Companies that do Animal Testing

One of the reasons I decided to be in the beauty industry is to advocate against animal testing. Not many people are aware of the atrocity and constant pain animals have to endure to determine the safety of a cosmetic. Everyday, products are tested on rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and other animals to determine if any of these products help prevent or treat human illness. Mascara is brushed around the eyes of rabbits to ensure if a new ingredient is safe and will not cause any allergic reactions. Cover Girl sews the eyes of rabbits open pouring petroleum distillates and causing blindness to the rabbits. Companies like P&G shave the skin of mice to determine varying pH levels. So on your next cosmetic purchase make sure the product you are buying is cruelty-free!

www.caringconsumer.com


Here's a list of well known companies that do animal testing:

Alberto-Culver Co.
Arm & Hammer
Avon Products Inc.
Blistex, Inc.
Clairol
Dial Corp.
Elizabeth Arden
Gillette Co.
Jergens Soap Co.
Johnson & Johnson (Aveeno, Band-Aid, Clean & Clear, Listerine, Lubriderm, Neutrogena, RoC)
Lancôme
L'oreal
Matrix Essentials
Max Factor
Olay Co.
Pantene
Revlon Inc.
Rimmel
Sally Hansen
Shiseido Company Ltd. (Alma Coiffure, Carita SA, Davlyn Industries, Ettusais, Ginza Co, Mieux Products, Nars Cosmetics, Qi Salon Cosmetics, Zotos Int'l)
Softsoap Enterprises

**** PLEASE DON'T SUPPORT THESE COMPANIES ****

La Baleine Bleue

La Baleine Bleue is an eye shadow compact trio inspired by the shades of ocean. The eye shadow powder has a very soft feel and can be blended easily. Comes in three colors, two highlight blues, a translucent pale blue with a deep blue-grey accent, and a beautiful iridescent champagne base. Packaged in a ellegant artisan compact, with an engraving of a Blue Whale and her calf. Sales proceeds from La Baleine will benefit the International Union for Conservation of Nature to help protect the marine wildlife.

http://www.chantecaille.com

Green Packaging

Today, with the leading trend in sustainability cosmetic companies are opting to go green. As consumers are becoming more aware of their product choices, they are deciding to purchase products that are not only better for themselves, but also for the environment. The target market for this trend is the consumer who is focused on health and fitness, the environment, self-help, sustainable living, and fair trade.
Cognis is one of the leading global manufactures of cosmetics and raw materials; and also has a high degree of concern with providing products that are both ecological and superior in technology. Jeff Falk, senior editor of GCI magazine, interviewed the CEO of Cognis regarding the principles of sustainability in the beauty industry. Petersen said consumers are increasingly becoming more aware of the need for a balance between the mind, body and soul, combined with ecological and social responsibility. He also mentions that this has given the rise to two long-term trends, wellness and spa. Petersen also sees his company’s activities of principles of sustainability having ramifications. By 2012 Cognis plans to cut back 25 percent of environmental impact.

Wal-Mart announced plans to develop a world wide sustainable product index. Mike Duke, Wal-Mart’s president and CEO, says there’s a growing trend of consumers wanting to know the entire life cycle of products, and if the materials used for the product are safe. Wal-Mart will survey 100,000 suppliers around the world to evaluate Wal-Mart’s own sustainability.
Imogen Matthews, writer for GCI magazine interviewed Carrie Mellage director of personal care products for the company Kline; she reaffirms that there is a growing trend in ethical practices and sustainability. She also mentions that, “natural brands are considered to be more trustworthy and do not harm the skin.” Understanding trends is highly important in the beauty industry because it gives you a scope of upcoming trends and long-term trends. It also tells trend analysts what consumers are looking for product wise.

Beauty + Sustainability

Organic Yucca Shave Crème

Shaving can be a nightmare, razor bumps, skin irritation, and the infamous ingrown hairs. Luckily I found a solution, Organic Yucca Shave Crème by Yum Gourmet Skincare. The shave cream is not foamy at all and gives a good slip. Also gives a really close smooth shave and washes off easily. One active ingredient is organic yucca extract penetrates the hair follicle with natural moisturizers that condition both your skin and facial hair. Other components that reduce irritation and inflammation are mushroom and German chamomile extracts, along with organic arnica to help hydrate.

www.men.yumskincare.com

Awaken by Intelligent Nutrients

Horst Rechelbacher, the creator of Aveda has brought a new concept to fragrance using food grade ingredients in combination with nature and science. Intelligent Nutrients are 100% certified organic, free of phthalates and other synthetic ingredients known to cause neurotoxicity. Awaken has top notes of fresh lemon, lemongrass and lime; body notes blended with spicy and stimulating spearmint and black pepper. This fragrance will instantly invigorate your senses.

