If you are on the fence about “natural” cosmetics vs. additives used in “non-natural” products, read on.  I have compiled a short list of ingredients that are both used in traditional cosmetics, but are also used for industrial applications (machines and furniture cleaner, etc).

I’m not saying everyone should use 100% natural products, but you should also be educated about what you are putting on your skin.  Here is a list of my top 5 ingredients that I always make sure the skincare I use is free of.  After all, I don’t want ingredients that are used in Liquid Wrench on my skin.  Do you?

Isopropyl Myristate
Isopropyl Myristate is a synthetic oil used as an emollient, thickening agent, lubricant or moisturizer in beauty products. It is most often seen in aftershaves, shampoos, bath oils, antiperspirants, deodorants, and various creams and lotions (Source). Although it is a popular ingredient, in more than 5% of formulations it can cause skin irritation and clog pores; for this reason, it is considered a comedogenic and is aggravating to acne.    it is also an ingredient in a well-known rust remover, Liquid Wrench

Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is widely used as a vehicle for topical medicines, cosmetics, lotions, and antiperspirants. In addition, it is widely used in industry in automotive brake fluid, in antifreeze formulations, and as a humectant for tobacco formulations, as well as in the food chemical industry as a solvent for food colors and flavorings. Valium contains 40% propylene glycol.

Petroleum
Petroleum, or crude oil,  is recovered mostly through oil drilling.  It is refined and separated into a large number of consumer products, from petrol and kerosene to asphalt and chemical reagents used to make plastics and skincare. Petroleum is used in manufacturing a wide variety of materials, and it is estimated that the world consumes about 88 million barrels each day. The use of fossil fuels such as petroleum can have a negative impact on Earth’s biosphere, releasing pollutants and greenhouse gases into the air and damaging ecosystems.

Propylene glycol
Propylene Glycol is a colorless, ordorless liquidis mainly used as antifreeze for water systems and heaters because it is less toxic. It gives off fumes in smoke machines and serves as vaporizable base for diluting nicotine liquid in electronic cigarettes. Moreover, it is added to other household items like furniture polish and glass cleaners. Photographic chemicals use propylene glycol as a solvent as well.

Propylene Glycol is known to exert high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) during degradation in surface waters. This process can adversely affect aquatic life by consuming oxygen aquatic organisms need to survive. Large quantities of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water column are consumed when microbial populations decompose propylene glycol.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
SLS is mainly used in detergents for laundry with many cleaning applications. SDS is a highly effective surfactant and is used in any task requiring the removal of oily stains and residues. It is found in higher concentrations with industrial products including engine degreasers, floor cleaners, and car wash soaps, and has been shown to irritate the skin of the face with prolonged and constant exposure. A study suggested SDS in toothpaste caused the recurrence of aphthous ulcers, commonly referred to in some countries as canker sores or white sores.

Here are some pics of our successful event at Woodloch, a beautiful spa resort in the Poconos.  Meryl and I had a great time doing over 15 makeovers!!!!!

Our Team! Ellise, me, Meryl and Ruth

Ellise, me and Meryl

Ellise, my makeup assistant from Woodloch

http://www.christopherdrumond.com

we are a line of all natural, organic, and vegan makeup with products that are titanium dioxide free and free of harsh chemicals and toxins.

Beyonce wearing lash extensions

Lash Extensions applied to Beyonce by Lavish Lashes Professional
Vashaya Ramsey from Jon Barrett Salon in NYC.

A big trend for makeup today is false eyelashes. Many women wear them on a daily basis to extend their lashes and make them look fuller and more glamorous.

An alternative to daily false lashes are eye lash extensions. A big plus to wearing eyelash extensions is that you can shower, swim, sauna, you can do anything with these lashes and look like you are fully made up.  They last up to 60 days (depending on how long your “lash cycle” of natural lashes is), and don’t need mascara.

When applied by a properly trained technician, semi-permanent eyelash extensions do not cause damage to natural lashes. These single synthetic strands are designed to be applied one by one to natural lashes, however the right technique and training is absolutely crucial to a safe and beautiful application.

According to Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric advisor at the College of Optometrists, “If you do want to go ahead and have this procedure, ensure you have them done at a reputable salon and follow the aftercare advice carefully.”

Situations where damage can be done to the natural lashes are typically caused by one of the following scenarios:

1. UNQUALIFIED APPLICATION. Most reputable eyelash extension companies will tell you they feel it is irresponsible to sell professional eyelash extension products to anyone who has not been properly trained. The application process is very meticulous, requiring usage of a strong bonding, long lasting adhesive and sharp tweezers near the eye area. Only under the supervision of a well qualified certified trainer, can a student learn how to properly apply lashes. They learn how to apply the lash extension safely and beautifully.

Improperly applied eyelash strips.

2. THE TYPE OF LASH USED. Flares and clusters consist of attached groups of 3-8 blunt-end lashes, often with a knot at the end. These types of lash enhancements are designed to be applied to the skin using temporary lash adhesive for short term wearing. Some technicians are taking these lash groups and using a semi-permanent eyelash extension adhesive to adhere flares and individuals directly to natural lashes. Applying lashes in bundles will take significantly less time to achieve a full look rather than a single lash by lash application. However this is an unhealthy method for natural lashes.  Extensions should be applied to one lash at a time, not in clusters.

Flare lashes should not be used for eyelash extensions

3. CARELESS ADHESION – This comes down to proper training and application. Lashes applied properly should be adhered one by one. If several natural lashes are adhered together because the technician has not been trained to isolate a single natural lash or is being too quick or too careless to do so, it can cause pain and, in the end, damage to the natural lashes. While not significant pain (it can be equated to a small pin pricking sensation along the lash line), it is a sign that something was done incorrectly during the application. Properly applied eyelash extensions should be seen but not felt. There should be no discomfort during or after application.

Proper eyelash extensions look totally natural and beautiful

Choosing a good eyelash extension professional who uses the proper techniques and quality products is the key to a great eyelash extension application and safe removal.

According to Eyelash Guru ja’Maal Buster:
“Eyelash extensions can be great because you can wake up in the morning and not have to apply mascara or false lashes yourself,” says Buster, who has worked on the lashes of everyone from Paula Abdul to Lauren London and Rihanna. “All you need is a little lipgloss and you can be on the go.”

But Buster says make sure you do your research before undergoing the procedure.

“Women really need to evaluate their lifestyle, because eyelash extensions are very high maintenance. You need an artist with a good reputation who will really explain to you the pros and cons.”

Christopher’s Tip:
I get asked all the time by African American women about getting this procedure done. I do recommend it (especially for a wedding or special occasion); however, you must be sure to go to a certified technician who knows what they are doing. Otherwise your desire to have Beyonce’s eyelashes may make you look like a washed up member of Destiny’s Child!

LINKS:
My eyelash extension blog: http://myeyelashextensionsblog.com/

Notable Brands of Lash Extensions:
Nova Lash: http://www.novalash.com/
Xtreme Lashes: http://www.xtremelashes.com/
Lavish Lashes: http://www.lavishlashes.com/