Recalls and Chemicals to look out for

So we all make mistakes right? Yes we do. Even companies make mistakes because they are still run by human beings that make mistakes. So when a recall happens, you hope that your product is safe, or that you can get a proper replacement in a timely manner.

The FDA posts recalls on their website when they are issued for the most part, but what are their regulations? Click right here to view the FDAs policy for cosmetics and their recalls.Unless you are looking for recall information though, how would you know that there is a recall on your product? Take a look at this Avon Recall for a set of their eye shadows for merely mislabeling the containers, and possible color mix ups. This was a letter posted to their site, and sent to all representatives to pass along to their customers. They made a huge effort to make in known. For this Makeup Remover Recall the product was possible contaminated with an organism that causes eye infections, respiratory infections, dermatitis, and other health issues. The information was readily available to anyone looking for it. Even Glittersniffer Cosmetics had a recall, and they posted the information on their website, and their fan page on facebook (originally, it is no longer listed there from what I can see) to let their fan base no about what colors were not eye safe. Sure, maybe all of these recalls haven't reached every customer that purchased or received the item itself, but at least they are trying to get the word out. Sometimes it's hard to reach one time customers, or friends of customers that got the product for a birthday/Christmas/anniversary gift. The moral of this story is, to check online for recalls periodically, especially if you have some type of a reaction to a product. (cosmetic or otherwise)


Now, in today's world, everyone is at least a little concerned about where their product came from and what it's made of. I know that now, I read more labels and ingredient lists then I ever thought I would. Now, some people don't have the time to go hunting all over the internet for information on if their product is safe. I found a website called Natural Skin Authority which has a chemical list of common things used in cosmetics, hair products, and skin care products that you should watch out for. Now, not all of these are a "never use" thing like I have read. Some just have to be diluted a certain amount before they are safe for use. So it's more like proceed with caution. Try testing the product before using it as intended. If it's some type of serum, or eye product, putting it behind your knee or in the crook of your elbow is best because the skin is thin there and the closest to the skin round your eyes. Everything else, just test on the inside of your arm, use it as directed and see if you have any reaction before applying else where. I mean, a funny patch on your arm is easy to cover if you have a reaction than your entire face, right?

Below I am listing a few common things that I found in products I use at home. No, this doesn't mean I will stop using all of them, but I will be researching them more, seeing about if tests were done on them and such. I want to make sure that before I suggest something to you ladies that I know my stuff on it, and have used it. So heres my list of things to be careful of using.

BHT- Commonly used in gases, oils, waxes, rubbers paints and plastics. Purified forms may be in some foods. It irritates your skin and eyes, can cause breathing issues if inhaled, if you are pregnant can cause hard to the developing fetus, damage your liver, and cause dizziness.

Iodine- Commonly used in pain/wound treatments, facial cleansers, and body firming lotions. It can be absorbed through the skin or be a danger if inhaled, is not recommended for any type of use around the eyes, and can cause an allergy that will make even low exposure to it cause itching and other symptoms. This can also be used in moderation and diluted.

Niacin- Commonly used in shampoo, conditioner, styling gel or lotion, hair-loss treatments, lip gloss, moisturizer, lip balm/treatments, hormonal creams, nail treatments, facial cleansers and makeup remover.This is a type of Vitamin B, and is good for your body, but in controlled amounts (I take it daily) but it has a risk of being toxic to your cardiovascular tissue and your blood. It's one that you need to take in small doses and needs to be diluted with other things before being used.

Red 6 Barium Lake dye - Commonly used in lip gloss, lipstick, blush, and nail polish. It is just suspected of having skin and sense organ toxicity. Further studies of it will reveal more about it.


I've only listed 4 out of the many I found because I want to know make you work a little. Take a look at the site, grab your favorite bath product, or cleanser, and look up those ingredients. If you find one not listed here and you want to play my little game, comment below with the info you find. (maybe I'll make a little game out of it and award a prize.)

Also, I list BHT because it was mentioned in a discussion about what cosmetics are safe on a page on facebook, and did some research myself. In what I have read, it should NEVER be used in cosmetics.

