The Secret to Finding Discontinued Beauty Products

“Every year, countless beauty products are discontinued. There are any number of reasons - declining sales, ingredients used to make the product are no longer available, or the company simply wants to make room for a “newer, better” product. Whatever the reason - women can be desperate to find their favorite.

“Women, they love makeup and when they find something that works for them they just want to stay with it, they want to work with it,” said makeup artist, Jenny Alves.

Our partners at Consumer Reports Magazine say just because a product is off store shelves doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Lisa Lee Freeman of Consumer Reports says, “Many companies offer their discontinued beauty products to consumers. What you need to do is call the customer service department or visit the company’s Web site.”

For instance, Estée Lauder sells discontinued products for many companies, including Clinique, M.A.C., and Origins. Looking for an Almay, Revlon, or Ultima II product? Consumer Reports ShopSmart says try cosmeticsandmore.com.

Then there’s beautyencounter.com, which proclaims you can “call off the search party” if you’re looking for hard-to-find products, including ones from Max Factor and Neutrogena.

If all else fails, try threecustom.com. The site has 9,000 different makeup shades, some dating back to the 1930s. You can also use the site’s custom blending service. Simply send in your old discontinued makeup and they’ll reproduce it for you.

Finally, you’ll find loads of discontinued cosmetics on eBay. But be careful: there’s no way to know if the product has been stored properly…or has been used or gone bad.”

Full Article via wcpo.com

The 14 Golden Rules for Beautiful Nails

DO’S
1. Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes; and cotton gloves while doing housework, cleaning, or gardening.
2. Use a cuticle remover before taking a shower or washing your hair.
3. Use an enamel remover every two weeks, rather than weekly.
4. Use a very soft nail brush every night, and right after enamel removal.
5. Use a nail oil once or twice a day, and invest in a good hand lotion.
6. Use a knife to open packages.
7. Use the side of your forefinger to open car doors, not your fingertips!Tip: Head to your local health store and pick up a Hair, Skin, & Nails growth supplement. These products help in promoting growth and strength for brittle and thin nails.

DON’TS
1. Don’t use a remover with oil in it.
2. Don’t pick your nails to clean them, use a nail brush and nail oil instead.
3. Don’t file on the sides of your nails, this makes them more prone to breaking.
4. Don’t use your nails as tools.
5. Don’t bite or chew on them either, to nix the habit, keep a polish on at all times.
6. Don’t forget to invest in a good clear polish that encourages growth and strength, apply this each night.
7. Don’t neglect your nails! Healthy looking nails add a lot to your physical hygiene appearance. Keep them clean and groomed!

411: Hair Care Tips

BE YOU
Hair is like an accessory, you can express yourself however you would like through your hair. A common mistake many make is the actual color of their hair. You can still have a bright, vibrant, color but also go for a natural look. Don’t pair platinum hair with chocolate skin, or black hair with snow-white skin. Both are too drastic and extremely unnatural. Bring out your beauty rather than distract and place all of the attention on your hair.

Avoid trendy styles or looking like a clone. Please ladies, pass on the whole skunk look, it’s not pretty, it’s harsh and severely overdone. If you want to get your hair colored, consult a professional with a good reputation. Also, if you see a woman whose hair you love, ask her who does it! Don’t be timid; you’ll be happy you did when you get a cut & color you love! Always use complimentary colors and cuts according to your skin tone and facial shape.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR
There are dozens and dozens of products on the market for hair care these days, the issue is finding the correct product for you. A must for all women is a great hydrating shampoo, a leave in conditioner, regular conditioning treatment, and a good gel/de-frizz/shine product. If you have the correct products, they will do wonders for your hair.

You should follow the rule of washing every third day, or if your hair is oily, every other day. Along with that, be careful with using too many heated products – including curling irons, flat irons, curlers, and blow dryers. With excessive use, they will break down your hair’s strength and leave it lifeless, brittle, and prone to breakage.

IF YOU HAVE COLORED HAIR, LISTEN UP!
Having colored hair can definitely require maintenance. These tips will help you make your color last and maintain its vibrancy.

1. When looking for products to use on colored hair, avoid shampoo and conditioners that contain wax. Wax strips the hair of color!

2. As with uncolored hair, wash 1-2 a week, 3 times if you have oily hair. Washing less allows your color to stay longer and maintain its brightness.

3. The first week after you get your color done, don’t have your sunroof open and beaming down on your head, unless you are wearing a hat. The sun can dull the color and even change it, especially for you platinum blondes out there. You will lose your platinum and turn more gold.

Hair Q&A Archive

If you would like us to answer your beauty question, please send us an email at info@maryelise.com.

April 2005
Question: I wash my hair every morning, and I’ve noticed it is often dry and my scalp itchy. Is it possible that I’ve been washing it too often? Cindee V., Kansas City, KS

Answer: Great question! Many women could solve the majority of their hair problems simply by how often they wash their hair. By washing it every day you are stripping the hair follicle of it’s natural and essential oils. There is no need to wash it every day, and as you’ve experienced your hair has become brittle and your scalp dry and itchy as result.

