Because I consider my hair my crowning glory, I try to take especially good care of it. After the rash of warnings that appeared in the late 2000s about the dangers of sulfates, especially sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and after I began losing huge amounts of hair, I began some investigation of my own.

Sodium lauryl sulfate makes an appearance in almost anything that foams—from shampoos to toothpaste. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it’s also found in face wash, soap, body wash, mouthwash, hair colour, toilet cleanser, carpet shampoo, pet deodorizers, fabric glue and more than 80 other products.

SLS is derived from sulfuric acid. According to the National Institutes of Health, sulfuric acid is a corrosive chemical that causes severe burns and tissue damage. It’s found in car batteries and chemical weapons. It is a deadly poison. When SLS is extracted from sulfuric acid, it makes an inexpensive surfactant, or foaming detergent.

Peruse the label of almost any shampoo on the shelf today and you will likely run across SLS, SLES or any of their cousins, usually with the name “sodium” somewhere nearby. You’ll be hard-pressed to locate a sulfate-free shampoo, even in high end salons.  According to the NIH, SLS can cause burning, redness, and irritation to skin and mucous membranes.

JenavieveMarie via photo pin cc

I’d found enough evidence to at least switch to a SLS-free shampoo for a while to see if it made a difference. I opted for Nature’s Gate Lavender and Aloe Nourishing Shampoo, a natural, light-green gel with plenty of foaming power.

Lavender and Aloe Nourishing Shampoo from Nature's Gate

My hair began to look glossier and even my hairdresser noticed an increase in volume, but I was still seeing a lot of hair loss after colouring. A quick peek at the label turned up the answer: SLS and other creepy ingredients in my hair colour!

I bit the bullet and bought a gentler, yet more expensive brand, Tints of Nature made by Herb UK (I could only find it on the internet) and voila!, my drain no longer looked like it had a toupee after I rinsed.

Tints of Nature from Herb UK

My scalp itched less and I didn’t have to vacuum under my office chair as often. Could SLS and other chemical irritants be the culprit? It seems obvious to me. I’m a believer.

No matter whether your hair is oily, normal or dry, all hair types can benefit from exposure to fewer harsh chemicals and more loving, natural botanicals. If you have a choice, opt for safe, natural, cruelty-free cosmetics and personal care products and forgo the cheaper alternatives with chemical tongue-twisters for ingredients.

Your morning face can be an excellent predictor of your skin type. According to Fitness Magazine, if you wake up with a glossy coat of shine, you probably have oily skin. If your face looks lackluster, flaking or sallow, your skin may be suffering from a lack of moisture. If it doesn’t look too different from the night before, chances are your skin is perfectly normal.

Pore size can also be an indicator of skin type. Large pores often indicate an oily complexion while invisible pores can indicate dry skin. If you have some visible pores around your nose and forehead, you may have combination skin—dry or normal except in the T-zone around the nose and forehead.

Your lips might also be trying to tell you something. If your lips chap frequently even though you stay hydrated throughout the day, you may be suffering from unusually dry skin. If your lips become rough and flaky after a day in the sun, wind or in dry conditions, your skin is most likely normal. If you never need to apply a lip balm, you may have your own built-in moisturizer—oily skin.

Your facial skin is not that much different from the rest of your body’s largest organ. All skin needs hydration from the inside out first, then, if that isn’t enough, it might need additional help from the outside. If you find you need to apply moisturizer to your arms, legs and back to prevent flaking and itching, your face probably needs a little more moisture as well.

Similarly, if you experience acne on your chest or back, your body may be overproducing the natural emollients that keep your skin soft and supple. When these emollients combine with dead skin and debris, your pores can become clogged and infected, resulting in breakouts. If you break out frequently, your skin is probably oily. An occasional or rare breakout usually indicates normal skin.

Once you determine your skin type, you can choose products, such as cleansers, moisturizers, makeup, sunscreens and anti-aging treatments that complement your complexion. Choosing a heavy moisturizing cream when you have oily or combination skin can make matters worse. Cleansing with a product that contains stripping or drying ingredients can turn your lovely visage into the Sahara desert.

