The Nature of Beauty Blog

Falling in love with mineral makeup

2012-05-29T09:14:00.001-07:00

by Nina Strommen, Nature of Beauty Makeup Artist

Because I am a serious makeup junkie, you can be certain I’ve tried everything out there. I have my preferences, but I also love to try the latest new thing. Admittedly, I haven’t always been a fan of loose mineral makeup. I thought it was messy, hard to use, and counter-intuitive for my dry skin. But since working at The Nature of Beauty, I have been playing around with our beloved Alima Pure. Now I know what all the fuss is about – I’m in love!

I’d like to share with you, dear reader, my list of tips and tricks I have learned by experimenting and playing with Alima for the past few weeks.

Sunscreen: Savior or snake oil?

2012-05-24T21:13:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned earlier this week, the debate over sunscreen safety appears to intensify each summer. In Part I of our Sunscreen Safety Series, I address the issue of nano technology; specifically, nano zinc oxide and nano titanium dioxide.

Today, I'm going to tackle another highly controversial topic: Whether sunscreen actually reduces your chance of skin cancer or, even worse, if it actually increases your risk! Since consistent, straight answers to these questions are harder to find than a flattering boy-shorts bikini, I once again turned to the current body of research on the topic. Sure, research isn't without its (often significant) limitations, but I trust science more than I trust some random dermatologist who happened to answer his or her phone when a beauty editor from whatever magazine happened to call.

Before discussing the science on this one, I should mention I am not a sunscreen evangelist, insisting that everyone apply sunscreen before so much as walking to the end of the driveway to fetch the day's mail. I'm not ready to accept that we're one leftover can of Aqua Net away from requiring futuristic, UV-proofed bubble cities to survive. Close, maybe, but not quite yet. Our bodies need sun, it would seem, and Vitamin D in particular. I operate from the basic belief that we were designed to survive in nature, which obviously includes the sun. Yes, we have done damage to our atmosphere, making the sun's rays more dangerous. And yes, our skin is way wussier than in previous centuries, since most of us don't spend much time outside. But are we sure sunscreen is the panacea for all that may burn us?

Here's what I found while digging through this year's pile of scientific updates:

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Introducing the Nature of Beauty's Sunscreen Safety Series

2012-05-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

Sunscreen Safety Series. I really should come up with a title that doesn't sound like something you're forced to sit through after you've broken the law, or before you can get your driver's license. In any case, welcome to The Nature of Beauty's 3-part series on the topic of Sunscreen, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. Over the course of the week, I'm going to do my best to extract accurate and helpful information regarding sunscreen and safety, from what is essentially a mixed bag of sound science, hysteria-fueled hype, and blatant misinformation (provided in large part by clever marketing departments and a government not terribly bothered by accuracy of information, so long as companies remain profitable. I'm just sayin'). So buckle up, class, because this could be a bumpy ride.

The first piece we'll feature is actually one I wrote last year for Feelgoodstyle.com, following my interview with Bob Root, co-founder of Keys Care, and creator of Keys Solar Rx (more about that below). I present to you my attempt to tackle what I believe is the single most controversial issue in sunscreen safety: the use of nanotechnology.
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Lovely Stuff for Mom - 2012 Edition

2012-05-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you long ago made your Mother's Day purchases. Or maybe you are one of those people who have an agreement with your mom about Mother's Day being one of those silly Hallmark Holidays, and she would much rather you just appreciate her year round. I, however, have a mother who is pretty open about wanting some kinda somethin' this Sunday. And I have yet to figure out what that something is going to be.

If you are like me - i.e., in need of something nice, but without a clear idea where to look - perhaps I can help you out with a few suggestions. The good news is you still have time left to order today and get it in the mail before Sunday (see below for our offer to assist). Below are just a few of my personal favorites, and the list does not include our new collection of gorgeous silk scarves, sterling silver earrings, and hand-woven handbags - those you can only find at our store.

