Posts Tagged ‘beauty’

BEHIND BEAUTY: ETHICAL QUESTIONS IN BEAUTY & COSMETICS

Last night, in desperate need of an electric pink lipstick, I dashed into the mall to grab one. There were a couple colours to choose from and  when I finally flagged down the lone sales associate, the first (and only) selling feature? “This one has the PETA Bunny on it.” When did our priorities change? No comment about the stunning colour, or glossiness, or lasting time. Instead, the focus was immediately placed on the “ethical” nature of the product.

While I find this to be a reassuring shift, I’m also a little saddened.  It’s 2013, “Cruelty-Free” should be a standard. While I don’t have a flying car in my driveway, shouldn’t I at least have an ethical lipstick? Recently, the EU passed legislation banning the sale of any product tested on animals. Expanding on laws that made it illegal to test products on animals within the EU, they will soon refuse all products tested on animals.

Animal testing is the most well publicized ethical dilemma in the beauty and cosmetics industry. However, there are lots of questions that educated consumers are starting to ask. The “Dirty Dozen”, a group of ingredients pointed out by David Suzuki to be harmful, are on a lot of women’s “avoid” lists. In fact, with the average person using 10 to 20 personal car products a day, it’s important to understand exactly what your using. In fact, most skin care companies have voluntarily removed the parabens from their formulations due to the public distrust. By choosing companies and brands that offer ethical alternatives, we have inspired ethical behavior.

Naturally, looking at the scary list of what all of these  chemical ingredients might do tends to cause consumers to gravitate towards natural or organic products. There are some fantastic brands in these categories that work very hard to ensure they provide results as well as that warm fuzzy feeling. We love Eminence, Jane Iredale, Decleor, GM Collin, Phytomer and several others!

Retailers are constantly monitoring their inventory. Keeping track of which products sell, and which don’t. They use this information to determine which products to stock more of and which brands to stop carrying. As we actively choose ethically responsible brands, stores start stocking more choices. At Spa Boutique, we have responded by providing a natural section as well as ensuring all our products meet our ethical standards.

Does this mean conventional products are bad? No. In fact, most of the active, effective ingredients come from years of laboratory research. For optimal results, clients still gravitate towards premium products with retinol, peptides, and stem cells. However, companies are becoming increasingly aware of how their business practices are perceived by consumers.  Companies like Guinot do their best to ensure “the active ingredients used in our formulations are chosen so as to respect the environment”.

Another big ethical question is cosmetic or elective surgeries and medical treatments, such as Botox. Images from a South Korean beauty pageant recently surfaced online. All of the contestants looked strangely similar. Initially the high rates of elective surgery in Seoul were blamed for giving the women a “cloned” appearance. However, there is now talk that the overall “clone” effect is due more to Photoshop than surgery.

However, The best way to handle these ethical questions is to ask them of yourself:

Do I want a Product Tested on Animals?
Do I prefer a product that is non-natural but free of certain ingredients?
Do I prefer a Product that is Natural/Organic?
Where do I want my products manufactured? In Canada, France, or Overseas?
Are there any symbols, such as the Recycling Circle, PETA Bunny, or Sustainability Leaves on the box?

Once you choose to make ethical skincare and cosmetics a priority, you’ll be surprised to discover how many of your favourite brands already meet your standards!

 

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

GUEST BLOG: The Benefits of Re-Hydration

Today’s Guest Blog was Written by Sherina Jamal CEO of Ancient Secrets Inc and developer of the Beauty Through Balance

After coming through colder temperatures skin on the face and body can become imbalanced, dry and dehydrated! As we prepare for warmer weather this is a great time to think about ways to naturally restore hydration and skin’s overall tone & texture.

So let’s talk re-hydration….

A product that claims to re-hydrate should offer ingredients that are small enough to penetrate and bring moisture into the skin to correct and re-balance the lipid barrier and moisture levels. Other supportive ingredients such as butters, natural plant oils, extracts and essential oils can offer nourishment, increased moisture and improved skin texture

One of the most superior ingredients that can offer this is Hyaluronic acid.  This ingredient can hold 100x its weight in water and has the ability to draw moisture into the skin.  It not only offers re-balancing of moisture levels but also can address signs of age.  Products from the Beauty Through Balance Spa line, such as the Glacial Revitalizing Mist and Hydra Skin Renewal Gel Mask both contain hyaluronic acid as well as Vitamin C, green tea, and seaweed. Both products  can be used on face & body by all skin types to re-hydrate, re-balance, soothe and repair!

The Glacial Revitalizing Mist is not only a gentle skin re-balance/mild toner but can also be applied before and after make-up application and will leave skin hydrated with a natural glow! Check out our new Gift With Purchase Promotion to see how you can receive a FREE travel size Glacial Revitalizing Mist.

Don’t forget that drinking enough water and eating mineral rich foods such as green leafy organic vegetables and seaweed can play a key role in keeping the skin re-hydrated and re-balanced!

 

*Written by Sherina Jamal CEO of Ancient Secrets Inc and developer of the Beauty Through Balance spa line locally made in BC Canada. Sherina is an established educator in the areas of natural skin care and ingredients and her articles have been published in top spa, health and beauty magazines. 

