Cosmetics and Allergies

Re: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com website earlier blogged about.

I want to point out a few observations that I made and to give NARS kudos for being so upfront about their ingredients.

Just Sayin':

Estee Lauder owns/manufactures the following brands: 

Aramis, Aveda, Beautiful, Bobbi Brown, Bumble and Bumble, Clinique, Creme de la Mer, Donna Karan,Estée Lauder, Go Bronze, Idealist Daily, Jo Malone, La Mer, MAC, Michael Kors, Origins, Prescriptives, Rodan and Fields, Tommy Hilfiger, Tuscany, White Linen, YOUTH DEW, MACpro

Of all of those brands only 124 products are listed and they have a whopping 714 ingredients spectrum.  Only a measly 2 products have ingredients disclosed for MAC and none are disclosed for MACpro.  Not helpful and makes me curious as to what is being hidden.

NARS Cosmetics is owned by Shiseido. However François Nars is the founder and the ever-present creative director.

Looking at only NARS-specific products there are 187 products listed including the new Velvet Matte lip pencils and together the broad spectrum of NARS skin care and NARS makeup products contain no more than 236 ingredients; fully disclosed.

Cosmetics and Allergies

As earlier blogged I have allergies to a lot of cosmetics.  That's part of the reason all of my makeup is NARS and I am not interested in exploring outside the brand.

Before I continue I would like to preface that by far NARS has been the most hypo-allergenic experience I have had in any makeup line (others tried include: Clinique, MAC, Benefit, Cargo, Lancome, ...).

I have the most difficulty with creamy products and never am able to wear lipstick.  So, I was surprised when I was reaction-free with NARS Velvet Matte Lip pencils and the NARS Multiples.

I do have a strong makeup allergy against NARS lip lacquers (Chelsea Girls is so beautiful but I just can't wear it).
And after some testing I am certain that I am mildly allergic to their lip glosses (Belize is so gorgeous I will probably still wear it and take an anti-histamine [I'm sure only a true broad-spectrum allergy sufferer would understand]).
Putting it all together with some research I have learnt that the NARS lip lacquers and lip glosses contain lanolin oil (sheep) and I am allergic to lanolin :-(

The upside for those with lanolin allergies try:
NARS Multiples, and NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils.

Oh. One more thing.  I am allergic to almost all sunscreens, so no products containing SPFs will be in this blog :-)

For more information on ingredients in your makeup check out: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

Supplies: MakeUp Brushes

I think buying cheap makeup brushes is a waste.  They are something that you will re-use and can last a lifetime if cared for properly (how to: Cleaning Makeup Brushes blog).  And the proper tool in any job can make a world of difference.
I started my makeup brush collection with a set of 5 short-handled brushes from MAC that came with a nice case for storage and travel.  MAC Cosmetics generally releases several brush sets once year with limited quantities for ~$55 CAD (very reasonable given the cost of individual brushes).  And a really nice way to get some pretty makeup tools to play with.

My first MAC Short-handled Travel Makeup Brush Set (baby blue):

1. 242 SE (concealer or creamy product brush),
2. 224 SE (blending brush)
3. 316 SE (316 lip brush)
4. ~ 208 angled brow brush
5. 129 SE (powder/blush brush)

MAC Single Makeup Brush purchases and deemed essentials:

1. 239 eye shader brush
2. 219 eye pencil brush (small domed brush; I wonder how this compares to the NARS #14 brush)
3. 212 flat definer brush (I wonder how this compares to the NARS Push Eyeliner brush .. on my want but don't need list)
4. 217 (eye blending)
5. 187 (for light-weight powder application ....not really an essential, but a good idea at the time - purchased on a trip to New York City)

... I found myself needing a second domed brush for a second lighter colour some mornings when cleaning the brush in the moment would not work...
So, I waited for the MAC travel brush sets to come out and picked up a travel bag with a domed brush and some other great tools:

1. 187 SE (light application powder brush)
2. 168 SE (large angled contour brush - love this!)
3. 252 SE (large shader brush)
4. 219 SE (small domed brush)
5. 209 SE (eyeliner brush)

If I could do it again I would get only these makeup brushes:

2 x small domes brushes (consider NARS #14 small domed eye brush)

1 x angled eyebrow brush

1 x standard blush brush

1 x powder brush (I don't have one ... maybe NARS Botan brush or Bronzing brush - I will have to inquire further  .... update I got the NARS Yachiyo brush)

1 x NARS Push Eyeliner brush

1 x shader brush (239)

1 x eye-blending brush (217)

So, 8 makeup brushes I think is absolutely needed ... I have 15; I guess that's not so bad ... we learn through mistakes and "waste", which in essence is not a waste because something is learnt :-)