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Put Some Spring Into Your Skin Care Routine

2012-03-12T21:20:00.001-07:00

As the weather warms up, most of us will need to swap out our heavy creams for lighter lotions. When the air is cold and dry, the skin needs almost constant replenishment. But with April rain and higher temps (or rather, March, if we're talking about 2012) , too much added oil can mean clogged pores and an overly shiny complexion.

This also means that less is more when it comes to skin care in the warmer months. No need for 12 spendy creams, one for each feature on your face. As the weather warms up, your skin will almost certainly be happier with less product.

Lighten up! Nina's on-trend tips for Spring makeup

2012-03-09T12:36:00.105-08:00

by Nina Strommen, Nature of Beauty Makeup Artist

If you had been following the favored makeup trends of the winter and holiday season, you have no doubt been donning a deep berry pucker, a smoky eye, or a gilded lash line. But as you start to shop for your new spring frocks, take a look at the newest makeup trends.

Trend watch: Splashes of Bright color.

Yes, the thought of bright makeup can be intimidating to even the most enthusiastic makeup lover. But it doesn’t have to be. I recommend choosing a feature, and then a color. Pick whatever texture (matte, shiny, pearly, etc) you fancy; the point is to accentuate one feature with a bold shade.

For the eyes, create a wash of dramatic color on the lid, skip the liner, and make lots of lashes. Keep the rest of the face simple. Glowing skin, natural blush for your skin tone, and a nude glossy lip works well with this look.

Introducing: Nina's Long-Term Loves & Current Crushes

2012-02-29T12:54:00.006-08:00

Everyone, meet Nina. She and I met what seems like a lifetime ago when she strolled into my first little shop in St. Paul looking for some Alima. Turns out, she was - and is - a Twin Cities makeup artist in the process of ditching her extensive MAC collection for the greener stuff. Long story short - she loved our stuff, I loved her, and a beautiful friendship was formed.

Fast-forward two years (three? totally losing track), and Ms. Nina is finally an official member of The Nature of Beauty team, serving as resident Makeup Artist-in-Chief. I could not be happier.

As part of her new role, Nina has offered to write a regular series we have dubbed "Nina's Long-Term Loves & Current Crushes". I'll let her take it from here. Enjoy! ~ Terri

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Odacité: La crème de la crème

2012-02-22T15:21:00.001-08:00

Ask me why I love Odacité, and you'll find yourself wondering if I'm preparing an audition for QVC. I won't deny it - I gush with shameless, raw enthusiasm when talking about our newest line of skin care. That is because in the past 4 years I have tried dozens and dozens of skin care products, most of them quite good, and few brands have captured my heart as quickly and completely as this one. Since using up my trial kit, I have been wandering around my bathroom each evening, lost and confused, wondering how I could have ever lived without these exquisitely elegant little skin care angels.

I mentioned the QVC thing already, right?

Beauty Tips for your Big Date

2012-02-13T08:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a little secret for you: I was born and raised in Fargo. That's right, the one from the movie. While it was a great place to grow up, I think maybe it is also why I developed...um...let's call it an exaggerated idea of what it meant to get dolled up for a big night out (and no, that is not me on the left, although it probably could have been). The Fargo trifecta of beauty was, quite simply put: Big Hair, Big Makeup, and a Big Fake Tan.

Thankfully, I have come to appreciate the "less is more" approach to looking beautiful. Since launching The Nature of Beauty, I have also had the amazing good fortune to learn from uber-talented makeup artists like Jessa Blades, Christy Coleman, Kristen Arnett, and The Nature of Beauty's own Nina Strommen.

Rather than keep this knowledge all to myself, I thought perhaps on this, the Week of Big Dates, I would share some of my favorite tips with you (and yes, they are great tips even if you don't have any big plans for Valentine's Day).

Say Goodbye to Dry: 5 tips for replenishing winter-ravaged skin

2012-01-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

I love winter, which I realize may lead you to question my sanity. But I find cold air invigorating and refreshing after months of heat and humidity. My skin, however, is far less enthusiastic. Even during record warm winters like this one, I struggle to keep flaky, itchy skin at bay, from my chin to my shins. On the plus side, this year’s long spell of remarkably dry air has given me ample opportunity to experiment on myself, including whipping up a few DIY recipes. I also consulted with my two Minnesota-born–and-bred estheticians, who I knew would have much to offer in the way of dry skin solutions.