ingredients: Grain Alcohol*, Ricinis Communis (Castor) Oil*,
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil*, Citrus Auran-
tium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon)
Peel Oil*, Mentha Spicata Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil*,
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia
(Lavender) Oil*, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil*,
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil*,
Piper Nigrum (Pepper) Seed Oil*, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine)
Leaf Oil*, Limonene*^, Linalool*^, Geraniol*^, Citral*^, Citronellol*^,
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

www.intelligentnutrients.biz

Argan Oil Hair Treatment

Platogen Active Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey comes from New Zealand and Australia where the environment is much cleaner. This honey is like no other honey, it has been proven in laboratory research as having unique healing properties. What makes Manuka Honey different is its high level of purity which called Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). When the (UMF) rating is higher than 10 it is considered to be active and can be use for medical treatment. Instead of using harsh chemicals that dry the skin, Manuka Honey has not side affects and has high levels of antibactiorial properties. It can treat eczema, acne, skin inflammation, soothe sunburn, heal wounds, even out skin tone, and improve cellular regeneration. It is also known to penetrate under the skin pores drawing out impurities. Active Manuka Honey has endless topical attributes.

http://www.plantogen.com

Guerlain Super Aqua-Mask

As you know, I'm obsessed with products that hydrate the skin. I used to use the Guerlain Super Aqua-Serum, but now I find more convenient using the Aqua-Mask sheets. They are very easy to apply and perfectly contour to one's face. Six of the sheets equals to the 1 oz. bottle size. Within 10 minutes, the hydric mattress expands leaving the skin fully hydrated, supple, and eliminating all signs of fatigue . Guerlain's Super Aqua-Mask works by extracting desert rose flower essence, which provides intense hydration in a arid environment. I really recommend this product especially to oily and combination skin types. It's very lightweight and doesn't cause breakouts.


ingredients: Aqua (Water), Squalane, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Myristyl Myristate, Steareth- 20, c12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyveryl Stearate, Tromethamine, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Serine, Sodium PCA,Glycolic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Laureth-23, Totcopheryl Acetate, Parfum (Fragrance), Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Seed Extract, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Adenium Obesum Leaf Cell Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methypropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Fagus Sylvaticate Extract, Xylose, Benzyl Salicyate, Linalool, Sanguisorba Offcinalis Root Extract, Butylparaben, Artemia Extract, Ethyparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben

Jo Wood Organics - Usiku Body Lotion

This lotion has become the personal favorite of many celebrities like Jessica Alba, Kate Moss, and Jerry Hall. Usuki Body Lotion is sophisticated, sensual, and yet vibrant. With top notes of pine, cardamom, ginger, and in a base of earthy Moroccan cedarwood. The fragrance is unisex and not overpowering. Usuki Body Lotion is very light weight, perfect for the summertime; when applying it has a luxurious nourishing feel. What I like about this lotion is that it absorbs quickly, I hate the feeling of greasy creams. Another ingredient is billberry seed extract, very exotic and rare. Billberry seed extract has many benefits to the skin, it is a anti-inflammatory and a antioxidant.

ingredients:

Orange Fruit Water*, Alcohol*,
Coconut Oil*, Jojoba Oil*, Sunflower Seed Oil*,
Sucrose Distearate, Shea Butter*, Apricot
Kernel Oil*, Cocoa Seed Butter*, Soybean Oil*,
Honey*, Sucrose Stearate,
Grape Seed Oil*, Bilberry Seed Oil*, Evening
Primrose Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Cedar-
wood Bark Oil*, Rosemary Leaf Oil*, Pine
Leaf Oil*, Guaiawood Oil, Cardamom Seed
Oil*, Clary Oil*, Cabreuva Oil, Vetivert Root
Oil*, Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli) Oil*,
Clove Flower Oil*, Coriander Seed Oil*,
Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Root Oil*, Cistus
Labdaniferus (Ciste) Oil, Linalool, Limonene,
Eugenol, Geraniol, Farnesol, Arnica, Montana
Flower Extract*, Echinacea Angustifolia Leaf
Extract*, Calendula Flower Extract *, St John’s
Wort Extract*, Daucus Carota Sativa Carrot

www.jowoodorganics.com

Payot Paris

One of my favorite skin care lines is Payot Paris. It was founded by a European physician Dr. Nadia Payot, this line has become internationally renowned for over 80 years.The concept of Payot is to incorporate the knowledge of physicians, herbalist, beauticians, and physiologist. Dr. Payot's vision was to make a product available for every skin type, 80 years ago this was a revolutionary concept which is now utilized in the beauty industry.

www.payot.com

Kerastance Resistance

Bain De Force shampoo is a really good shampoo especially for women who have long brittle hair. This shampoo works by restoring the hair with its VITA-CIMENT® TOPSEAL technology combine with Vita-Ciment Complexs; this technology reconstructs the internal structure of the hair. VITA-CIMENT® TOPSEAL hydrates the open cuticle layers and closes the openings in between with its amino acid and peptide complex, leaving the hair completely nourished.