Skin type can also change slightly with age. Younger skin tends to have more moisture while more mature skin tends to break out less often and may require more hydration.

If you can’t solve a complexion problem with complementary products, you may want to visit a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. Some dry patches could be skin conditions that may need medication and some acne can be so severe, it causes permanent scarring.

Babies are born with nearly no visible eyebrows. As they grow, children develop a thin band of fine hairs along the lower margin of the brow ridge. In puberty, eyebrows thicken and become more coarse, especially in boys. As we age, eyebrow hair becomes thinner and may turn gray or white. Thus, a thick swath of dark eyebrow hair can give your face a younger look.

Eyebrows help keep sweat, water and dirt from falling into your eyes, but, perhaps more importantly, the arch of a brow can convey information that words merely hint at. Eyebrows help convey surprise, anger, sadness and curiosity. A well-defined brow can help you communicate elegance, drama or your own unique style.

Brows come in a variety of geometrical design, from a whisper of a wisp to a face-obscuring rectangle, (a.k.a. the “unibrow.”) The most popular shapes for women, according to Eyebrowz.com, a site that features celebrities’ arches, include the delicate shapes worn by Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. These beauties present a sleek, well-maintained look without letting their brows overpower their faces.

Eyebrow artist to the stars, Anastasia Soare, suggests maximizing the space between your eyes and brows by keeping hairs below the brow plucked or waxed. If you have a small face or delicate features, she recommends you stay away from the larger, more dramatic shapes and opt for a line that starts close to the inside of your eye and gently tapers into a light tail, arching just past the outside of your iris. If you want to offset a smoky eye with a bit more mystery, use a slightly darker shade to add more width and definition.

For natural, daytime looks, Soare recommends sticking to colours within one or two shades of your hair colour to keep brows from taking centre stage. For optimal brow shape, try a brow stencil to create an outline, filling it in with a pencil or brow powder. Use a light coat of brow gel or conditioner to keep unruly hairs in place.

Brow Kit by Anastasia Beverly Hills on Cult Beauty

Brow Kit by Anastasia Beverly Hills

We love this Brow Kit by Anastasia Beverly Hills found on Cult Beauty, which arms you with all the tools you need for that perfect arch.

When you want to give full expression to your facial features, let your eyes do the talking with the help of a pair of well-trained brows.

Natural beauty products offer the benefits of healing and rejuvenating without the potential hazards of synthetic substances. Like Cleopatra’s famous milk baths, natural plant and animal products can enhance outer beauty while preserving health and nourishing the soul.

Because facial skin usually gets the honour of making a first impression, a healthy, glowing, flawless visage can mean the difference between a second glance and a pass over. Natural face masks can help draw out impurities, impart vital nutrients, moisturize, protect and refresh. Most beauty experts and dermatologist recommend a weekly mask for optimal benefit.

All skin types can use some exfoliation. Exfoliation removes the old, dead skin cells and microscopic debris that can build up, effectively dulling your complexion and clogging your pores. Young, healthy cells hold more moisture, appear firmer and do their job more efficiently than older, languishing cells.

To exfoliate naturally, use ingredients with mild acids, such as lemon juice (citric acid), sugar (glycolic acid) and sour milk (lactic acid). Foods with natural enzymes, such as yoghurt and papaya, also help dissolve dead skin cells.

If your skin is dry, dull and flaky from weathering wind and low humidity, consider whipping up a mask with moisturizing properties. Makeup artist Jemima Kidd says a flaky complexion nearly ensures that your makeup will look painted on, dating your look. After exfoliating, apply a creamy mask made with brown sugar and olive oil or mash an avocado, add a teaspoon of honey and slather on your face for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off and radiate!

If your skin is oily or acne-prone, reduce the shine with an oil-blotting mask made with lemon juice, pureed strawberries and egg whites. The astringent properties of these ingredients help remove excess oil, draw out impurities and tighten skin.

If you want good-enough-to-eat peaches-and-cream skin, pass on the parabens and sulfates and raid the refrigerator instead. Mother Nature obviously knows a thing or two about beauty.