After teasing out what worked from what did not, I present to you 5 easy and affordable adjustments you can make to your daily skin care routine when winter attacks:
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2011 Nature of Beauty Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

2011-12-16T21:03:00.003-08:00

As I mentioned in our last blog post, we carry some excellent products that double as sure-to-please holiday gifts. But those are just a few of the many great gift ideas available at The Nature of Beauty. For the past month, I have been planning on writing a big ol' blog post listing My Favorite Things. Clearly, I kept putting it off.

If it makes you feel better, a Nature of Beauty Gift Guide isn't the only thing I'm guilty of putting off til the last minute: I have yet to purchase a single Christmas gift. For anyone. In the hopes I'm not alone, and you, too, haven't completed (or started) your holiday shopping, above is my Special 2011 Edition Last Minute Nature of Beauty Gift Guide, and below, I tell you a bit about why I think they are so awesome:

The Nature of Beauty's Holiday Gift Picks for 2011

2011-12-12T21:47:00.000-08:00

It's been an insanely busy holiday season for us at The Nature of Beauty. Between new brands, special events, visits from the founders of our favorite brands, and a ton of fabulous new and returning customers, it's been nothing short of impossible for this girl to even find time to sit down and write a blog post!

To make it easier on myself, I asked the Nature of Beauty team to help me out by naming their pick for Best Holiday Gift of 2011. I have to say, I wholeheartedly approve of each and every selection - so here we go!

Why I Love Logona's New Makeup (and think you will, too)

2011-10-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have followed this blog from the beginning know I have always had a stubborn love of Logona. Maybe it's the German in me loving the German in them. Or maybe it's because I have always known Logona to be a consistent producer of reliable and effective beauty products. Problem is, they've never been particularly sexy, nor have they ever spent so much as a minute trying to attract U.S. customers. Nevertheless, Logona has become our best-selling line in the store, as all of us who use it quickly recognized their value.

All that is about to change with the relaunch of their color collection. To say they've improved on their original line is a dramatic understatement; naw, these guys have hit it out of the park with lipsticks that deliver intense shine without glitter, mascara that volumizes without smudging or flaking, and foundation that delivers a flawless, radiant finish.

Intrigued? Let me elaborate:

Pit Potion: A magical cure for the stinkies

2011-09-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

My best friend of over 20 years called me last week, a few hours after we sent our last email blast, announcing the launch of Pit Potion by The Nature of Beauty. "I don't understand," she said, clearly flummoxed, "You made it? I mean, no offense...but you don't make skin care. Do you?"

She had a point. I don't - well, I didn't - make skin care. At least, not for other people. Truth be told, I had been secretly accumulating quite a stash of raw ingredients over the past few years, wanting to understand how they smell, feel, and work when you mix them together. I'm not the kind of person who is content with the What; I need to know the Why and the How (I must have been the most crazy-making 3-year-old ever). Thinking I should keep these Science Geek tendencies to myself, I didn't really share my potions with anyone else. Besides, I hadn't made anything I thought was better than the products I was already selling.

Until I made Pit Potion.

What I'm Wearing (and Using) Today

2011-09-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I shared what I've been puttin' on my face. My beauty routine has changed a bit as of late, and unsolicited customer compliments have been on the rise ever since. So maybe now would be a good time for the latest edition of What I'm Wearing Today!

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New Makeup, Just In Time For Fall!

2011-09-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure about where you live, but in Minnesota, this summer meant the hottest, most humid weeks we've ever experienced. Even if wearing a full face of makeup looked good in sauna-esque conditions, who would want to wear it? September, though...well, that's a whole different story. Sure, it means winter is around the corner, but it also means primo makeup weather!

With that, we've got some amazing new makeup. Here are just a few of my favorites.

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The Deal with Samples

2011-08-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

Way back when we first launched Natureofbeauty.com (seems like a million years ago), we created what I thought would be the perfect Samples program: Unlimited samples at 99 cents each.

