Phthalates and Cosmetic Products

What are phthalates?

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in hundreds of products, such as toys, vinyl flooring and wall covering, detergents, lubricating oils, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, blood bags and tubing, and personal care products, such as nail polish, hair sprays, soaps, and shampoos.

What phthalates are used in cosmetics?

The principal phthalates used in cosmetic products are dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), and diethylphthalate (DEP). They are used primarily at concentrations of less than 10% as plasticizers in products such as nail polishes (to reduce cracking by making them less brittle) and hair sprays (to help avoid stiffness by allowing them to form a flexible film on the hair) and as solvents and perfume fixatives in various other products.

Do phthalates affect human health?

It’s not clear what effect, if any, phthalates have on health. An expert panel convened from 1998 to 2000 by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), part of the National Institutes of Health, concluded that reproductive risks from exposure to phthalate esters were minimal to negligible in most cases. . In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a report on March 21, 2001, entitled “National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals.” The report described a survey of a small segment of the U.S. population for environmental chemicals in urine. One of the chemicals surveyed was phthalates.

In 2002, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) reaffirmed its original conclusion (reached in 1985) that DBP, DMP, and DEP are safe as used in cosmetic products. The panel evaluated phthalate exposure and toxicity data and conducted a risk assessment for dibutyl phthalate in cosmetic products. The panel concluded that exposures to phthalates from cosmetics are low compared to levels that would cause adverse effects in animals. (The CIR is an industry-sponsored organization that reviews cosmetic ingredient safety and publishes its results in open, peer-reviewed literature.) (See “Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments 2002/2003,” International Journal of Toxicology (Supplement 1), 1-102, 2005.)

FDA reviewed the safety and toxicity data for phthalates, including the CDC data from 2001, as well as the CIR conclusions based on reviews in 1985 and 2002. FDA noted that the CDC survey report in 2001 was not intended to make an association between the presence of environmental chemicals in human urine and disease, but rather to learn more about the extent of human exposure to industrial chemicals. While the CDC report noted elevated levels of phthalates excreted by women of child-bearing age, neither it nor the other data reviewed by FDA established an association between the use of phthalates in cosmetic products and a health risk. As a result, FDA determined that there was insufficient evidence upon which to take regulatory action.

What does FDA currently know about infant exposure to phthalates?

Infants, like all consumers, are exposed daily to phthalates from a number of sources, including air, drugs, food, plastics, water, and cosmetics. We are currently beginning a survey of infant/children cosmetic products to determine the levels of phthalates so we can more accurately assess infant exposure.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has published an article stating that infants exposed to infant care products, specifically baby shampoos, baby lotions, and baby powder, showed increased levels of phthalate metabolites in their urine (see “Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure,” S. Sathyanarayana, Pediatrics. 2008, vol. 121, pp. 260-268). Like the CDC report, this study did not establish an association between these findings and any health effects. In addition, levels of phthalates (if any) in the infant care products were not determined.

How do I know if there are phthalates in the cosmetics I use?

Under the authority of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), FDA requires an ingredient declaration on the cosmetic products sold at the retail level to consumers. Consumers can tell whether some products contain phthalates by reading the ingredient declaration on the labels of such products.

However, the regulations do not require the listing of the individual fragrance ingredients; therefore, the consumer will not be able to determine from the ingredient declaration if phthalates are present in a fragrance. Also, because the FPLA does not apply to products used exclusively by professionals–for example, in salons–the requirement for an ingredient declaration does not apply to these products.
What is FDA’s role?

FDA continues to monitor consumers’ potential exposure to phthalates from the use of cosmetic products. FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) included the following two projects among its program priority items for 2004: (1) Develop an analytical method for the determination of phthalates in cosmetic products, and (2) conduct a survey of products to determine the contribution of phthalates to human exposure. FDA has completed both of these projects and published results in the article, “Analysis of Consumer Cosmetic Products for Phthalate Esters,” J.C. Hubinger and D.C. Havery, Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, (2006) vol. 57, pp. 127-137.

At the present time, FDA does not have compelling evidence that phthalates, as used in cosmetics, pose a safety risk. If FDA determines that a health hazard exists, the agency will advise the industry and the public, and will consider its legal options under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in protecting the health and welfare of consumers.

