Season

Lead In Lipstick?

Thank goodness for consumer advocacy groups. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 33 red lipsticks, and determined 61% had unsafe levels of lead. Offenders included shades by L’Oreal, Cover Girl, and Dior.

What is the deal with all of the lead in consumer products? Do manufacturers not periodically test for lead content? I mean… how expensive could it possibly be? If the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics can afford it, I’m betting L’Oreal certainly could!

Strangely, I had read about this subject before… where lead in lipstick was quickly dismissed as an urban legend, by the FDA! The FDA claims to test every batch of dye produced by manufacturers. Seems unlikely, based on these findings!

For the MSN article, click HERE.

To read the report by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, click HERE.

All About Brows

Bold and defined… that is the eyebrow of Fall 2007. Think tweezing is all you need? Think again! Products abound to tame, tint, shade, fill and yes–even regrow, your eyebrows this season.

	Borghese Brow Milano Brow Emphasizer works like mascara for the brows. The tinted gel tames brows and ensures they stay in place with a gentle hold that doesn't feel stiff. The subtle tint adds a depth to brow color that pencils just can't achieve. Borghese Brow Milano Brow Emphasizer–available in Brunette, Blond and Clear shades–retails for $20.50 at Borghese.
	Regardless of how thin or thick your brows, the tweezer is a must-have tool. I was proud to introduce many friends to ELF Cosmetics… but one reader turned the tables on me and recommended these tweezers. I bought them due to her rave reviews. These slant tweezers by ELF allow for precise hair removal. How can you beat the $1 price-tag?
	Borghese Linea Perfetta Brow Pencil is excellent for drawing soft, feathery lines to fill sparse areas and define shape. This dual-ended pencil comes complete with a bristle brush for shaping the brow after application. This product retails at Borghese for $19.50
	This portable kit by Chanel contains a tinted wax and powder for molding, filling and finishing brows. It comes complete with one brush for applying powder and wax, and the other to tame them into submission. Chanel's Profesional Brow Duo retails for $35 at Macys.
	Billion Dollar Brows introduced Brow Boost to ensure that even those with over-plucked brows can get in on this Fall's fun. This revolutionary formula was developed to hasten hair growth, and should be applied nightly for one month. I must admit, I didn't test this product. I have outsourced that task, and will get back to you. But Brow Boost testimonials are quite compelling! Brow Boost retails for $19.95.

Like what you just read? Be sure to head to the Raging Rouge Beauty Blog homepage for more makeup reviews, product swatches and beauty news.

Benefit Cosmetics Cupid’s Bow

A friend of mine once demonstrated how highlighting and lowlighting powders could be used to minimize her generously-proportioned nose. Darker powder on each side and highlighter on the bridge gave the illusion of a narrower and straighter nose, with none the wiser!

Benefit’s Cupid’s Bow works in the same way. This product is not about lip-color, it’s about shading and blending light and dark to give the illusion of a fuller pout, minus the irritating plumping agents. The highlighter should be applied directly between the peaks of the top lip-line, and blended with the provided brush. The darker shade should be applied in the center of the lower lip, and blended with the provided smudge-stick. Top off with a beige-mauve shade of lipstick or gloss and voila! Your lips appear fuller and utterly kissable. Bravo Benefit!

Don’t worry if this process seems intricate! Cupid’s Bow comes with a handy guide that illustrates exactly how to use this clever lip shaping set!

Cupid’s Bow retails for $28 at Benefit Cosmetics.

Jelly Pong Pong Venus Magical Pearls

Metallics are still very much the rage, and Jelly Pong Pong Venus Magical Pearls are such an easy way to look sparkling and sexy this Fall and Winter.

Jelly Pong Pong’s Venus pearls in the shade Goddess Skin are tiny bronze spheres of powder encased in a shell-like white jar. Designed to be applied with your fingertips, you should dip fingers in and brush over your cheeks, then use fingers to crush the spheres (to get a deser coverage for the eyes). I love the creative application process, but it’s the shimmering powder that is the true star! This warm-bronze shade is all you need to dress your eyes and cheeks for a night out. It even appears to have a bit of a red shimmer.

Jelly Pong Pong’s Venus Pearls in Goddess Skin retail for £15 or $20 at Jelly Pong Pong, and can also be found at fine beauty retailers.

Dr. Bragi Marine Enzyme Intensive Treatment Mask

My husband jokingly called me Hannibal Lecter, but I actually felt more like “Jason” from the Friday the 13th movies while wearing Dr. Bragi’s Marine Enzyme Intensive Treatment Mask.

Dr. Bragi’s Marine Enzyme mask makes masquing easy. It’s a pre-saturated white cloth, complete with cutouts for the eyes, nose and lips (Friday the 13th Hockey Mask style). Gently press it to the facial skin and relax for 15 minutes. Remove and rub in the excess moisture. That’s it! I loved how easy this product made it for me to sneak in some “me” time. No prep time needed, no rinsing needed!

This mask moisturizes using a glycerol and sorbitol formula, locking water molecules inside the skin. It also promotes collagen production to minimize fine lines. The day after I used this mask, my skin looked more hydrated and more radiant. That was after only one treatment!

Dr. Bragi products are available at Bliss Spas. The Intensive Treatment Mask retails for $20. For more information, be sure to head over to Dr. Bragi’s website!