Since that time, our samples program has been through several incarnations. No matter the policy, we regularly receive emails from customers wishing we offered more samples, cheaper samples, unlimited samples, and so on and so forth. Believe me, we understand the limitations of purchasing online; I, for one, hate going to the mall, so the invent of online retail was a godsend, albeit one with drawbacks. You may wonder, then, why companies place limitations on samples, or charge you for what amounts to 1-2 days' worth of product.

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Couleur Caramel: Questions answered with (way too) close-ups

2011-08-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

The word keeps spreading, because the hype is deserved: Couleur Caramel really does offer the best natural mascara on the market. Coco Eco Magazine, makeup artists Jessa Blades and Christy Coleman and, last week, The Well Daily, have all listed Couleur Caramel mascara as their big fave.

A couple of questions continue to come in, however, from current and potential Couleur customers. The most common one: "So, how well does it wear throughout the day?" followed closely by, "So, what's the deal with 'cils courts' vs. 'cils longs'?"

Today, in fact, I received an email with those very questions. She happened to catch me in the middle of the afternoon, when I was looking for a good excuse to move away from the computer, stretch my legs, and play with makeup. I popped up, took off my existing eye makeup, slapped some cils courts on one eye, cils longs on the other, and snapped a big ol' close-up to send to my mascara-hungry pen pal.

Earlier this evening, I decided it wasn't fair to limit the results of my mascarexperiment to just one lucky customer. I also realized this was an opportunity to take a follow-up photo 6 hours later, providing at least one answer to the wearability question. Before I show you the photos, however, a couple of things:

1) No one should ever post photos of their face this close up without the help of Photoshop. But I did it anyway, because I didn't want the experiment to be tainted by enhanced results. All I ask is that you refrain from judgment, and just focus on the eye lashes.

2) When it comes to the wearability of any mascara, one person's success is another's failure. In other words, this mascara may work flawlessly for even 90% of you, but it could very well be a flop for the other 10, for reasons that have to do with oil on the lids and/or under eye area, allergies, eye-rubbing tendencies, eye shape, and so on. If you're one of the 10%, please email us at info@natureofbeauty.com, as we may have some suggestions that will correct the problem.

First, the cils courts ("short lash") vs. cils courts ("long lash"). The choice, in my opinion, isn't one to spend a great deal of time fretting over. And remember - the difference is in the wand, NOT the formula. See below:

At first, the cils courts felt heavier. I wasn't aware of having anything on the right-side set of lashes (with the cils longs), but was definitely aware that there was mascara on the left. That went away with time, however, and at this point in the day I don't notice any difference. In the mirror, I thought the cils courts lashes looked more dramatic, like a Maybelline Great Lash kind of thing. The cils longs reminded me more of Dior Show - long, dramatic, but not as lush, perhaps, as the lashes with the cils courts.

Here is a photo of my eyes 7 hours after applying the mascara.

As you can see, when it comes to my lashes, this mascara is flawless - no smudging, no smearing, and it's still very much on. I didn't have to clean it up, wipe anything off, or Photoshop away flakes and smudges. Which I think is obvious, because if this were me after Photoshopping, I'd have bigger problems than mascara. So yes, I look exhausted,but my mascara is still awesome.http://www.natureofbeauty.com/couleur-caramel-mascara.html

The Nature of Beauty: Why we're still here

2011-08-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

This past week marked 3 years since we launched Natureofbeauty.com. To be honest, it feels more like 30 years. I won't lie to you: It's been a rough road, filled with corrupted websites, expensive expansions, shuffling personnel, and a recession that seems unwilling to give up the ghost. It's enough to make a girl pack it up and call it a day...if it wasn't for the reason I created The Nature of Beauty in the first place.

To fact is, while there are approximately 9 bajillion more companies selling natural and organic beauty products than just 3 years back, the amount of misinformation has more or less kept pace. As a result, customers have more to choose from, but an even harder time deciphering to what extent brands and products are what they claim to be. As women and men become more motivated to purchase more eco- and people-friendy products, companies are working harder to secure their spending dollars. Because making products that actually contain mostly natural and organic ingredients would cost a lot more money, many businesses choose instead to confuse customers with misleading language, leafy packaging, and a direct line to beauty editors who don't understand and/or don't care to what extent a product that looks and sounds all eco really is.

