Are you sulfate-free?

/ BethonBeauty / 1 Comment
 Sulfate free shampoo…Why do we care? What does this even mean?

First, there are a couple types of sulfates – these are also in order of least irritating (1) to most irritating (4):

  1. Sodium Myreth Sulfate
  2. TEA Laureth Sulfate
  3. Sodium Laureth Sulfate
  4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
  5. Ammonia Laureth Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is most commonly used in all kinds of soap products from shampoo, to facial cleaners – so, let’s focus on that – what is it?:

    • SLS is a powerful, grease cutting detergent, aids in the foaming nature of soap
    • To put it simply, SLS is used to make soap ‘soapy’
    • It cuts and removes oil effectively

So…why is it in shampoo?

  • To help suds it up! We have been ‘trained’ that, we need that lather to get a good clean
  • This ingredient helps cut/remove oil…and we don’t want oily hair!
  • It’s cheap to produce (more of a reason for manufacturers to use it)

What’s the problem then?

  • Even in diluted quantities, SLS is irritating to the skin and scalp
    • Have ecezema? (like me!) – SLS can irritate this already irritating condition
  • We’ve all gotten shampoo in our eyes at one time or another…it burns! SLS is likely the culprit
    • Tear-free baby shampoo? Well, it’s ‘tear free’ because it’s sulfate free
  • It’s also been known to be damaging to the hair follicle (can lead to weakened hair structure)
  • SLS can strip colour from your hair – hello, that’s not a good thing for us girls who spend good money on highlights/professional coloring!
  • The SLS found in our soaps is the same as you would find in a car wash or even a garage, where it is used to degrease car engines – ewww!!

BUT – to date, SLS has not been banned from shampoos and cosmetic agents by the FDA as unhealthy or a cancer causing shampoo ingredient.

What is sulfate free shampoo?

  • HELLO – shampoo without the sulfates. Manufacturers use alternative ingredients to get a similiar effect

Why try sulfate free shampoo? – to…

  • Avoid harsh sulfates!
  • Avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils, and your scalp too (which can lead to them drying out faster than normal)
  • Help maintain color treated hair longer…SLS stripping my nice color?! No, thank you!
  • Help avoid further irritation if you have sensitive skin

According to some critics there are a couple trade offs:

  • Sulfates do a good job cleaning…
  • Sulfate free shampoos won’t strip hair/scalp as much but will need washing again sooner
  • Some sulfate shampoos don’t lather up as well, which is the result of removing the SLS, the foaming agent. This can cause people to use more product to get the foam they’re use to

My take – I’ve been using a sulfate free shampoo, and it foams very well without needing more product (see reco below)

The main reason I initially tried this product – was to avoid sulfates to help maintain my color longer. If I can get a couple additional weeks out of my color, that’s money saved at the salon. I went with L’Oreal – because it was at CVS, and it’s cheaper. I purchased the shampoo specifically for color treated hair. Name: L’Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo, Rosemary Juniper

Why I like it:

L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo (sulfate free)

  • It smells amazing
  • It suds up just fine! I don’t have to use more than usual to get a good lather going
  • It makes my hair feel clean, and soft (in combination with my conditioner)
  • It’s less expensive than salon brands
  • I like the tube container- it’s lighter, and easier to carry in my gym bag
  • I can’t say that it has made my color last longer – but my highlights didn’t get brassy last time around…

More info from L’Oreal on this –

Sulfate-Free Color Care System:

  • Anti-Fade System
  • 100% Sulfate-Free
  • No Harsh Salts
  • Natural Botanicals
  • 100% Vegan
  • Not tested on animals, no animal byproducts

Color-preserving formula there are no harsh sulfates and salts that can strip and dull your color.  The EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System* protects and conditions hair for long-lasting color purity.

EverPure shampoos create a luxurious and rich lathering experience, while natural aromatic properties from rosemary and juniper help energize and invigorate the senses.

EverPure Moisture Shampoo gently cleanses, deeply nourishes and revitalizes dry, damaged hair.  Its rich moisturizing formula reveals your hair’s natural softness and shine, helping your color shine through.

Other sulfate free shampoos:

  • Kiss My Face – Miss Treated Shampoo
  • L’Oreal – Everstrong Reconstructing Shampoo
  • RedKen – Nature’s Rescue Detox Shampoo
  • Moroccan Oil Shampoos

Do you use sulfate-free shampoo? Is it great…or all hype?

Sources: About, BeautyTopTips, NaturalHealthInformationCentre, Drugstore

1st Birchbox arrived today!

/ BethonBeauty / 1 Comment

Howie and Birchbox #1 - fresh 'out the mailbox

I signed up for Birchbox around Jul 9th (see link to original post below) – I received my first Birchbox today! Isn’t it so exciting to get a package in the mail!?

