Blogpost 7: Cruelty Free

Cosmetics have been and will always be a part of our daily lives, but how are we sure that these cosmetics are safe for humans? It is first tested to animals to see if they have bad reactions to it, and if it does, alas its not safe for humans. Animal testing started a very long time ago, when people started making cosmetics and medicines, because there was a time when a lot of people died because of infections and intoxication because of using those cosmetics and medicines. Ever since then many companies have started to use animals to tests their new products to ensure that it is safe to use by humans, but now is it still necessary to use these helpless creatures for our advantage? I think not anymore.


According to an article entitled "Do Cosmetic Companies Still Test on Live Animals?" by Jim Bridgeport, The Draize test was devised back in 1944 by U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) toxicologist John Draize to evaluate the risks of normal short-term exposure to new cosmetics and other personal care products. Still used by some companies, the test involves applying a small amount of the substance under study to an animal's eye or skin for several hours, and then observing whether or not irritation occurs over the following week or two. In most cases the animals subjects- usually albino rabbits bred for the lab- are put to death after sometimes maiming and often painful test.

 According to the non-profit organization named National Anti- Vivisection Society (NAVS), The Draize Test causes "extreme discomfort and pain" to the animals involved. In the eye version of the test, rabbits are placed in restraining stocks and their eyelids are held open with clips, in some cases for days at a time, to keep  them from blinking away the test solutions. As for the skin version of the test, animals' fur is shaved and then several layers of skin are removed with sticky tape before technicians apply test substance and cover over the abraded area with plastic sheeting. NAVS reports that either version of the test can cause "intense burning, itching and pain" and can leave subjects "ulcerated and bleeding".

A major protest campaign in the 1980's raised awareness among consumers and within the cosmetics industry about how harsh and inhumane The Draize Test could be for the animal subject. Many cosmetics companies swore off the Draize Test as a result in intervening years, though other similar albeit less draconian forms of animal tests remain prevalent throughout the cosmetics and personal care products industry.

Bridgeport said, "Another reason many companies are moving away from the Draize Test is that considerable information has already been yielded and recorded from past testing. Many companies are taking closer looks at the result of tests done years ago to glean information on how safe similar ingredients in their new products are without having to carry out new tests on new generations of lab animals." this is actually true, why should they test the same products again when they have already been tested before, and they should just use those results as basis for future use. An alternative to animal testing are conducted on cell cultures, human and animal corneas from eye banks, corneal tissue cultures and frozen cornea supplied by hospitals.

According to another article entitled "Animal Testing on Cosmetics" by Harriet Williamson, the ban on testing of cosmetics has been in the pipeline for quite a while. The European Union introduced the first sanction in 2004 and by 2009, and sometime in 2013, it has been made illegal to market any cosmetic products in the EU that have involved animal testing, regardless of where in the world the test were made.

There are big companies from the European Union who wants to sell in the Chinese market, but because China has a legal requirement that cosmetics should be tested before they can be sold, this can only mean that even though the product is from the EU, people might still be supporting a company that tests on animals elsewhere in the world.

Williamson said, "To shop with confidence, choose products with the Leaping Bunny logo, endorsed by Cruelty Free International. These products have passed a stringent standards examination and do not sell products in China." I am very thankful that there are organizations like this that exists, because we need them to help spread an advocacy about how bad animal testing is. People should start using this products with the Leaping Bunny logo as a protest to those cosmetic companies who are still using this inhumane method so they too can realize that what they are doing is wrong.

In my opinion, animal testing should be stopped because, what they are doing is wrong and is very inhumane. Animals are living creatures that should be cared about and loved, and as humans we should help them by not continuing to support those companies who are still in favor of this method. We already have the technology to use to test whether or not a product is safe to use. Companies should start using alternatives that doesn't involve harming any living creature.