(NOTE: Any of the recalls or information listed above are for your information entirely. I do not support, endorse, or encourage you to use any of the products or companies I have listed. I'm just delivering information and examples of my findings <3)

Avon Products Review

 Alright, as promised, here are my four favorite Avon products, that I use on a daily/weekly basis.

1) Solutions Plus Total Radiance Eye Gel- 0.5 oz jar
This product is intended to reduce bags and dark coloration around the eye area. It instructs to apply gently under the eye in the morning and evening. I have used this personally for 2 weeks now, and it's amazing. A small amount goes quite a long way with this product. It goes on smooth, and absorbs quickly. (As long as you don't apply too much product.

This is the container it is in. It may be only half an ounce, but it lasts forever!

This is the color and texture. It's smooth, and gel like, but you only need a small amount!

After using this product for 2 weeks, it has reduced the dark circles under my eyes. Considering there are nights I only get 3-4 hours of sleep, that is a small feat in itself. I though that they would NEVER fade. I really am impressed with the results in such a short period of time. I wish I had taken before and after pictures like I would normally, but I didn't. Shame on me.

OFFICIAL RATING:

Functionality: Works well, and works as it is intended too 5/5

Consistency: Is smooth and appears the same as advertised 5/5

Ease of use: Is easy to apply, but there is a lack of how much to use 4/5

Packaging: Packaged well, and if closed as it should be, avoids any contamination 5/5

Total: 19/20

Ingredients: Water, Witch Hazel Extract, Glycerin, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Propylene Glycol, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Bupleurum Falcatum Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Marshmallow Extract, Lupin Extract, Wheat Germ Extract, Sweet Almong Extract, Linseed Extract, Chamomile Extract, Cornflower Extract, Bitter Orange Extract, Ginseng Extract, Elderberry Extract, Sunflower Oil, Sodium Hyluronate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Squalane, Caffeine, Retinol Palitate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E, Lecithin, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Methyl Paraben, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Red 40, FD&C Yellow 5

2) Avon Solutions True Pore-Fection 3.4 oz tube

This mask is intended to "lift away pore clogging dirt and oil. Help control shine over time. Visably reduce the appearance of enlarged pores" I will say that the application is simple, but the small sized bottle means that you only have maybe 10 applications if you have a large face. Once on, you are instructed to leave it for 10-15 minutes for it to fully dry. For that to work you also need to realize you need to have a very thin layer of this on, or it will take upwards of an hour to dry. You don't need to cake this on, you just need to make sure it covers your face with a thin layer.

 This is a thing layer freshly applied to my hand.

This is after 10-15 minutes of drying.

This mask has an evident change is appearance once it is dry. Your face does feel as though it's getting tightened up somehow has it dries, and that is normal with this product. Removing this is just taking a face cloth soaked in warm water and  washing it away. It's stubborn sometimes and you have to scrub, which is a little bit of a pain, but it works well, so a little issue like that doesn't bother me. I have noticed it cleans well, haven't noticed my pore getting smaller though. I have huge pores on my nose, and it bugs me, so I tried this to reduce them. Although I haven't noticed a large difference with that, it is a great face mask.

OFFICIAL RATING:

Functionality: Works well as a cleansing face mask, but I have not seen any pore reduction as of yet 4/5

Consistency: Appears the same as advertised and from container to container it appears to be the same 5/5

Ease of use: Is easy to apply, but a pain to get off sometimes and too east to use too much 3/5

Packaging: Packaged well, and if closed as it should be, avoids any contamination 5/5

Total: 17/20

Ingredients: Water, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Polysorbate 20, Polyethylene, Salicylic acid, Ammonium glycolate, Bisabolol, Bamboo extract, Spiraea ulmaria extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Retinyk palmitate, SD alcohol 40-B, Grape seed extract, Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, Tocopherol, Pumice, Xanthan gum, Butylene glycol, Acrylates copolymer, Peg-60 almond glycerides, Caprylyl glycol, Carbomer, Rice starch, Oleanolic acid, Ammonium hydroxide, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Titanium dioxide, Iron oxides, Chromium hydroxide green, Blue 1 lake, Bentonite, Glycerin, Silica, Sorbitan laurate, Calciun sulfate, Glyceryl stearate

3) Nail Experts Grow Potion 

This small vial of product is one of my favorites. It is a serum you put on your cuticles and rub into the nail and skin around it. Your nails grow stronger than usual, and look nicer as well. it just take a small amount to cover the needed area, and you use it once a day. you place a small amount on ,rub it in and voila! You have wonderful beautiful nails again. It does leave a little bit of a residue on your fingers, but tends to absorb quickly for me. Don't wash that off because then it may not work!

