Safe Cosmetics - what we really put on.

Do we really know what ingredients are put in our cosmetics? I'm really thinking about the products I currently have and the levels of toxicity from chemicals I am really exposed to. A conversation with a friend yesterday made me think about my collection and what I should really keep and what I should toss. I have found a cosmetics database EWG's Skin Deep Database, currently being updated, and am looking forward to finding out if certain products are safe or not. Will definitely have more on this subject in future posts and hopefully rid of all the toxic cosmetics in my collection!

Here is an awesome guide you can print out and keep on hand when shopping!  I will definitely be keeping this info on me.

EWG's Quick Tips for Safer Cosmetics

Here are some interesting reads.  I'll try to find more independent studies, but these are some that I pulled from online.  I would like to find more information that is gathered from organizations that are not tied to a government agency.  Let me know if you have any info to share or links that may be helpful!

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Lead in lipsticks: Which brands are the worst offenders?

Lipstick and Lead: Questions and Answers

NOTW: Glitter, gelly sandwich! #babydanger #nailsfornenix

Friday night in, watching documentaries on Netflix & doing my nails. Playing around with my Gel Haute Polish kit (review soon!) and used a few of my regular polishes with the gel base and top coat. I like changing my polish after a week, but maybe I'll try to keep this combination on for a bit longer.

Base: 1 coat Gel Haute Polish Gel Base

Color: 2 coats OPI My Private Jet, Zoya Nova

Top Coat: 2 coats Gel Haute Polish Top Coat

I'll be doing purple nails for awhile. A small reminder of the big fight against leukemia by a girl named Phoenix. A few weeks ago, she physically left this world and one of her requests was that people paint their nails purple. While I did not know her personally, her life will leave a lasting impression on my heart. For you baby girl...
#babydanger #nailsfornenix

http://loveforphoenix.wordpress.com/2012/10/14/nails-for-nenix-2/

HG: Body Lotion - Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion

While I haven't totally given up my perfumed lotions, I needed something better for my skin that held in moisture. I have noticed patches of eczema on my arms lately and using scented items has a tendency to make those areas irritated. I have found my current holy grail body lotion - Aveeno Active Naturals! The 2 pack at Costco for $16 is a plus too. My skin retains a nice, supple feel and the patches of eczema have calmed down. Another plus to his lotion is that it is paraben free! Definitely trying to make a more conscious effort to buying healthier skin care products that are budget friendly.

Test Run - Goal: Longer Nails!

Trying this duo in attempt to grow some longer tips!

I have weak nails that peel. I usually just keep them super short, but have been wanting them longer. I'll give this a shot for a month and report back my findings. *crosses gingers*

Giving your nails a break!

I looooove doing my nails.  It is a weekly therapy, but in the last couple months I noticed that every single nail was peeling.  :(  I decided to give my polishing habit a break for almost a month and they are looking much better.  Still keeping them short, but now only 1 nail is peeling.  Just read an article on TotalBeauty.com that had some good tips, including using better products for your nails (a better base coat & safer products) and taking a break.

Is Your Manicure Ruining Your Nails?

Baby Lips - not so much

I was really hoping to love this product and have read so many great reviews, but this just didn't do it for me.  :(  I'm always on the lookout for new, good balms for my lips, but was sadly disappointed that this didn't work out.  This felt greasy on my lips and I felt like I had to keep reapplying it in order for my lips to feel moisturized.  Also, it felt like my lips were peeling, like it wasn't moisturizing enough and often left a gritty feeling across my lips.  Instead of keeping this as my go-to product in my purse, its in my just in case stash at work. 

From the website:

Why You'll Love It

No more basic lip balm:
• Visibly renewed lips and 8-hr hydration
• The secret: Exclusive lip renew formula with SPF 20
• Protects and moisturizes lips for a full 8 hours
• After 4 weeks, lips are visibly renewed and reborn
• 6 varieties

For Best Results

Apply your lipcolor by starting in the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to the outer edges of your lip, following the contours of your mouth. Then glide across the entire bottom lip.

Pros:
-Affordable - $2.50 at Wal-mart
-Cute packaging - love the colors!
-Great scent

Cons:
-Didn't work for me :(
-Packaging is cheap - I can forsee the cap cracking. Would be nice to just have this in the usual lip balm package

Would I recommend to a friend
No based off it not working for me. 

 

Things I am glad I gave up...

for better beauty and overall health! Sometimes with age, comes knowledge. Thankfully this has been true for me in the last 3 years and am happy that these changes have stuck around. You get to where you want to be by planning and following through with necessary action.

#1 Quit smoking
That is a no brainier. I went from being a pack a week, sometimes more, to a social smoker and now to none at all. Celebrating my first year smoke-free! Not only do I feel awesome, my skin looks great.

#2 Stop fake 'n baking
If I do tan, it's in the sun with SPF. I still need to bring that down to a minimum. There are few people that look naturally tan after using a tanning bed. Orange is not tan ladies/gents. Plus why would you want to make your skin look leathery? Take a good look at the skin on your face and chest next time you tan. I think of the tanning bed as an oven "setting" everything in.

#Binge drinking & partying
Just don't see the purpose unless it's a celebration. Why put so much sh*t in your body? Every now and then is cool, but I keep the drinks to a minimum, cut out the other stuff and have fun being in more control. I don't want to be a sloppy 30something at the club/bar/lounge. Hot mess is not nice. I've learned that I'm not invincible and the choices I make can have serious & lasting consequences.

Is my hair growing faster?!

Remember those vitamins I got from Trader Joe's about a month ago? Well, 30 days later, I feel like my hair has grown. :) I think I'll make a trip to Costco and pick up some straight Biotin next. C'mon hair!