 

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

BEHIND BEAUTY: FRECKLES, BEAUTIFUL OR BLEMISH

The three small freckles along my jaw have always been a feature I considered kinda cute.  With a few more along my arms, my freckles are  an adorable little quirk rather than a feature. As a child, I was always jealous of my friends with their gorgeous freckles across their cheeks. There is something so happy about these little spots!  However, not everyone feels the same way. In fact, a recent genetic study on freckles in China stated they are “Cosmetically disfiguring”. That seems a little harsh, doesn’t it? When I started speaking with my friends with more prominent freckles, I heard both sides. Some love their spots, other long to make them disappear.

What Are Freckles?

Freckles are flat spots of discolouration on the skin. These cellular clusters contain melanin, causing the skin to darken. Cells that produce the skin darkening agent melanin are called melanocytes. Instead of being spread evenly through out the skin, they are clumped together. When exposed to sunlight, people with evenly spread melanocytes tan, while those with clusters, freckle.

What Causes Freckles?

A large component to freckles are genetics. There is a gene, called the MC1R which is responsible for converting colour protiens from pheomelanin (the red pigment) into eumelanin (the brown pigment). When this gene is ‘broken’ the pigment stays red, often causing red hair and freckles. Often, but not always. There’s still a lot about Freckles that scientists don’t understand.

Additionally, non-red-haired people often have freckles. Everyone has two coppies of their genes, one recieved from their mother and one from their father. Sometimes one of the MC1R genes is ‘broken’ and the other functions normally. This can cause a red-haired person with no freckles, or a non-red-haired person with freckles.

Plus! A recent study in China found that another gene, on chromosome 4q32–q34, may also be responsible for freckles.

Are Freckles Beauty or Blemish?

As with most questions, it comes down to personal preference. As a slightly freckled person, I’ve always longed for a few more. Celebrities like Emma Watson, Emma Stone, Conan O’Brien, and Lucy Liu all rock their freckles on screen and off. However, not everyone feels the same. As kids, we are often teased for being different and freckles, definitely make you stand out! Many young girls (and boys) develop insecurities from this teasing and carry those into adulthood. Models and actresses are noted for what makes them special and often the very feature that they were picked on for becomes their biggest asset.

Still find yourself fixated on your freckles? Don’t let them get you down! Try to shift you thinking from “My Freckles are Ugly” to “My Freckles aren’t my best feature, but I love my [Eyes, Legs, Hair]” Find a feature you love and emphasize it. While it may not take your mind off your freckles completely, at least you’ll know your hair looks fantastic!

How do I Get Rid of Freckles?

Freckles, like any other feature, can be enhanced or concealed depending on the occasion. Looking for a a bolder statement? Opt for a tinted sunscreen and light powder instead of a full foundation. Want to soften you freckles? Try liquid or cream foundation and spot treat with concealer. Finish with a pressed powder.

Sun exposure cause freckles to develop. Your cells react to the stress of sun exposure by producing melanin. Opt for a strong sunscreen and clothing that offers maximum coverage, such as a large hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves.

Can a cheetah change its spots or a Tiger its stripes? Because freckles are caused by protein production at a cellular level, they can never be completely eliminated. However, some treatments will lessen their appearance:

Eminence Stone Crop Body Lotion

Jurlique Purely Bright Spot Treatment

VivierSkin Hyperpigmentation System

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Spa Boutique’s First Store!

It’s been a long time coming, but this past November we finally opened our very first retail store front.  Located at 3630 west 4th in Kitsilano, we have an adorable little space with purple walls and sparkling chandeliers.  We carry a selection of the products that are online (we simply don’ t have space for everything) but it includes our best selling skin care and makeup lines.  Additionally we are one of, if not the only place in Vancouver, that carries select polishes form Butter London, China Glaze, Essie, Orly, CND and Spa Ritual all in one place.

We offer customizable express facials that are educational in nature and and are a great way to learn how to take care of your skin at home.  They’re a complete steal at $30-$60 for 30-45 minutes and this also includes a light application of Jane Iredale mineral makeup.  Staffed with estheticians, we are happy to answer your skin care questions and help you achieve your best skin.

Come by and visit us!

Spa Boutique Kitsilano

360 West 4th Ave, Vancouver

604-734-7114

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

SpaRitual provides an option for vegan nail polish.

Manicures! Pedicures! The joy of pampering. You can guarantee that pretty much everyone has come across nail polish/varnish/lacquer and it’s distinctive smell at least once in their life. Some of us spa workers, multiple times a day…or hour.

There was some concern recently about the ingredients that go into the more popular brands. As a result, some smaller niche products began popping up, understanding the discerning spa goers desire for an alternative. These have grown in popularity and now include full ranges of unbelievably gorgeous colors that can can proudly declare to be “Vegan”, one of those being SpaRitual. Now what this means is that there are absolutely NO animal derivatives at all in the process it takes to make the polish. They have also managed to formulate with naturally occurring colors and are free of synthetic dyes. They are one of the few that can claim to be toluene, formaldehyde and DBP-free. What is DPB? The full name is dibutyl phthalate, which is currently banned for use in cosmetic products in Europe, but not here in North America.

Both Spa Ritual and OPI have gotten rid of their formulas containing those ingredients, but only SpaRitual can claim Vegan Status.

We at Spa Boutique are huge fans of SpaRitual. Every time we come across one of the colors, there’s lots of exclamations of embarrassingly girlish noises and dreamy, far-off looks while we think of how this particular hue represents us as a person. But no matter what color we choose, we can feel good about using it!

 

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog!  Feel free to post your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!