Sep
29
2012

New SPF Laws

The FDA Changes The Rules: Health Canada To Follow

New SPF Laws

The FDA has changed the monograph for cosmetics products containing sunscreen.

As an industry professional I have known this was coming for a while, but consumers are only just now being made aware of the new laws.  The laws, while already enacted, have had a delay in being obviously obeyed as manufacturing companies have had time to reorganize their logistics. Effective December 17, however, all SPF products must be in compliance with the new law.

Canada has not yet changed their sunscreen laws but it is widely expected they will adopt very similar rules soon. The new regulations are being praised by dermatologists and consumer advocacy groups as a great stride in preventing confusion and misuse of sunscreens.

Here is an overview of the new laws that took effect in June:

 "Sunblock" is no longer a legal description. Sunscreen will be the only legal description as to the activity level of an SPF. Sunblock implies an action that an SPF cannot actually provide as no SPF blocks 100% of UV radiation.

 "Waterproof" is no longer a legal description. SPF products have never been waterproof as they will eventually break down in water. "Water resistant" is allowed and the maximum time an SPF can actually work in water is 80 minutes.

 "SPF 4, 8, 10 or 12" will no longer be allowed to be advertised as a skin care prevention product. Only SPF 15 or higher can make this claim.

 "SPF 60, 80 100, 100+" will no longer be allowed on packages. The maximum a sunscreen can advertise is SPF 50+. After SPF 15 the protection level is about the same anyway so anything listing high SPF numbers has been very misleading for consumers.

 It will now be illegal for any type of towelette, wipe, spray, powder, body wash, or shampoo to advertise an SPF rating.  The only exceptions to this are manufacturers of such products that have submitted independent studies, to the FDA, proving that the product can actually filter UV radiation.

 No SPF can be advertised to work longer than 2 hours without application.  The only exceptions to this are manufacturers of such products that have submitted independent studies, to the FDA, proving that the product can actually filter UV radiation.

 

These new laws will certainly help the consumer better understand and use SPF products. This move is a step in the right direction. Next I would like to see cosmetics products like foundations and moisturizers banned from advertising SPF ratings as well. But that is another post altogether...

Sep
21
2012

Meet Daniel Thompson, The Beauty: BUSTER!

More tour dates for Dan Thompson

Meet Daniel Thompson, The Beauty: BUSTER!

I promised I would keep you up to date on more tour dates as they were booked.

I am happy to say there are three new dates added to meet me this season.  All events are open to the public and appointments to see me are free )normally a $250 value in my studio). I am looking forward to meeting all of you!

 

For all our fans in Québec I am so pleased to announce our newest retailer in Gatineau.

Le jeudi 27 septembre est l'occasion de lancement de la collection Daniel Thompson Beauty au Québec.

 

Le 27 septembre - Studio 157

384 rue Main, Gatineau

819-663-8387

 

October 12 - Salon 12

155 Belvedere Avenue, Charlottetown, PE

902 566 4780

        

 

 

October 15 - Allison's Hair Design

115 Kent Street, Charlottetown, PE

 

 

October 20 - Andrews

55 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON

416 969 9991

 

 

More dates will be added in November. Stay tuned!

Sep
15
2012

Autumn Bride Prep Steps

Planing Your Wedding Makeup In 3 Easy Steps

Autumn Bride Prep Steps

Some of you may know I am a contributing columnist for City Style and Living Magazine.

Published four times per year, this magazine offers great fashion tips and tricks including my regular column called Helen of Troy.

The new Autumn issue was published last week and my article is a feature for Autumn brides.

Here is a quick recap to prep up for your big day!

1.  Trial and Testing

At the trial you will determine the overall colour chart with which the artist will work and they will create a story board for your style. A second and third appointment will be required to finalize the overall look.

When doing the make-up test the artist will have a few different variations of the desired effect for you to try. They will suggest: Foundations, colour schemes, harmonized finishes

Also at the trial appointments the artist will apply the look for you and together you will create notes about what you like and what you don't like.  A future appointment will be needed to modify the look.

2.  Modification

About two months prior to the wedding date you should be well into the modification process and your make-up artist will have your options down to two looks from which you can choose.  What you will notice is the make-up looks much heavier than normal street wear and this is because it needs to show up from a distance and in photographs.  Be prepared to wear more make-up than you may be used to—this is a formal event after all.  During the modification stage you will still be able to make minor adjustments to the final finish but the overall palette is now set.

3.  Skin prep

Make-up is only as good as the skin on which it is applied. About one month before the wedding date it is important to prep the skin with a professional facial and maintain those result with proper home care products.  If the skin is prepped properly, the wedding day make-up will wear for many hours without needing a touch up and also the skin will look more radiant in the wedding pictures.

You can read the whole article for my additional make-up choices that make great wedding day finishes for photography.