By Viola Horne

St. Ives scrubs say that if you exfoliate 3-4 times a week you can get the desired brightness and texture within just seven days. This sounds pretty good to me!

Exfoliating helps give you smoother skin and improves skin tone and circulation. It also provides a great base for all body butters and creams as well as preserving your holiday tan; should any of us be lucky enough to actually witness the sun at any stage this season!

Made with 100% natural exfoliants and extracts, St. Ives Apricot Scrubs work to gently exfoliate and cleanse, revealing smooth, healthy looking skin which glows. With a unique recipe, your skin will look radiant without the threat of unnecessary chemicals. St. Ives Apricot Facial Scrubs can be used on the face and body, whatever your skin type, and are available in four different formulations for you to try out.

If you have normal skin and want to reveal your natural radiance then try…

Invigorating (150ml) – RRP £5.10

An invigorating exfoliant with natural exfoliants that removes dull and dead skin to reveal a smooth, radiant and glowing complexion.

If you have sensitive or problem skin try the…

Gentle (hypo-allergenic) (150ml) – RRP £5.10

Formulated for sensitive skins, contains skin soothing botanicals, micro beads and jojoba oil to gently remove skin impurities, leaving skin bright, fresh, and healthy.

If you are prone to breakouts then try the…

Blemish Control (150ml) – RRP £5.10

With active clarifying ingredients which quickly and gently unclog pores to help prevent blemishes and blackheads.

If you want visibly toned and firmer skin try the…

Renew & Firm (150ml) – RRP £5.10

Helping to reduce roughness and mottled pigmentation–perfect to naturally revive skin’s beauty and youthfulness.

I’m a huge fan of face scrubs and exfoliators, as my face does have a tendency to get those annoying dry, flaky patches that show up when you put your foundation on in the morning! Something like this, paired with a good moisturiser will be an absolute life saver in the warmer months ahead, preventing issues like these as well as helping to keep any fake tan looking natural and fresh.

What They Say:

“St. Ives is dedicated to bringing you the best of nature formulas that delight the senses as they work. We understand that little everyday choices we make can impact overall quality of life. That’s why St. Ives is a conscientious formulator of quality products. These scrubs do not contain parabens or phthalates.”

St. Ives Apricot Scrubs are available from Superdrug, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s and selected supermarkets and independent chemists nationwide.

By Rebecca Bowden

I went to every cosmetics counter I could find to get rid of it. Most sales clerks suggested I try a spot-fading treatment that contained hydroquinone, a chemical used in over 200 different skin-lightening products manufactured by more than 65 companies in the US. In 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration proposed a ban on products containing the chemical, citing its link to the development of cancer in lab rats. I had been using it for several months to no avail and happily gave it up.

I spoke to a cosmetic surgeon about removing the spot and he assured me that he could remove it with a simple series of laser treatments that would cost about $600. My empty pockets suddenly felt much emptier. I continued my search.

I scoured the internet and talked with my “more experienced” friends. One friend, who sold a line of beauty products, convinced me to try a product that she said lightened her age spot so it was barely visible. After shelling out $65 and spending another four months applying the product diligently, nothing. If anything, I saw another spot nearby beginning to form.

Had I listened to my mother, I probably could have forestalled the inevitable by applying liberal doses of sunscreen to my face daily. But sunscreen felt thick and made my face sweat, so I only applied it while on vacation at the beach (about once every four years). The resulting uneven pigmentation was much harder to erase than it should have been to prevent.

Finally, several years ago, I learned about microdermabrasion. Similar to the expensive laser treatments that peel away the top layer of skin, microdermabrasion is less invasive, cheaper and more convenient. Using a mechanical or chemical means to remove the top layer of skin, this at-home treatment can slowly but surely help eliminate uneven pigment, including the dreaded age spot.

Los Angeles facialist Kate Somerville recommends a two-step approach, like the one used to keep movie starlet Anna Paquin’s skin peachy-smooth. Olay’s Microdermabrasion Kit includes a citrus-scented gel containing crystal particles that mechanically abrade away dead skin cells and a chemical gel that dissolves the crystals and removes even more skin cells. After using it for about six months, both of my spots have faded to nearly invisible.

