MOJO - Men & Women

The latest and greatest trend in cosmetics appears to be Foundation Powders. Every major cosmetic company is marketing the line that their product has miraculous powers. From improving acne to preventing clogged pores and moisturizing.

The truth is that Mineral Foundation Powders are just an alternative to the traditional cream or liquid foundations. They do not have therapeutic value nor can such a claim be made as Mineral Powders are cosmetics.

As for claims they are 'natural', again Mineral Foundations fail to live up to close inspection.

Firstly: Most natural minerals may contain traces of toxic impurities, so, for this reason, they undergo a chemical process of purification to make them safe to use on the skin as a cosmetic. After this process, the 'natural' description is ambiguous.

Secondly: Any product can be called a mineral make-up if it contains minerals as the main ingredient. The remainder of the product is likely to be a concoction of synthetic chemicals. A number of manufactures include vitamins, antioxidants and even green tea as therapeutic ingredients, these are in such small quantities, they are unlikely to be of benefit to the user.

Titanium dioxide the main ingredient in mineral foundation and to a lesser degree, zinc oxide, is white or opaque, but is ground down to 10 microns or less, known as 'nanoparticles' for the purpose of make-up.

What is of real concern is the inclusion of 'nanoparticles'. Now used in many skin care products, from sun screens to cosmetics and including mineral foundations. These minuscule particles are a greater risk of absorption through the skin, but in the case of Mineral Foundations, they can be inhaled and dusted into the nose, where they can be inhaled, and into the eyes.

While the increasing use of nanoparticles in skin care bounds ahead, safety studies and research into this new technology is falling behind. Some experts are concerned about the long term effects on the body from exposure to nanoparticles. Studies have shown that nanoparticles produce free radicals, cause cell toxicity as well as damage the DNA when exposed to UV light.

Manufactures are not obliged to list nanoparticles on the labels of their products. The only way the consumer can be sure to avoid them is to approach the manufacturer directly.

Among the other ingredients in mineral foundation powders, bismuth oxychloride, found to be an eye and skin irritant in some trials may be on the ingredients list. This synthetic chemical adds bulk to the powder; it gives sheen to camouflage lines and small discolorations on the skin.

Bismuth oxychloride is a by-product of lead, copper and tin refining, it is further refined with water and chloride. Too big a price to pay to make a facial powder feel silky!

The bio-chemists' rule of thumb, by law, is to list the ingredients in descending order - the largest amounts to the smallest. This list is often so long, there needs to be an insert in the packaging as all the contents won't fit on the bottle or container! The consumer invariably discards this information after purchase, making it difficult to check the product content at a later date.

The best advice when choosing a Mineral Foundation Powder, or any skin care products for that matter, is to keep it simple!

Select those products with the least number of ingredients. Avoid fragrance (there can be up to 4000 different elements making up just one fragrance) preservatives and especially bismuth oxychloride.

MOJO - Men & Women

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Mineral makeup is a new cosmetic trend that emphasizes natural health and being eco-friendly by using organic ingredients. Mineral makeup is mostly made up of natural minerals. It does not contain any chemicals, additives, animal byproducts, talc, oil, synthetic fragrances, and other manufactured skin irritants. Mineral makeup is made by pulverizing sterilized minerals into a fine powder that is mixed with natural pigments to produce various shades.

Synthetic ingredients have a negative impact on the skin causing such problems as acne, blackheads, clogged pores, skin irritations, and dry skin. As well, some artificial colors are known as carcinogens. With natural makeup, there is a significantly reduced risk of allergic reactions and acne break outs. The minerals in the makeup consist of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxide. Iron oxide gives color to the makeup. Titanium and zinc are a natural anti-inflammatory, and titanium dioxide is a natural sunscreen and provides an SPF of 15 to 20.

Most mineral foundations consist of a foundation, concealer, powder and sunscreen. It is great for women with sensitive skin as it provides enhanced skin care. Manufactured make-up tends to be heavy on the face and can cake up on the skin. Organic makeup's texture is lighter, more natural, and allows your skin to breathe. It is based on a hypoallergenic loose powder that naturally nourishes and protects the skin.

Mineral makeup does not enhance wrinkles like traditional powders. If you have fine lines, wrinkles, or crow's-feet, the minerals will not accentuate them, but instead, aid in smoothing and covering them up. As well, it is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and ingredients that hydrate the skin and conceal wrinkles. The result is silky, soft, smooth, and healthy skin with a youthful and glowing appearance.

