Some time ago I wrote about this very topic and recently I was asked to clarify the difference between Mineral make up and Traditional make up.

The most important thing to understand is that Mineral make up is not special because of what it contains but rather what it does not contain.

Mineral Make Up

Talc-Free - light reflecting

No Wax Filler - durable

Oil-Free - won't clog pores

Fragrance-Free - safe for all skin

No Coal Tar Dyes - non petroleum base     

Once again this is your chance to meet the Beauty Buster live and in person.

This will be my last set of appearances for the 2012 season and I will not be back out there, to see all of you, until spring of next year.

Recently I gave an interview at Terra20 about eco cosmetics and how to actually find quality products when shopping.

A lot of the information I have mentioned before, both in person and on this blog, and it is all still important.

Below is an abridged version of the interview and you can read the entire, in depth version for more detail.

Cosmetics preservatives have really been under the microscope these days. I have actually been writing about them a lot. This particular category of cosmetics ingredients generates more questions from readers than any other group.

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.

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.

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

Over the last few years, consumers have become more and more aware of the ingredients used in their personal care products. There has been a lot of conversation, tweeting, blogging, discussion, and general confusion about what constitutes a safe ingredient and what constitutes a "toxic" one.

Recently I got a phone call at my office from a consumer who wanted to know if she should use Bio Oil to treat her stretch marks.

I have seen Bio Oil before, my sister actually was using it. One day I was at a drug store with her, just doing some Saturday shopping, when I saw it in her cart. Having not heard of it before I asked her what it was.

Twice a year I go on the road with one goal in mind:  to meet as many Yummy Mummy Club members as I can.

I am always so happy to meet readers and answer their questions in person—for all of you who have thought it would be great if I could go shopping with you, or demonstrate a technique you want to perfect or simply help you understand your cosmetics better this is your chance.

Last week I showcased the new make-up trends for 2012. The top designers are showing such a contrast of colours and textures. Autumn 2012 looks to be a fun season for make-up lovers.

Daniel Thompson Beauty launches our newest collection on September 4, 2012.

Here is a special sneak peek just for YMC readers. 

Well here we are, officially in the Autumn Fashion Season.  This is the new year for fashion and cosmetics and all the best designs, styles, looks and trends have been reserved for now.

Every year I showcase the hottest trends for Autumn make up from the most prestigious houses.

This year my list includes: Dior, Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Chanel.

1.  Dior Golden Jungle

These are two terms found on many cosmetics packages that should be ignored: Dermatologist Tested and Clinically Proven

Dermatologist Tested: This term provides absolutely no indication as to the safety of a cosmetic product yet is used to give credibility to a formula.  Even is as much to imply a medical safety that does not actually exist.  It actually creates an illusion of some sort of medical testing.  

Recently, I received an e-mail asking me what I do for my skin every day to keep it looking healthy.

After years of writing about what not to do on the skin, it was interesting to be asked about what should be done.

Like exercising, skin care needs to be ongoing and specific if you want to see any real results.

The latest beauty craze is a new category of make-up removers called micellar water.

While these types of make up removers have been used for years in France they are just now gaining popularity in North America. These make up removers are touted as non irritating cleansers that can remove a whole face of make up without disrupting the natural pH of the skin.  Specifically marketed to sensitive skin types these special waters are extremely expensive. Priced anywhere from $20 to $50 a bottle many people are asking the obvious question: What is Micellar Water?

Any regular reader knows how anti-sun exposure I am.

I say it again and again: limit your skin's exposure to UVA and UVB light and avoid midday sun at all costs.

With the heatwave, currently hitting most of North America, it certainly requires saying again.  

There is no such thing as a healthy tan and a sunburn is the body's response to damage.

I am a big fan of facial masks—I own four different ones for different skincare concerns.

Most people do not see the best results these great skincare products can offer simply because they use them incorrectly. Highly misunderstood, and often overlooked, facial masks can really make a difference in the over all health of the skin.

Here is my step by step guide to using masks:

 One mask is not enough.  

I am not making this up.

There has been a race, by the major cosmetics companies, to bring the most expensive moisturizer to market.  

Bar none the most important part of a skin care regime is cleansing. Yes I know the cosmetics companies would have you think it is moisturizing but there is no single step, more important to maintaining the over health of the skin than cleansing.

Most people use a cleanser that is not well suited for skin and still many more people (even those with a well-formulated cleanser) use them incorrectly thus denying themselves of any real benefit.

Here is my step by step guide to proper washing of the skin:

The list of silly sales pitches is quite long.

Here are another four cosmetics sales pitches that are nonsense!

"The Ingredients Don't Really Matter"—FALSE!