Jezebel: Cosmetics

The Best Lipsticks for Long-Lasting Color and Possible Lead Poisoning

Cassie Murdoch — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST

So many of us smear our mouths in lipstick multiple times a day, but how often do you stop to think about what exactly is in it? Well, here's one terrifying ingredient it might have: lead. Lead? Yes, and lead is some serious shit. So just how much danger are we all in if we want to keep our lips looking sumptuously kissable? It depends on whom you ask, but the FDA is looking into it.. More »

Woman Upset By Elizabeth Arden's Crappy Free Gift

Jenna Sauers — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST

Elizabeth Arden was running a promotion that advertised a free gift of $350 value with any purchase of $65 or more. Anyone who's familiar with the vagaries of beauty advertising knows to expect a certain amount of inherent deception in the Free Gift — seriously, it's like there's a special photographic lens that only makes dinky little sample-size mascaras look full size, and ugly clown-colored lipsticks appear suitable for everyday human wear. But some are calling Elizabeth Arden's free gift swindle a downright bait-and-switch. More »

Behold the Magical New Beauty Product That Fixes All Flaws & Solves All Problems

Jenna Sauers — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:45:00 EST

This parody ad for "Fotoshop" cosmetics comes to us from filmmaker Jesse Rosten. Rosten says, "I was watching TV one sleepless night and stumbled upon an infomercial for some beauty product. The commercial showed before and after portraits, that to my eye, looked like the same photo just photoshopped. I laughed to myself. Then I made this video." The commercial isn't real, he points out, "and neither are society's standards of beauty." You should probably watch the video — there's like a Photoshop of Horrors greatest-hits in the middle — before the Adobe company's lawyers send the inevitable cease-and-desist. More »

The 'Cruelty-Free' Part Of Your Cosmetics Is Meaningless

Margaret Hartmann — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST

For years activists have been campaigning to put an end to testing cosmetics and personal products on animals, yet a large number of companies are still using critters like rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats to determine if products are safe for humans. Surprise: Despite raised awareness of the issue, getting gazillion-dollar companies to change their tune is a bit difficult — particularly considering they have no legal reason to do so. More »

Cosmetics Companies May Be Forced To Stop Lying To Us With Photoshopped Ads

Erin Gloria Ryan — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST

Recently, CoverGirl cosmetics ran an ad for mascara that featured pictorial proof that their mascara was capable of transforming women's eyelashes from anemic to voluptuous. Except the pictorial proof of the makeup's effectiveness was actually just a photoshopped image that sort of represented what the company wanted you to think the makeup could do. CoverGirl willingly pulled the ad after deeming it misleading, and an industry watchdog group applauded the move. Could this be the beginning of the end for hyper airbrushed makeup ads? More »

Do We Still Need A Makeup Company To Tell Us We're 'Worth It'?

Margaret Hartmann — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:15:00 EST

Yesterday L'Oréal Paris celebrated the 40th anniversary of its slogan "Because I'm Worth It" with a star-studded Parisian soiree, but some believe the phrase needs an update. When the line debuted in 1971 it played into the emerging feminist movement, but it's unclear if modern women still need to be convinced that they deserve to treat themselves to drug store beauty products. More »

Caviar-Infused Designer Lipsticks Will See Us Through The Recession

Margaret Hartmann — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:50:00 EST

Estée Lauder chairman Leonard Lauder's claim that lipstick sales rise during a recession has been disproven, but overall there has been a 9% increase in sales of high-end cosmetics since last year despite the economic downturn. While shoppers are cutting back on clothing purchases, they're still willing to splurge on makeup. Now executives behind several designer brands have come up with an ingenious idea. Rather than hoping women will buy multiple $20 lipsticks, just make one lipstick cost as much as a dress. More »

Where Do Ridiculous Nail Polish Names Come From?

