Primer Perfection

Foundation primer can smooth out your skin so foundation can be applied with ease to create a perfect complexion. As we attend all these wonderful holiday festivities, who wouldn't want a perfect complexion?

Well here are some pros and cons when it comes to primer, not all skin types and primers are created equal!

Pros:

• Oily skin usually fairs better with a primer. The primer creates a barrier between the oil and the skin, so your makeup doesn't absorb into your skin. It will stay fresh a lot longer.
• Dry skin also benefits from primer. The primer can cover those dry patches that your foundation can settle into.

Cons:

• Not all primers and foundations mix well together.
  
• If you already have smooth and healthy skin (lucky you!!!) you do not need a primer
• Some sensitive skin may actually be slightly irritated by a primer
• When other makeup doesn't mix well with the primer, it can ball up or peel. If that happens, chances are you'll have to wash everything off and start again.

The best thing to do is try out your primer a couple of days before any special event so you can anticipate any problems.

Got a great holiday beauty tip? Let us know...............

My lipstick has what???

Recently, the FDA conducted a study on the levels of lead in lipsticks. In 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) conducted one as well. The new FDA study found lead levels in all 20 lipsticks they tested and the lead levels were 4 times higher than the CSC test.

Lead in your lipstick is an extreme health concern, think about how many times a day you reapply your lipstick or lip gloss. Some reports state that we consume 4 to 9 pounds of lipstick in our lifetime.

Not all lipsticks are created equal. In the CSC test, 39 percent of lipsticks were lead-free, so there is no need for lead in lipsticks.

So check you labels and make sure you buy products with complete ingredient lists. Always know what you are putting in your body and on your skin.

Got any great lead-free lipsticks we need? Let us know...............

Keep Jack Frost from nipping at your hair

With the onset of every season, our skin and hair must adapt to the changes in weather. Now that the fall is here and winter is slowly approaching, it is time to tweak your hair care routine to keep Jack Frost from ruining your winter do.

In Dry Skin - Ten Best Quick Fixes, we got the skin covered, now here are some tips to keep your hair moisturized:

• Use a thick, moisturizing conditioner that is made specifically for your hair type (thick, thin, curly, straight, etc). They are made that way for a reason. Some ultra-moisturizing conditioners may be too heavy for thin hair.
• Go easy on the blow dryer. Towel drying hair is always the best way to keep heat-damage at bay. You can still use it in the final styling process but don't start with completely wet hair.
  
• Use hair-specific masks, serums and oils to lock moisture in at least once a week. Try to use all-natural but if you can't, make sure it is alcohol-free.
• Always use alcohol-free products when styling your hair. They will make your hair feel drier.
• And, just like with your skin, avoid those hot showers. When your hair is hit with hot water, the follicles open and the moisture escapes quicker.
  

Let us know of any great hair treatments you know?

Indonesia, just a bathtub away

Indonesia is full of ancient beauty secrets just now making their way over to us. One ancient hour-long ritual, boreh, is quite easy to achieve in your own home.

Not only is the boreh an amazing, moisturizing skin treatment, it is relatively inexpensive. Although, you might have to go to a specialty grocery store to find some of the ingredients, it is well worth the trip.

For your own Indonesian beauty ritual, try out the following boreh:

What you need:

• Soft music (try some traditional Indonesian to set the mood)
• Incense
• Flower Petals
• Borah spice past (recipe bellow)
• Ginger or coconut massage oil
• Fresh grated ginger root, steeped in hot water

Boreh

• 4 tsp. sandalwood powder
• 2 tsp. whole cloves
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. coriander
• 1-2 tsp. rice powder
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1 tsp. ginger spice oil
• 1 tsp. galangal water (place shredded galangal root and water and let soak over night, then strain the water)
• Grind together the first 7 using a motor and pestle. Add the ginger spice and water to make a thick paste. Add more rice powder if the paste is to hot on your skin.

For your beauty ritual:

1. Draw a warm bath with the flower petals.
2. Apply the boreh paste with your hands, using a thin layer across your body.
   
3. Wrap up in a towel and relax for 20 minutes.
4. Slip into the warm bath and stay as long you like and sip on your ginger root tea. (make sure the water stays warm)
5. After the bath, massage oil into your body starting at the feet and moving up.
   

Beauty in your fridge

In today's fluctuating market, people are cutting back on some of the things we use to feel were a mandatory accessory in life. Throughout the week, Scandle will be letting you in on some kitchen cures for your skin that are easy on the wallet and easy on time. So before you clean out the refrigerator, take a second look at these great skin cures:

• Strawberries

Strawberries can be used to condition and tone any skin type. One way to help lighten pigmentation problems and keep you skin smooth is to mash up some strawberries and use them as an astringent or cleansing mask.

