GirlPaint: Experiences of a Cosmetics Aficionada

30 Days to Healthier, Younger-looking Skin

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Mon, 26 May 2008 17:24:00 -0500

On Memorial Day, it's appropriate to remember your skin, no?

Last post, I gave you a recipe for a youth-inducing serum.

This time, we're going to add some active ingredients to the Fountain of Youth Serum to bump up it's healthful qualities and increase your skin's ability to maintain its youthfulness...and maybe even take a few years off.

First, use the recommended quantities. Period. Click on the links to purchase the individual ingredients.

To 1-2 tablespoons of plain vegetable glycerin, add

pinch Ellagic Acid - antioxidant, cancer preventive, anti-inflammatory, helps improve discoloration
pinch Ferulic Acid - cancer preventive, protects the skin against UVB-induced erythema, skin lightener, increases stability of vitamins C (MAP) and E
1/8 teaspoon of Coenzyme Q10 - topical application restores mitochondrial activity, increasing energy production plus minimizing energy needed to make new collagen; antiaging, antioxidant, stimulating active, it will push your skin into "high gear"

Mix thoroughly until all actives are dissolved. If you have difficulty dissolving, microwave for 10-15 seconds and mix, mix, mix. Set aside.

Next, to the Fountain of Youth serum, add:

1/8 teaspoon Alpha Lipoic Acid** - (aka ALA) essential for youthful cell function; our bodies' own production dimishes as we age
pinch Beta Glucan - anti-aging, cancer-preventive
pinch Carnosine - accelerates and improves healing. Prevents wrinkles and loss of elasticity brought about by aging and exposure to sunlight, .also an antioxidant and seems to improve immune response
1/8 teaspoon DMAE** - antioxidant, increases firmness and overall appearance of aging skin
pinch Green Tea ECGC - antioxidant, repair of damage done by UVA radiation, cancer preventive
1/4 teaspoon Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate - (aka MAP) the "real" ester-C, a stable and soluble form of ascorbic acid, stimulates collagen synthesis, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-acne, skin brightening, decrease appearance of sun spots
1/8 teaspoon Niacin - relieves itching, controls sebum products, skin lightening effects

Last, add the glycerin-active mix to the serum. Mix thoroughly. Put the mix into a glass dropper-top bottle or other non-reactive liquid dispensing container.

Some of the actives may never dissolve completely, but they will release their active ingredients continuously. If the undissolved 'grit' bothers you, strain your serum using CLEAN muslin, cheese cloth, nylon or any fine-sieve strainer.

DIRECTIONS: Use this super-active serum once or twice a day, after cleansing your skin, before you apply your moisturizer and sunscreen, and after 30 days, you will see smoother, brighter, clearer, younger-looking skin.

If you experience ANY irritation...

either your skin doesn't like one (or more) of the ingredients--in which case you should stop using it altogether and toss it
OR your mix is too concentrated--dilute it with some distilled water until your skin can tolerate it
OR your skin is simply adjusting to one or more of the ingredients--use your serum only once a day when you are not using any other products and if the irritation doesn't subside after 3-4 days, stop using it and toss it

COSTS: The active ingredients is this serum are exactly the same as those found in the most exclusive, expensive skincare products on the market today. What you'll spend: $87.00, plus shipping. If you don't have glycerin, you can find it at most pharmacies or grocery stores, about $6 for 4 oz.

BONUS: You'll have LOTS of the active ingredients leftover, which you can add to most any moisturizer (NOT sunscreen, NOT already-active cream...plain Eucerin, Olay, et al are okay) to make your own super-active skincare cream--way better than the high-dollar stuff at the department stores. Whether you use your mix on your face or body--or both--is completely up to you. But keep in mind with all these actives: A LITTLE BIT GOES A LONG WAY.

**Many people experience mild stinging with Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE, especially when they first start using them. However, if the stinging is intense or if you experience ANY redness and irritation, OR if the stinging occurs for more than a few days, STOP USING THIS SERUM.

NOTE: If you have rosacea or sensitive skin, or if you want to avoid the irritation issue, DO NOT USE Alpha Lipoic Acid or DMAE.

AS ALWAYS: When mixing, take extra precautions to wash your hands and be sure to use sterilized mixing, measuring, straining implements and containers.

Fountain of Youth for less than $35

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:15:00 -0500

DIY (do-it-yourself) Skincare can be fun, easy and best of all, work wonders on your skin...plus, it costs WAY less than those ultra-expensive beauty products, most of which are a bit of a rip-off (and some of which are a complete scam).

