I promise I won't use that title again for a long time...it's just, you know, the mid-week lull over here, so it seemed apropos. I am working on SMACK!'s first Brand Visit feature and also trying to get a product review in the queue.
How's 2014 treating you so far? Me, I'm pretty pumped with how things have started. January is shaping up to be a kick-ass month for the site, and I have all you readers to thank for it. So thank you! Keep reading, keep visiting, keep sharing. We're all better for it.
I picked up a pair of the BEST skinny cords the other day. On clearance, too! The fit is great, with just the right amount of stretch to move comfortably and not feel constricted. I love the color, too, a really great winter white...that is, until I realized that my teeth are pretty much the same color. What the wha??
Gross, right? I mean, I don't drink a ton of coffee or wine, and I have NEVER smoked, so why do my teeth look more yellow than white?
Something needs to be done about this, pronto. It seems like a really hazardous thing, to bleach one's teeth, so it was a really nice surprise to see Crest 3D White Whitestrips with a '2' rating over at the Skin Deep database.
In fact, EWG rates the ingredient hydrogen peroxide as a '5' -- so not totally benign but not completely toxic, either. I think it's a big reason why lighter shade hair colors (using hydrogen peroxide to process or bleach hair) have a lower rating than the darker shades that use other chemicals.
Other options for teeth whitening? The CVS 5 Minute Whitening Kit, as well as products from Go Smile and Dr. Collins' Bleaching System all scored low ratings too. I'm totally picking up some type of whitening thing the next time I'm at the store. I'd really like my pearly whites to be less pearly and more white, you know?
Yours,
Jazzy
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Red Tuesday
Late posting today. I swear, I think my creative writing skills are frozen, it's so effing cold out!
Yesterday was 'Blue Monday' -- what is supposedly the most depressing day of the year, because it's not just any Monday (those are bad enough all on their own). It's the first Monday after the Bacchanalia of the holidays, that first day when you reflect on not only how much you overindulged but also how much winter is left (thank you, polar vortex, for that subtle, sub-arctic reminder). Yup, life is the sh*ts.
The new Crate & Barrel catalog doesn't help matters. About half the catalog is spent pushing all manner of cleaning things. Brooms, dusters, fancy buckets, blah blah blah. Even cleaning supplies -- like, actual sprays and scrubs and what-have-you -- from the 'Better Life' brand that Crate started selling last year.
You ate too much! Spring is a lifetime away! Your house is filthy! Happy Blue Monday!
That's not the only rub: do any of these products actually improve your life? That imported hardwood scrub brush doesn't change the fact that someone still has to do the scrubbing. The $20 wash tub (with built-in drain!) doesn't mean I don't have to wash dishes. All it means is that I STILL have to wash dishes, but with my wallet $20 lighter -- money that I could have used to save up for a cleaning service.
And you know what else? Those expensive Better Life products that Crate is schilling aren't all that better. EWG wasn't impressed. Sure, like every other brand, Better Life has a few products that rate well, a few that rate horribly, and the rest that flounder somewhere in the middle (or closer to the bottom).
Maybe I was a little touched by Blue Monday yesterday. I flipped through the catalog and wasn't inspired; I was annoyed. I saved myself a lot of money by tossing that catalog right into the recycle bin. Then I fell asleep on the couch watching TV.
Happy hibernating,
Jazzy
Yesterday was 'Blue Monday' -- what is supposedly the most depressing day of the year, because it's not just any Monday (those are bad enough all on their own). It's the first Monday after the Bacchanalia of the holidays, that first day when you reflect on not only how much you overindulged but also how much winter is left (thank you, polar vortex, for that subtle, sub-arctic reminder). Yup, life is the sh*ts.
The new Crate & Barrel catalog doesn't help matters. About half the catalog is spent pushing all manner of cleaning things. Brooms, dusters, fancy buckets, blah blah blah. Even cleaning supplies -- like, actual sprays and scrubs and what-have-you -- from the 'Better Life' brand that Crate started selling last year.
You ate too much! Spring is a lifetime away! Your house is filthy! Happy Blue Monday!
