The Truth As We Know It

 I am cautiously optimistic but really skeptical when it comes to cosmetics. On a daily basis, because of the optimism part, I read tons of promotional materials about this cosmetic or that cleanser or the other styling concoction. They all claim to do good things, and I try everything I can, but the majority leave me cold. Once in a while,  beauty products actually live up to their hype. Truth in advertising? Yeah, that's right. Who would've thunk it? Much of the time, though, there's a flurry of confusion perpetrated by the beauty industry in the media. Here, three truths:

1.  Frizzy hair is gorgeous on Diana Ross. Me, not so much.I've been using Nexxus Sleek Memory spray, which I discussed in an earlier post, consistently for over a month now, and-are you sitting down? The stuff actually WORKS.
Like, measurably, noticeably, irrefutably does what it says it is supposed to do. My hair is markedly smoother, straighter and even when rained upon, no longer forces me to attempt lame Diana Ross impressions ( trust me, nobody wants to see that). I stocked up on the magical nectar of sleekness as soon as I could not deny its effectiveness. Go forth, frizz-plagued maidens, and scoop it up. It won't let you down.

  Photo, TheSuperficial.com

2.  Most women have cellulite. It is hereditary and has virtually nothing to do with weight. Mass-marketed cellulite-reducing products DO NOT WORK.

Think about this rationally; if there were something on the market that really got rid of cellulite in any significant way, don't you think we would all be bump-free and prancing around in Daisy Dukes every damn minute? Okay, I've been told I have an affinity for the hyperbolic, but all kidding aside, there is no such thing as a nonsurgical method for significant and enduring reduction of cellulite.

If there is an effect, it is totally temporary, and as much about the extremely vigorous, frequent "application" of these gels and creams as it is about the caffeine, Goji berry, or whatever is in the goo. Caffeine and Goji berry, and loads of other wonderfully therapeutic ingredients, do tighten things up by increasing blood flow to the area for a few hours, but the firm, circular massage suggested in application of virtually all anticellulite products is really what increases circulation and temporarily breaks up the dimpled look of the skin. 

Aminophylline, the active ingredient in inhaled asthma medication, has been proven to measurably reduce the size of thighs, but when the chemical wears off, the lumpiness returns. Amynophylline 's thigh-shrinking power was discovered accidentally by some jiggly asthmatic, as many cool party tricks are, and was gaining popularity back in the early '00s, until everyone realized that it has no lasting effect.

3.  Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, is the only clinically-proven, safe ingredient that stimulates hair growth. Once, in Aesthetics school, a shaky fellow student relieved me of almost an entire eyebrow. Hey, these things happen. I doubt she ever did it again, and better me than a paying client, right? One of my teachers advised me that Rogaine, dabbed on the bald spot twice daily with a cotton swab, would expedite regrowth.
Photo, CostumesOfNashua.com

This WORKS. Within three weeks my brow was back with a vengeance, and my hair does not normally grow that fast, so I was sure I'd have to wait a lot longer. I should also note that the use of minoxidil did not turn me into a dude, either; it only affects the follicles where it is directly applied, and while shown to be effective on men's heads, is only proven to work specifically on women's foreheads. I am in no way a medial professional, nor do I claim to have the authority to diagnose medical issues. I speak only from experience.

 Manly, yes, but I like it too.

Get in touch! I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, ideas, and requests. Holler at your girl at beautyexaminer@gmail.com.
Topics: Brow regrowth , cellulite , anti-frizz