The following Fountain-of-Youth serum is one that can be used by itself but it can also act as a base for other active skincare ingredients. Click on the links to purchase the individual ingredients. Distilled water (a must...no tap water, please) can be bought at your grocery store:

1 1/2 tablespoons of distilled water
1/2 tablespoon seakelp bioferment
1/4 teaspoon hyaluronic acid
1/8 teaspoon Germaben II preservative

Optional ingredients include aloe vera juice (substitute 1/2 tablespoon of water) and plain vegetable glycerin (add up to 1 teaspoon).

Seakelp bioferment is a kelp extract containing vital nutrients that feeds your skin. It's the "magic" Miracle Broth™ ingredient in Creme de la Mer.

Hyaluronic acid (also called hyaluronate or hyaluronan), produced naturally by the human body, is a component of connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate. It's been nicknamed the "key to the fountain of youth" because it has been noted that some people who ingest a lot of it in their diets tend to live to ripe old ages and also because it provides volume and fullness to the skin.

To mix: stir together the water and hyaluronic acid first and let it set for a few hours to overnight. This mixture will thicken (you can add more or less hyaluronic acid depending on the consistency you prefer), then add the remaining ingredients, adding the preservative last. If you use another preservative, be sure to use one that is water-based or will work in a hydrophilic solution -- and that you use the proper amount.

Directions: Apply to your face and neck after cleansing your skin, 1-2 times per day. Moisturize and apply sunscreen over the top of the serum.

Costs: $32 (plus shipping for the actives and Germaben II) depending on what distilled water costs at your grocery store.

Bonus: LOTS of leftover Seakelp Bioferment, distilled water and Hyaluronic Acid that can all be used in other youth-inducing skincare mixes you make yourself.

Please note: When mixing ANY products you put on your face or body, take extra care to wash your hands and use sterilized implements and containers (mixing sticks, bottles, droppers, etc.).

Next time, I'll recommend different active ingredients to add to the base serum. Each active or group of actives will address different issues, i.e., free-radical protection, collagen building, firmness, and so on.

DIY...Is it all it's cracked up to be?

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:24:00 -0500

In the world of do-it-yourself, there's home repair, tech gadgetry (see make.com for some pretty cool projects) and then there's your skin.

I started dabbling in DIY skincare a few years ago. My introduction started innocently enough with homemade lipbalm...some recipes incredibly successful--a chocolate-mint balm that used real chocolate chips...yum--and a few not-so--picture a sluggish mess of shea and cocoa butters sitting on a layer of glyercin goo...ewwww.

After a short while, I graduated to essential oils and aromatherapy home-study (ahhhh, lavender oil, the cure-all). The result of a solid year or so of investigation? Not much, I'm afraid, but I do still use a homemade concoction including sweet orange oil to clean my bathroom and freshen my linens. Plus, I know exactly which little smelly bottle to reach for when the signs of a cold sore pop up.

About a year and half ago, I found a little website called Skin Actives Scientific. And my DIY hobby became an obsession.

Skin Actives--and other suppliers like it--offer individual active skin care ingredients. The same ones found in the best, most expensive and most effective skincare products available on the market today--along with a nice selection of ready-made products--at a fraction of the price. So you can literally make your own version of Creme de la Mer...or just about any other high-end skin care product you can think up...as long as you have the INCI ingredient list.

My own first DIY products--mostly face treatments--were hit and miss. And many of them--the misses, anyway--looked a like anything from a vegan's kitchen project gone bad to, well, baby poop.

Since then--after a few skincare experiments gone awry--I've learned *some* restraint, had a lot of fun...and gotten much improved skin, too boot. I'm 37 1/2 years old, and my age is often guessed at least 10 years younger (even with my grey hairs showing!).

Over the next few months, I plan to post some of my successful recipes, along with some tips about what to do and not do when mixing your own skincare concoctions. I hope you enjoy the process as much as I have and that you save a few bucks. Who knows? We might just start a little DIY skincare revolution right here. Well, I can dream, can't I?

Moisture Maximizers

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:06:00 -0600

Follow these 5 tips to ditch winter itchy skin

You could wear nothing but cashmere from head to toe. But there's a less expensive way to address autumn's dry-skin miseries: Maximize the moisture level in your skin. Here are five good ways to maximize your dry skin in cold weather.