There benefits of wearing organic make over manufactured mass produced makeup are numerous. It does not harm and aggravate the skin with damaging chemicals, oils and chemical additives. As well, it does not obstruct the skin's pores or create a breeding ground for bacteria, and it protects the skin from damaging UVA rays. It provides the wearer with a natural appearance.

Organic makeup is fast becoming the new choice in beauty care as the ingredients benefit the skin. Most women report that wearing mineral makeup feels like they are not wearing any makeup at all. The minerals benefit the skin as they soothe and alleviate itchy, inflamed, red, bruised, and flaking skin. It also cools the skin and promotes quicker healing time. It will not aggravate your skin even if you sleep while wearing it. As well, it is an affordable way to nourish your skin and get the same quality of skin texture as you would in an expensive spa.

Mineral makeup has transformed the cosmetic industry. It used to be only available at chic spas, but now mineral makeup is available to everyone. In the past few years, mineral makeup has become extremely popular with women of all ages. Wearing mineral makeup will make you look and feel fantastic.

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The vast beauty department provides a real treat for any beauty junkie come Christmas, but those looking for the ultimate in winter skincare should stop to enjoy the secluded and luxurious treatment rooms located just off the main floor. The Shiseido facials on offer combine shiatsu pressure points massage with aromatherapy and Japanese hot towels which help unwind tired minds as they work to pamper each of the senses. Targeting individual skin concerns to leave the complexion glowing, plump and beautifully nourished, a Shiseido facial makes for the perfect wind-down after a busy day's Christmas shopping.

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Although adult acne is much more prevalent than is often realised, no matter how clear our skin, most of us come under fire from the occasional blemish from time to time. M Lab's Blemish Control Spot Treatment is a blend of skin-regenerating exfoliators and soothing ingredients that act like a magic wand, reducing redness without leaving the area dry and tight as many blemish products can do. Plus, its huge 82% active ingredients help cleanse pores and keep further breakouts at bay.

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Maybe 50 years ago you would have been called “girly” for being interested in men anti-aging skincare. However, going to a gym and exercising was unheard of back then too.

Times have changed. Men’s awareness has changed too.

Sure, men don’t get desperate and hysterical about aging like women do. Actually, most men get more handsome as they get older. A few wrinkles and lines on a man’s face make him look manly and distinguished. But that’s no excuse to be careless about men’s skincare health. Caring about how your skin looks doesn’t make you less masculine. In the past, society expected men to grow older in silence. But now, manufacturers design product lines exclusively for men.

For a man who’s interested in trying a skincare product, I recommend looking for a facial cream. Hold off on the body lotions for now. Unlike your body, your face is always exposed to the world. You can’t hide it. That’s why it’s particularly important to keep face skin firm and radiant.

Men especially suffer from inflammation and redness of the face. Many men work outside and get frequent sunburns and windburns. And in the winter, men’s skin can become very dry from long hours in the cold.

Another area of concern is under the eyes. Men with demanding, high-stress jobs develop bags wrinkles, and lines. Couple a career with being a family man and it adds up to too little sleep and dark circles under the eyes.

Men anti-aging skincare products come in all kinds. Just like women’s products, a lot of them contain harmful ingredients. As a newbie consumer of men’s skincare cream, be careful.

One ingredient to avoid is called mineral oil. It’s touted as a moisturizer, but what it actually does is coat skin and clog pores. This prevents skin from “breathing”; it also makes it harder for skin to eliminate toxins. On the label, mineral oil also goes by the name: liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, and petrolatum.

On the other hand, one of the best ingredients for men is witch hazel. It soothes skin by reducing inflammation and redness. It’s also beneficial in healing shaving cuts and sunburn.
Witch hazel is essential to any men’s skincare cream.


A smart man looks for ways to improve himself and his lifestyle.

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Intrinsic Aging

Intrinsic (internal) aging is the rate of aging that occurs with the passage of time. It is genetically determined, but influenced to some extent, by diet and lifestyle.

Extrinsic Aging

Extrinsic aging is caused primarily by sun-damage and hence, also called photo-aging. Extrinsic (external) aging is also intrinsic aging compounded by external causes such as air pollution and inflammation caused by harsh detergents, rough treatment, cosmetics and disease processes.