In the past, I've railed against greenwashers, calling them out for misleading practices, with the hope of inspiring in others the same sense of outrage I felt when I learned of these companies' acts of deception. In response, I usually got an earful from fans, friends, and employees of these companies, calling ME out for beating up on those whom I should be supporting, because "nobody's perfect," and at least their products are better than the majority of what's out there.

My response was, and still is, that my goal when I entered the world of eco-conscious beauty was to provide as many people as possible with accurate information, and to encourage all consumers to think a bit more critically when spending their hard-earned dollars. Beauty manufacturers (especially in the U.S.) have the right to put whatever they want to in their products, and consumers have the right to purchase them. My beef is with their efforts to deceive customers into purchasing one thing, while believing they are purchasing something else. I have no interest in telling anyone what to buy, when to buy it, or what will happen to them if they don't. The challenge is that the vast majority of marketing efforts are spent on doing exactly that, so my job is a challenging one, as a grotesque understatement.

I'm not the least bit comfortable with the knowledge that pregnant women who choose not to use anything but organic skin care could walk into a department store (or, lets be honest, even the local co-op) and be sold a product with the understanding it meets their criteria, only to discover later it contains ingredients implicated in birth defects. Or a breast cancer survivor, determined to rid her body of unnecessary toxins, heading home with a $500 worth of skin care packed full of estrogen-mimicking chemicals. Until I feel confident this won't happen, I can't walk away. The stakes are too high, and progress too slow for anyone to back out now. We are getting sicker as a species, and until i see evidence of that trend being reversed, I'm going to be here, with my little company in tow.

FAQ: Why does the Nature of Beauty carry sunscreens with Nano Zinc Oxide?

2011-07-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

Oh, if I had a nickel for every time someone emailed, called, or stopped by the store asking why we carry sunscreen with nano zinc oxide, I would be writing this blog post from my yacht on Lake Minnetonka.

Of course, I don't get any such reward for taking on these questions, and yet, it seems like a good idea to provide an answer anyway! So I did just that, and once again I published it on Feelgoodstyle.com. I want to say that I am pretty passionate about this one - not about nano zinc oxide in particular, but about drawing a line between fear and thoughtfulness. Truly, I believe the "green beauty" movement is not so much about a fear of chemicals as it is about encouraging us to start thinking again about what we put on and in our bodies. Fear rarely leads to wise, rational decisions. And in the case of nano zinc oxide, it's entirely possible that the "better safe than sorry" option is going nano.

Anyway. Read more about my conclusions here, and please don't hesitate to email me at terri@natureofbeauty.com if you have questions, thoughts, or other feedback on the topic!

Why You Should Own a Clarisonic

2011-07-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

I can count on one hand the number of gadgets I have fallen in love with: the iPhone, my Roku box...and now, the Clarisonic Face & Body System (more commonly referred to as the Clarisonic Mia and the Clarisonic Pro). I love it so much I decided to sing its praises on FeelgoodStyle.com. Rather than duplicate my efforts, here's a link to my review, along with additional information about the Clarisonic. Enjoy!

Click here to read my full piece on the Clarisonic for FeelgoodStyle.com >>

2nd Annual Vacation Essentials Issue (post-surgery edition)

2011-06-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

Last year, I blogged from our family's rented lake cabin in the beautiful north woods of Minnesota. One year later, and we're back in our little corner of paradise, so I thought I should publish an updated piece, since we've added some new products to the store and, consequently, I've brought along some new products
to the cabin!