Margaret Hartmann — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:57:00 EDT

If you're biting your nails while you're reading this, you'd better knock it off, because a manicure is now the hottest way to express your style. Between 2009 and 2010, nail polish sales increased 11.9%, leading experts to declare that polish has replaced lipstick as the bullshit economic indicator for the recession. Now since stars including Katy Perry, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian (and basically every other female celebrity) have been spotted with manicures, the L.A. Times decided it's time for a trend piece, and an investigation into why we keep investing in new shades that are barely distinguishable to the ones we already own. More »

Worth It: Honestly, This Soap Is Magic

Jenna Sauers — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:40:00 EDT

Much unlike many a magazine editor who recommends you buy all sorts of crap that they most likely got for free, your Jezebel staff doesn't get jack shit (other than books, unsolicited). And that's how it should be. But on our own time, in our personal lives, we still buy stuff. So this is Worth It, our daily recommendation of random things that we've actually spent our own money on. These are the things we buy regularly or really like, things we'd actually tell our friends about. And now we're telling you. More »

Your Lack Of Mascara Is A Sign Of Your Utter Incompetence

Anna North — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:15:00 EDT

A new study has found that makeup doesn't just help you look pretty — it also makes people think you're more trustworthy and competent. That may be good news for makeup companies — one of whom sponsored the study. More »

Worth It: Expertly Curled Lashes For Special Occasions

Whitney Jefferson — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EDT

Makeup-Hoarding Lady Says Part Of The Problem Is "Being A Girl"

Whitney Jefferson — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EDT

We all have lipstick we never wear, eyeshadow that's barely been used and mascara that's way past its expiration date. But Jennifer Bourgoyne has more than the average woman. She's a "makeup hoarder." More »

When Will The FDA Seriously Regulate Cosmetics?

Melissa Jeltsen — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EDT

On a typical day (those on which I'm not being a slob who doesn't shower) I expose my body to about a dozen personal care products: toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash, deodorant, face moisturizer, body lotion, mascara, loose powder, chapstick, perfume, hair texturizer. I'm pretty average, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which estimates Americans use about 10 products daily, resulting in exposure to more than 126 unique chemicals. Damn, Gina! More »

Your Makeup — Or Lack Thereof — Is Obviously An Indicator Of Your Self-Confidence Levels

Sadie Stein — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:55:00 EDT

At least in one observer's opinion. "Put simply: women increasingly dare to bare." More »

A New Way For Eight-Year-Olds To Rouge Their Tender Cheeks

Jenna Sauers — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:17:00 EST

Wal-Mart is replacing the Olsens' tween makeup line with one called GeoGirl, which has an "environmental" theme and is aimed at girls ages 8-12. Tweens spend—or get their parents to spend—around $24 million on cosmetics per year. More »

Glee OPI Polish Lets You Sport "Celibacy Club" Nails

Margaret Hartmann — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:15:00 EST

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Sephora by OPI is releasing a line of Glee nail polishes, which includes a "glittering diamond top coat" called "Celibacy Club." Why bring teen chastity into it when the names "Cheerios Cherry" or even "Rachel Berry" are available? More »

Beauty 101: Your Travel Questions, Answered

Hortense Smith — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 17:30:00 EDT

This week's Beauty 101 is focusing on packing the perfect getaway bag, be it for a week, a month, or just an overnight stay. You had questions, and, once again, your fellow readers have come through with the answers. More »

Beauty 101: Making A Getaway

Hortense Smith — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 12:50:00 EDT

This week's Beauty 101 is focusing on packing the perfect travel bag, whether it's for a vacation, an office drawer, or an overnight stay. More »

Beauty 101: Your Styling Tool Questions, Answered

Hortense Smith — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EDT

This week's Beauty 101 is focusing on all kinds of beauty gadgets and gizmos. You had questions, and today, your fellow readers have come through will all sorts of recommendations and reviews. More »

Beauty 101: Tools Of The Trade

Hortense Smith — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EDT

A reader recently wrote in and asked if we'd consider doing a Beauty 101 post "about beauty gadgets and tools." So let's do it, shall we? More »

The War On Pre-Wrinkles

Sadie Stein — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:38:00 EDT

"'Not a lot of brands talk to a 28-year-old,' said Daniel Giles, the senior vice president for marketing at Perricone. 'that's where Super is positioned, to 25- to 30-year-olds.'" Welcome to the next phase of aging-phobic marketing. More »

The Week Of No Makeup

Rachel Rabbit White — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:12:00 EDT

"Yeah, but I don't wear much…" were my first thoughts, when I imagined running this experiment. No Make-up Week: the idea was good, I thought, but my heart raced a little as it sank in. More »

Beauty 101: Your Fall Beauty Questions, Answered

Hortense Smith — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 16:25:00 EDT

This week's Beauty 101 is focusing on adapting one's daily routine to keep up with seasonal changes. You had questions, and your fellow readers have once again come through with the answers. More »