 

 

My initial reaction – on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being NOT-SA-MUCH, 10 being AMAZING)…

  • Presentation – I give a 10 out of 10
    • I will admit, I thought the box would be larger (above is a pic of Howie modeling the size)…but since Birchbox mentions you will receive 4-5 samples per month, the relative box sizes makes sense
    • It was fun to open – there was a box within a box:

    • The outer wrapping had a cute design – upon reading the note inside, this month’s box is designed by Cynthia Rowley (apparently, she is an American fashion designer, her name sounds vaguely familiar)
    • The inside was lined with turquoise tissue paper, like a present!:
  • The contents – I give a 6 out of 10
    • 5 samples were included (pic below):
      • Redken Shine Brilliance ‘glistening mist’
      • KIND Fruit & Nut bar
      • Purity one-step facial cleanser
      • AHAVA mineral hand cream
      • Mini Zoya nail polish in Shay
  • I like the variety of the contents. Something for hair, nails, face, hands, and tummy!

To be honest, I’m not sure I’ll get much use out of these samples. I’m not big into hair spray let alone glistening mist, I’ve tried the Purity cleanser (it’s been around for a while), it wasn’t for me…I have 100 hand creams in my bathroom. I guess, I’ll fo-sho eat the granola bar…and the polish is cute.

Overall, I give box #1…a 7 out of 10…the presentation really carried this one. So, although, I’m not super psyched to try any of the contents…it was SO fun to open up and explore. Also, the notecard included with the contents helps shed light on what they are/why they are in there…apparently, they are some of Cynthia Rowley’s go-to products! (brings it all fulllll circle):

Birchbox also includes a small tag that encourages you to rate the products online…and it says ‘you’ll be thanked with loyalty points to buy your favorite full-size products.’ It’s cool that they’re collecting feedback, which will help compile even better boxes in the future…and even better that feedback helps bank points for full size products down the line. Another offer – free shipping all month on this box’s samples AND orders over $50. Some cool perks!

What do you think? @ $10 a month…not sure I can make the call yet. I’ll report back again when I receive my send Birchbox next month.

Steal: Covergirl ‘Eye Enhancers’ eyeshadow trio

/ BethonBeauty / 1 Comment

Before I had a spare $20+ to buy make up at departments stores…or let’s face it, before I could apply/qualify for a credit card 😉 I got the majority of my make up at CVS, or from my Mom’s vanity!

And even though I love the experience of exploring the beauty counter at department stores, and being pampered by the ladies behind the counter…I still frequent CVS, Target and other chains regulary because there are so many great products behind those doors as well.

One such product that I’ve used for years is Covergirls Eye Enhancers eyeshadow trio in Shimmering Sands

Covergirl makes a few different eyeshadows that fall under the ‘eye enhancers’ line…however, my Shimmering Sands is my go-to trio. As the name implies, you have 3 different but complementing shadows to play with – Satin Earth which is a shimmery (yet subtle) deeper brown – below on left, Toasted Sand which is a light shimmery brown – below in middle, and Sunkissed Sand which is a pinky-neutral – below on right. Each shadow has just the right amount of shimmer, glides on smoothly, and stays put during the day.

Application strategy:

  1. Coat entire lid with Toasted Sand…it’s a nice neutral shade
  2. Use the Satin Earth in the  outer crease, to provide some depth/a bit of dramatic contrast
  3. Use the Sunkissed Sand in the inner corner of eye, which brightens/opens the eye a bit

I have hazel eyes/fairer skin (except when sporting the self tanner!) – however, I feel like this neutral trio will complement most skin tones .

This shadow trio is available at CVS for <$5…I always keep one of these handy. You can find it at most pharmacies – it’s been around foreva’!

Shedding (pardon the pun) some light on seasonal hair loss

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A friend recently suggested I write a post on ‘why we lose more hair in the summer.’ First, I wasn’t even sure this is true…so, the best I could do to shed some light on this topic was to do some research online, look for consistent reports, and compile some info here for you. I hope you find this helpful!

Some hair loss is completely normal:

  • Most people lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair each day (that’s alot!), according to the American Academy of Dermatology. On the days when hair is washed, people can lose up to 250 strands. But don’t avoid washing in an attempt to keep the hair, as it will fall out eventually, anyway

Other hair facts:

  • Hair has a life span of about 6 years, and some people experience shedding during the summer or winter months
    • Hair grows faster when the weather is warm. Not only does hair grow faster in the summer, but it goes through cycles of growth and rest all year long. Each complete cycle typically lasts several weeks
    • Hair grows in three different cycles: anagen, catagen, and telogen. About 90% of the hair on the head is in the anagen, or growth phase, which lasts anywhere from two to eight years. The catagen, or transition phase, typically lasts 2-3 weeks, during which  the hair follicle shrinks. During the telogen cycle, which lasts around two to four months, the hair rests
  • The myth that ‘stress can make your hair fall out’ is true…although your hair is falling out all the time, it’s possible that you may lose a few more strands when you’re “catastrophically” stressed, meaning you have had a major life change such as a divorce, lost job, or surgery. Other culprits are pregnancy or antibiotics. After a few weeks, it will almost certainly grow back
  • Hair growth rate is genetically determined, and varies from person to person. It also grows more slowly with age, and is affected by both internal states and environmental conditions

