If you’re feeling the itch it’s time to make the switch. Many of us inadvertently use beauty products for our skin and hair that our doing us more damage then good; find out the healthier benefits of ammonia-free colouring, mineral foundations and when to part ways with your favourite lippy.
Why should I use ammonia-free colour?
Hair expert Wayne Lewis from Original & Mineral and Original A Salon sheds some much-needed light on why choosing to make the switch to ammonia-free colour could be the best decision you can make for your hair.
“Ammonia is a harsh chemical that swells the hair cuticle so colour can be absurd all the way through the hair but there are some ramifications from using ammonia colour lines.”
Reasons to avoid ammonia hair colour:
- Unpleasant odor
- Can create scalp irritation
- Can result in watery or red eyes
- Many people experience an allergic reaction
Reasons to use ammonia-free hair colour:
- Pregnancy, illness and sensitive skin have led to lower chemical compound solutions that are less harmful on your skin and the environment.
- Vibrant and long lasting hair colour results without the chemical overload.
- Pleasant fragrance
- Better conditioning of the hair
- Ammonia-free colour lines can be up to 50% less irritable for people who are normally affected by hair colour
- Why put toxics onto your skin when they can be avoided?
Rescu. recommends: O&M www.originalmineral.com, Garnier Olia (1300 659 259), Schwarzkopf Live Colour (1800 022 219) and L’Oreal Inoa (www.lorelparis.com.au) for ammonia-free colouring.
Should I switch to mineral based foundation?
Natural beauty straddles a line between looking like you’re a walking Photoshop filter and being able to wear next to no makeup thanks to complexion enhancing product. If you suffer from sensitive skin, acne, roscea and other skin ailments, mineral based products, particularly foundation could be the solution for you.
- Many dermatologists recommend mineral makeup based on the fact that ingredients used in non-mineral foundations are possible skin irritants.
- Mineral powders usually contains finely crushed, naturally occurring minerals and most come in loose powder form.
- Mineral based foundations typically do not contain:
preservatives, parabens, mineral oil, chemical dyes, and fragrance
Rescu. Loves: INIKA (www.inikacosmetics.com) and PRIORI (selected beauty salons and spauniverse.com.au) for mineral based foundations
How often should I change my beauty products?
Cleanliness is next to beauty goddessliness when it comes to our makeup products and tools, so why do you still have that blush brush from 1997? Many of us aren’t quite up to scratch in when it comes to replacing our mascaras, foundations, lipsticks and glosses, and if your eyeliner takes you back to your Goth phase… well, we’re not sure if that kind of ‘pink eye’ will be in this summer. We’ve whittled down the best ways to know your beauty bag from your trash bag.
- Liquid Foundation and Concealer should be replaced about every 6 months.
- Loose mineral makeup should be replaced every year.
- Compact Powder and Blush lasts about 6 to 9 months.
- Clean thoroughly or replace dirty brushes
- Pencil Eyeliner and Eye Shadow should be replaced every 3 to 6 months.
- Liquid Eyeliner and Mascara is a breeding ground for germs. To avoid the dreaded ‘pink eye’ replaced every 3 months.
- Lipstick and Lip Gloss will last about 1 year, as long as you keep them in a cool spot – lets just say they’re not beach bag essentials.
Tips for washing your brushes:
- Use warm water and always clean with bristles pointing downwards
Use a brush cleanser or mild shampoo and gently squeeze the hairs from base to tip. Yep, rinse and repeat! - Use a paper towel to dry excess water.
- Gently reshape while damp.
- Always leave the brush to dry on its side.
- Make sure it’s fully dry before your next use.