Intrinsic Aging v.s. Extrinsic Aging

To understand the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic aging, you need only look at the skin on you face versus, say, the skin on your hips or your upper thighs. The prime culprit of extrinsic aging? Sun exposure. Most 50 years olds, for example, can easily see the difference in skin that’s been exposed to sunlight for years (such as the skin on their faces, necks, arms, chests and lower legs) and skin that’s been protected by clothing (such as the skin on their buttocks and torsos). The exposed skin is generally more wrinkled and discolored and less taut than the unexposed skin.

As skin aging is divided into intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging accounts for 15% of the changes associated with skin aging whereas extrinsic aging accounts for 85% of the changes.

The Damaging Effect

Extrinsic aging or photo-aging, was until quite recently believed to be a fast-forwarding of intrinsic aging. But differences between the damaging effect of the sun, air pollution and inflammation caused by harsh detergents and rough treatment have emphasized the fact that external elements play a large part in the aging process. Hence, a staggering 85% of skin aging is attributed to sun damage.

UV rays and pollution (including smoking) speed up the aging process because they promote the production of free radicals on the surface of exposed skin, damaging collagen and elastin fibres. The result is a rough, dry skin texture, deep wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and broken veins.

Photo-aging is entirely preventable and since it accounts for 85% of skin aging. The best protection against skin aging is therefore sun-protection.

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KERASTASE has come up with a volumising booster called Volumorphose with active ingredient Intra-Cyclane, the first self-expanding molecule that creates “body” on the inner side of hair fibre.

You can use the booster after your shower, every morning, and enjoy the claim that it gives your hair an instant boost in 20 minutes. You can also prep your hair with a Kerastese Volumactive homecare ritual that involves three steps — a bath, treatment and texturiser.

The Bain Volumactive shampoo can be used for baths to fortify hair strands from the root. The Masque Volumactive gives hair substantial volume. You can then put on the Mousse Volumactive for styling.

• IF you’re looking for organic hair care, you may want to turn to Elianto, which has developed an Organic Olive hair care range, consisting of eight products suitable for dry and oily hair as well as that damaged by perming, colouring and rebonding.

The range does not contain preservatives or anything artificial, only the highest grade of olive oil produced by a cold-press technique under strict standards.

The olives are those grown organically in the Mediterranean region of Spain (the biggest producer of olive oil) and are handpicked to ensure that the environment and trees are not damaged during harvesting.

There are three shampoos in this range, as well as organic Olive Illuminating Conditioner, Olive Essence, Olive Revitalising Serum, Olive Curl Defining Lotion and Olive Hydrating Hair Mask.

• We often wonder if beauty products made in the West are suitable for Asian skin. As the climate in Asia is more humid, our skin condition is prone to be more oily than those living in colder climes.

Swiss Line’s Ageless Purity 24H Total Matte Solution is one range that targets oily skin and is made especially for Asian men and women. The 24H Total Matte Solution also works for problems such as overly shiny skin, open pores or blemishes as it doesn’t only treat the effects of oily skin but also the causes. The fluid contains active ingredients which are said to address oily skin and prevent ageing. This range has the Matte-Detox Complex and pharmaceutical grade extract from an African Tree called Enantia Chlorantha. It also has oleanolic acid and rosemary extract to control sebum production.

Apply the 24H Total Matte Solution on the skin in the morning and evening. It can be used on its own or after application of any Swiss Line product, such as the Refining Glycolic Peel, which includes a gentle two-step exfoliation programme formulated to lift away dead skin cells. It also works to refine pores and skin texture as well as make lines and wrinkles less visible.

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There are ever-increasing number of anti-aging creams available, and while you are reading this sentence, another one has probably been launched. It is, therefore, a huge business for cosmetic companies, because no woman wants to look old.

What an anti-aging cream should do

An anti-aging cream, in theory, should diminish fine lines and wrinkles. It should firm the skin and increase your skin’s elasticity. It should even out your skin tone and texture. It should also help prevent collagen breakdown and help stimulate the growth of new collagen.

Not every anti-aging cream will have all these properties, but whatever you choose to use in your regimen should be effectively tackling these concerns.

The truth of what an anti-aging cream can’t do

They can’t totally eliminate severe wrinkles, creases, and folds, but they can soften their appearance. No OTC cream can completely replace lost volume in the face. 

Ingredients! Ingredients! Ingredients!

Despite many OTC anti-wrinkle creams promising the latest ingredients, many of them are still treating your skin exactly as your mothers did twenty, thirty or forty years ago.

The latest and greatest ingredients and claims so prominently displayed on the latest and ‘greatest’ expensive cream jars are often usually nothing more than cleverly worded promises.