Blogpost 6: In Between

Some women uses makeup to help them feel more confident and some women uses makeup to show off their best features, but really, we have our own personal reasons on why we wear makeup. I, for one uses makeup to hide my imperfections and to also help me be more confident about myself. It's not that I don't trust myself enough, my self-confidence is just lacking and somehow wearing makeup really helps me a lot to make me feel more secure about my self.

When it comes to dating, looks always matters. It probably matter to some guys because it's what they first see before they get the chance to talk to the girl. Women really feels insecure about their looks especially when they get to meet some guy for the first time. According to an article "Is Makeup Good or Bad for Your Sexual and Dating Self-Esteem?" by Seth Meyers, dating for women is often made more difficult and more uncomfortable because of the pressure many of them feel to meet a certain standard of attractiveness and thinness. There is this double standard that exist for women in terms of dating.

Meyers said, "I always tell my clients that one of the best ways to get over certain fears or hang-ups is to face the fears head on, in the most direct way possible. Instead of giving those fears and insecurities about attractiveness so much power, I suggest that women consider giving themselves more of a break and challenging some of those societal expectations on a first date." I think this statement is true, women should face their fear that they are lacking on something just because they feel that they are not good enough. When two people are in a relationship, I bet that having the looks doesn't really matter, because as long as both of them gets along well, I think it is enough to make their relationship work. I think being attractive physically is just a bonus in terms of being in a relationship, and it shouldn't be the other way around.

According to another article "Want to be taken seriously ladies? Wear make-up!" by Samhita, women already know that they live in a culture where they are judged by what they look like- they don't need a multi-institution study to tell them that. Just walk down the street the street or into a meeting with or without makeup on, or with a messy hair, or wearing less flattering as opposed to more flattering clothing. Not only will it make a difference on how you are perceived, but most likely on how you perceive yourself. As women, we know all too well the cost of not living up to what we are supposed to look like.

Samhita said, "I don't know that it necessarily matters- we have enough sense to know that it is generally unfair for a woman to be judged for how much makeup she is wearing as opposed to the content of her character. Doesn't take a scientist to figure out that studies like this have a rather unfortunate confirmation bias: that sexism is an inherent state of being." it is very unfair that women gets to be treated this way, by being judged for how much makeup she is wearing rather than what's really important. Wearing a very light makeup can help a lot, it just helps in a way that its not too overpowering. 

I have also read an article entitled "On Men Who Don't Like Women in Makeup" by Emily McCombs, makeup is about enhancing beauty, not covering up ugly. The only person we're obligated to please with what we put on our heads, bodies, or faces is ourselves. Some guys say that they don't like girls who puts on a lot of makeup but once they turn their backs and somehow see a model or an actress, they suddenly change their minds in just a snap. 

McCombs said, "I'm dubious that men have even the slightest idea what they're talking about when they say "no makeup" . I hypothesize that they actually don't know the difference between no makeup and natural makeup." I think it just so happens there are some men that doesn't like their girlfriend wearing makeup or they probably just don't understand why we need it anyway. Women just loves to wear makeup and whatever men say about it, women just don't care because women just can't seem to let it go.

There is nothing wrong with wearing makeup. It shouldn't be a major factor to both parties to argue about, because there is really nothing to argue about. Women just can't keep their hands off their makeup, because makeup is their weapon in this battle against how they are perceived.It's up to her if she wants to wear makeup or be bare-faced.  It really shouldn't matter whether or not a girl wears makeup, it's all about on how she handles herself in front of a guy is what's more important. 

Blogpost 5: Material World

We live in a material world where looks matter. Whatever industry we work in, and however high up we are in the ladder, it always helps build a good impression. Some people think that women wear makeup to seek attention and recognition, but this is not true. There is a huge ratio of working women that wears makeup and there are also some working women that doesn't wear makeup at all. 

According to the article "Up the Career Ladder, Lipstick In Hand" by Catherine Saint Louis, there are some evidence that women feel more confident when wearing makeup, a kind of placebo effect, but it doesn't mean that this should affect on there performance in work. Cosmetics should not be utilized by a woman so she passes a male-dictated standard, but rather, so she can dictate the impression she effects, and feel empowered about it.