Facial Surgery

Of all the features we possess, the face is often the most noticeable and gets the most attention. Signs of premature aging, scars or congenital birth defects that appear on our face are impossible to hide, and they can damage our self-esteem. Facial surgery has been developed to address these real or perceived imperfections of the face.

Facial Surgery Procedures

There is a wide array of cosmetic surgery procedures available for the face including facelifts, facial liposuction, rhinoplasty, various kinds of eye surgery, lip augmentation and ear surgery. While the basis for most procedures is often for esthetic reasons such as facial rejuvenation or facial peels, other purposes include repairing the face after tragic accidents or disease. Even facial feminization surgery falls under the range of potential surgeries available for patients seeking to alter or refine their appearance.

Are you a candidate for facial surgery?

As with most other forms of surgery, it is recommended that you’re healthy, with no significant heart or circulatory problems and are mentally stable. You can learn specific details on what is involved for a procedure by meeting with your general practitioner and gaining a referral to a specialized plastic surgeon.

Questions for Your Plastic Surgeon

Some questions to consider asking your plastic surgeon include:

* How long they have they been performing facial cosmetic surgery
* What results to expect from the surgery
* The estimated recovery time
* Whether general or local anesthesia is used
* Possible risks from the procedure
* The total costs for the procedure

Celebrity makeup artist revels his Makeup techniques in About Face book Celebrity makeup artist revels his Makeup techniques in About Face book

Scott Barnes, celebrity makeup artist to the leading ladies in film, music and TV, has created the hottest looks for the top magazines around the world with over a hundred covers to his credit, and has worked with the A-list celebrities from Jennifer Lopez to Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson to Christina Aguilera.

True Beauty is not merely skin deep, it is something that lies within all of us, waiting only to be released. Scott Barnes shows us, with a stroke of a brush, how to release our beauty unto the world in his first book, About Face – Celebrity Makeup Techniques.

Here he shares all his secrets for creating show-stopping looks that you can use every day. Dispensing with strange concoctions, rare ingredients or time-consuming rituals, Scott reveals practical methods that free the beauty each of us has trapped inside. He works wonders with a few strokes of the brush. You will be amazed at how easy it is to transform your look in ways you’ve always dreamt of.

Scott’s goal is a lofty one, inspire the millions of women out there to be more beautiful and happier with their looks and themselves. It’s not about trends, he believes, it’s all about discovering what’s unique about you. Rather than covering it up, Scott shows you how to bring it out in new wonderful ways so you can achieve the look and feel you want.

“Not only is Scott a very talented artist, but he’s also a wonderful guy, and a lot of fun to work with. I’ve been lucky to have such a great talent like him, making me look my best.” commented Celine Dion

“Working with Scott is such an experience. He has amazing energy and is a true artist. I felt so beautiful after he was finished with me! I also picked up a few tricks from him along the way!” said Hilary Duff.

Blush Tips

* Draw an imaginary line downwards from the center of the eye.

* This is the furthest point on the cheek where blush should be applied.

* Apply blush along cheekbone from hair line downwards to avoid ending up with a heavy “blob” of color on the cheek.

* Always remember less is best.

* Be sure to do the blush test. Once you are done with your entire makeup stand back, look in the mirror. Check to see if your face is ‘balanced’. You should have on just enough blush to make you look as though you are blushing. If you have on any more than that you need to tone it down.

* To soften blush apply some powder over your blush. In the evening you have a little more liberty and so you could go a bit heavier according to the look you wish to achieve.

* When applying blush use a darker shade to contour your face and “lift” your cheekbones. We recommend light colors of Sacha Cosmetics blush to highlight.

* Use your blush brush to apply blush with small half-moon shaped strokes moving from your hairline to your cheek bones. Do not apply close to the nose. Keep your blush on the cheek bones.

* If you have sallow skin, pick a foundation that disappears on your face. To counteract your skin tone choose a pink or rosy blush.

* For a very natural look, apply blush on the cheekbones and eyelids matching the color of the lipstick.

* To tone down blush, apply a dusting of powder on top to subdue the color.

* Never overdo your blush application, tap excess blush off your brush before applying.

* Use a very small amount of blush for mid-day makeup touchup. The oil from your skin will grab color and intensify it.

* Invest in a big fluffy blush brush just as makeup artists use. It will give you a soft, even blush of color.

* Apply blush after powder for smooth, even look with no streaking.