Lather, rinse--and do not repeat. Hot water removes natural oils from your skin that help keep it hydrated. So those long, hot baths rob your skin of moisture, making it dry and itchy. The cure? Shower in lukewarm water for no more than 10 minutes.

Slather while damp. Moisturizers work by trapping water in your skin's outer layers, so use creams and lotions immediately after exiting the shower. Give yourself a quick towel-dry so you're not dripping wet and then coat yourself with moisturizer. Need industrial-strength help? Go for ointments or creams rather than lotions, which include more water than oil. (You might even dab on some baby oil or petroleum jelly.)

Spring for a humidifier. In the summertime, your skin can replenish itself by soaking up the moisture in the air. But when the mercury falls, so does the natural humidity. Add the drying effects of indoor heating, and you have trouble. Solution: When you jack up the thermostat, turn on a humidifier, as well.

Drink water. Hydrate your skin from the inside by downing at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day.

Switch soaps. If, despite your best efforts, you're still plagued by the winter pricklies, switch to a milder soap (look for "moisturizing" on the label). Your choice should also be fragrance-free--it'll be less irritating.

Was It Something You Ate?

Certain foods can cause flare-ups of contact dermatitis, the catchall term for skin irritation and itching, reports a recent University of Louisville study. Anything related to balsam, including tomatoes, colas, chocolate, and spices such as vanilla, can cause problems. And products containing citrus may also be troublemakers. Try eliminating these foods from your diet for a month. If your condition improves, you'll know that you're sensitive to balsam and that you need to avoid them. (Yes, that means chocolate and vanilla. Strawberry, anyone?) If you find that you're missing your favorite goodies, add them back one at a time and see how your body reacts.

Photo Courtesy of World of Stock | Article By Megan Othersen Gorman

Take 10 Years Off Your Age Right Now, Pt. 1

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 01:30:00 -0600

Properly applied make up can make you look fabulous. But unless it's done the right way and using the right amount, make up can actually add years to your face.

As a 37 year old former makeup artist, I've learned a few simple tips to follow that will help you look younger starting today:

FACE

Moisturize your skin--face and neck--with a light moisturizer before you apply your makeup...and allow it to sink in, about 5-10 minutes
Apply makeup primer BEFORE any makeup. The least expensive and one of the most effective I've found (it rivals Smashbox): Monistat Anti-Chafing Gel. It contains the EXACT same ingredients as most of the best makeup primers. Plus, you can pick up a tube at most drugstores for $5
Apply your concealer BEFORE foundation. Using your finger or a concealer brush, pat a little concealer under your eyes, around your nose and on any blemishes or discoloration. Concealer before foundation prevents you applying too much foundation.
Apply less foundation. And switch to mineral foundation. The better brands and newest formulations (Jane Iredale, Everyday Minerals are some of my favorites) give excellent NATURAL coverage with a light application
Apply blush to the apple (round part that pops out when you smile) of your cheeks. For a youthful glow, use a cheek stain or cream blush in a pink, rosy or peach-y color
Blend your makeup well and use a light touch

Take 10 Years Off Your Age Right Now, Pt. 2

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 01:15:00 -0600

A few more simple tips to follow that will help you look younger starting today:

EYES

Groom your eyebrows. Pluck only stray hairs (those are the ones that fall outside your natural eyebrow)
Apply eyeliner to the top lash line only. And unless you have medium-or-dark toned skin, DO NOT use black eyeliner. Brown, grey, plum and green are better for fair-to-light toned skin
Apply two coats of mascara maximum. One coat for daytime wear is best
Curl your lashes. If you don't like the traditional lash curlers, use an electric version. Sephora's is terrific and a great deal at $16
Avoid shimmery eyeshadow
EXCEPTION to above tip: Use a shade-lighter-than-your-skin-tone colored shimmery eyeshadow applied with a light touch to your brow bone (the area just below the outter two-thirds of the eyebrow), AND apply a dab of shimmery ivory shadow to the inner corner of your eyes. These tips really open up the eye area--young!
Also, avoid 'cool' eyeshadow colors like grey, blue, true green. Opt for colors like pink, peach, gold, warm greens (olive, moss, sage), plum, ivory, brown, taupe

Take 10 Years Off Your Age Right Now, Pt. 3

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 01:00:00 -0600

And a few more simple tips that will help you look younger starting today:

