CHOOSING THE RIGHT SKIN CARE AND COSMETICS
The skincare and cosmetics industry is one of the leading businesses that are successfully operated. It has been here for ages, passing the beauty secrets from generation to generation. Do women really need skincare and cosmetics? Absolutely yes, for different reasons. Not just looking good but cosmetics serve as protection from the elements. For some women, it gave them confidence and boost energy from within.
BRIEF HISTORY OF COSMETICS
Image by Giorgio Giorgi from Pixabay
Cosmetics is not a present-day thing as it dates back to ancient Egypt where Cleopatra used lipstick from ground carmine beetles while other women used clay mixed with water to color their lips. One of the most notable things was that ancient Egyptians uses kohl all around their eyes. Kohl is a mixture of lead, copper, ash, and burnt almonds all around their eyes. The use of kohl is meant to ward off the evil eye and bad spirits. It is also believed that the kohl makeup has helped Egyptians ward off infectious diseases as determined by scientists. The ancient Greeks and Romans painted their faces with powders made up of ground minerals and stones. These cosmetics are worn with purpose and were very basic in contrast to modern-day cosmetics with mascaras, lipliners, and highlighters adding to the line-up of must-buy cosmetics.
COMMON INGREDIENTS OF COSMETICS AND WHY SOME ARE DANGEROUS TO USE
Eyeshadow palette. Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash
While different cosmetics companies promised to make the consumers look good and young, there are dangers hidden inside these cosmetics. Most makeup products share the same basic ingredients such as the following:
- Talc– Talc is commonly used in all cosmetics. The soft mineral gives makeup a silky texture that makes it easier to apply. Talc also absorbs oil, prevents caking, and makes facial makeup more smooth and translucent. But talc may cause problems if it’s swallowed and inhaled. If makeup containing talc gets into your eye, it can cause redness and irritation in the eyes.
- Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, and Parafin wax– What do they have in common? In cosmetics, mineral oil helps reduce water loss from a person’s skin, helping to keep skin moisturized. It has that silky and “moisturized” look that makes the skin looks young. But do you know where all these come from? It comes from Petroleum which is also used as kerosene, gasoline, and diesel which keeps our vehicles running.In cosmetics, they mixed it with mineral oil to make the skin “hydrated” especially in cold, winter seasons but it may stop the skin from producing Vitamin D. It also clog your pores and increase the risk of acne and blackheads as based on my experience with my past cosmetics. This oil forms a physical barrier over your skin to reduce moisture loss. Most liquid foundations that I use before which contain mineral oil tend to be oily and heavy on my skin. It has no skin benefits and nutrients and does not provide hydration that penetrates the skin, it just sits on top of the skin preventing moisture loss.
EXPIRY DATE OF COSMETICS
Lipstick. Photo by Andyone on Unsplash
PRODUCT AND EXPIRATION
LIPSTICK -18-24 months
LIPGLOSS – 12 to 18 months
FOUNDATION AND CONCEALER -12 to 18 months
MASCARA- 3 to 6 months
CREAM PRODUCTS- 12 to 18 months
POWDER PRODUCTS- 12 to 18 months
Tips to avoid stocking on expired cosmetics:
- Do not hoard or be tempted to buy a lot of cosmetics. Buy only what you need according to your lifestyle.
- Buy in small packages, canisters, or palettes. This way, not only you can save but your make-up remains fresh and you will not be throwing away large quantities of make-up when it expires.
- Toss makeup that has a strange odor.
- For most liquid foundations, the color will change and oxidize turning it into orange.
- Throw away the product if it’s very old and causes irritations.
- Stick to one brand that makes you comfortable and promises great results.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COSMETICS
Photo by Raphael Lovaski on Unsplash
Make sure to purchase cosmetics and skincare products which is free from dangerous ingredients that are harmful to the skin. These products may come as a little bit expensive and pricey but it is worth the purchase. These cosmetics tend to be lighter to the skin as well and have a longer shelf-life. The reason that it is lighter is that it doesn’t use mineral oil and it is water-based to make skin absorption easy and prevents clogging your pores. There are a lot of “organic” and “vegan” cosmetics out there but we are not really sure if it really works for the skin unless you try them. From my own experience, I’ve been using cosmetics which is free from talc, mineral oil, paraffin wax, lanolin, and alcohol for 4 years and it does wonders on my skin. Skin becomes lighter and appearance looks more natural compared to cosmetics with toxins.
If you want to learn more about what cosmetics I use, you can email me at christinaoshima@gmail.com
Highly recommended for mature women as well because this company specializes in anti-aging.
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