* Glow Without Blushing. When you just want to add warmth to the skin instead of a standard blush color like rose, peach or plum, use a light to medium bronzing powder in place of blush.

* When you wear blush, DO find a color that is not too red for your skin tone since you will look sunburned.

Formal Makeup Guide

If you are attending any type of formal event, it is likely that you will want to wear makeup in an appropriate way, as it is a great way to enhance your features. Applying formal makeup is somewhat different than applying it during any other time of the week. Here are some tips to get you started.

Formal Makeup Tips

1. Keep in mind that less is most often more. There is no need to feel as though you have to wear tons of makeup in order to look good. Sometimes a natural appearance is really the best way to go, especially at formal events. Do not drift too far away from your natural appearance. It is important to decide if you want to stick to your normal self or want to leave people with something to talk about by going to the extreme with your makeup.

2. Depending on the formal event that you will be attending, consider having your makeup done professionally. For occasions such as proms or weddings that you are taking part in, this is especially a good idea. Although you may have some makeup expertise, it is always better to go to someone who really knows their stuff and does it on a regular basis. Just make sure that you call to make sure that they do it and make an appointment beforehand.

3. Try to stick with neutral colors. Earth tone shades of brown, gray, pink, purple and green are the best way to go if you desire to look as natural as possible during any formal event. When opting for brighter or bolder shades, keep in mind that these colors are not always the most flattering. No one wants to look like Mimi from the Drew Carrey show!

4. Experiment with different makeup techniques before the day of the formal event. This will give you a good idea of what type of makeup styles you can wear when the day actually comes. It is also important to take into consideration that it is probably best for you to also experiment with different colors, if possible. Seeing how different colors look in several different makeup techniques is very important.

5. Try to emphasize one particular feature. You don’t want your entire face to be covered with loads of makeup. Instead of this type of cakey appearance, it is a much better to choose a specific feature that you want to enhance. Whether it’s your eyes, lips or cheek bones, focus mainly on these feature and put a minimal amount of makeup elsewhere.

When you go to a formal event, especially if you know that a lot of people that you are familiar with will be there, it is important to put a lot of thought into your makeup. Judging how much you are going to wear makeup, the shades to use and the techniques that you will use when applying makeup for formal events is very important for you to do.

Celebrities Makeup

The makeup that celebrities are wearing are generally a great way to measure the current makeup trends. Although there are some celebrities that stick with their own way of applying makeup, these will usually even become makeup trends. Copying a celebrity’s makeup is not usually very difficult. No matter how much experience you have with makeup, it can generally be done. Here is what you should know about how to copy celebrities’ makeup styles.

Find a Picture of Celebrity Makeup

Get a good picture that shows the makeup style that you want to try to copy. It is important to make sure that you get a high quality picture of the celebrity’s face. The reason is because a full body picture will need to blown up and then you will have to hope that it is clear enough to judge from.

Choose Similar Shades of Makeup

After you have found a picture of the celebrity makeup style that you want to copy, it is a good idea to find similar shades of makeup. Keep in mind that it does not need to be exactly the same. For example, if Jennifer Lopez has three different shades of gray used for a smoky eyes look, you can use three different shades of purple instead. Feel free to use several different

Take Careful Notices of Makeup Techniques

In order to achieve the celebrity makeup style; you will have to take very careful notice of the makeup techniques
that have been used. To achieve the makeup style that you are interested in, you will have to apply these makeup techniques. The most important thing is for you to be aware of what you should be doing when trying to copy celebrity makeup styles.

Don’t Forget Any Makeup Aspect

If you are trying to recreate a celebrity makeup style entirely, it is important to make sure that you do not forget any makeup aspect. For example, if you are aiming for the entire look, you would not want to leave out specifics, such as blush or eyelash curling. If you are trying to achieve a certain eye makeup technique, you would not want to forget about applying eyeliner to your upper eyelid or blending eye shadow colors at the right area of the eyelid.

Practice the Celebrity Makeup Style

Keep in mind that practice makes perfect. Until you practice the celebrity makeup style that you are trying to achieve, you may not be able to perfectly it entirely. The best thing that you can do is practice the makeup style techniques with the colors that you want to try out.

These are just some of the many things that you should do if you want to recreate celebrity makeup styles. The main key is to make sure that you understand what you are doing (whether it is right or wrong), what you should be doing and practice it so that you can improve your makeup application skills. Over time, you should be able to copy a celebrity makeup style easily!

Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup is available for various forms of makeup, including eyeliner, lip liner and even eyebrows. The process of permanent makeup is done through tattooing and, although you may not even realize it, the decision is a big one to make. Before you make the final decision to go through with permanent makeup for yourself, it is a good idea for you to weigh the pros and cons. This will help you determine if permanent makeup is the right choice for you.

Pros of Permanent Makeup

1. You do not need to worry about having to do your makeup anymore. Instead of having to worry about putting makeup on in the morning, you can hop right out of bed and make time for other things that may be more important to you. For those with busy lifestyles, the convenience of permanent makeup is its main appeal.

2. Certain makeup techniques can be done with a lot of precision. If you are not a pro at applying your makeup, then this is probably an aspect of permanent makeup that is very important to you. Instead of worrying about how badly you will apply your makeup, you will feel rest assured to know that it is perfect and ready to go anywhere.

3. Permanent makeup is just that – permanent. What this means is that you will not need to worry about your eyeliner coming off when you go swimming or take a shower. In many ways, the convenience that permanent makeup has to offer is enough to convince some women to get it done.

Cons of Permanent Makeup

1. Permanent makeup is just that – permanent. If you want to experiment with new styles, you really will not have much of a choice. Some people change their overall look on a regular basis. If this is you, permanent makeup probably isn’t a good idea.

2. Many people do get sick of the permanent makeup that they decide to get. What happens if you choose to get permanently thin eyebrows tattooed on and then, years from now, the style is to keep your eyebrows as thick and bushy as possible? Instead of being able to grow them out, you will not be able to change them.

2. As with any tattoo, permanent makeup is likely to cause you to feel some pain or discomfort during the process. If you are not very tolerant of pain, then perhaps you should reconsider whether or not you really want to have permanent makeup done.

3. According to medical research, permanent makeup (particularly eyeliner) may cause you to experience an infection.

As you can see, there are both pros and cons associated with permanent makeup. Before you decide whether or not you want to have any type of permanent makeup done on your face, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. While permanent makeup may be suitable for some, many find that there are too many disadvantages for them to even want to try it.

How to Apply Eye Makeup

It is known that the eyes are the windows to the soul. If you want someone to see your inner beauty, you have to get noticed and the perfect way to get noticed is wear the most inviting and subtle eye makeup, however the key is the application of the eye make up. Let’s face it most of us regular working people do not have the time or the cash to dash to our stylist every time we need to apply makeup, let’s leave that to the rich and fabulous to do. For us simple folks we can learn how to apply eye make up and be just as good as a professional, even though it may take a little practice we will eventually get there.

How to Apply Eye shadow

The first step in applying eye make up should be deciding what colors you want to use. The great thing about eye make up is that you can use more than one color and still come out with a fresh and easy look. The key is choosing the color that will stand out the most and apply that color to the entire eyelids. The next step would be to apply a lighter shade above the first color, when applying the lighter shade it should be done in one quick and easy movement.

How to Apply Eye Liner

Okay the hard part is over or so you think, the eye shadow is on just right, so now what? Yes you guessed it eyeliner, what would eye make up be with out eye liner that defines your eyes? Eyeliner is available in pencil and liquid forms you can choose the eye liner that you feel most comfortable with. To apply eyeliner it is best if you start at the inside corner of your eye with swift strokes by drawing a thin line close to your eyelids to the best of your ability. You can choose to do this one time for a subtle look or a few times for a more vivid look.

Application Tricks for Mascara

Eye Shadow checks, Eye liner Check, oh did you forget about the mascara that will make you bat your lashes like Betty boop? Mascara is also essential for making your eyes look sexy and inviting , with the right mascara and the correct application you won’t need those fake long eye lashes when you have your own to bat with. Talking about mascara it would not be cool if I did not mention, an eyelash curler, eye lash curlers and mascara go hand in hand while they both give your eyelashes that added boost to make them look absolutely gorgeous. It would be wise to invest in an eyelash curler when you are dressing your eyes. It is recommended that you curl the eyelashes first, before you apply the mascara to avoid pulling or breaking of the eye lash.