Another little twist: Two weeks ago, I had major abdominal surgery in Atlanta, GA, far, far away from home, which required me to pack a week's worth of toiletries that would not only travel well, but would promote physical and psychological healing. Given the proximity of the surgery and vacation, I did my best to create a collection that would work for both trips. As I near the end of trip #2, I have to say, I'm quite pleased with my selections:

Eco Logical Sun Screen, Face and Body. In case you're wondering what happened to Soleo, it was essentially replaced in the U.S. by Eco Logical (both made in Australia). It's not an exciting story so I won't go into it. But I must say, Eco Logical is indeed an upgrade. In particular, the Face sunscreen is extremely light - it almost feels "whipped." With no greasy feel or white-ish cast on the skin, it absorbs quickly and easily, making it perfect for under makeup. The Body sunscreen is decidedly heavier. Made with non-nano zinc oxide, it will look slightly white on very dark skin. Extremely water resistant, it does feel somewhat thicker and greasier, but they're not kidding with the water resistant thing. It adheres very well to the skin; my children-turned-fish have remained tan- and burn-free all week (admittedly, it's hard to tell with my youngest, who was born in Ethiopia, but we'll assume she's burn-free since she hasn't said anything).
Intelligent Nutrients Bug Serum and Spray. I'll admit: this one had me skeptical. Few places in the U.S. demand better mosquito protection than Minnesota in the summer time. Especially a wet summer like we've had thus far. But I've been using the serum and spray combo daily, and have yet to find a single bite on me. My youngest daughter, the other recipient of IN bug serum in my little experiment (yes, it's true, I experiment on my family), also remained bug-free. My eldest daughter's feet, on the other hand, which had been sprayed regularly with All Terrain, were victims of a full-on skeeter assault. Now, I should add that she also refused to stay out of the water, so the difference between her feet and mine are likely more due to lack of protection, rather than ineffective protection. In any case, my tentative conclusion, is this stuff really does work. Even if it only works almost as well as the DEET stuff, IN's version smells great, feels amazing on the skin, and is truly a joy to use, rather than the stinky, sticky, obviously toxic alternative (meaning the commercial DEET stuff - I still think All Terrain works just fine out of the water).
Jonathan Green Rootine Shampoo and Conditioner. I had to select hair care that would work for the whole family, and would be gentle on the rustic septic system at the resort. With nothing but natural and organic ingredients, Green Rootine delivers on both performance and environmental friendliness. A no-brainer, really. Check out Fig+Sage's review of Green Rootine, as I completely agree with their assessment.
red flower NATURE skin care travel set. I selected this as my skin care for post-surgical reasons. My body and my psyche were going to be in a rough state, so I wanted something that wouldn't just clean and moisturize my bod, but would soothe and nurture the soul as well. With their NATURE skin care, red flower really has achieved both textures and aromas that pamper.
Vapour Organic Beauty makeup. Hard to look oh-so-pretty faster and easier than with Vapour's stick-based makeup. Swipe and go, really, is all I did to transform myself from post-surgery ghastliness to ready-for-Georgia-tea-and-grits glamour (OK, "glamour" may be pushing it, but hey, going out to eat 2 days after surgery is no small thing!). I quickly rubbed on (with clean fingers) Atmosphere Foundation, Blush in Courtesan, Bronzer in Mirage, shadow in Flash, and lipstick in Tempt, et voila! Out the door and off to the Flying Biscuit with my sis (see pic).
Keys Keys and more Keys. I packed tons of Keys products, for me, my man, and my babies (who are, incidentally, 7 and 4). Wendy Steele and Bob Root, being the lovely and generous people they are, sent me a bottle of MetaCare for my incisions, which I have dutifully, and with wondrous results, applied every day since. I've also used it with great success on my post-hospital blemishes, my mom's extremely inflamed eczema (she said that even if it didn't totally go away, "it's still the softest rash I have ever had"), and a mystery rash my husband acquired from a life jacket. Another can't-live-without Keys items was my RediCare and, seriously, if you don't have a travel sized one of these with you everywhere you go, you are missing the boat on the best all-purpose spray in the universe. That goes double (or triple, quadruple, etc) if you have kids. It's worked miracles on my daughter's mosquito bites, a packing injury sustained by my work-horse hubby, and my dad's sliced finger from an encounter with a bass very much displeased at being caught.

