Shower with Soap then apply Gasoline?

It's an interesting cocktail of chemicals and substances, natural and synthetic, that we cover our bodies with each day. The common thought is that the skin's surface is impermeable and therefore a barrier to what we rub, apply and smooth onto it. Unfortunately that's not the case, and a large majority of chemicals find their way into our bloodstream and body systems. That knowledge is about the only reason I have not submitted to a cute little tatoo on my...ummm...shoulder.

Let's revisit our first product that made it into the Natural Beauty Drawer of Fame: Un-Petroleum Jelly ($5.99 at Health Food Stores and some smart supermarkets.) This awesomely simple mixture can be used for anything that Vaseline can do, sans the nasty ingredient petrolatum. It is the first toxic body care and cosmetic ingredient to be thrown into the Waste Can of Shame. For a classic definition of petrolatum:

Petrolatum is a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum.

Even the prissiest amongst us knows the word petroleum and it's place as a gasoline by-product. Where, in fact, it should be left. This nasty ingredient can be found in our lipsticks, lip balms, body washes, anti-aging creams and heaven forbid, products for babies. Petrolatum is banned in Eastern Europe cosmetics. Why? Oh, maybe because research shows it is linked to certain cancers, developmental and reproductive problems, allergies and endocrine disruptions, just to name a few. Ready to give it up and lighten it up?

Makeup application exchange:

Getting hungry thinking of all of the plums, rich berries and deep reds that are so In this season? Those colours are perfect for a nice set of full lips. However, if you are the keeper of older, wiser lips, a skinny pucker, or thin lips, it's best to use a more neutral colour and instead, create the darker eye l and nail looks. Deeper lip shades make skinny lips look even thinner. What to choose? Look for a pale peachy/pink/coppery variation. Or try beige and caramel shades that are super-sexy with a dab of that great product, Un-Petroleum Jelly.

MAKE-YOUR-OWN RECIPE - Natural Lip Plumper: Find a little glass jar and put in about 2 tablespoons of Un-Petroleum Jelly. Then add 3 drops of food-grade (preferably) organic Peppermint Oil. Flavouring can be substituted. Just like those awesomely deceiving Vic Secret Push-Up Bras, plump those lips up baby. Play with the amount of peppermint if you need more or less. Remember not to rub lips together after putting on Lip-Plumper Gloss. Just apply to the center of lips, let it stay put with a pout and smile. Variation: If you don't care for peppermint or plumper lips, substitute any natural food flavour (liquid), for example - vanilla or almond.

Favourite Product of the Day: 11/17/08

Un-Petroleum Jelly - A must have for countless uses: eye makeup remover, under eye moisturizer for night and wake up to diminished lines in the morning, lip balm and gloss, baby butt emollient and more. The consistency, feel and look is similar to Vaseline. Substitute Un-Petroleum Jelly for anything you use Vaseline for. However, the best place for the un-used portion of your V-jelly is in the garage. Why? Find out next blog post.

Natural Beauty and Makeup Artistry - Why?

In a world of fast-paced, get-it-now, don't have time to mess around, let's just git-r-done, type of living, it can seem like paying attention to the natural basics requires too much time and money, honey. Possibly. At first. Then, before you know it, the lifestyle catches on, and so does awareness along with educating yourself on what kind of harm leaving the basics, is doing to you and your loved ones.

Yet another male friend we know was diagnosed with Leukemia today. That sucks and I am tired of hearing it. If you don't believe that cancers are very often caused by toxins and pollutants, check out the facts (reliable sources, of course) for yourself. This blogger, makeup artist/actress/business owner's main goal is primarily to share some really easy ways of reducing the exposure you may have in your home, purse, pockets and car. Most of the harmful substances can be quickly replaced with simple and natural alternatives. Someone or something just has to quickly turn you onto your modern and old-fashioned choices. It is a choice, after all. And- opening your mind and home to it has to be fun, funny and backed by fact. Read on if interested:

Each blog contains some tip and review of typical products found in our makeup case and personal care space. Complete with brand names, make-your-own recipes or try it sometime, suggestions. Emphasis on suggested use. Blah, blah, blah...I cannot recommend, always ask your doctor first before trying something new or changing the tv station..you know the disclaimers. Seriously though, allergic reactions and harm can come from natural products (think - Lard binge) so use your own best judgement.

First and foremost to put on your Web favourites: EWG Skin Deep site http://www.ewg.org/ Here you can pull up your favourite body care product, cosmetics, baby lotion, etc. and find out just what is in it and what those ingredients can potentially cause or not. The shopping guide is great. EWG is non-biased and doesnt promote any particular lines...kind of wish they did...and will give each product a rating. One of the best features is the explanation of ingredients. For example- if you ever use false eyelash adhesive, look up the ingredient FORMALIN on the package ingredient list. The go to Skin Deep site (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?maincat=makeup) I would tell you ahead of time what formalin is and causes, but it's better you find out for yourself. That was the first product I changed in my makeup artist kit. No way would I expose clients or myself to such a harmful chemical. I hurriedly developed an eyelash adhesive that had staying power but was also non-toxic. Isn't it our duty to watch out for and protect our clients. Keep em' around for awhile, maybe?

Purified urine is in many body care products too. Email me back and let me know if you found the proper synthetic name. Extra points if you know what cockroach shells are referred to as. Hint: I believe it was Yoplait yogurt that used them quite a bit in the strawberry flavoured varieties.

Next blog topic, natural beauties: Vaseline, not just for greasing your engines anymore. Oh yeah, it will be racey! Until then, be safe and live well!

~ Laura Lee Makeup Artist & Product Developer