June 25, 2021

A brand-new Nutrafol, mascara that *really* lasts and some scary news about chemicals lurking in your cosmetics.

A lot of ladies will be happy about this new Nutrafol formula

Any sort of hair thinning or loss can be traumatic, and many of us will go to any length to get those follicles going again. I had my own hair-shedding freak-out early this year (thanks, COVID stress) that I was able to mitigate with Rene Furterer’s Triphasic Strengthening Shampoo, Texturizing Conditioner and Vitalfan Reactional Dietary Supplement. Unfortunately I had to stop taking the supplements when I was diagnosed with cancer, but you can get them 50% off right now by clicking the link above!

I’ve always seen amazing results while taking Nutrafol hair-growth supplements, and I really wish the new Postpartum was around after I squeezed out the 8.5-pound watermelon that is now known as my son. Not only did pregnancy do a number on my body—my hair wasn’t having it after giving birth either. And apparently, according to the American Pregnancy Association, 50% of women experience shedding roughly three to four months after giving birth.

Developed with an OB/GYN, Nutrafol’s Postpartum supplements target several “root” causes of hair loss during this stage of life, including dietary shortcomings as well as physical and emotional stress—and of course they are safe to take while breastfeeding. And you can even start popping them before you even leave the hospital as an attempt to prevent postpartum hair shedding in the first place.

My baby-making days may be over, but if yours aren’t, add these supplements to your list right after whatever the “trendy,” wildly-overpriced stroller is these days.

You won’t believe a mascara can do this

It’s safe to say that mascara is a makeup must-have for most of us, and we’re all pretty aware of its temporary nature. I personally never gave any thought to the fact that the color associated with mascara washes down the drain at the end of the day—but what if it didn’t have to?

This is why I did a double-take when I learned about Rimmel’s Volume Colourist Mascara. In addition to all the lengthening, strengthening and instant color you expect after a few swipes of any mascara, this innovative lash product also features a semi-permanent tint that actually sticks around after you’ve washed off your makeup (once you’ve used it for a while). It’s important to keep in mind that the results are gradual—and the tint will begin to fade once you stop using it—but this is a game-changer for those of you who have light lashes.

You’re welcome!

Another week, another dangerous ingredient to look out for

A few weeks ago, the dermatology world was abuzz when it was revealed that an alarmingly high number of sunscreens tested were found to contain benzene—a potential carcinogen. And for the record, this is a two-pronged problem. First and foremost, personal-care companies may actually be harming their customers. Second, dermatologists have a hard enough time convincing patients to wear sunscreen (and enough of it), so this most certainly hampers their efforts. To navigate these findings, check out my story from a few weeks back.

Meet this week’s ingredient non-grata: PFAS. (Sounds like a standardized test, but it’s not.) The most common PFAS is Teflon, and I got rid of all my non-stick cookware a while back—so this is hardly something I want on my skin. PFAS are also commonly used to manufacture infection-resistant surgical gowns and drapes, cell phones, semi-conductors, commercial aircraft, low-emissions vehicles, carpeting and furniture. (Yuck.) Research has shown that these chemicals can accumulate in our bodies over time, and have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, decreased fertility and hormone disruption.

In fact, according to the study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 231 makeup products purchased in the U.S. and Canada and 53% were found to contain a high level of markers for these toxins. Even more, the study found some 88% of the tested products failed to disclose on their labels any ingredients that would explain those chemical markers, even though that is a requirement of the US Food and Drug Administration. (Big thumbs down there.)

Some of the highest levels of PFAS were found in foundations (63%), waterproof mascara (82%) and long-lasting lipstick (62%). The fact that these products are used on thin skin close to mucous membranes (which enhances their chances of penetrating the blood stream) makes it all the more concerning.

I haven’t been able to find a list of the products that tested positive for PFAS (I’m working on it), so my advice would be to take a closer look at everything in your makeup bag. If you haven’t already skewed more toward natural, clean products, this is a great time to start. (Kosas has some great starter bundles that cover all the basics—and I’ve actually tried and loved all of them.)

On the bright side, a bipartisan bill is being presented to the Senate today that would require the FDA to ban this family of ingredients in cosmetics and personal-care products—so let’s hope Democrats and Republicans can at least agree that PFAS has no place in our makeup. Stay tuned for updates!