Sunscreen Examined: Keys Care's Wendy Steele and Bob Root this week on Nature of Beauty Live

2011-05-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard, the EWG released their 2011 Sunscreen Guide yesterday. This is truly the must-read of the summer; in my opinion, the annual Sunscreen Guide is their most valuable contribution to the public's health.

In an example of the best timing ever, I want to convey how completely beside myself with delight I am about tomorrow night's Nature of Beauty Live. Not only do I have Keys Care's CEO, Wendy Steele, on board to talk about suncreen, but I also have the other half of Keys, Bob Root, author and Chief Technology Officer, and the genius formulator behind every remarkable product in the line.

This afternoon, I had the unparalleled delight of spending a couple of hours with this husband and wife dynamo duo, as they are in the Twin Cities for a few days, talking with their retailers and just being their awesome selves. I have to say - the two hours I spent with them today rank right up there with my most enjoyable moments of 2011 thus far. Brilliant people, both of them, I was very much aware of being in the presence of greatness: two individuals who hold more knowledge and experience between them than most skin care companies likely have in their entire organization. I'm gushing, I know, but honestly, these guys KNOW their stuff, as a dramatic understatement.

Consequently, it thrills me to no end that they have both agreed to be on tomorrow night's show. Not only that, but they are going to come to The Nature of Beauty boutique, so that we can do this the old-fashioned way: live and "in-studio," together, discussing the questions I know you want answered. What questions are those, you ask? Here are some of the topics on the agenda for tomorrow' show:

How did the two of you get into the business of making sunscreen (hint: is has everything to do with Wendy's personal experience with skin cancer)
What are the primary challenges when it comes to creating the "perfect" sunscreen?
What is the deal with nano zinc oxide? Why the controversy, and to what extent should we be concerned?
Why doesn't Keys make a water resistant/sport/beach version of Solar Rx? (Wendy tells me there is quite the story behind this, which I am dying to hear!)
What is the difference between zinc oxide and titanium dioxide? And what's the issue with Vitamin A?
Why is the Skin Cancer Foundation in EWG's Hall of Shame?

Then, assuming we have some time left over, we're going to talk a bit about the amazing work Keys is doing in the realm of therapeutic skin care, including Bob's thoughts on the causes and remedies for rosacea, eczema, and other common skin disorders.

I cannot over-emphasize how amazing this show is going to be. You will want to listen in live, as this is your chance to ask questions of two of the most knowledgeable experts in the world of non-toxic skin care. Bob is extensively involved with the EWG, and they have a great deal of insider information about this fairly impenetrable organization. So if you have any questions about sunscreen, skin care, or Skin Deep, you will want to not only listen in, but log in so that you can get your questions answered by Wendy Steele and Bob Root - because, c'mon, how often does that opportunity present itself?!

I hope to see you all online, Wednesday May 25th, at 9pm EST, for The Nature of Beauty Live!

27 Known Skin Allergens: Are they in YOUR skin care products?

2011-05-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

On tonight's Nature of Beauty Live show, with Naturopathica's Barbara Close, I learned about the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, and their list of known skin allergens. More importantly, I learned that - ironically enough - many of the ingredients on their list are found in tons of popular (and expensive) skin care products. This is a group not associated with any "alternative" movement, they aren't all pro-organic or donors to EWG or anything like that. The group was created, in their own words:

"...to promote, support, develop and stimulate information about contact dermatitis and occupational skin disease; to provide a forum for the exchanging of this information; to promote the education of physicians by encouraging courses in contact dermatitis, occupational dermatology and other related topics at scientific meetings and dermatology training centers, and to promote investigative research into these fields."