LIPS

Use lipgloss or sheer lipstick--NOT lipstick. Use a shade just deeper than your natural lip color. Avoid 'cool' colors and dark colors. Instead, choose a sheer pink, peach, rose, mauve or berry
Apply lipbalm or clear gloss when not wearing colored gloss. This will keep your lips moist and young-looking all the time

More Anti-Aging Tips:

Take care of your skin by cleansing, moisturizing and nourishing it every day using good skin care--P.S. good does not necessarily mean expensive
Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunscreen every day
Drink a gallon of water every day
Go for a walk at lunch, shoot for 3 times a week. It's a great excuse to catch up on your window shopping; just don't take your wallet--debt makes you look and feel old
Smile, or better yet, laugh--a lot
Eat plenty of protein, complex carbs, fruits and vegetables
Manage your stress levels. Take up knitting, painting, piano, yoga or meditation. Find something you like to do and 'just do it'
Get plenty of sleep--sleep is a proven fountain of youth

DIY Skin Care: Save Money and Actually Improve Your Skin

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 20:42:00 -0600

For years, we've been DIY'ing...our bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. Italian plaster and wood flooring from Home Depot, designer fixtures from Tuesday Morning, luxury cabinets from Lowe's, Talavera tile from a local importer (may be specific to Santa Fe--but I doubt it). We're willing to spend more time to save money.

I ask you: why don't we practice this same frugal practicality when it comes to our skin care? We've just handed over our precious beauty to so-called experts. Seriously, do we really trust those famous, celebrity-endorsed "dermatologists" to formulate our most beloved skin care products? Apparently, we do--or least we have for the last decade or so. Not only do we trust them to treat our skin--gasp, our dear faces--but we pay them plenty to do it. I mean, what is up with $500 serum and $1000 skin cream? And the best part? It seem there's always one more to buy: the next generation, the newest active ingredient...it's like we're addicts, and we are hooked, Folks.

What's more, those crazy expensive face concoctions don't do anything terribly special for your skin...and they sure as hell don't contain any magic ingredients.

Really. Is this the best we can do? I don't think so. Did you know that you can purchase the same stuff the experts do...and mix it up yourself? Usually for less than $50?

The trick with DIY skin care: 1. start slowly using small amounts of the 'active' ingredients, 2. don't fall into the trap of thinking "a little is good, so a whole lot more is better." (you wouldn't add more latex to your wall paint, would you? okay, maybe not the best example, but you get the point) 3. follow the instructions. Period.

There are plenty of sites that offer simple bases and actives that you can mix into them. But the best DIY skin care sellers offer good instructions and lots of resources--and many of them have terrific forums or message boards where 'recipes' are posted and clients share what works (for their skin type or condition) and what doesn't.

From lovely base creams and gels to nutrient-rich, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, acne-fighting active ingredients--the exact same ones found in minute quantities in those $1000 creams--DIY skin care providers offer it all.

I've been mixing my own skin care for a little over one year. When I started, I made the mistake that all newbie DIY'ers make (I'm a little hard-headed--and, oh yes, I know EVERYTHING. Don't you?), and mixed EVERY active I could--mass quantities, no less--into one 'fix-all' recipe. I got away with this...for a little while. Then, I ended up with a nasty case of contact dermatitis. Ooops. Well, I learned my lesson (and fixed my problem with many of the same ingredients I'd overdosed on).

Henceforth, I mix my 'magic' concoctions with restrained diligence. My wallet (and my hubbie) are thankful for DIY skin care. And my skin has never looked better nor younger. Plus, I can adjust the mix to suit whatever my skin needs (this comes as you become more advanced as a DIY'er--please do not attempt to self-diagnose your skin problems).

Here are a few of my favorite DIY skin care proffers...

Skin Actives Scientific (www.skinactives.com) - Affordable selection of the best ingredients, knowledgeable team, top-notch service, quick and cheap shipping
Somerset Cosmetics (www.makingcosmetics.com) - easy-to-navigate, great recipes, skin care and makeup. The Resources section is a must read for any DIY'er.
Platinum Skincare (www.platinumskincare.com) - Exceptional glycolics, sun screens and skin-healing concoctions. Plus, they offer children-specific skin care products. Platinum is a little less about 'do it yourself' and more focused on treating skin conditions.
The Personal Formulator (thepersonalformulator.com) - Nice selection, complete downloadable catalog, backed by a reputable cosmetics lab.