Saint Louis said, "The wrong color on a subject may have caused to conclude that women with high-contrasting makeup were more "untrustworthy". People will have a bad reaction if it's not the right color, not the right texture, or if the makeup is not enhancing your natural beauty." high-contrasting makeup means being overdone, this may distract colleagues and think that your not taking work seriously. Women should wear makeup that is appropriate in the work place so it looks like they are serious about working. In beauty, less is often more. Too much makeup can appear as a shield, something you're trying to either hide behind or use to change who you are.

According to another article that I've read entitled "Study: Makeup makes women look competent, trustworthy" by Rina Raphael, positive perception declines as makeup gets heavier. There has been a study funded by Procter and Gamble in which they have carried out some scientist from various organizations. The study was about participants that were given just 250 milliseconds to look at several photos of women in various degrees of makeup- no makeup, natural, professional and glamorous- with the ratings increasing with the amount of beauty product used.  When  those same participants were given time to study the images for a lengthier amount of time, the ratings changed. Instead, for the dramatic makeup looks, people saw them as equally likable and much more attractive and competent, but less trustworthy.

Raphael said, "Makeup can help empower and express a sense of self-worth, but it's not the guiding factor in a woman's image. It comes down to a fine line between confidence and fear or insecurity." this statement is true, some women uses makeup as a mask to hide under their insecurities.  

This is actually one of my many reasons on why I have started to wear makeup. I feel very insecure especially when I'm breaking out and there is a much needed concealing to do. Makeup has really helped me a lot during those unappealing moments. 
                                            
Another article entitled "Mineral Makeup Can Help Boost Confidence"  by Jason Ladock, stated that mineral makeups are made of all natural ingredients that can increase the beauty and freshness of the skin. Many people like using mineral makeup because it is made up of ingredients that are not harmful to the skin, and it can suit any skin type. 

Ladock said, "Other cosmetics products may say that they are natural but some of them still contain chemical. You have to look for products that are trusted and has been in the industry for years to ensure the quality of makeup."  this is actually true, some makeup claims that they are all natural but the truth is there not. Best way to know if your mineral makeup is legit is to ask experts or read reviews about mineral makeups, whether online or by print. If you have very sensitive skin, it is required to the makeup by putting small amount of it on your hand, then wait for a few minutes to see if your skin will produce rashes. Mineral makeup is very useful to a lot of women, because its not only natural but it also helps prevent skin from getting rashes especially for people with sensitive skin. 

During interviews, it is very important to look pleasing because this is one way to show the management that you are capable of being trustworthy. It may also be a way to stand out in the crowd, thus being a step ahead from the competition. I believe that wearing makeup in work helps a lot to boost a woman's confidence in order for her to do well in work but it doesn't mean that the quality of work should depend on whether or not one wears makeup. It is all about how the work is being done. Many women feel very confident if they are wearing makeup because they feel brave enough to face the challenges while in the office. First impression lasts.

Blogpost 4: Minimalist

Wearing full makeup all the time can be quite tiring. One of the trend nowadays is being minimal. Some girls opt to wear less makeup whenever they go out. It is very efficient for a lot of girls to wear minimal makeup because it not only shows the natural beauty of the face but it also keeps them from spending their money and time.

I read a lot of articles about minimalist makeup and according to those articles, the first step to achieve the natural beauty makeup is to have a healthy skin flawless skin. According to the article "Minimalist Approach to Makeup" by Jennifer Blair, to achieve the natural look it is better to use a lightweight tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead of using foundation. A tinted moisturizer or a BB cream is very similar to using foundation but it does a multipurpose job, because it moisturizes and hydrates the face at the same time and it also helps people with uneven skin tone. There are some foundations that are multipurpose, but not all. BB cream also treats blemishes and can also serve as a sunblock.