The key to wearing great mascara that won’t smear or smudge is to insert the wand inside of the mascara once your new tube of mascara is open, insert the wand and turn it inside of the liquid mascara before pulling it out, this prevents the mascara from drying out and looking clumpy on your face. Once you mastered this task, simply run your brush along the lashes in a smooth direction away from your face. If you want your mascara to appear thick you should apply two coats, if you choose this option it is best that you wait until the mascara dries until you apply the second coat. After the mascara is applied, it is recommended that you comb eyelashes with a comb to remove any clumps that may have formed while applying the mascara.

Now you are an expert on how to apply the most tantalizing eye makeup that will make men flock to your doorstep and want to get deeper into your souls through your eyes, so be careful. Eye make up can be a very powerful thing.

Mineral Makeup

Wouldn’t it be great if you can wear makeup all day long without it smudging off or leaking when you cry or go about your daily activities, if you can apply your make up before you go to bed and then sleep in it, so when you wake up in the morning you have one less thing to worry about? What if I tell you that there was a certain makeup that can actually make you achieve all of those things, well there is and it has been around for 30 years and it is called Mineral makeup.

Mineral make up is gaining more and more popularity when men and women are finding out that this makeup that is made up of all natural minerals finely grounded from the earth. It does not contain preservatives, chemical dyes, perfumes, talc, alcohol and other not-so-good stuff found in traditional make up.

The most popular sayings about mineral make up is that most people love its light and natural feel and the long lasting glow that it creates for their face, and they feel like they are not wearing a mask or cakes of makeup. Mineral makeup is used mostly by women and men that have sensitive skin and that are prone to acne and rosacea. Mineral make up works wonders for these special types of skin making this an essential makeup of choice.

How Effective is Mineral Make up

Mineral makeup consists of triple milled minerals like titanium, gold, zinc, magnesium and alumium. These special minerals are great for skin, because they do not enhance wrinkles. It is also known that mineral make up has a SPF rating of 15 for sun protection due to the high content of zinc oxide and titanium, making it a great way to wear sun block for the face. Mineral makeup is also hypoallergenic and will not clog your pores. It also nourishes the skin and is very easy to apply and remove. The best thing about mineral make up is that it is strongly developed and it is natural, that it last so long that you can actually sleep in it and still appear fresh and ready to go when you awake in the morning!

There are some people that complain about mineral make up stating that it irritates their skin and adds years to their appearance and also causes more wrinkles. Mineral makeup may not be for everyone and some people have different reactions to certain types of makeup and certain types of minerals. It is best if you try different types of make-up to see what is right for you, the most popular form of mineral makeup is blushes and powder foundations. Mineral make up is great for the majority of men and women and usually enhances your natural look and gives you a fresh and redefined look.

There are various types of mineral make up ranging from eye shadow, eyeliners, makeup for cheeks brows, lips and your entire face. You can wear this natural makeup in many ways and reap the benefits of having healthy fresh looking young skin.

Prom Makeup – Apply Prom Makeup Tips

Prom night figures as a big event in most teen lives. There’s nothing better than planning your dress, shoes, makeup and hair. Be sure to practice a few days before Prom or print out your favorite look and take it to a makeup counter for expert application. I guarantee you won’t look weird, boring or too much like your regular, everyday self for this year’s prom. Find out what kind of look is in for the prom season. Have fun! You can get yourself all set for prom night by doing your makeup yourself -

Prom Makeup Tips and Tricks

• If in doubt, mimic the magazines. Look through your favorite Teen publication and copy the look of the young and famous. Your makeup artist can copy the look on you or you can try it yourself before the big night.
• Apply blush, it’ll give you the virginal flushed look that oh so many women would kill for. If you have a cool complexion then use a rosy colored blush and for warm complexions bronzed blushes look fabulous.
• The biggest mistake people make when putting on makeup is that they highlight both the eye & the mouth. You need to pick one or the other
• Use a gloss instead of a lipstick, if possible, – This season it is all about the shine. Any color will do – just make sure that your lip color
  doesn’t wash your face out.
• Remember not to go overboard by applying a lot of shadow to your eye lids by wearing a deep lipstick – the lashes will say enough.
• Go in for long fake eyelashes to make your eyes stand out. Black or brown mascara flatters most skin tones.

Tips to Remember:

-Even out your eyes and your lips by bringing attention to only one

-Find good mascara

-Get 8 hours of sleep 2 days before

-Eat healthy… your face will be happy!

-Blend foundation evenly

-Wear a shiny gloss

-Less is more!

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