Indie Brand Causes a Huge Safety Controversy


Updated 09/09/11 5:56 PM · Posted by · 16 comments

Glittersniffer Cosmetics Causes a Cosmetics Safety Controversy

Major beauty drama is going down in Michigan: an indie cosmetics brand Glittersniffer is being accused of using unsafe ingredients in its eye makeup. Glittersniffer proprietor Lela Warren, who does not have formal training in cosmetics formulation, is under fire for using non-FDA approved soap dyes — which can lead to irritation and even blindness — in the brand's vividly hued eye shadows. Read more

EU Commission Finds Parabens (Mostly) Safe


Updated 12/22/10 3:19 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

EU Committee Thinks Parabens May Be Safe

Over the last few years, there's been a lot of back and forth about parabens, especially their possible effects as reproductive hormone disruptors. Now, the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has released an opinion suggesting that, according to the available data, "systemic exposure from typical cosmetic use scenarios will be negligible." The committee found that, at least with Read more

Botox, Unsurprisingly, May Cause Muscle Sag


Updated 12/06/10 10:35 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

Botox May Cause Muscles to Waste Into Fat 2010-12-06 12:01:53

If you're getting Botox or Dysport in your forehead, you could also be losing muscle in your arms or legs, leading to sag not unlike these adorable Shar Peis. Doctors have long been aware that one of botulinum toxin's side effects is muscle wasting; after all, when you paralyze a muscle to keep it from wrinkling, it begins to weaken and atrophy very quickly. Apparently new, however, are findings Read more

Biggest Headlines of 2010: Abercrombie Stinks?!


Updated 11/07/11 2:51 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

The Biggest Headlines of 2010: Abercrombie & Fitch's Smelly Scent Machines

For years, some people have been grumbling about the heavy clouds of fragrance that Abercrombie & Fitch pumps through its stores, but this October, activist group Teens Going Green actually decided to protest. The group objected to A&F's in-store use of their Fierce fragrance on the grounds that "Abercrombie & Fitch customers are unknowingly being exposed to harmful chemicals by Read more

Biggest Headlines of 2010: The Keratin Straightening Controversy


Updated 12/03/10 5:11 AM · Posted by · 5 comments

Biggest Headlines of 2010: The Keratin Straightening Controversy

Trouble for a popular hair straightening treatment, the Brazilian Blowout, started brewing back in September when Oregon's OSHA released alarming results of its study. While Brazilian Blowout products are advertised as formaldehyde-free, OSHA found higher-than-allowable percentages of the toxin in all samples tested. A similar study by the Canadian government also concluded the solution had Read more

California Sues Makers of Controversial Brazilian Blowout


Updated 11/16/10 4:42 PM · Posted by · 3 comments

State of California Sues Brazilian Blowout

On Wednesday, the state of California filed a complaint against GIB LLC, the maker of Brazilian Blowout, saying that the company failed to warn both stylists and customers that the product contained formaldehyde. The state's asking that Brazilian Blowout remove anything on the brand's advertising, packaging, and website declaring that the products are "formaldehyde-free" and "safe." This comes Read more

Nail Salons Are Getting a Whole Lot Safer


Updated 11/12/10 9:00 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

More Nail Salons Across the Country Getting a Whole Lot Safer

Concerned for the safety of the public, and especially for nail technicians, many city and state governments across the country are showing greater interest in nail salon safety standards. In San Francisco, for instance, the recently passed Healthy Nail Salon Recognition ordinance calls for the city to identify salons that use toluene-, DBP-, and formaldehyde-free polishes (three free). In New Read more

Three Tips For Avoiding Eyeliner-Related Injuries


Updated 11/04/10 11:33 AM · Posted by · 4 comments

Tips For Avoiding Injuring Your Eyes With Eyeliner

Hi gang, an extremely rueful Blondie Bella here. After a weekend of Halloween revelry, I'm currently laid up at home with a corneal abrasion. Apparently, all the Taylor Momsen glittery black eyeliner I kept rubbing on was seriously scratchy, despite its claims to the contrary, and got stuck under my contacts. I feel like a huge stereotype (I mean, a beauty editor scratching her own eye out with Read more

Abercrombie and Fitch Protested For Emitting Fierce Fumes


Updated 11/07/11 2:51 PM · Posted by · 15 comments

Is Abercrombie and Fitch's Pumping Fragrance Into the Air Safe?

The majority of you said you were tired of stores pumping perfumes into the air — particularly Abercrombie and Fitch. Now, Teens Turning Green, a student-led group advocating the elimination of harmful substances, isn't going to take it anymore. Today at Abercrombie's flagship location on 5th Avenue in New York, the organization plans to stage a protest, claiming that the combination of Read more

Would You Get a Brazilian Blowout?


Updated 10/30/10 11:41 PM · Posted by BellaSugar · 17 comments

Would You Try the Brazilian Blowout Despite Health Risks?

Curly-haired women who prefer straight and sleek styles will often go the distance to extend the life of their flat-ironed hair. Chemical straightening, a more permanent option, can help with the convenience of maintaining the sleek look — but at what price? Despite Oregon's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's recent report that the popular Brazilian Blowout contains 10.6 percent Read more