Blair said, "If you have blemishes, hyper-pigmentation, or other discolorations that need extra coverage, use creamy concealer just on those spots. " not all women have perfectly healthy skin, blemishes comes with the territory whether we like it or not, so using a concealer helps a lot in covering dark spot and blemishes.  Using a concealer to hide unwanted marks helps a lot.

For me, I would rather use a BB cream rather than a foundation for a daily basis, because it is very lightweight and it also gives the same coverage. I only use a foundation on special occasions and whenever I feel to wear a full makeup. It also helps to use a translucent powder but only to areas of the face that tends to be oily.

The next step to achieving the natural look is by using a blusher and bronzer. Using a tinted moisturizer or a BB cream alone can make your face look quite pale and boring. Apply a blusher first then followed by the bronzer. According to the article "Minimal Makeup Tips" by Roxy Johnson, it is a must to know the ideal shade for you so the whole look would not be over done.

Johnson said, "Adding a little blush on the cheekbones is and an optional step you can take to perk up your look. If you opt for blush or bronzer make sure that you apply a very thin layer that is barely visible." I think it is okay to use a blusher and a bronzer to achieve a natural look because it gives that flush look. Applying it lightly is the best way to do it, because if its overdone it throws away the idea of having the natural look.

Defining brows is the next step, according to the article "Makeup tips: The natural beauty, minimal makeup look" by Karen Kwan, strong brows are key to achieving the natural look because it is the key to frame the shape of the face. The brows should be in the same color with the hair or at least one shade darker. There are many types of eye brow shapes, and one way to identify the right type is by the shape of the face.

Kwan said,  "Strong brows are key as they frame your face. You'll want to keep your brows in the same colour range as your hair colour. If you're not used to filling in your brows,starting with an eye shadow one shade lighter until you become more comfortable with the look." for me I use a cream eyebrow filler and a powder eye shadow with the same shade to fill my eyebrows. I find it very helpful to define my brows because it really changes how my face looks. Defining my brows help me get that natural look.

If you do not have the time to patiently define your brows and you have the money to spend, there is one option you can do to have that bold brows, it is by eyebrow tint. Many salons are offering this service for reasonable price. Brow bars also exist, they cater services like eyebrow shaping and eyebrow tinting .

Lastly it is time to finish the natural makeup look by putting on some lip balm or lip tint. Adding a light lip color can go a long way, it helps hydrate the lips all day long.According to the article "Balm It Up" by Christina Caldwell, lip balm can turn tired lips vibrant. You can moisturize also moisturize the lips even when you are already sleeping, after the face washing routine, use a cloth or loofah to exfoliate your lips, ending it with a coat of lip balm. The moisture will sink in overnight, which makes perfect, smooth, soft canvas for whatever color you desire to paint the next day.

Caldwell said, "If your lips are starting to look pale and lifeless, but you're not ready to make the commitment to the hyper-pigmented tones of lip gloss and lipstick, tinted lip balms are a great alternative." Yes! Tinted lip balms exist. It is definitely a perfect alternative for lipstick. It gives that moisturized youthful lips. It also helps protect the lips from the harsh rays of the sun. A lot of lip balms includes SPF protection.

I for one, uses tinted lip balm under the lipstick and I noticed that it gives an all day coat of moisture. I personally Burt's Bees Replenishing Pomegranate tinted lip balm. It just gives my lips a fuller effect and it also feels very soft and hydrated. Sometimes when I don't feel like wearing a lipstick, I use a tinted lip balm. Although the color is not as vibrant as a lipstick, it still gives a natural sheer feeling. Tinted lip balm just gives that natural feeling.

Taking the minimalist approach to beauty means doing more with fewer products to create a beauty regimen to flaunt your finest features. Its very convenient to wear minimal makeup because if you're the kind of girl that's always on the go, and doesn't find time to put on a full makeup, flaunting the natural look is definitely what suits you.