Now, if I would just live closer to the beach and use sunscreen more often, maybe I could prevent their return.

by Viola Horne

The ancient Egyptians used eye makeup, lipstick and rouge to display power and wealth. The higher their status, the more makeup an ancient Egyptian wore. Even their statues and coffins were adorned with heavy eye liner, deep lip color and defined cheekbones. From this proud and beautiful civilization, mineral makeup was born.

The Egyptians, as well as the Greeks and Romans, all used finely powdered minerals to create the rich palette of makeup worn by the wealthy. Eye makeup, called kohl, was created using powdered galena–a form of lead sulfide—mixed with soot. Green eye shadow was made from the mineral, malachite, while rouge was made with red clay.

As the saying goes, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” and that still holds true, even with “new” types of makeup. In the 1970s, Bare Escentuals came out with an all-natural powder, dubbed, “mineral makeup.” Made from crushed minerals, the makeup imparted a glow by reflecting light off the tiny particles. The craze caught on and now dozens of companies create foundations, powders, bronzers, cheek tint, eye shadows and eye liners using minerals, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

While some cosmetic chemists think the mineral revolution is mostly hype since, technically, all makeup is made from minerals, other think the more natural forms offer benefits that their more synthetic sisters don’t. New York dermatologist Neal Schultz likes mineral makeup for what’s left out of it. He says that, since most formulations don’t contain parabens, preservatives or chemical dyes and fragrances, mineral cosmetics are less likely to cause sensitivities and allergic reactions. They also look fresh longer in humid weather, and zinc oxide, used in many preparations, is a natural sunblock.

While the dazzling glow and intense colours are hard to argue with, it’s not for everyone. Women of colour may have a hard time finding a finish that doesn’t look metallic and people with extremely sensitive skin may find some of the ingredients irritating. Generally, makeup with fewer ingredients will be less likely to cause a reaction.

If you’re looking for a natural, radiant glow that looks great in any kind of weather, your answer may be just a stone’s throw away.

By Viola Horne

In ancient civilizations, women used the products of plants and animals to enhance their natural beauty. Women, especially the wealthy and those who sold their beauty by the hour, used sweat from sheep’s wool as an overnight treatment, chalk powder or crocodile dung as a face whitener and ashes mixed with minerals to make lashes appear longer, especially since it was written that sexually-immoral women lost more eyelashes than her more chaste sister. These products usually came from natural sources that also had medicinal qualities.

The industrial revolution of the last century and the discovery of microscopic particles paved the way for synthetic chemicals that could mimic the effects of their natural counterparts. Rather than crush oyster shells to mask skin imperfections, chemists discovered ingredients, such as zinc oxide and zinc stearate, that could be created in a lab at a fraction of the cost.

However, because these chemicals were man-made, they needed to be tested to ensure that women who used them would not suffer blindness, disfigurement or other conditions adverse to traditional beauty. Enter Peter Cottontail and his friends.

Animals have been used for centuries to test the beneficial and detrimental effects of various medical treatments, hence the term, “guinea pig” to signify someone willing to try out an unknown substance or practice. Shortly after a U.S. woman was blinded while using an eyelash darkener, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration enacted the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in 1938.

Cosmetics companies around the world began using mice, rats, guinea pigs and other animals to test the safety of their products. Researchers routinely doused, injected and painted animals with chemicals to watch for signs of allergies, burns, convulsions or worse. When animal rights’ groups saw the torture—and often death—these animals endured for vanity’s sake, they began to protest for the prevention of cruelty to helpless creatures.

Today, many cosmetics companies do not test on animals. While these companies are lauded, critics argue that most of the ingredients in cosmetics have already been tested on animals, so further testing is unnecessary. Regardless, because of the technology available today, testing potentially-harmful chemicals on animals is no longer a necessary evil to be endured. The European Union has banned all cosmetics-related animal testing as of 2009. Cruelty-free products are plentiful, safe and affordable and make for a more humane decision.