Limit washing to two to three times a week, as your hair acclimates to this process, you will notice the shine and texture increase and your hairs appearance will drastically improve. However, to successfully boost the appearance of your hair overall, you need the right products. Afraid of oily, greasy hair as a result to the limited washing? Don’t be, your hair will adapt and make use of it’s natural oils to supply vibrancy to your hair. Rather than drying out your scalp and forcing your scalp to produce an overload of natural oils, there will be a balance necessary for gorgeous tresses. Mary Elise

February 2005
Question: I’ve heard it’s bad to have a hair dryer on your hair too long, but how long is too long? Kylie H., Maui, HI

Answer: Kylie, the rule is, wait until hair is about 80% dry, then proceed with the hair dryer. To help speed up this process, squeeze your hair dry once you hop out of the shower. Then, flip your hair over, and quickly rub it with a towel for about 15 seconds.

While you’re waiting for it to dry, you could pick out your outfit or apply your make-up. The great trick about waiting until it’s 80% dry, is that your make-up won’t melt off from the extensive heat of the dryer. Always remember, be careful with your hair, it can break and damage very easily, so be attentive to the care you are giving it, at all times. MaryElise

December 2004
Question: Lately I’ve noticed that I’m losing a lot of my hair, whether it be in the shower, when I rake my fingers through my hair, or when I take my hair out of a ponytail, it feels like I’m going bald, and I’m only 23! Losing it in Louisville

August 2004
Question: While in the shower, I make sure to use a great shampoo and conditioner. However, once I get out of the shower, my hair loses that softness almost immediately. What sort of routine should I have for once I’m out of the shower? Debbi H. Providence, RI

Answer: First, find a great leave-in conditioner. Even after conditioning in the shower, your hair needs those additional nutrients and a great product that will seal in the moisture. Spray generously all over hair, from your ends to your roots. Then, gently comb through your hair, working the comb from bottom to top, so you are not tugging on your hair. It’s crucial to be gentle when brushing wet hair so that it does not break or knot up. Never use a brush on freshly washed hair. MaryElise

June 2004
Question: My hair is in horrible condition from coloring it at home for the past few years. I have stopped and am now preparing to seek a professional colorist. I would like to know how often I should be washing my hair? It’s in such bad shape, I feel like it’s hopeless! Julie X. Santa Fe, NM

Answer: No need to worry Julie! Many women have this problem and wonder what the solution is. It’s great that you have stopped and are looking for a professional colorist! When your hair is damaged from excessive coloring, and often times not nearly enough conditioning in conjunction with the coloring, you should only be washing your hair 1-2 a week. Your hair is dry, brittle, and liable to break, you need to conserve the hair’s natural oils and allow it to condition itself. Along with that you should be doing deep conditioning treatments each time you wash your hair. Get a great protein enriched conditioner, and let it sit on your hair while you’re in the shower for about 10 minutes. Keep up with this routine and you’re hair will begin to restore back the strength that it has lost. MaryElise

15 Essential Skin Care Tips

• Put enough on. The recommended application for adequate protection is 35 to 40ml per person per session (a handful). So someone may think they are applying SPF15, say, but if they don’t use the correct amount then it may only be equivalent to SPF8.
• Apply correctly. Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin 30 minutes before exposure to the sun which allows it time to absorb properly.
• Take time out in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm when them sun is strongest, but still apply sun screen because sand, snow, concrete, water or any surface that will reflect, and therefore intensify the sun’s rays. Remember, the sun’s rays are more intense the higher you get in elevation.
• Reapply. Perspiration, exercise, swimming and towel-drying removes sun creams from the skin, so you should reapply after taking part in any of these activities, even if the product is waterproof.
• Everyday use of sun lotions on your face and back of the hands will limit the chances of developing dry leathery skin, wrinkles, mottling and other signs of premature aging and skin cancer.
• Cover up in the sun with loose cotton clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
• Overcast weather still requires sunscreen in summer because 80 per cent of ultra-violet radiation is still present on cloudy days.
• Children and babies need greater protection, so use specially formulated kids ranges with gentler ingredients and higher SPF’s. In general, infants’ skin is much thinner and more sensitive to the sun than adults’ skin, even in individuals with darker complexions. The amount of sunscreen needed depends on how light the child’s complexion is. I would recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for very fair-skinned children. The AAP used to recommend not putting sunscreen on infants under six months of age. This is no longer the case, because the danger from sunburns outweighs the risk of sensitivity to sunscreens.
• Don’t be deceived by wearing white clothing as a way to avoid the sun, in fact, a white cotton t-shirt provides very little protection to the sun’s rays.
• Budget brands are just as effective as the more expensive brands.
• When purchasing sunscreen, select a PABA-free brand with an SPF of at least 15, preferably greater.
• Use sunscreen whenever you expect to be in the sun for thirty minutes or more, and re-apply after swimming.
• Even waterproof sunscreens should be re-applied every 80 minutes or so, after being in the water.
• Make sure effective use of clothing, hats, and other physical barriers to protect the skin from the sun.

Special Thanks to: Dr. Alan Greene MD FAAP (drgreene.com) and The Skin Cancer Foundation.

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