Till now, the only skincare products that have been studied for safety and effectiveness, and are approved by the FDA to treat aging skin, are Retin-A. These are prescription creams and not available OTC. 

So far, there is no OTC anti-wrinkle cream that can legitimately claim to be scientifically proven and FDA approved to treat wrinkles.

When price doesn’t matter

Do note that products with higher prices not necessarily mean more effective, though they generally do mean a product with more higher-grade ingredients.

The importance of ingredients

Nowadays, the latest and superb ingredients and claims so prominently displayed on the latest and ‘miracle’ expensive anti-aging cream jars are usually nothing more than just cleverly worded promises that do not deliver anything. Most of the time, these ‘greatest’ ingredients are just some ordinary ingredients which do not serve the purposes that the products claim to be. 

There are numerous wrinkle creams in the market have misleaded consumers by using ‘innovative’ ingredients which only have hydrating benefits, inflated the claims to eliminate wrinkles.

The ‘right’ percentage to be effective

Do you know that the ingredients which are prominently displayed on the packaging and advertisements, are often present in minuscule quantities in the jar? You’ll probably be asking, ‘why aren’t adequate quantities added to the products?’.

Well, the reason is simple as many of these ingredients are quite expensive. Often, some may feel irritating to the skin and the cosmetic companies may be concerned about high returns.

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If any of these problems are already visible and they bother you, place a check mark next to them. These are the issues to which you might want to consider giving a little extra care, in addition to following a good skin-care regimen and leading a healthy lifestyle. This way, we can fine-tune the precise plan of attack that will be the most effective for you. 

The visible 16 signs of aging

Dryness

The skin’s oil glands reduce their production significantly after about age 30, and the loss continues over the years.

Enlarged pores

Some people are predisposed to having enlarged pores and others are blessed with non-existent pores, but in both cases the loss of the skin’s underlying support system causes them to open up even more with age.

Sun damage/loss of skin tone

Melanocytes begin to burn out when you reach your late 30s and 40s, reducing the skin’s ability to fight sun damage and often causing uneven pigmentation.

Loss of skin elasticity

The loss of collagen and elastin are largely to blame for the appearance of wrinkles, but a lot of dynamic expressions - in the form of smiling, frowning and squinting - contribute as well.

Thinning

At about age 40, the dermis and the skin’s fat layer begin to thin. The process picks up steam after your 50th birthday. The unhappy result: sagging and the loss of the plump, youthful softness. The loss of the fat layer also makes the skin more fragile and likely to abrade.

Frown lines, lines on the forehead and from the nose to the mouth

As the skin ages and collagen breaks down, the skin will yield to the pulling force whenever you smile or frown and develop a wrinkle along the pulling force of the muscle.

Increased healing time

Our healing time begins to increase once we reach our 30s, with epidermal regeneration taking twice as long in our 70s and 80s as it did in our earlier years. The result is not only a dulled complexion, but also a longer wound-healing process.

Loss of firmness

In the dermis, cells called fibroblasts constantly replenish our skin’s supply of collagen and elastin. Fibroblasts lose their ability to function over the years, resulting in the reduction of collagen and elastin.

Broken capillaries

These fine red lines appear most frequently on the cheeks and nose, and they’re due to the proliferation of many tiny broken capillaries.

Dark discolorations/pigmentation spots

Hyperpigmentation is one of the first signs of aging. Sun-induced skin discoloration begins in the late teens and early 20s and get continually worse.

Reduced ability to repair damage

Overall, the body loses its ability to repair free-radical damage, so changes in the cells become more pronounced, accelerating aging.

Wrinkles

At age 30, collagen and elastin start to lose their strength, leaving the skin with some wrinkling.

Loss of fat

It’s the loss of fat under the eyes and in the cheeks that gives rise to a hollowed, aged look.

Eye wrinkles or crow’s-feet

When we reach our late 30s, little folds of soft skin have turned into sharp-edged lines around the eyes. However, once we enter 40s, most of us develop lines around the eyes that remain visible even when our faces are still. 

Sallow, dull or lack of radiance skin

When we’re in our 20s and 30s, our skin exfoliates well even by itself, giving us the pinkish, radiant glow of new skin cells. But as we age, the exfoliating process slows down dramatically. 

Sagging around the jaw and neck

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3) Missha - coverage normal to good, natural look, average to high pricing.

4) Organics - coverage normal to good, average price.

5) BRTC - coverage is good, expensive.

6) Dodo & palgantong - coverage normal to good, cheap.

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