By Jane Lee

Inspired by preppy classics with a twist, Tommy Hilfiger launches two new scents exclusively at The Perfume Shop. Eau de Prep Tommy Girl and Eau de Prep Tommy, are classic yet cheeky new editions of the iconic Tommy Girl and Tommy scents that we all know and love. These preppy aromas launch exclusively online and in stores nationwide at The Perfume Shop from 14th May.

Eau de prep Tommy Girl is a girl’s perfect accessory, with a burst of pink peppercorn, hints of green apple and warming delights of violet leaves this scent is the ultimate summer must have. The heart carries feminine twists of white rose, nestled with sandalwood, hawthorn and musk. Encapsulated in a simple glass bottle with golden inscriptions and cap all wrapped up in a vivid red box, the iconic scent simply completes her look.

Eau de Prep Tommy is very similar to the female counterpart, a preppy take on the iconic classic with a twist. Opening with a blast of bold red grapefruit, wild clary sage and passionate granadilla, this cologne is confidence in a bottle. The heart beats with Egyptian geranium, white pepper with a splash of tonic and lavender absolute. Its final notes are completed with a rich amber, oak moss and sophisticated white suede. It’s captured in a masculine glass bottle and wrapped up in a dark navy box finished with the iconic Tommy Hilfiger emblem.

Eau de Prep Tommy Hilfiger

This is most definitely one that I’m dying to get my hands on right now and am debating purchasing the men’s version for my other half. I don’t very often do the whole ‘matching fragrances’ thing but these are just too cute not to try out!

The whole fragrance release makes me think of Gossip Girl and the likes of Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass. A look that is really trending right now, so I think that Tommy Hilfiger may have come up trumps with this hot new perfume.

You could wear it with some cute flat summer pumps, a light fitting top and some casual shirts (finished off with a cute blazer) and I think you’d be right along the lines that this brand were thinking when they released this scent.

Steven By Steve Madden Flats - Eternnal Pointy

These simple and chic black Steve Madden flats would work really well to create a preppy look to compliment your new fragrance.

Blair Waldorf herself would be proud, girls! Now all you need to do is seek out your very own rich and handsome Chuck Bass to complete the look. Good luck and let us know if you find him!

By Rebecca Bowden

Since beautiful comes from both the inside and the outside, you naturally want to take care with what you put in your body. But what about what you put on your body? From perfume and deodorant, to lipstick and moisturizer, your body absorbs the chemicals in your makeup through your pores, through inhalation, and by consuming products that you use on your lips.

According to geneticist David Suzuki, co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation, avoiding the “Dirty Dozen”—the most toxic chemicals found in cosmetics—can help prevent cancer, allergic sensitivities and reproductive issues. The chemicals to avoid include preservatives, such as BHA and BHT, formaldehyde-producing chemicals and parabens, as well as foaming agents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and DEA-related ingredients. Most of these chemicals simply make the product last longer on the shelf and offer little, if any, positive benefits.

Many chemicals can cause an allergic reaction, including redness, swelling and blotchy skin. Others can cause acne, eczema or other skin sensitivities. Most of these chemical also find their way into the water supply and can contaminate other plant life.

Photo Courtesy of David Shankbone 'Julianne Moore'

Health-conscious beauties, including ravishing redhead Julianne Moore and international beauty Cate Blanchett, opt for cosmetics that combine natural herbs, vitamins, enzymes and botanicals rather than a laundry list of chemical alphanumeric tongue twisters. Stars shine brighter with natural mineral cosmetics, pure, plant-based moisturizers and anti-aging products that naturally reveal smoother, clearer skin.

The use of chemical cosmetics has made headline news in recent years. A 2007 ABC News report warned of the dangers that models and others in the entertainment industry face by using cosmetics that contained phthalates, a chemical linked to possible birth defects. The Environmental Working Group is a grass-roots watchdog organization that hopes to inform the public about the dangers of some of the chemicals in today’s cosmetic products. According to the EWG, just because you can buy it in a store doesn’t mean it’s safe.

To prevent health risks, choose cosmetics with ingredients you recognize and can pronounce. Choose products from companies dedicated to your health and not just their own bottom line. In the end, you’ll feel as beautiful as you look.

By Viola Horne