womenTALK: The Beauty Blog

Thursday, Apr 30th 2009

How to Avoid Toxic Baby Shampoos

authored by Kristen Mucci-Mosier


Could baby shampoos really contain cancer-causing chemicals? The answer is yes, according to independent laboratory testing done by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. The group tested a number of popular brands for two known carcinogens: 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde. The lab found that 61 percent contained both ingredients.

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Monday, Apr 27th 2009

Five Frugal, DIY, Stress-Relieving Beauty Products

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

In today's world, we're so pressured with responsibilities - work, personal life, community activities - we often get tied up in physical and mental knots. Plus, the simple fact that money is tight for everyone these days has made getting through an average day harder than ever.

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Friday, Apr 24th 2009

Natural Beauty: 3 Great Items to Bring On Vacation

authored by Kristen Mucci-Mosier


If you're weary of the free products that some hotels offer, then it might be wise to byobp (bring your own beauty products). Here are some great natural options that are perfect for travel. With so many restrictions on what we can take with us on the plane, it's best to opt for solids or small tubes (under 3oz). These three items pass the test every time.

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Friday, Apr 24th 2009

Natural Beauty: My Favorite (Affordable) Cosmetics and Skin Care Items

authored by Kristen Mucci-Mosier

When choosing makeup and skin care items, I prefer products that feel light on my skin, are easy to apply and look natural. For cosmetics such as foundation, blush, bronzer and mascara, I often choose mineral makeups; made from natural minerals, many have the qualities I mentioned above.

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Thursday, Apr 23rd 2009

Natural Beauty: Lead in My Lipstick? No Thanks

authored by Kristen Mucci-Mosier


I'm sure you've heard the buzz about lead making the ingredient list of many popular lipsticks. In October of 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 33 common brands at an independent lab. The results? Sixty one percent of lipsticks contained lead, with levels ranging up to 0.65 parts per million. Lead-contaminated brands included L'Oreal, Cover Girl and even a $24 tube of Dior Addict. There is no safe level of lead and it should be avoided at all costs. I learned recently that this dangerous ingredient is often found in "long-wearing" products, so that's something to be on the look out for. The good news? There are plenty of options for achieving great, safe lip color.

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Tuesday, Apr 21st 2009

Natural Beauty: Is Your Salon Making You Sick? Be Stylish and Smart

authored by Kristen Mucci-Mosier

Call me old-fashioned, but I love going to the salon to get my hair done. However, being a health editor, it's hard for me to ignore the chemical smell of coloring and other products that I'm inhaling.

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Monday, Apr 20th 2009

Hair Help: Simple Styling Tips

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

It's amazing what a good haircut can do for your self-esteem. Any women whose been feeling blah about her physical appearance knows that a new hairdo is a nice pick-me-up. It gives you that extra spring in your step as you walk down the street. Recently, I visited John Masters Organics salon in New York City for a much-needed change. Watch our latest video for three simple hair-styling tips.

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Thursday, Apr 16th 2009

Rosacea: What is it? What can you do about it? How can you cover it up?

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

Leslie H. recently wrote me asking:

"At my annual check-up, my doctor told me that what I thought was just an ever-increasing rosy glow, might be rosacea. What is rosacea, what can I do about it and can I cover it up?"
Rosacea, huh? Well, you're not alone: According to the National Rosacea Society, approximately 14 million Americans have rosacea, but most of them don't know it. It is most common in fair-skinned women between ages 30 and 50, although it can occur in all races. Rosacea can present itself in different ways. It may appear as pink or red flushing or dilated blood vessels alone or with pus-filled bumps or deeper red bumps. It can also cause skin thickening and enlargement, usually around the nose.

What can you do about it?

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Monday, Apr 13th 2009

Get Your Glow Back: More Makeup Tips

authored by Sheryl Kraft

Recently, I posted a video of Laura Geller working her makeover magic on my face. There was so much to do (!) that we had to divide the session into separate bits. Here's more on attaining a youthful glow at any age.

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Monday, Apr 13th 2009

Quick Tip: H2O-oh my!

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

Hydration is essential for healthy, younger-looking skin. If you can press your skin and it doesn't spring back quickly, you might be dehydrated. Get yourself a cute water bottle to carry with you, and aim for eight glasses a day.

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