liner, but Buxom makes one. The only downside with the Buxom liner is that it only comes in 2 shades, brown and black, though it is equally as creamy and long lasting as the Bobbi Brown one. I prefer to stick to the Buxom for everyday work/school wear because of the healthier formula. But I break out my pretty Bobbi Chocolate Shimmer or Graphite gel liner for special occasions and nights out :)
2. Mineral Makeup is makeup that is derived from compressed minerals. Some of the benefits are that minerals tend to be more natural, more nourishing, and have large particles that don't get absorbed into pores. Thus, they may be less irritating than other makeup products for sensitive skin and those with acne.
Out with the old...bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($27 at Sephora)
I know many of us swear by our bareMinerals makeup. The company is definitely a genius...it started the mineral makeup craze, making their foundations a beauty best-seller. Now, minerals are in blushes, eye shadows, powders, foundations, etc. The problem with bareMinerals foundation is that it contains bismuth oxychloride. Bismuth Oxychloride is derived from a processed
form of lead and is generally used in mineral makeup to improve the product’s
texture and long-lasting effect. Many consumers find this ingredient
extremely irritating and like talc, some research shows that inhaling bismuth
oxychloride may be associated with respiratory disorders. From my experience, the coverage of this foundation is really nice, but it gives my oily skin an unnatural and excessive shine. It also was a little bit drying and looked cakey by the end of the day.
And in with the new...Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder SPF 20 ($42 on skinstore.com)
Jane Iredale also developed a mineral foundation that is in the same loose powder form as the bareMinerals one. Since this product isn't sold at Sephora, you may not have stumbled across it yet. But if you love bareMinerals, you'll love this loose mineral powder. Like bareMinerals, it also offers mineral-based protection and medium coverage, but I've found that the Jane Iredale formula was a little bit silkier and more hydrating. More importantly, it is free of bismuth oxychloride.
3. Cheek Stain is a more natural-looking, light-weight form of blush. In the old days,
people piled on the "rouge" to make a statement. Now, people tend to use blush to give a slight boost of color that gives the appearance of a natural, healthy glow. Cheek stains usually come in a gel or stick form and offer a sheerer level of coverage.
Out with the old...Benefit Cosmetics Benetint ($30 at Sephora)
Benefit came out with the first major cheek and lip stain a few years ago. Although I must say that's pretty natural looking and easy to apply, it also contains a large amount of methylparaben as well as BHT.
And in with the new...Perfekt Cheek Perfection Gel ($28 at Sephora)
Perfekt is a relatively new brand that makes some very nice healthy products. The Perfekt Cheek Gel is not only toxin-free, but also contains vitamins and antioxidants. It is much more light-weight and natural-looking than the Tarte product, so your glow looks like it comes from within. And the gel allows you to more easily build your own level of coverage.
4. CC Creams or complexion
correcting creams are a hybrid skincare makeup product that has multiple benefits. They
combine multiple skincare products - moisturizer (hydrates), primer
(protects and smooths), serum (repairs and protects), foundation (blurs
imperfections and evens skin tone) - into one, easy step. Although they are are very similar
to BB creams, the focus of CC's is on color correction for issues like
redness or dark spots, meaning that they often have slightly heavier
coverage, a lighter feel, and contain more vitamin C than BB's.
Out with the old...Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($42 at Sephora)
Although tons of CC creams have hit the market by now, Smashbox made one of the first ones. The coverage, hydration, light-weight feel, and long-lasting effect make it a good CC cream. However, this product uses oxybenzone as a sunscreen ingredient, which is controversial because there is some research that it is related to hormone disruption. Another downside for me personally is that it's not oil-free, so it's not as ideal for my blemish-prone skin.
And in with the new...Stila Color Correcting Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($44 at Sephora)
Stila does not use oxybenzone or other toxins in its CC cream, but the formula offers all of the same CC benefits (looks and feels just as nice) as the Smashbox product. Instead, it uses physical sunblocks, which provide a strong defense against sun damage. And it's oil-free!
5. Retinol is probably the
ingredient you hear about most with anti-aging products. Retinol is a
form of vitamin A that is naturally occurring the body. It boosts
collagen production and promotes cell turnover, keeping your skin firm
and fresh. So, retinol creams are a part of many women's skincare
routines.
Out with the old...RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($18 in drugstores)
Many of us may have seen TV ads for RoC. RoC is the mother of retinol products with their retinol eye cremes, face cremes, serums, etc. Although RoC retinol cream can be conveniently found at most drugstores, it contains parabens and BHT.
And in with the new...Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream ($85 at Sephora)
Parabens in the RoC formula shouldn't stop you from using a retinol cream. Other brands like Kate Somerville make a comparable, healthier product. This retinol cream also contains ingredients like seaweed extract and hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration as well as a RetAsphere Smart Release Carrier system to prevent irritation and dryness associated with retinol use.
So, if you love these products, make sure you're using the healthiest, more effective versions of them. Hope this helps you do so!
If you took a peek into your grandmother's makeup drawer, you may have found products like the Coty Loose Face Powder, Avon Here's My Heart fragrance, Yardley false lashes, or Noxzema Skin Cream. Many of these age-old beauty products still effectively keep women looking youthful, healthy, and fashionable today. But we've come a long way in improving the efficacy of these products as well as in phasing out some of the harmful cosmetic ingredients that were used decades ago.
Here are some healthy substitutes for some vintage cosmetics that remain classic beauty product staples for women today:
1. Cold Cream is a rich, creamy emulsion composed of water, fatty acids, beeswax, and mineral oil. Thus, it is ultra hydrating and smoothing. There is currently quite a selection of cold cream derived products (creams, lip salves, cleansers, etc.) on the market.
