Bird droppings, placenta, snail slime…. It’s not a page from Papa Smurf’s spell-casting playbook, but a list of what could be, should be or is part of your beauty regimen. Plenty of companies synthesize substances—snake venom, human sperm—to put in products, but these six grody ingredients are the real yucky deal. Keep reading »
Singaporeans sure do enjoy their beauty products, even during a recession. According to a survey, seven in 10 people there will continue to indulge their beauty addiction by purchasing products and services, despite the threat of job losses and a severe economic recession. Half of those polled said they spent at least $33 each month on beauty products, and a third said they’d curb their spending on other lifestyle choices, but not beauty. “I don’t think any of us has ever really appreciated how important looking good is to Singaporeans,” said BeautyAsia 2009′s organizer. “For the majority, it is a ‘must-have’ rather than a luxury.” This poll gives weight to the “lipstick factor,” a theory that suggests consumers purchase small luxuries while otherwise tightening their belts in an economic downturn. Like the Singaporeans, I don’t plan to stop spending on beauty products or services, but I’m jealous that they only spend an average of $33 per month on products. I tend to shell out $53 just on getting my nails and toes done each month. What do you think about the “lipstick factor”? Do you plan to spend less, more, or the same on beauty products and services during the recession? [Reuters] Keep reading »
“Who’s She” red, “Hollywood Nights” hot pink, “Mauve-lous Memories” — clever names for makeup colors are supposed to seduce you into buying cosmetics. Sadly, some manufacturers have completely missed the mark and named their goods badly. While Wendy pointed out some clothing items have become fashion victims because of their uncool names, here’s a round up of the ugliest names for beauty products…
Many people do not realize that makeup and other beauty products have an expiration on them. Also, there are tons of women out there right now that are wearing expired makeup. Here are some basics on how long you should keep your makeup and beauty products. Keep reading »
Trying to de-stress and stay beautiful apparently led to the death of three people. They were using a foot massager called the Shape-up-Roller 2 when somehow they were killed. Details were uncovered regarding the death of one of the victims. The woman removed the protective cloth cover from the machine but strangled herself when it got caught on her collar as she tried to use it on her neck.
It makes you wonder, though, what other high-maintenance products we use on a regular basis to feed our vanity that could be dangerous or painful. After the jump, a list of products that could be unsafe and harmful if not used properly. They won’t kill you, but they can definitely cause havoc in your life.
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I wouldn’t consider myself to be a Grade A snob, despite what some may think. I may carry an expensive bag or be sporting expensive shoes, but chances are that I’m wearing Forever 21 everywhere else. I prefer a diner sandwich to a fancy meal, have cut myself off from mani/pedis and learned to polish my own, and am getting a little less bitter about the subway. In these tough economic times, we’re all trying to cut back, but there are some things we’re just not willing to give up. Keep reading »
L’Oreal Paris’ latest Feria ad, featuring spokesperson Beyonce, has been getting some unintended attention in the last couple of days because the company has been accused of digitally lightening the entertainer’s skin and editing her nose to appear pointier. Though L’Oreal denies the accusations, the difference between the ad and the real Beyonce is striking. L’Oreal’s deal with Beyonce in 2006 was part of a growing trend to include black women in ads for beauty products that were traditionally marketed solely to white women. And black women took notice because Beyonce is one of the biggest entertainers of our time. Although she in no way represents a majority of black women, we were excited to see someone that resembled us and to have products, like hair dye, that would work with our hair texture.
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When he wakes up next to you tomorrow morning, you don’t want his first reaction to be “Damn! Who the hell let Alice Cooper into my bedroom?”. To emerge looking fresh as a daisy (even if you feel anything but) the morning after, pack your purse with these touch-up essentials. In no time flat, you’ll transform yourself from strung-out Kate Moss to her glowier, dewier alter-ego.
1. Sephora’s Pretty Minty
Banish dragon breath with these teeny tiny yet totally powerful (and sugar-free) breath fresheners. They’re housed in a cute little tin whose lid conceals a mirror, preventing you from having to go all MacGyver in order to get a peek at your much-improved reflection. [$2, Sephora] Keep reading »