Tips for skin care DIY'ers:

Don't be afraid to experiment
Take great care in writing your mixtures and recipes
Read all instructions (yes, I'm repeating this for those readers who, like me, may feel they know what's best--trust me, you don't when it comes to mixing stuff with active ingredients--at least not for awhile)
And for goodness sakes, have fun!

P.S. These little homemade gems make really great gifts...and you can completely customize them for the recipient. Think about it: Mom gets the special 'anti-aging' cream, Sis gets the anti-oxidant serum, and Dad gets the 'all-in-one' cleanser/toner/moisturizer/protectant

P.P.S. Look for Elle magazine's upcoming feature on DIY skin care.

GirlPaint's YouTube Connection

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 23:18:00 -0600

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Searching for an all-new look? Or maybe just the newest trend in holiday make-up? Look no further than GirlPaint's YouTube Connection: makeup and skin care tips and tricks from the pro's who know.

Determine Your Ideal Eyebrow Shape

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:55:00 -0600

Eyebrows are ESSENTIAL to a framing a beautiful face. No matter how great your skin and makeup, if your brows are a wreck, you will not look your best. Bobbe Joy, Brow Artist to the stars (ehem, like Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johannsen--beautiful brows on those ladies!) shows you how to achieve the perfect brow shape for your face.

Must Have X-mas Gift: Pooping Reindeer Candy Dispensers

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 18:33:00 -0600

What do Reindeers do in the off-season? Doo-doo, apparently. But of course they poop candy! Deer god (ha ha ha)...another gift for someone who has everything EXCEPT a reindeer that s**** candy.

P.S. It's never too soon (or too late) to start your holiday shopping list.

P.P.S. Happy Thanksgiving!

Mermaid Eyes for Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 21:16:00 -0500

Try this look for a unique Halloween look! It's simply gorgeous.

MAC Holiday 2007 Royal Assets

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:32:00 -0500

You will be DIGGING the all the glamorous golds in the new MAC Holiday collection. They make green-eyed and hazel-eyed lovelies even more so.

Best of...Sephora Offers

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 22:07:00 -0500

Mouthing off about Light Beam

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 00:26:00 -0500

I have to mention my experience with a new lip gloss. I'm a lip gloss fanatic (I won't say 'junkie' just because I don't endlessly apply, I'm just obsessed with the stuff, k?).

I got a tube (or cube is more accurate) of Rimmel's Light Beam gloss, and I LOVE it! The packaging is absolutely worth mentioning because a) it's a short, rectangular cube-y thing, b) it has a built-in mirror (yes!!) and, c) it has a light. What do mean it has a light? Well, it literally has a light inside the cap. A little button on the top of the cap is expertly concealed, but curiously placed so that you DO notice it.

When I got mine, I did the monkey-thing where I spotted the button and of course pushed it...and voila! The beautiful beam of light revealed itself. So great for applying lovely gloss in darkened rooms, like elegant restaurants (when you need a bit of help deciphering the menu), the Opera, or your favorite nightclub when you desperately need lovely lips and you don't want to excuse yourself to pop into the Ladies Room.

Not only is the light in Light Beam fun and fantastic, but the gloss itself is quite nice. It's very light (no pun, really) and subtle. The gloss appears to have a color (or more of a tint) to it, but it translates to a soft sheen with little-to-no color transfer when applied.

The flavor is simply devine. Sweet (but not yucky) and citrus-y. Like you just finished eating a juicy orange and the flavor lingers on your lips. Mmmmmmm.

Bonus alert: Rimmel Light Beam makes a fab lipstick or thick lipgloss base coat by priming your lips with a touch of shimmer, a boost of moisture and a lick of flavor. The best! $10.99 at Ulta.com

Do-It-Yourself Anti-Aging Skin Care

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 13:19:00 -0500

Smart Skin Care

In the world of skin care, prices over $100 for a little jar of cream are not uncommon, particularly if a product claims to reduce the signs of aging. If a person buys a few such products each month, the annual cost may be equivalent to a trip to Hawaii.

As it turns out, you can often get the same (or even greater) benefits at a fraction of the cost if you make your skin care items yourself. It may sound like a difficult and time consuming task but it is actually quite simple if you know the right ingredients and how to combine them. And it takes very little time, usually just a few minutes. Furthermore, the ingredients you need can usually be easily purchased at your local health food store. You are wondering why hasn't anyone told you about it? Well, perhaps high-end skin care manufacturers have been dying to tell you how to replace their expensive products with affordable do-it-yourself alternatives... but somehow couldn't get a hold of you.