Here's their list of the 27 most common allergens. As a side note: after undergoing the most comprehensive allergy testing process ever, it was determined that my husband was allergic to pretty much all 27. Anyway, take a look at the list below. Then look at your skin care (and your partner's, and your kids', etc), where you'll almost certainly find some of the following ingredients listed:

1. Balsam of Peru: Perfume

2. Neomycin: Broad Spectrum anti-biotic

3. Fragrance Mix: Perfume for household products, flavors, toothpaste, sweets, softdrinks, cakes, Chinese Cinnamon oils, any food with essence flavors

4. Thimerosal: Mercury-Metals (Ammoniated Mercury, Nickel, Potasium Dichromate) e.g. Cement, leather, matches, paints, photography, electroplating, anti-corrosives, glues, adhesives, textile dyes and detergents, earrings, watches, rings, coins, dentures, kitchen wares, spectacle frames, keys, scissors, canned food

5. Formaldehyde: Preservatives used in shampoos, detergents, lotions, hair conditioners, creams, deodorants

6. Quaternium 15: Preservatives

7. Cobalt Chloride: Laboratory Reagent

8. Euxyl K400: Sensitizer in skin products: 0.4% methyldibormoglutaronitrile (MDGN) & 1.6% Phenoxyethanol (PE) in 2% Petrolatum

9. PPDA (p-Phenylenediamine): Tar Dyes e.g. Hair dyes, leather processing, printers ink, x-ray fluids

10. Propylene Glycol: Vehicle in pharmaceutical and cosmetic bases, cooling fluids, brake fluids and solvents

11. Cinnamic Aldehyde: Perfume

12. Amidoamine: Curing Agent, Epoxy

13. Bronopol: Preservatives

14. Diazolidinyl Urea: Preservatives

15. MCI/MI: Methyl-chloro-isothiazolinone/Methyl-isothiazoline, most potent allergens on the consumer market, very effective preservatives

16. Colophony/Rosin: Varnishes, printing ink, adhesives, waxpaper, cardboard oils

17. Ethylene-diamine dihydrochloride: Medicated creams, nose and eye solutions, steroids, neomycin, rubber latex, some expectorants

18. Imidazolidinyl Urea: Preservatives

19. Lanolin: Wool-alcohols, ointment base in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, furniture polish, leather, textile and numerous industrial finishes, shoe polish, printing ink, grease waxes and soaps

20. DMDM Hydantoin: Dimethylol, dimethyl ingredient in lotions, body wash, bubble bath, massage oil and body scrubs

21. Glyceryl Thioglycolate: Hairdressing Agent

22. Ethyl Acrlate: High volume chemical

23. N-isophryl N-Phenyl Paraphenylenediamine: Sensitizer, anti-degrant in natural rubber

24. Paraben Mix: Preservatives

25. Chloryxylenol (PCMX): Anti-microbial agent used in treatment shampoos and antiseptic lotions

26. Benzophenone: Ingredient in sunscreen tanning oil, lip balm treatment, facial moisturiser, conditioner, foundation, and other skin care products

27. Iodopropyl Carbamate: Ingredient in solutions for deep facial lines

As a final thought: Because my husband has a ton of contact allergies, I can tell you that many of the above ingredients won't be listed on the label, because no one is making companies list them, including (but hardly limited to) Balsam of Peru, Thimerisol, Fragrance Mix, and Formaldehyde.

Be A Part Of The Nature of Beauty Live Tonight! (here's how)

2011-05-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can ask questions during The Nature of Beauty Live? Starting about 15 minutes before 9pm EST (when the show begins), simply go to our Nature of Beauty Live page, and click on Join In! You will see a chat box show up where you can type in your questions while listening to the show. I will be monitoring the chat room, to ensure all questions are addressed live on the air! You don't need to register with Talkshoe, or give them any personal information to participate.

With that in mind, don't forget that tonight's guest is Barbara Close, CEO and founder of Naturopathica. This is an unprecedented opportunity to learn about the healing properties found in nature, including their much bally-hooed Plant Stem Cell Serum. Not one to shy away from the controversial, however, I will also be asking Barbara to discuss some of the more controversial ingredients in her product line, particularly those getting higher hazard scores on Skin Deep. Naturopathica is a signer of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, and Close has agree to briefly discuss Skin Deep in general, including her opinions regarding its strengths and weaknesses.

What do you think about Naturopathica? What have you heard about this product line? Would you use it? Why or why not? Join us tonight, download the show to iTunes starting tomorrow, or listen to this and all past shows from the dropdown menu in the Nature of Beauty Live box on the right-hand side of our blog.