Things to remember:

  • Don’t Be Afraid to Wash Your Hair: it won’t lead to hair loss
  • Avoid (heavy) Brushing or Teasing: both can lead to hair loss. Use a wide-toothed comb instead
  • Try a New ‘Do: a style with layers will help your hair look fuller. You can even perm or color your hair; medically, there’s no reason not to. Just avoid a weave or any other style that can put prolonged tension on your hair or cause it to break, which can lead to further hair loss
  • Am I Losing It?: the truth is, you are–everyone is. Most of us shed 50 to 100 hairs a day. Once a hair is shed, a new hair from the same follicle replaces the lost strand
  • Here are two for-women-only causes of temporary hair loss.
    • Giving Birth: during pregnancy, the rise in hormones sends hair into its resting phase, so hair that would naturally fall out doesn’t. Several months after delivery, hormones return to normal, and some women experience an increase in hair loss (all over the head, not just at the top). This can last between 1 and 6 months; then, it usually corrects itself
    • Starting the Pill: some women lose hair while taking birth control pills. The reasons: shifting hormone levels (caused by the Pill) and heredity. If this happens to you, talk to your gynecologist about switching to a different Pill or birth control method.

Sources: WebMD, eHow.com, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health

The other Mario

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

I walked into Nordstrom one night…three days after an awful facial…my chin was all broken out and red, I wasn’t sure how to treat it. I was willing to try something new, because nothing I had on hand was helping. This was the night I was first introduced to: Mario Badescu

Mario Badescu is a skin care line – that’s been around for over 40 years…started in NYC.

I’d seen Mario products before but the plain packaging didn’t lure me enough to try anything. After some research, the plain packaging is part of Mario’s mission: “Using simple, no-frills packaging is part of the reason we are able to do this. While other companies are concerned with fancy, shiny wrappers and bottles, the packaging of our products is not as important as the products inside them. This allows us to focus on providing a quality product at an affordable price.”

I didn’t have to buy anything that night – I was given free samples of a few products – two of which I now LOVE…the special cucumber lotion (link below), which is an acne healing astringent. I was told to dab it on the effected areas after washing my face. I was also given a sample of the healing and soothing mask (link below)…to help diminish redness on my chin from the healing acne marks. I was told to apply it to the affected areas after I washed my face, and to let it sit for 5-1o minutes. Both samples had screw tops – it was nice to get a sample I could actually close, and use again!! I can’t stand those tear open samples that leak all over my make up bag. Or the really small ones, that only give you 1-2 uses. Mario offers generous size samples…so you really get to try the product before potentially buying.

Howie likes Mario's generous samples, it saves Mom money

**All the samples in this pic were free! and came with that cute bag

My take: The cucumber lotion is now my go-to toner for when I feel a break out coming on, or to treat active pimples. It’s a great disinfectant. I don’t use it on my whole face though because it’s a bit strong. I am in love with the healing mask…I often get big red marks from pimples that take a while to heal…this mask takes away redness, once I wash it off the spot is noticeably better. I often put it on before applying my make up in the morning so that I can use less concealer on certain blemishes. The mask also speeds healing and NEVER irritates. I use it as a spot treatment, more so than a mask for my entire face. The best thing — I am still using the free sample! You only need a small dime size amount…it spreads nicely (and it’s easy to wipe off, it doesn’t get all dry)

Another thing I like about the Mario line – the company makes it easy to find products for your skin type/concerns. They have products for:

  • acne
  • acne scars
  • cystic acne
  • anti-aging
  • melasma
  • cellulite
  • keratosis pilaris
  • rosacea
  • stretch marks
  • broken capillaries
  • black heads
If you want to try anything, I suggest going to Nordstrom and getting a sample (keep in mind, they might not have samples for everything in stock). The Mario website is really easy to navigate/search for products you want to try (it’s also a good resource for general skin/condition info). And they offer free shipping on purchases over $50…and you get 3 free samples of your choice with each order.

This is a great line – it’s no frills packaging is refreshing and simple. The price point of products range…from $5-$30. You get a good amount of product, at a more affordable price for a dept store brand.

  • Mario website: http://www.mariobadescu.com
  • Special Cucumber Lotion ($15): http://www.mariobadescu.com/special-cucumber-lotion
  • Healing and Soothing Mask ($20): http://www.mariobadescu.com/healing-and-soothing-mask