The grow potion and applicator.

The applicator come out with enough on it to do one hand. It doesn't take much at all, and it really really effective. I love this product and I can say it has really improved my nails since I started using it.

OFFICIAL RATING:

Functionality: Works as intended 5/5

Consistency: Is as advertised and consistently works time and time again. 5/5

Ease of use: Is easy to apply, but does leave a residue that makes you want to wash it off. Waiting 10 minutes though and it will disappear. 4/5

Packaging: Packaged well, and if closed as it should be, avoids any contamination 5/5

Total: 19/20

Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Trisodium Phosphate, Carbomer, Nettle Extract, Acacia senegal gum extract, Adansonia digitata Pulp extract,  Sodium Palmitoyl proline, Algin, Magnesium Palmitoyl glutamate, Sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate, Serine, Benzophenone-4, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium-Ascorbyl, Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Red 33

4) Silicone Glove
This lotion is AMAZING. Enough said really. It help keep your hands from getting dried out after constant washing and drying. (like is you are a nurse, or work in the food industry) It remains there even after washing your hands once! No starange smell, a little bit of residue left over like any lotion since you need to let it sink in..

This is a photo of silicone glove. I did not take a picture of the package 

since mine is a travel size and has a seasonal pic on it.

I love this product. Love it, and use it, all the time.

OFFICIAL RATING:

Functionality: Works as intended. I mean, come on, it stays on after washing hands! 5/5

Consistency: Is as advertised and consistently the same formula 5/5

Ease of use: works like any lotion, does leave a small amount of residue behind though.4/5

Packaging: Packaged well, and if closed as it should be, avoids any contamination 5/5

Total: 19/20

Ingredients: Water, Glyceryl stearate, Cetyl alcohol, Dimethhicone, Mineral oil, Imidazolidinyl urea, Fragrance, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Disodium edta, Methylparaben

 *******

The reason why all the Avon? Thanks to my last post, I had enough interest in people buying that my mom/dad reopened their online Avon store for you guys to shop at! The link is here:

--------> Mark/Judy Rustad's Avon Shop <-------

Please feel free to make orders whenever. All proceeds collected from that store are going towards my mom's medical bills and her new wheelchair accessible car so she can get out of the house more <3

Ladies, I need your help

Alright, some of you have heard me talk about my mother in chats, but for those of you that haven't here is a quick run down. My mom is paralyzed from the waist down and confined to an electric wheelchair. My dad works for Boeing and works 6 days a week, sometimes for 12 hours a day to pay for a house and save for a van so she can actually leave their house occasionally. Today I heard some sad news.

My mom has sold Avon for almost 30 years on a join sales rep account with my dad, and has been trying to get customers again because her social security is not covering medical bills and other expenses. She need customers, but can't go about getting them the normal way considering her disability. That's why I am here. I know we are all dedicated to our own brands, but I ask if anything, try some Avon products. My mom is willing to open up an Avon Representative Website in order to cater to people all over the US, and it would be shipped right to your door. I will be doing some reviews tonight of some AMAZING products Avon has for skincare that I think everyone should try. Avon has make up, jewelry, bath stuff, skincare products, hair care products, perfumes, gifts, and so much more.

What I am asking is that you comment below on if my mom opened a site, do you think you would be willing to try out their products based on my reviews in order to help her out? I'm practically on my knees begging. Comment, and let me know. If I get 5 or 6 people willing to, I will help my mom set up her site tomorrow and I will post the link to it in a blog with the biggest most amazing thank you letter ever.