• Carrots

If you have oily or acne prone skin, this vitamin A packed vege is you new best friend. Carrots have proven to be as effective at dealing with acne as retinoids.

To make a cooked carrot mask, boil three large carrots and mash or blend them. Add five tablespoons of honey. Apply lightly in an upward motion and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Got any Scandle-ous do-it-yourself beauty tips and products, tell us.

Natural products aren't just for the big kids anymore

Baby care is one of the fastest growing sectors of the cosmetics and toiletries industry. But questions over the safety of a number of cosmetic ingredients, such as parabens, phthalates and triclosan have made headlines over the negative effects research is starting to show.

Expectant mothers and parents of new-borns are now searching for personnel care products free from certain chemicals and synthetic colors, fragrances and dyes. Particularly because of the rise in levels of some chemicals in products. These chemicals, combined with the environmental changes, some studies suggest, have become significant factors in the rising rates of baby allergies.

Growth opportunities for baby care, particularly within the natural category, are steadily on the rise. But, with great opportunity comes strict scrutiny. Just like the big girls cosmetic industry, consumers must be wary of the "natural" or "organic" stamp on personnel care. Here are some tips that work for baby as well as mommy, when selecting personnel care items:

• MUST be paraben-free
• NO phthalates or triclosan
• Contains natural scents (Shea butter, essential oils) not synthetic fragrances
• The product must not be created, processed or form from synthetic solvent extraction, synthetic additions or hydrogenation
• All products and ingredients should be derived from nature, free of chemical processing.
  

Scandle Candles are paraben-free and all ingredients are FDA approved including: high grade cosmetic soy butter, Shea butter, jojoba, vitamin E, and body safe fragrances or essential oils.

Do you know of any scandle-ous natural baby products or even some Mommy can enjoy? Do tell.

Niche, Natural Beauty

There is a new trend emerging in the European beauty markets that without a doubt will have its effects on the U.S. soon.

The mainstreaming of the European natural cosmetics market is leading new developers and existing suppliers to develop beauty products for specific, niche consumer segments.

New natural products have been introduced especially for babies and children, teenagers and men. The natural beauty market has definitely taken hold of the European market and now producers are branching out into professional applications like anti-aging and skin therapy.

But, just because a beauty product is labeled "natural" does not mean it is the real deal. While this new trend is great for true natural beauty products, until regulations catch up with the movement, it is always important to understand what "natural" means.

Always read your labels. Scandle is made from 100% natural and vegan products.

If you have found any great new natural beauty products, please share with us.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's beauty myth countdown.

Myth #5:

The higher the SPF (skin protection factor) rating, the higher the rate of protection.

Truth:

SPF ratings, soon to be revised by the FDA, only provide protection from UVB rays. Our skin needs sun protection that has chemical and physical blockers, plus antioxidants. Below are some of the requirements and ingredients you should make sure your sunscreen contains:

• Select a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB
• Choose a sunscreen that includes a good level (around 4% to 5% or more) of zinc oxide (also called micronized zinc), or titanium dioxide, or Parsol 1789 (also called avobenzone) among the list of active ingredients
• Choose a sunscreen with a SPF 30 rating or higher – this is the minimum level now recommended by most dermatologists across America. (But do not base your sunscreen only on SPF ratings, if they do not meat the other requirements, they provide a false sense of security)
• Determine the activity you will be doing for the day and apply a product that will meet the task. (Water activities mean you should use a waterproof sunscreen; sports use a sweat resistant sunscreen)
• Always choose a sunscreen that feels good on your skin – so you will be comfortable wearing it every day.

Sunscreen needs to be reapplies every 90-120 minutes when outdoors or in the water, even if you have a specific sunscreen designed for it.

Enjoy your summer fun now but protect your skin for the future.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown

Myth# 8:

Natural and organic products are always better.

Truth:
Consumer beware!! Many natural and organic products are not what they appear. More often than not, active ingredients have to be synthesized to be bioavailable and efficacious. Some synthetic compounds can actually be identical to those found in nature and can be more effective. Just because something says organic does not mean it is better for you skin than something that is not.

Not all chemicals are bad, but not all natural or organic ingredients are good.

Scandle Candles are always made from the best ingredients nature has to offer, such as: shea butter, vitamin E and is free from paraffin and petroleum.

Always do you research when you come across a natural or organic product. Not everything is a promising as it sounds.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown

Myth #11:

Mineral Oil is comedogenic.
Truth:

Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is not comedogenic. The myth is based on the idea that industrial-grade mineral oil and lubricants are the same as those used in cosmetic products. Medicinal white mineral oil has met with stringent safety standards.