Ciment Anti-Usure is a refinishing treatment for damaged ends. Its a very light conditioner and low in viscosity. Works by using ceramides, which are the building blocks of the cell membranes found throughout our body.

NY Fashion Week 2009

NY Fashion Week 2009 from Carlos Gamarra on Vimeo.

Pevonia Botanica - Ligne Soleil SPF 30

Pevonia Botanica is a complete spa care line that uses natural marine and botanical ingredients. This spa company line is well known for offering products for premature aging skin, hyperpigmentation, acne, rosacea, mature skin, environmentally stressed skin and sensitive skin. The name Pevonia originates from Greek mythology. Peonia, a miraculous flower filled with pure essential extracts, it was so powerful in curing the skin of every goddess. Later, Peonia was renamed “Pevonia” and the legend continued.

Ligne Soleil hydrates the skin without being too oily or sticky. Works by protecting from both UVA & UVB rays. SPF 30 is enough for me in the summer time.Ligne Soleil is also enriched with Vitamins E, C, and B.

ingredients:

Titanium Dioxide
Octynoxate
Octysalate
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E)
Calcium Ascorbate (Vit. C)

Reiki - Spa Wellness

Reiki a holistic therapy used in most spas today. Reiki originated in ancient Tibet as system to promote healing, harmonized and balance energy, and also give an overall feeling of well-being. One of the translations of Reiki is "universal life energy". When receiving Reiki the practitioner will place his hands wherever there is the need for healing. Reiki also helps to heal the body and the mind. It helps the body return to its own perfection, whatever that might be, by healing the cause and eliminating the effect. It is deeply relaxing.

Red Flower Body Wash

I LOVE these body washes! My favorite is italian blood orange, smells really good. It has a delicate scent of citrus and honey based. Also, essential oils of orange blossom, grapefruit, lime and orange rind; which help detoxify and gently clean the skin. Honey, is a natural humectant, it attracts moisture from the air, living skin radiant all day. Red flower doesnt test on animals. They only use wild-crafted botanicals and are certified organic. 100% biodegradable. Free of dyes, parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, petrochemicals, and synthetic preservatives. The primary packaging comes in p.e.t plastic for easy recycling.

Himalayan Bath Salts

Himalayan crystal salt is a pure crystalline mountain salt that contains more mineral than Dead Sea Salt. It takes over 250,000,000 years deep in the hill side of Himalayas for this crystal salt to be formed. In Germany people commonly drink it as a tonic, because it is so loaded with minerals. It is know to contain over 84 essential minerals, more then any other salt, such as magnesium, potassium, bromide, and calcium are readily absorbed into the skin. Its negative ion charged kills bacteria and other microbes. Himalayan salt crystals are also clean and unpolluted, and have no impurities. Soaking in it promotes a strong PH balance in our cells, and relaxes muscle tension.

pūr ~ lisse - daily lip nourisher

Pūr~lisse is a brand that was developed by working actress Jennifer Yen, who with stage makeup and under hot lights was struggling with breakouts. So she made it her quest to find the perfect line of skin care, coming short she decided to make her own. Pūr~lisse combines traditional Chinese beauty secrets and modern French skin care science. Her skin care line is based on the lotus lupine peptide complex, an age-preventative formula with five key ingredients including the blue lotus flower and white tea.

We were asked in class to try out pūr~lisse daily lip nourisher. At first tried I really liked it, non greasy at all, has a really good slip, and you can actually feel moisturizing your lips on the first application. I only had to apply twice a day to keep my lips moisturized. By reading the back the box I found out its free of: parabens, petrochemicals, color-fragrance, propylene glycol, phthaltes, and animal cruelty. WOW! What more can use ask. I will be definitely will be buying this lip balm again.

Desert Essence Throroughly Face Wash

Desert Essence face wash is my favorite facial cleanser, I been using it for 6 years and works really great in removing facial sebum. I love this company because they are 100% natural and do not use any synthetic ingredients. The skin is the largest organ of the body so we have to know what we put on it. This facial cleanser is very gentel and has all natural oils. Its main ingredient is tea tree oil, which is a natural antiseptic. Tea tree oil can be a better alternative to the use than benzoyl peroxide which is known to cause melatonic tumors in the skin. It also contains Hawaiian white ginger (awapuhi) and the essential oil of chamomile which sooths the skin. Another ingredient is lavender, lavender is good for the skin, soothing and calming, and has extraordinarily healing benefits for burns and blemishes.

List of ingredients: Castile Soap, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil (Organic) (Melaleuca Alternifolia), Extract of Matricaria (Chamomile), Goldenseal, Awapuhi (Hawaiian White Ginger), Bladderwrack, Essential Oil of Palmarosa, Petitgrain, Lavandine Super (Organic), Peppermint Oil