Here are some of the advantages of making your anti-aging skin care items yourself:

Save money. You may be able to spend up to ten times less on skincare.

Desired strength. Many skincare products have no ingredients that help retard skin aging. Those which do, often have too low a concentration of active ingredients to make any real difference. Conversely, when preparing a cream yourself, you can put in as much of active ingredient(s) as you need.

Always fresh. Chemicals, whether natural or synthetic, decay over time because they react with water, air or each other. When active ingredients decay, a product loses its benefits and may even become harmful. Skin care products that you buy in a store were prepared months if not years in advance and some of their active ingredient may have already partly decayed. (Not all products even state the expiration date). Furthermore, when you open a product, the decay will accelerate because of the exposure to air. On the other hand, when you prepare your skin care items yourself, you get a fresh batch every time. Also, you can make small batches so that the product is used up relatively quickly (in a few weeks not months) and doesn't have the time to decay.

Easy to make. When making a cream of your own, you can often avoid a tedious stage of mixing inactive ingredients by buying an appropriate base cream (i.e. a very inexpensive cream that already has inactive ingredients mixed together). Then you only need to add active ingredients. The whole process becomes quick and simple. (And some believe it's fun too!)

For complete practical instructions on making your own anti-aging skin care see DIY Anti-Aging Skin Care Infopack.

Article courtesy of SmartSkinCare.com

GirlPaint Up For Grabs!

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 16:49:00 -0500

Due to several projects pulling me indefinitely away from my beloved blog, GirlPaint, I am sad to announce that I must depart as the blog's sole content provider.

I have had 1 1/2 incredible years at the helm and I want to personally thank everyone, in particular GirlPaint's loyal fans and readers, who have brought about the blog's tremendous growth and attention. We have come a long way together in a short period of time!

If you are interested in acquiring GirlPaint and continuing to 'grow the brand,' feel free to contact me by email.

All the best,

Skin Food from Skin Actives Scientific

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 20:49:00 -0500

Recently I went through a bout of dermatitis. I am still unsure where it came from but I had been using quite a lot of acids (ascorbic, salcylic and DMAE among them). I'm of the school, "if a little is good, then more is better." Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Although my skin was becoming very smooth (hey, look it's smoother...let's put some more acid on it!), I ended up 'burning' my face, neck and the palms of my hands...quite uncomfortable with lots of redness, itching and even some burning. Yikes! Plus, I looked like I'd had a peel, and I guess I had--a self-imposed one.

Skin Actives Scientific to the rescue...in the form of an amazingly active, incredibly gentle and wonderfully nutritive serum called Marine Nutrient Serum (MNS)! MNS contains a fully-active formula including sea kelp bioferment, sodium PCA, alpha bisabolol, coconut endosperm, natural active peptides, sodium hyaluronate and guaizulene. What are these actives, you ask?

Sea kelp bioferment: a sea macroalgae rich in caragenaan, algin, minerals and many active chemicals. Fermentation makes the cell contents of this algae readily available to your skin, moisturizing it and providing the nutrients required to synthesize new components. Incidentally, this is the key ingredient (the Miracle Broth™) in Crème de la Mer!

Bisabolol: this natural chemical is partly responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of chamomile essential oil. Useful in the treatment of acne, may also help with rosacea. Yes!

Sodium PCA: this derivative of glutamic acid (an amino acid) is very hygroscopic, i.e. absorbs large quantities of water. It is one of the natural components of "natural moisturizing factor".

Coconut endosperm: coconut endosperm (Cocos nucifera) is considered perfect "skin food".

Sodium hyaluronate (aka Hyaluronic Acid): Because of its water holding capacity this active will help keep your skin moist.

Natural active peptides: a mix of small size peptides derived from marine collagen. They will help with moisturizing but, mostly, they will supply your skin with amino acids that will be used in collagen synthesis. They are also likely to work as "matrikins" making your skin cells synthesize new collagen just as when the skin is damaged.

Guaiazulene: this molecule, also called azulene, is a natural colored substance present in some flowers. It is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory activity.

Combined in Marine Nutrient Serum, these ingredients create a power house of skin food, gentle and effective--and super healing and soothing. My skin is all better...perhaps even improved. Gotta love that. Thanks again, Skin Actives Scientific. $9.50 for 1 oz. or $32.30 for 4 oz.