Out with the old...Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser
Although ancient empires like the Greek empire used early version of cold cream, it was made popular by Pond's. Women in the early and mid-twentieth century used to apply it before they went to bed to cleanse skin (remove makeup and dirt) and provide deep hydration. You could rinse if off to reveal instantly soft, smooth, and radiant skin or leave it on to seal in moisture. The more modern version of this product is the Cold Cream Cleanser, which you typically do wash off immediately. The problem with this product is that it contains a potentially harmful paraben as well as mineral oil.
And in with the new Avene Cold Cream Ultra Rich Soap-Free Cleansing Bar ($9 on dermstore.com)
Although I don't know of any liquid cold cream cleansers that are toxin-free, Avene makes a cold cream bar that does all that the Pond's product does...gently cleanses, soothes irritation, and traps in moisture for supple, soft skin.
2. Talcum Powder is finely milled talc that is used to absorb moisture and reduce shine.
Out with the old...Johnson's Baby Powder Original
When we think of talcum powder, we think of Johnson's. We used it as a baby and then used it on our own babies. The two ingredients in this product are talc and fragrance. I must say that I do like the smell of it, but it can be irritating to sensitive skin. Also, there is growing research on the potential dangers of talc in beauty products. Talc is a mineral used in powders to help the skin with absorption and to
decrease caking. Studies on animals have shown that frequent inhalation
of talc can increase your risk of respiratory issues such as lung
tumors. Although limited research has
been conducted on this claim, some scientists believe that talc can increase
your risk of developing ovarian
cancer.
And in with the new...Burt's Bees Baby Bee Dusting Powder ($6 in drugstores)
To play it safe, try Burt's Bees baby powder. It has the absorbancy that regular baby powder has, but does the job using corn starch. It's more natural than talc and just as effective for reducing shine, preventing heat rashes, absorbing dampness, etc.
3. Creme to Powder Foundation is a creme compact foundation to allow for easy application and buildable coverage. It transforms into a powder when it comes in contact with your skin for a light, airy feel.
Out with the old...Max Factor Pan-Cake Makeup
Max Factor launched its famous Pan-Cake Makeup with the positioning that it was the foundation of Hollywood. It actually lasted until only a few years ago, when it was discontinued. The brand even featured the glamorous Judy Garland as the ambassador for the product. Basically, Pan-Cake Makeup was a mixture of a pigmented powder and a dehydrated cream. You simply had to put some water on the sponge and swirl it around in the pan to loosen and apply the makeup. Afterwards, it dried as a powder that felt light on skin. At the time, such a concept was really innovative and suitable for women, who wanted that gorgeous Judy Garland complexion without having to pile on heavy layers of foundation. In addition to the fact that this product no longer exists, it also contained toxins like talc.
And in with the new...Benefit Some Kind-A Gorgeous ($30 at Sephora)
Benefit makes a creme to powder foundation (goes on like a creme foundation and feels like a powder on your skin), but without the talc. It is also oil-free and settles to a natural finish. And it certainly blends into skin better than the original Pan-Cake makeup did.
4. Petroleum Jelly is essentially mineral oil in a thick jelly form that can help heal and soothe skin.
Out with the old...Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
Most of us probably have a tub of Vaseline, the creators of petroleum jelly, in our medicine cabinets as a go to quick-fix for everything from dry hands to cracked lips to diaper rashes. The problem with petroleum jelly is, as I mentioned, that is indeed a quick-fix and doesn't necessarily fix the problems causing dry skin. Rather than
getting absorbed by the skin to soften skin from within, petrolatum and
mineral oil sit on top of skin, creating a lubricating barrier. Rubbing some Vaseline over your dry skin will temporarily fix the problem, but won't help heal or prevent dry skin in the long-term.
And in with the new...Alba Multipurpose Un-Petroleum Jelly ($6 at Whole Body)
Alba makes a play on petroleum jelly with their un-petroleum jelly. It has the same jelly feeling that Vaseline has, and you can use it for all the same purposes. Instead of using mineral oil, this product is formulated with beeswax and natural oils like coconut oil and castor seed oil to go beyond hydrating to nourishing skin as well. Plus, these ingredients can penetrate skin (unlike mineral oil) and help heal dry skin from within so that it goes away for good!
5. Red Lipstick is a classic, lovely lip shade. Before HD TV, old Hollywood actresses would wear it because it was bold enough to appear on camera. Before Crest White Strips, women used to wear red lipstick because the brightness contrasted the color of their teeth, making them appear whiter. It was the color of choice many of our grandmothers, and it still makes an elegant statement today.
Out with the old...Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Cherries in the Snow
One of the first major color cosmetics brands, Revlon, was founded in 1931 by Charles Revson. The brand's core competency has always been lipsticks, and their famous shade is Cherries in the Snow, a deep/bright red. It's a very iconic Liz Taylor, Hita Hayworth type of shade that is still a best-seller today. However, the problem with many of Revlon's products including their Super Lustrous lipsticks is that they contain BHT.
And in the with the new...BITE Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick in Zivoli ($24 at Sephora)
These lipsticks provide the same rich color, beautiful satin finish, and hydration that the Revlon lipsticks have. However, the BITE Beauty lipsticks are natural and free of toxic ingredients. They are even loaded with the powerful antioxidant, resveratrol (from grapes). With 25 shades to choose from, Zivoli seems to be the one that's most similar to Cherries in the Snow.
The truth is many of these products have survived the years because they still do the trick. So, whether we like it our not, our makeup drawers probably look similar to those of our grandmothers and mothers....but hopefully with some new and improved products.
