Cosmeceutical Catch

With so much talk of Phytochemicals, Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceuticals flooding my brain, I tend to freeze when it comes to actually making a purchase. This is where I really depend on samples. And I'm not always going to get any of those...especially not in South Africa (but that's another post!).
So I turn to research and hearsay, pretty much. I always google to get the gist of a subject, and even though you always find the good bits floating up fastest, I specifically look for anything linked to dangers, toxins or any other negative connotations. I read everything with a pinch of salt...even the edu pages and the medical pages. I also look to see who the sponsors are; this can be very telling.

We're all into vitamins, phytochemicals and minerals, tissue salts and antioxidants. But with so many claims out there, I just can't seem to figure it all out, and start to categorize anything. If only it could be as simple as the difference between natural and synthetic...but some products and brands can even make that divide seem like a wholesome blur. So...what's what in the zoo??

Natural skincare and beauty products and brands have been onto botanical extracts, tissue salts and vitamins for eons; so, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that mainstream beauty is catching onto this leading trend. Natural skincare and makeup have never been more in demand, but the question will always be: how true will mainstream brands be to the nature in the 'nutra'?

And then there's this new trend that, apparently, the Americans love: "cosmeceuticals".
So for now let's figure out what the new terms like 'nutraceutical' or 'nutriceutical', and 'cosmeceutical' actually mean. From what I've read, nutra- or nutriceuticals are basically pills you can pop to make your skin, and other organs very happy, and are basically like suped-up vitamins that could also be used as a kind of an anti-aging elixir...or perhaps just sold as that. And let's face it, that is exactly what caught our attention...! They also produce specific supplements for chronic skin disorders, and various other conditions, including cardiovascular, cognitive and sexual health(!), but they predominantly utilise tissue salts, botanical extracts, minerals and vitamins along with perhaps a smidgen of pharma. But some of the companies that produce these new anti-aging, supplements also produce actual rub-on-your-skin skincare products...that are also called nutraceuticals...?...
According to the general definition of nutraceuticals as "foodstuffs", I must admit that I am a little loathe to call the new emerging skincare ranges that promote anti-aging solutions, and provide treatments for skin problems like acne and rosacea, 'nutraceuticals', even if they do have a lot of nutra in them. And rightfully so...they have a name all of their own: cosmeceuticals...a hybrid of cosmetics and pharmaceutical elements that target specific problem areas, and help recover skin from chronic conditions. And...apparently...destroy wrinkles...hmmm.

Cosmeceuticals are simply new generation skincare, and some are more intense than others. They do sound wonderful, and some of them promise the world. I always get excited when they start talking about all the natural ingredients like pomegranate, green tea, vita C and vita E, grape seed, aloe vera, jojoba, shea butter and many others, but I do get a little panicky when I hear "ceutical". The American market, however, are going loopy over these new super-charged cosmetics, and I've seen some before and after pics that are truly amazing. And if you're the kind of gal who would try a bit of botox, you probably wouldn't bat an eye at these new era skincare superheroes. I, however, am just that extra bit wary. Curious...but wary. It doesn't mean I won't try  just a wee bit, though.
In fact, I was given a sample of one of these new cosmeceuticals to try, and I must admit that I have not even opened the box...but I would like to put it to the test and see if it makes any difference to my most aged area of skin: my hands. And while I'm at it, I'll do a little more investigating. Which of course is what you should always do when you plan to consume or apply any kind of '~ceutical'.
These new Wunder-creams are fast becoming a less intrusive option for those considering more drastic measures. And specialised in-house treatments can only be done professionaly, and often as a pre-procedure regimen, or post-procedure assist to healing before and after cosmetic surgery.

The at home use is pretty user-friendly, and works along the philosophy of  "prevent, protect, correct". You can get quite specific with ranges like SkinCeuticals, now available in South Africa. If they're good enough for Gwynnie Paltrow...contact them via the Skinceuticals Facebook page, or why make that appointment with a dermatologist for a more comprehensive examination of your skin.

A look inside a pro makeup kit

American makeup artist Laura Lee Showalter has done some pretty cool makeup and special effects work, and I was thrilled when she told me that she would share a glimpse into her world...by telling me what's in her makeup kit. Here's what she said:
"Heres a picture of part of my kit I am packing for a shoot in the morning and thought it would be a good  photo- op.

Laura Lee's professional makeup kit

To the right is some of my fx kit, the airbrush is out as I was going over different degrees of sunburn I'm using Graftobian F/X Aire  really like it .  A couple of my favs are in the picture, Dermablend, Ben Nye media pro, my Tarte eye lash curler, my CARA palettes, MAC face and body luv, luv luv for legs in the summer.  I order all my sponges, cotton swabs and mascara wands from Qosmedix; I order enough to last me through the year.   Oh, something else I'm loving right now just bought last month Laura Geller Spackle its a tinted primer I bought the one in  champagne it has a touch of shimmer beautiful on that young flawless skin that doesn't need much and the one with a tint of bronze so pretty!  The size of the bottle is crazy 94 grams."

If you're anything like me, you'll be googling some of the brands that we haven't seen in SA...yet. Just so you know, Graftobian and Ben Nye can be found at Masque in Cape Town (my fave hangout for great makeup FX products).

I hope to feature more lookie-lookies into other makeup artists' kits, so if you are a professional makeup artist, it would be lovely to hear from you if you'd like to be featured on Makeup Mistress Beauty Blog.  

Have perfume, can Travalo.

Available at Dis-Chem stores

 I've seen a few fragrance decanter overseas before, and most of them were just glorified spritz bottles that you would have to pour the fragrance into, and risk losing a bit of your precious perfume. But now there is a better way. Travalo Refillable Perfume Atomizer Spray is the answer to being able to decant your signature fragrance into a smaller, travel-safe container - that looks good - and doesn't waste a drop!

Sleek design is packaged well, so no scratches

I adore the sleek look and comfortable shape of this atomizer spray tube; and especially the handy transparent bit that allows you to gauge when it's time to fill up. And filling up just can't get any easier... 

Easily refilled atomizer

Although instructions are included in the pack, once you've done it you won't forget it...easy as (buying) pie.

Take the spray nozzle off of your favourite fragrance and place the bottom of the Travalo atomizer on top of the exposed plastic tube that exits your fragrance bottle. Then push down gently on the plastic tubing. You should see your fragrance fill with every depression, so keep pushing down gently until your Travalo atomizer is full. Or if you prefer, pump in only as much as you may need. 

And here's the word from a press release: "Approved for carry-on luggage Travalo is shatter-proof, lightweight and can hold up to 65 sprays of perfume." I haven't counted my sprays...too busy taking in the pleasure of smelling delicious without risking my entire bottle out and about. And for travel...well,...so much easier than arguing with the lady at customs who wants to take my nail-clippers away, and makes me pour my body lotion into ugly bottles grrrr.

very sexy: 98% recyclable and fits into even the smallest purse!

Oh, this isn't the only colour, but it is one I like quite a lot, and would look good in any of my bags. The other options are just as sexy, and make ideal stocking fillers, or part of a clever pamper pack for your best friend; and if you're throwing a lavish party, this is what I would want to see in my goodie bag. Also available in black and pink.