Blogging goals for this year!

I have kept this blog and site pretty basic and am hoping to clean it up this year.  I do a lot of mo-blogging, but it shouldn't be a majority of my posts, if I can help it.  Just don't have the time like I used to - playing around with product, taking photos and editing takes a lot of time and energy!  I'm going to take some pointers from other bloggers and with the help of my kasama/Ading Nicole, create a brand new layout.  I'm excited!  For now, pasensya with the basic while I up my game.  :)

Just ordered! Bundle Monster 20 pc Nail Art Tool Kit

I have been eyeing these for months and finally gave in and ordered it today. I also found the code 'thanks,' for a couple bucks off. It's already a good deal at $14.99. Can't wait to try out some designs with these brushes!

(http://www.bundlemonster.com/catalog/product/view/id/6081/s/20pc-nail-art-design-painting-dotting-pen-brushes-tool-kit-set/category/4/)

Nail night! Creamy peach with gilded tips & holo sparkle

Note to self, don't do nails when you're extremely tired after working 11 straight hours. I had a vision since last week about this color way and it took me 3 times to get my nails decent. I just painted the tips with the nail polish brush, but will try this again when I get nail brushes from Bundle Monster. :)

Base: Essie A Crewed Interest
Tips: Ulta High Roller
All over: China Glaze Golden Enchantment

Uhhh...

Remember my nail polish diet? I broke it today. Can't wait to try this later!

Nail Night!

Weekly therapy...

Base Color: Zoya Blair
Stamp: Ulta High Roller
Plate: Bundle Monster BM-220
Toes: Orly Pure Porcelain
Top Coat: Seche Vite

Aaina Beauty Salon- Threading

I finally tried threading my eyebrows! After talking about it over the weekend with some gfs, my girl recommended Aaina in Kent, I decided to stop by on the way home. The salon itself is a decent size with 3 chairs for threading. I didn't get a chance to see the rest of the salon, but there are probably private rooms for waxing, facials and other services. There is a sign up sheet when you first walk in and it was a little bit before I was seen. Based off the Yelp reviews, it can get fairly busy. I didn't catch the name of the gal that was working on me, but she was nice and asked me what I wanted done. I told her just my brows. What I should have specified is how thick I wanted them to be. I told her I shape and clean them up. She quickly went to work by first trimming the edges before threading. This is much painless than waxing, but it isn't ask quick. I did have to hold my lid taut by placing obe hand on my forehead and the other on part of my lid. I was done in about 10 minutes. They were a little on the thin side, but I liked how clean they looked and there was no redness or irritation. What did cause some reaction was the gel she applied after - I have sensitive skin and can react to scented items. Will I go back? Yes! Like I said, I'll be more specific about how thick I want my brows. Thin brows on a round face can make it look even more round. I prefer to have a more prominent brow to compliment my face.

Pros:
Threading
-No hot wax that can irritate
-Very clean removal
-Fairly quick

Aaina
-Near where I live
-Clean
-Affordable

Cons:
Threading
-Can hurt when the thread runs over your skin repeatedly

Aaina
-Can get busy; be prepared to wait
-A bit if a drive for my Seattle folks (Located in Kent)

Cost:
$5 Yup! Cheap!

Would I recommend to a friend?
Yes! I'll go back in a month or 2 when I have more growth and take one of my good friends.

Do you thread? What do you like versus waxing or tweezing? I'm envious of gals with the perfect brows!

Skin Food Lettuce & Cucumber Water Essence Mask Sheet

Snowed in...again. What else to do? Beautify! I attempted to use some styling tools on my short hair without success. :/ Just not long enough yet! My gf gave me a Skin Food mask sheet a few weeks back & I'm now getting around to using it. Thanks again Carol! :)

Pros:
-Smells wonderful!
-Easy to use
-Travels well

Cons:
-Available only online

Cost: About $4 each. Most online sellers on eBay sell them in multiples of 3-4.

Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes! I used to use sheet masks more often, but haven't bought any new ones in awhile. I still have so much other prod to use until I can indulge in more of these!

Nail Night!

Snowy evening in, doing nails and watching shows on Netflix.

Base: China Glaze First Mate
Stamp: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Silver Sweep
Plate: Bundle Monster BM-201
Top Coat: Seche Vite

Longing for luscious locks!

I am happy that I donated my hair to Locks of Love over the summer. Now, I am ready to get my flowing hair back and fast please. :/ I've been having so many moments where I don't feel feminine because of the length of my hair. Bah! Well, I am going to try these for a month and hope they work. Miracle pills. LOL! We shall see. This is also my current length of hair. It IS growing, but not fast enough for me. Any tips on products to help aid in hair growth?

MOTN Nail night! Dior Purple Candy & Finger Paints Twisted

Manicure of the night! I was hard on my nails over the weekend and chipped my nails, so I had to do them again. ;) Therapy! I'll probably do my nails again in a few days. Here is another picture of my mani. You can see the flakies a little bit better!

And another one - Finger Paints Special Effects in Twisted

Because I needed this one. Finger Paints Special Effects in Twisted. Might have to do nail night tonight! I can't believe I didn't pick this one up earlier with Asylum, Mötley and Flecked. I opted not to get Flashy based off Jen's review that it is similar to Essie's Luxeffects Shine of the Times (I already snagged that!). Check out Jen's reviews (http://www.thepolishaholic.com/2011/12/finger-paints-special-effects.html?m=1) and stay tuned for my next MOTW with Twisted.

Flakie obsessed!

Finger Paints Flecked over Julep Toni. Pass me a flakie over a shattered polish please!