Every year, I am asked what are the best sunscreens for the whole family. The only criteria I have, for sunscreens, is that they do not contain chemical sunscreen agents. I prefer physical sunscreen agents, because they are less likely to cause irritation, and can be used by anyone in the family. Natural sunscreens are also safe for the face and body.
Here are my top picks for natural sunscreens for 2014:
I own a makeup company. That is pretty common knowledge. What most people do not know about me is that I formulated skin care products long before I got into the makeup business. Often I am asked what the best way is to care for skin. Of course, there are some simple rules, but what amazes me is how many mistakes people make with skin care. These mistakes are not caused by a lack of knowledge or care, but rather terrible misinformation being constantly sold at cosmetics counters.
Most readers know I am often nonplussed by cosmetics claims. So many of them are just ludicrious with their claims that I simply shake my head in amazement that they can actually be advertised.
I spend a lot of my time talking about the difference between marketing and facts when it comes to cosmetics products.
So when I actually stumbled upon a cosmetic product that lives up to its claims, I am so excited I want to tell everyone about it. Fortunately, I have this platform to do so.
The cosmetics industry is very good at convincing consumers that marketing language is indeed fact. The level of misleading claims is staggering. When I review products one of my criteria is if the product can deliver on the marketing claims. Seldom do product deliver on their implied claims.
Here are the five most common marketing claims that simply cannot live up to their impressions.
Anyone who knows me knows I love music. I am surrounded by musicians. The majority of my close friends are musicians, most of my clients are musicians and I make no distinctions between genres.
It's that time of year again. I will be travelling across the country meeting readers and consumers, answering questions, and showcasing some of the most exciting new products for the season.
It is quite possible to tell a great deal about a woman from the way she uses her lipstick.
For many years I have been teaching young make up artists to always ask their clients to show them a used lipstick.
The insight can help a professional make up artist find the right look, colour, and product for her client.
I know, for me, when I see a woman's lipstick I can immediately create an experience, environment and a service that is perfectly suited to her desires.
Spring always sees the release of new skin care products.
For years now, cosmetics companies have been in a race to see who can produce the most expensive products in certain categories. This has been obvious in the moisturizer and skin cream sector, with moisturizers reaching well beyond the $150 mark for 50mL of product. Are they worth the money? Sometimes. More often than not there are much more reasonably priced alternatives available.
All of my inspiration comes from the women for whom I personally create looks—sometimes that is for a mother at a department store, sometimes it is for a young woman just learning how to wear make up, sometimes it is for a private client for a photo shoot, and sometimes it is for an amazing artist.
Retinol is one of the best ingredients you can use on your skin for resurfacing, collagen synthesis, and protein development. I have been a fan of retinol for many years.
"What do all the symbols mean on a cosmetics label?"
Each symbol on the packaging is standardized information for the buying public to know exactly what to expect in regards to shelf life, reactions, usage, etc.
Let me break down some of the most common symbols on cosmetics labels:
In 2003, I decided to retire from service. I gave up my make up artistry and aesthetics practices, resigned from my position as Director of the largest spa group in Western Canada, and headed to Toronto to start a new chapter in my career. I wanted to become a true artist, using my skill to create looks for women that were not just for commercial purposes. I wanted my artistry to transcend just the business of cosmetics. When I arrived in Toronto, I almost immediately found myself surrounded by amazing performers who inspired me to find my inner artist.
In part four of Experts on Call, the roundtable discusses the myths surrounding the retail prices of healthier choice cosmetics.
Consumers have a belief that healthier choice products come in limited shades and are priced at a premium—one which is often out of reach for most consumers.
Triclosan is a cosmetic ingredient used on a broad range of products from hand soap to toys to knives to cleaners. This ingredient has been widely used for decades, and in the last 20 years has become the reason consumers spend billions of dollars annually on anti-bacterial products.
A few years, ago I met Lousie Pitre on a photo shoot called Iconic Beauty II. I was asked to create a series of film noire-inspired portraits which would be auctioned off for charity. Louise was one of the six women for whom I created looks, and I had such a blast working with her. I have worked on many photo shoots over the decades, and I know that often the days are long and very tedious. Louise made this shoot so much fun.
In part two of the Experts on Call broadcast, while everyone remained very professional, some obvious differences in analysis of information became apparent. Of course all good panel discussions need to have every side of a topic properly discussed and this debate proved that to be true.
Yesterday I wrote about the points where the experts agreed, in relation to the topic of natural cosmetics, and today I am highlighting where we disagreed.
On August 30, I told you about a broadcast on CFRA Ottawa called Experts on Call. I was invited to tape a panel discussion that delved into the very confusing world of "natural" cosmetics.
Over the course of the one-hour taping the debate was, to say the least, lively. Many different points of view and many opinions—some of which with I agreed, some of which I openly challenged.
When I started DTB, I only had one goal in mind: to create luxury cosmetics fashioned from nature's purest elements. I could not have imagined the response from women all over the country. The more I travel and meet DTB users, the more I am encouraged to keep creating new formulas and unique colour stories. For me, the most rewarding part of my job is seeing how much joy and pleasure my creations bring to everyday women.
