An Interview with Stacy Malkan
Phthalates scare me. They’re linked to infertility and genital abnormalities in baby boys. Phthalates (a slippery hiss of a word) are many products we use every day, including baby powders, shampoos, lotions, some cosmetics and vinyl shower curtains and more. I learned this and much more in “Not Just a [...]
I’ll admit it, I’m not above spending (too much) money on products. However, I’m more likely to buy a pricey serum or moisturizer than, say, a cleanser or mask. My experience with masks is that the results rarely match the claims. And really, my motivation for masking is always relaxation, hydration and glowification . When [...]
The more I learn about the chemicals in conventional cosmetics, the less I want to use them. No problem – I can just “go green,” right? I wish it were that easy.
Greenwashing is rampant in the beauty industry. TerraChoice, an environmental marketing firm, defines greenwashing as “the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental [...]
I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist. At the Lancôme event last week, they introduced a revelation in technology, Vibrating Infinite Power Mascara. I mean, when they announced it, there were raised eyebrows in the room… like we’ve heard of vibrating lipstick (ahem… I know, dirty mind), but would you want anything vibrating near your eyes?
I [...]
Personally, I’ve never had a good relationship with my sense of smell. It’ all boils down to poor communication. I’ve always loved reading about perfumers, Patrick Suskind’s Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Diane Ackerman’s A Natural History of the Senses. Our olfactory memories are but the most precise, yet our language has few [...]
Last week I wrote about the woeful state of regulation in the cosmetics and personal care industry. That got me thinking about the potential toxicity of all the cosmetics, skincare and hair care products (not to mention cleaning products) in my apartment.
I decided to finish the products I have and be more mindful of what [...]
Parabens, phalates, mercury, lead, neurotoxins. . . when it comes to cosmetic and personal care products, these ingredients are just the tip of the iceberg. There are thousands of chemicals and chemical compounds in the products we use everyday that haven’t been evaluated for safety by the FDA. Last month the Environmental Working Group (EWG) [...]
I’m not one to disparage my pale skin. For me, alabaster trumps tawny any day. While I appreciate and admire the beauty of other hues and colors, I don’t covet them. Tanning isn’t an option and my experiences with all varieties of self-tanners have been complete wastes of money and time. (After a panic-attack [...]
I love wandering around Walgreens or basking in the well-lit sanctuary of Sephora. The thing is, I’m trying to reduce my beauty footprint by consuming less. Hence, my recent obsession with DIY skincare. If you’ve got a little patience and a well-stocked pantry, try these tempting at-home skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar This folksy wonder tonic [...]
I collect sunscreen the way some women collect shoes. Tubes and bottles brimming with SPF fill my medicine cabinet, purse, gym bag and closet. I have extras stashed at my boyfriend’s place and in my desk at work. While I adore my current fave — Anthelios Fluide Extreme 50+ — I’m open to the next [...]