Wednesday, May 12, 2010

“Hypoallergenic” - What does it mean?

So after working with clients with Lupus yesterday I’m wondering about “Hypoallergenic” makeup and what that means. I looked it up on WebMD and here is some of what I learned:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) counsels that consumers should realize that no federal standards or regulations exist governing the use of the term "hypoallergenic." In other words, the decision as to whether or not a cosmetic may be labeled as "hypoallergenic" lies solely with the manufacturer.

The FDA Office of Cosmetics and Colors Fact Sheet notes that the ingredients used to make all cosmetic products are basically the same throughout the industry. Decades ago, harsh ingredients were sometimes used that indeed caused adverse reactions in some users, but these ingredients are no longer used in the cosmetic manufacturing process.

It's important to understand that it is impossible to guarantee that a cosmetic or skin care product will never produce an allergic reaction. Since the FDA does require that cosmetic ingredients be listed on product labels, consumers who have had allergic reactions or problems with a specific substance can avoid purchasing products that contain these substances.

Bottom line is we need to test our products and be responsible to know what we might have an adverse reaction to. I’m going to do some research on common ingredients that often cause reactions so you can have a list to investigate.

BTW. Back in 1975 The FDA did try to regulate the term hypoallergenic but there was a court decision overturning that.

Working with complications of Lupus

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to work with some amazing people at the Lupus Foundation. These women and men allowed me to help them with the effects Lupus has on their appearance. The courage they show along with the support and humor humbles me. (pictures to follow)

I'm reminded of a few things in Aesthetic Camouflage:

1. Sanitation - Can't be overstated; So important for a person with a compromised immune system.

2. Hypo allergenic - good but not the "be all end all". We could use more products that have this classification, but some people will still have reactions, so TEST TEST TEST.

3. Be a learner - this one's easy for me because I have so much to learn and many who have gone before who are willing to teach me.

I'll post the pictures as soon as I have them. Thanks so much to Danielle who invited me to the support group and the members who encouraged me that what I'm doing in Aestetic Camouflage is worthwhile.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Are my eyes "close set"?

What does that mean and what do I do about it? If you've ever felt your eyes were close set, here's how to figure it out:

If the space between your eyes is less than the width of one eye you probably have marginally close set eyes.

What to do about it? - Use shading to make the difference. Lighter shades make an area appear larger.

* Use a slightly lighter foundation between your eyes.
* Shadow your eyes starting with the lightest color close to your nose and working the darker color on the outside corner of your eye. Use a clean brush to blend from the inside corner outwards.
* Make your eye liner thickest on the outer corner of your eye and thinning as it gets closer to your nose. Do not take the liner all the way to the inside corner
* Don't curl your lashes but use your mascara wand to brush the lashes to the outer corner - up and out.

These simple steps will create the illusion that your eyes are further apart than they really are and you'll just love batting those lashes!!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Cancer Care beauty class with Ramy

Just came from a beauty class that was marked with greatness not by the perfect skin on the models or the latest editorial trends in makeup. It was marked with greatness by the generosity of the teacher and the courage of the participants.

I sat in humility and awe as Ramy, a celebrity MUA that I really admire, shared his story of cancer survival. He was speaking to other cancer survivors at Cancer Care. His humor and strength shown through and were inspirational. He showed simple beauty techniques to help someone through what can be the hardest time of life. He spoke of using all your weapons to get into "battle mode" to fight cancer.

When he was going through chemo his big side affect was terrible dark circles. He applied a bit of concealer and some bronzer. His dentist thought he was just feeling better based how much better he looked. Even under those crazy bright lights of the dentist chair!

We agree that just making your face a bit brighter may be the weapon of choice one day to get through that particular day. I believe the patients in the class were inspired and even amazed at what a simple but profound difference a few minutes and a good application can make.

Ramy has a line of products that are beautiful, simple, hypoallergenic and fun! Check them out by clicking on the title of this post.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Look Good .... Feel Better

I sat in on a group from this great organization yesterday. It's so important for a patient going through cancer treatment to feel they have some power over their appearance.

Below is a description from their website of these group programs. I know they have them at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (where I work) and at New York Hospital. They are also in many other places around the city and around the world. Feel free to recommend a patient to the LGFB website to connect - it might make a huge difference during her treatment!

Group Programs
Each two-hour, hands-on workshop includes a 12-step skin care/make-up application lesson, demonstration of options for dealing with hair loss, and nail care techniques. Held at comprehensive care clinics, hospitals, ACS offices, and community centers, local group programs are organized by the American Cancer Society, facilitated by LGFB-certified cosmetologists, and aided by general volunteers. Patients in various stages of treatment receive make-over tips and personal attention from professionals trained to meet their needs. They also use and take home complimentary cosmetic kits in their appropriate skin tones (light, medium, dark, extra dark) with helpful instruction booklets. Professional advice is provided on wigs, scarves and accessories. (Teen sessions also include social and health tips.) More than 50,000 individuals participate each year in small groups of five to ten, offering each patient a supportive circle, as well. Group programs represent the highest level of expertise available (the “gold standard”) in LGFB services. See Before/After for more information. Or find a local group program now.