Beauty 101: Seasonal Switch-Ups

Hortense Smith — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 16:20:00 EDT

As Sadie pointed out in the latest Dress Code, we're going through a seasonal transition right now, moving from summery dresses and sandals to cozy scarves and boots. And like our wardrobes, our makeup routines also change with the seasons. More »

Beauty 101: Your Office Beauty Questions, Answered

Hortense Smith — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:25:00 EDT

This week's Beauty 101 is focusing on keeping things professional: proper makeup for job interviews, office situations, day-to-night scenarios, and post-work pampering. You had questions, and your fellow readers have once again come through with the answers. More »

Beauty 101: Keeping It Professional

Hortense Smith — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:45:00 EDT

Several readers recently wrote in asking if we'd consider doing a Beauty 101 post about office-appropriate makeup, and how to take a look from day to night. So let's do it, yeah? More »

Beauty 101: Your Beauty Disaster Questions, Answered

Hortense Smith — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EDT

This week, our Beauty 101 series is focusing on quick fixes for everything from a bad haircut to a nasty case of razor burn. You had questions, and your fellow readers have provided the answers. More »

Beauty 101: Quick Fixes

Hortense Smith — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 13:20:00 EDT

This week's Beauty 101 is all about dealing with various beauty disasters: bad haircuts, over-plucked brows, razor burn, and more. More »

American Apparel Stock Plummets To New Historic Lows

Jenna Sauers — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:36:00 EDT

American Apparel's stock is tumbling this morning, following news that the company's dodgy accounting has caught the eye of the U.S. Attorney's office. It's currently trading at 0.83. [AMEX:APP]
Dov says: "The capital structure issues will work themselves out." [WWD]

Beauty 101: Your Special Occasion Makeup Questions, Answered

Hortense Smith — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:55:00 EDT

This week, our Beauty 101 series is focusing on special occasion makeup. You had questions, and your fellow readers have once again come through with the answers. More »

Beauty 101: Special Occasion Preparation

Hortense Smith — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 15:45:00 EDT

Up until now, our Beauty 101 series has focused on everyday makeup routines. But what about those times when you want to kick things up a notch? More »

Beauty 101: Your Drugstore And Department Store Recommendations

Hortense Smith — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:15:00 EDT

Yesterday, I asked our commenters to recommend their favorite products from both drugstores and department stores, and to point out why they felt certain things were worth the extra cash. Here's what they had to say: More »

Beauty 101: Spend Or Save?

Hortense Smith — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EDT

This weekend, our Beauty 101 series is going to focus on the department store vs. drug store cosmetics. Which products are really worth the extra money? And which products work just as well as their high-end counterparts? Let's find out. More »

Beauty 101: Your Makeup Removal Questions, Answered

Hortense Smith — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EDT

This week's Beauty 101 is focusing on makeup removal and making sure cosmetics are used safely. You had questions; your fellow readers have come through with the answers. More »

Beauty 101: Go On And Take It Off

Hortense Smith — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EDT

A reader recently wrote in wondering if we could have a Beauty 101 discussion about makeup removal: best products, best methods, quick fixes, product safety and more. So let's have it, yeah? More »

When Being A Product Junkie Becomes A Problem

Hortense Smith — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:55:00 EDT

While many of us may occasionally drop some cash on a few beauty products we don't really need, Alene Dawson, writing for the Los Angeles Times, notes that for some people, purchasing and hoarding cosmetics is a serious problem. More »

You Don't Want To Know What's In Your Cosmetics.

Katy Kelleher — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:24:00 EDT

Just to reiterate what you probably already suspected: everything from sunscreen to mascara is chock full o' dangerous chemicals. Lead in lipstick, carcinogens in baby shampoo... the list goes on and on.

Christy Turlington Hated The Catwalk

Jenna Sauers — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EDT

Christy Turlington says, "There's nothing rewarding about modeling. It was a fun opportunity that allowed me to see the world but spiritually and intellectually there is nothing rewarding about the profession at all."

Beauty 101: Recipes From Readers

Hortense Smith — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EDT

This week's Beauty 101 is focusing on homemade beauty treatments, and your fellow readers have come through with various "recipes" for everything from body scrubs to shampoos: More »

The Original LOL

Sadie Stein — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EDT

A wonder lotion that anti-ages, clears, refreshes, soothes, removes skin irritations, shrinks pores and erases blackheads, all for $3? LOL, indeed. [Vintage_Ads] More »