Note: Skin Actives Scientific is currently updating their website, so some of their images are 'in hiding.' Hang in there because the new website is going to be really great, or so I've heard.

Get Creative...with Creative Nail Design

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 22:24:00 -0500

Creative Nail Design, started by dentist-by-day, chemist-by-night Dr. Stuart Nordstrom (nice name!) in 1970's, is the home of renowned products like Solar Oil (remember Solar Oil? I do...and I still use it today!) and GelBond nail adhesive. Creative Nail Design was 'reborn' in 1997 and they are still going strong (pun definitely intended) today.

If you've never tried one of the amazing Creative Nail Design Enamels, you are in for a treat. Unlike many nail polishes, CND formulates their enamels with NO formaldehyde and NO DBP. So, they're good for your nails. Plus, the addition of a UV absorber prevents the no less than 109 richly pigmented shades from discoloring or fading.

These lush enamels, $6 each, glide on like butter, with no lines, gloppiness...they're practically goof-proof because the formula is sooooo smooth. And they dry quickly, to a hard, yet flexible, finish. I've been wearing a shade called Negligee which is a barely pink, sheer, slightly opalescent shade that is perfect for daytime.

Creative Nail Design also offers some fab cuticle repair products. A.H.A. Cuticle Eraser is a hydrating treatment that helps rough, dry cuticles 'disappear' and keeps hangnails away. Rejuvenator, with copper, peptides, panthenol and aloe, is an incredibly rich copper complex cuticle therapy cream for those of us with especially damaged skin around the cuticle. Me, the cuticle-nibler, has found that the combination of these repair treatments topped with a layer of Solar Oil has transformed my sad, ragged cuticles into those of a 'lady of leisure.' Well, not only are my nails Creative, but so are my fantasies, right?

Comments for a Cure: Update

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 22:12:00 -0500

Well, it's official. GirlPaint is excited to announce that we received 20 comments over the June 4-6 Comments for a Cure event.

As a result, $20.00 was donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation / Komen for the Cure.

Ongoing efforts of the Comments for a Cure event are the fabulous eBay auction kickoff. Visit this page for a listing of the items up for bid--I must say that our Beauty Blog Network team put together some fab collections, so get out there and continue the great work...and bid on one (or more) of the items. The goodies you're bidding on will not only benefit yourself, but the dollars you spend will help someone else, too. Good luck!

Look Good...Feel Better

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 21:53:00 -0500

Ever heard of Look Good...Feel Better? No, it's not a vitamin cream, nor is it a nutrient-infused drink concoction. It is a a free, non-medical, brand-neutral, national public service program founded in 1989 and supported by corporate donors to help women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment.

FREE. HELP. For women (and men and teens) who have cancer, and are dealing with the effects of the disease...and the treatments...Look Good...Feel Better offers many services.

Group Programs
Each two-hour, hands-on workshop includes a 12-step skin care/make-up application lesson, demonstration of options for dealing with hair loss, and nail care techniques.

One-on-One’s
Trained cosmetologists provide personal advice in salons using patients’ own make-up, as well as a free make-over tips booklet.

Self-Help Kits
“Just for You” self-help kits in English or Spanish with 30-minute video and make-over tips booklet are offered free to patients who cannot locally access Look Good...Feel Better.

Hotline
Look Good...Feel Better's toll-free information and referral line — 1-800-395-LOOK — is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our trained specialists speak English and Spanish — and translators are available for many other languages.

And the major sponsors and donors list reads like a who's who of cosmetics giants and well-known cancer research and support foundations and charities. Quite impressive to say the least.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Look Good...Feel Better, visit their site and find out how to Look Good...Feel Better now.

Protect Your Skin, Be Good to Your Skin...Everyday

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 23:34:00 -0500

Everyday...be good to your skin. Say hello to Everyday Minerals pure mineral makeup and say good-bye to inferior, damaging, expensive makeup.

What's different about Everyday Minerals? It contains only 4 inert ingredients: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, and Zinc Oxide. This is 100% all natural mineral makeup, free from oils, preservatives, fragrance, talc, and all other binders that cause skin irritation.

What else? Everyday Minerals is the only major mineral makeup company in the world offering superior salon-grade mineral makeup at a price every woman can afford. In fact, their goal is to eliminate the need for mass-market chemical and plastic based products entirely so that every woman can enjoy the benefits of premium all-natural makeup. Wow!

