The most misleading beauty claims

I am sure you heard and read many beauty claims by companies about their product. I collected those that I find the most misleading.

1. Natural claims

Many companies use this claim on their products, although there is no proper definition for natural. I would say a product is natural if doesn't contain preservatives, it is free of any artificial dyes, perfumes and other synthetic chemical ingredients. The product's ingredients must originate from a natural source, but it's not necessarily grown according to bio standards.

I find also misleading when a company says about an ingredient it's natural, just because it came from a natural source. In this case that ingredient went through many chemically process and modification. It's far from natural.

Product review - Arbonne Part IV.

This part is the RE9 Advanced for Men. This includes the Exfoliating Wash, Shave Gel, Post-Shave Balm and Facial Moisturizer with SPF20.

I gave them to my partner and I asked him what he thinks. You have to know he doesn't really like skin care stuffs and he also thinks natural products are the same like non natural counterparts and there is no such a thing that toxic ingredients, because they have been used for generations with no problem. He actually thinks that natural products are just good reasons to ask more money for nothing.

Product review - Arbonne Part III.

This line includes 5 steps in the morning ( Facial Cleanser, Toner, Renewal Serum, Eye Cream, Day Cream) and 5 steps (instead of the day cream, it's the night cream) in the evening. This is basically a skin care regime. Personally I don't mind if I have to do these steps, because as an esthetician this is what I do for my clients and for myself when I want to do a proper, "pampering" facial.

1. Smoothing facial cleanser

• Smell: organge
• Texture: soapy, creamy, foamy

I washed my face with it and it gave me a clean feeling, although my skin on the cheeks became dry. (Sodium C14 16 Olefin Sulfonate causes the dryness.) It was like other facial cleanser.

The Story of Cosmetics - Video

I found this video and it explains very well the whole story about toxic chemicals and what we should avoid. Enjoy!:)

Product review - Arbonne Part II.

1. Instant Lift Gel

• Smell: It contains orange peel oil, so this is why the orange smell, which is very pleasant
• Texture: Sticky, colorless gel

I applied just to one side of my face to see if there is any difference. Well, it just sits on the skin and doing nothing. The only difference is that on that side of my face where I applied, my skin felt sticky. After 5 minutes I felt like I am wearing a mask, if I smiled my face were tight, but not in a good way. I was waiting at least 15 minutes to see if my skin will absorb it, but then I run out of patience and I washed it off. It was very uncomfortable to wear. Suprisingly I could wash off the whole Gel and my skin was so dry that I had to apply my Nourish Body Butter. (Yes, I use it on my face and it works great!)

Ingredients

You can see the whole ingredient list on the picture. I am just putting up those that you've maybe never heard, or heard, but don't know what it is and the non natural, synthetic ones. I also highlighted the harmful ones. There are few ingredients that I didn't mention, because of the lack of information.

Product review - Arbonne Part I.

Christina Atkinson, an independent consultant from Arbonne contacted me if I would like to try out their products. Before I said anything to her, I wanted to know more about Arbonne and also wanted to know what kind of ingredients they use. For some reason I didn't see the detailed ingredient list on their site (although I can see it now), so I asked Christina if she can send it to me. She was very kind and sent me the botanical glossary. I thought they use only these natural ingredients, so I said yes, I would like to get some samples.

Christina also sent me a pamphlet and I was very surprised when I found out that they are a multi-level marketing, "Amway" type company (MLM) which I really don't like and I am not interested in at all.

About the company

"Arbonne is a Swiss skin care products in the U.S. and includes a complete line of natural, botanical-based skin care, cosmetics, nutrition, fitness and aromatherapy products for men, women and children. Arbonne stands out as a company committed to providing pure, safe products that work. The formulas are: botanically-based - pH correct – hypoallergenic - dermatologist tested - never tested on animals - formulated without animal products or by-products - formulated without mineral oil -formulated without dyes or chemical fragrances."

That's basically what they say about themselves. Nothing new for me, for you, we hear the same things almost every day from other companies, although the reality is unfortunately different. In this case as well.

How to choose a facial cleanser

There are different types of facial cleansers and each type is designed for different skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive.

Types of facial cleansers:

1. Syndets: These are soap-free cleansers and best for people with sensitive skin
2. Gel: These cleansers have a light lather that helps to absorb excess oils on the skin and best for people with oily skin. It is also a foaming cleanser. Purchase gentle and oil-free cleansers
3. Cream: such as milks, mousses and balms, help moisturize skin and best for people with dry skin. These are non-foaming cleansers

But I also believe that simple water and natural face oils could do the same job.