July 21, 2010

This week I was interviewed for a magazine article about treating dark under eye circles. While it is true there are some great medical procedures to treat this unwanted condition it is absolutely untrue that a topical cream can erase these circles.

Regardless of the hype offered with such creams there is not one shred of research or evidence showing a topical can provide such results.

This does not, however, mean there are not great cosmetic options to hide dark circles. I am not a fan of traditional under eye concealers – I find them heavy and messy, often looking cake like and worn. I am a fan of light reflectors – of which there are a great many on the market.

When shopping for a great light reflector ask some probing questions and ensure the following standards:

1. A good light reflecting product should contain Mica. A great ingredient that will reflect and refract light simultaneously.

2. Titanium Dioxide is a great ingredient as well it offer opacity without weight so the under eye make up will always look natural.

3. For severe darkness look for Zinc Oxide in the formula as well – this will provide more reflection but also a white hue that will lighten the whole under eye area without looking heavy.

Also, to ensure even blending and a long wear, avoid the following altogether:

1. Mineral oil or petrolatum

2. Talc

3. Waxes

My favourite light reflectors are:

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat – available at high end department stores

Guerlain Duo Correcteur – available at Guerlain boutiques

Daniel Thompson Beauty Mineral Illuminator – available at fine spas

These type of products are a little more expensive than concealers, but look more natural and wear all day without touch-up.

Labels/Tags: daniel thompson, beauty, busted, dark circles, light, reflection

Posted by DanT at 13:06:03 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

July 05, 2010

I recently read an article about alcohol used in cosmetics and I though some of the information was worth repeating.

Alcohol comes in two forms:

Fatty Alcohol, which is perfectly fine to apply to the skin, will actually help maintain moisture levels (these are listed as cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol)

Denatured Alcohol, which is harmful to the skin, cuses dehydrating, excess oil production, irritation, contact dermatitis, free radical damage and a whole host of other problems that will compromise the skin’s over all health (this is listed as alcohol, SD alcohol, alcohol denat.)

The Common Myths about Denatured Alcohol

1. It is a preservative – UNTRUE
Denatured alcohol is used to create a fast drying product. As a matter of fact it can also degrade the other ingredients causing the over all formula to be compromised.

2. When used in cosmetics it is a “cosmetics (face) grade” – UNTRUE
There is no such thing as “cosmetics (face) grade” denatured alcohol. This is simply a silly sales pitch

3. It helps other ingredients penetrate better – UNTRUE
It actually will cause the products to evaporate quite rapidly preventing any penetration of other key ingredients.

4. It is all natural because it is from grain – TRUE but MISLEADING
While distilled from grain it is more closely related to whiskey or scotch than skin care. It has also been altered to make it unsafe to drink – like ethanol in gasoline. If a real comparison was to be made alchohol denat. Has more in common with grain derived engine fuel than any spirits.

When buying any cosmetic if the formula contains alcohol denat., SD alcohol, or alcohol pass it over and keep shopping!

Labels/Tags: daniel thompson, beauty, busted, alcohol,

Posted by DanT at 13:29:50 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

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