I've tried several Everyday Minerals products, including their foundations, concealers and blushes. And I must say that the quality rivals i.d. minerals and Jane Iredale. And you still get the same wonderful, natural protective qualities (all-day-long SPF 15) that you get from the others...with fewer ingredients and for less money. For example, the large 8 gm. size of foundation is $12

Bonus: you can choose from Matte, Semi-Matte, Original Glo (a dewy, slight shimmer), and Intensive, featuring more coverage in an almost-matte formula.

Everyday Minerals gets major bonus points for their FREE Sample Makeup Kit and for their 100% Guarantee.

Free Cancer Screening on June 25 in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:53:00 -0500

WHO: face to face nyc day spa & a board certified dermatologist from St Vincent's Hospital

WHAT: FREE 10-Minute Skin Cancer Screening

WHEN: Monday June 25th, from 5-8pm (By Appointment Only, Call 212-633-0404)

WHERE: 20 West 20th St, Ste 603

WHY: According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. With summer here, there is no better time to ensure that you are melanoma free. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

7 Steps to Cancer Prevention

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 15:58:00 -0500

Courtesy of Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation (www.PreventCancer.org)

You can protect yourself against many diseases, including cancer, by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Take action to reduce your cancer risk with these seven simple steps.

1. Don’t use tobacco.

Tobacco use is deadly and causes cancers of the lung, throat, mouth and esophagus, in addition to causing heart disease, emphysema and many other smoking related health problems. More than 80 percent of all lung cancer is related to smoking, and non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk for lung cancer and other respiratory problems.

Don't smoke cigarettes, cigars or pipes or use smokeless tobacco. If you do use tobacco, quit now! Keep children away from smokers. Help to create smoke-free public environments in your community.

2. Eat a variety of healthy foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables.

There is an increasing amount of evidence linking diet to cancer. Some research suggests that one-third of all cancers diagnosed every year may be related to what we eat. Reduce dietary fat intake, especially animal fat. Make your diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains.

3. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.

Add exercise to your routine to reduce stress, control your weight and reduce your risk for cancer. Even moderate exercise at least three days week can make a big difference in your health and well being.

4. Protect your skin from the sun.

Always wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or more, even on hazy days, no matter your skin color. Overexposure to the sun is the cause of most skin cancers, including the most deadly type, melanoma. Most damage occurs in childhood and adolescence when skin cells within all layers are still developing. Be certain to protect your children’s skin as well as your own.

5. Avoid risky behavior: Practice safer sex and limit alcohol consumption.

Cervical cancer is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Women with HPV – a sexually transmitted virus – are at an increased risk of getting cervical cancer. Beginning at age 18 or when they become sexually active, women should begin regular pelvic exams and Pap tests to detect pre-cancerous or abnormal changes in the cervix. Always use a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom. While condoms can't protect against HPV, they do protect against other sexually transmitted diseases.

Alcohol alone may play a role in 3 percent of cancer deaths. Alcohol and tobacco together can be a deadly combination. If you drink, limit your consumption to no more than two drinks a day.

6. Follow cancer-screening guidelines.

There are many tests that can help detect cancer early when it's easy to treat and that can detect abnormalities before they become cancer. Ask your health care professional which screening tests you should have and when. Find out if you are at higher risk for some cancers because of family history or your lifestyle. Talk with your health care professional about earlier or more frequent screening or if there are other steps you can take to protect yourself.

7. Get immunized.

Cancer prevention includes being immunized for certain types of cancer. Ask your doctor about such vaccines.

Comments for a Cure Official Kick-off

noreply@blogger.com (GirlPaint) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 15:41:00 -0500

Today, Monday June 4, 2007, is the official Kick-off date for Comments for a Cure, a Beauty Blog Network-wide cancer fund-and-awareness raising effort.

GirlPaint has pledged that for every comment posted beginning today and running through Wednesday, June 6th, $1 will be donated to Komen for the Cure in order to help in the effort to bring a stop to this killer disease that affects 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 3 women.

We beauty bloggers appreciate your support and hope that, even beyond June 6th, we're all a little more vigilant and a lot more educated about cancer, its effects and its victims...and hopefully, there are far fewer of them in the days to come.

Many types of cancer are partially preventable, so please visit www.PreventCancer.org to learn more...don't forget to share what you learn with your friends and family. If you'd like to learn more about the Susan G. Komen, the Foundation and Komen for a Cure, GirlPaint's selected cancer charity, visit www.Komen.org.