It is important to remember that, while water alone cannot remove sebum plugs in the follicles, an oil-based product is needed but not all oils are created equal.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown

Myth #12:

Preservatives in skin care are bad.

Truth:

Preservatives help stop the growth of bacteria that can clog pores or create redness. The bacteria, fungi and other organisms can also deteriorate a product's effectiveness and spoil the product. However, parabens do raise a concern now that some research has been conducted. Some studies show topical application of parabens can lead to harmful accumulations.

All Scandle Candles are paraben-free.


Scandle in the news:

Check out Elke Von Freudenberg Blog for a great review of Scandle.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown

Myth #13:

Packaging is not important

Truth:

Great packaging of a skin care product is essential in providing protection for the efficiency of its ingredients. Products packaged in wide-mouth jars, transparent containers and pumps that are not airless all pose potential problems in keeping ingredients safe and potent.

Sustainable packaging is also an important element of beauty packaging. The difference with sustainable packaging is products packaged this way:

1. Are beneficial, safe & healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle;
2. Meet market criteria for performance and cost;
3. Maximize the use of renewable or recycled source materials;
4. Are manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices

Scandle uses sustainable packaging throughout our line.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown.

Myth #14:

Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne.

Truth:

Eating chocolate does not cause acne. Some individuals may be allergic to certain foods and that can cause your skin to break out. The root of all skin problems come from hormonal factors, bacteria and clogged skin cells. Remember though, stress can enhance acne.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown.

Myth #15:

Blackheads are caused by improperly cleansed skin.

Truth:

Blackheads are caused by clogged pores not dirty pores. Excessive or harsh scrubbing can irritate the already sensitive skin around blackheads, causing even more inflammation of the skin.

Blackheads are often caused by the buildup of dirt, oil, and dry and dead skin cells. All of which need to be removed, not scrubbed away. The best products for the treatment of blackheads are ones that dissolves sebum, the oily build up that causes most blackheads.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown.

Myth #16:

Drying problematic or oily skin clears up acne.

Truth:

The goal of any skin care routine should be to keep the skin balanced. When using overly-drying products, the skin goes into oil producing overdrive. Even with problematic acne or oily skin, one should always use drying products sparingly and use a light, water-based moisturizer to control any unwanted shine.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown.

Myth #17:

Getting a base tan before going on a vacation prevents a sun burn.

Truth:

Any unprotected sun exposure is a scar, that includes tanning. There is no such thing as a healthy, safe tan. Self-tanners are the only way to obtain a healthy, scar-free tan.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown.

Myth #18:

All sun damage to the skin occurs before 18 years of age.

Truth:

Sun damage is a continuous cycle that occurs throughout a persons life. New studies have actually shown that less than half of your total sun skin damage happens before you turn 18. It is never too late to start protected your skin. Even in the winter it is important to use a moisturizer and/or cosmetic that contains sunscreen.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown.


Myth #20:

Antioxidants reverse wrinkles.

Truth:

Antioxidants are great for the body and the skin because they fight free radical formation. They can and will, if taken regularly, prevent skin damage.
But,

• Antioxidants can not eliminate wrinkles or other effects of aging simply because growing old is a natural process of life.
• Skin thickness increases with age, while skin elasticity decreases; this can not be avoided.
• Merely taking antioxidant supplements will not correct the loss of skin elasticity or make the facial skin look younger.
• Supplements of antioxidants will not replace a deficiency of iron or other vitamins.

Do not buy a product just because it boasts it will eliminate your already formed wrinkles and lines. It may decrease the look slightly but it cannot remove established lines.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown.

Myth #21:

Skin damage and signs of aging can be repaired quickly.

Truth:

If the new, "it" product sounds too good to be true, chances are its claims are false. Skin damage does not happen overnight or even over weeks. It cannot be magically repaired in a couple of days.

On average most people have at least three skin cycles--a cycle can be range from 21-40 days--depending on age. Your skin needs those three cycles before any results will be visible. That's at least 3 months.

Be cautious of any product that boasts about dramatically different skin within days.

Scandle launches Affiliate Program

On Monday, Scandle Body Candle announced the new Affiliate Program.

This new program allows online retailers to make money selling Scandle's unique line of spa candles and spa products by utilizing their existing online traffic.

The program is simple and easy to use:

• New members sign up and obtain their unique URL here.
• Once your Scandle URL is embedded on your Web site and a visitor clicks through to purchase products at Scandle's website, Scandle will automatically track the sale and provide the affiliate member with 10% commission on that sale.
• Commissions will be paid out by Scandle on a monthly basis once your account has $25.00.
• The affiliate program also offers members the ability to track their account balances and statistics 24 hours/7 days a week through an online account management portal.

For more info be sure to read Scandle's press release and to become an affiliate sign up here.