That's not the only rub: do any of these products actually improve your life? That imported hardwood scrub brush doesn't change the fact that someone still has to do the scrubbing. The $20 wash tub (with built-in drain!) doesn't mean I don't have to wash dishes. All it means is that I STILL have to wash dishes, but with my wallet $20 lighter -- money that I could have used to save up for a cleaning service.
And you know what else? Those expensive Better Life products that Crate is schilling aren't all that better. EWG wasn't impressed. Sure, like every other brand, Better Life has a few products that rate well, a few that rate horribly, and the rest that flounder somewhere in the middle (or closer to the bottom).
Maybe I was a little touched by Blue Monday yesterday. I flipped through the catalog and wasn't inspired; I was annoyed. I saved myself a lot of money by tossing that catalog right into the recycle bin. Then I fell asleep on the couch watching TV.
Happy hibernating,
Jazzy
Monday, January 6, 2014
Too good to be true
Are counterfeit vendors still a thing in New York? I don't recall seeing many when we were there last spring, but there was a lot of the city we didn't get to. I've always gotten a kick out of the knock-offs they would sell, and how they would sell them. All about the flattery, super entertaining. About 15 years ago I bought my dad a fake Gucci watch, and he wears it to this day!
Less entertaining are counterfeit cosmetics and fragrances. You think you're getting a deal on some high-end product (isn't that always the hook?) but according to this consumer alert from the FBI, you're getting a lot more than you bargained for.
It's straight out of a Bourne movie. Foreign importers, shady operations, the unwitting consumer. Hazardous chemicals hidden in popular cosmetic items, moved through back alley dealers. I'm going home. This sh*t writes itself.
Just kidding. It's not writing itself, because, according to the FBI, the larger, more dramatic story is that knock-off cosmetics and fragrances aren't just ripping off big corporations. They can also be highly toxic.
Interesting. Makes a lot of sense that these totally unregulated products are being manufactured in a way that eschews consumer safety for a quick profit. Oh wait, am I referring to the knock-off items or the genuine, brand-name products they're hacking?
I find it a bit curious that this alert comes from the FBI, which obviously has been tasked with taking on the counterfeiting business with its 'partner' the National Intellectual Property Rights Center. There is nothing -- not so much as a whisper -- about this over at the FDA.
Is it unreasonable of me to think that two government agencies could/should/would work together to maximize effectiveness? Hahahahahahahaha
Counterfeit cosmetics are a real issue. Toxic ingredients in counterfeit AND authentic cosmetics are a real issue. Who's protecting consumers here? Call me crazy, but I don't want the FBI involved in cosmetics watch any more than I want the FDA keeping tabs on bank robberies.
That being said, it's a good alert. Watch what you buy. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Yours,
Jazzy
Less entertaining are counterfeit cosmetics and fragrances. You think you're getting a deal on some high-end product (isn't that always the hook?) but according to this consumer alert from the FBI, you're getting a lot more than you bargained for.
It's straight out of a Bourne movie. Foreign importers, shady operations, the unwitting consumer. Hazardous chemicals hidden in popular cosmetic items, moved through back alley dealers. I'm going home. This sh*t writes itself.
Just kidding. It's not writing itself, because, according to the FBI, the larger, more dramatic story is that knock-off cosmetics and fragrances aren't just ripping off big corporations. They can also be highly toxic.
Interesting. Makes a lot of sense that these totally unregulated products are being manufactured in a way that eschews consumer safety for a quick profit. Oh wait, am I referring to the knock-off items or the genuine, brand-name products they're hacking?
I find it a bit curious that this alert comes from the FBI, which obviously has been tasked with taking on the counterfeiting business with its 'partner' the National Intellectual Property Rights Center. There is nothing -- not so much as a whisper -- about this over at the FDA.
Is it unreasonable of me to think that two government agencies could/should/would work together to maximize effectiveness? Hahahahahahahaha
Counterfeit cosmetics are a real issue. Toxic ingredients in counterfeit AND authentic cosmetics are a real issue. Who's protecting consumers here? Call me crazy, but I don't want the FBI involved in cosmetics watch any more than I want the FDA keeping tabs on bank robberies.
That being said, it's a good alert. Watch what you buy. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Yours,
Jazzy
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Resolutions
Do you make New Year's resolutions? I like to do it, though I don't get around to it every year. I think it taps into my quirks as a chronic lister, appeals to my need to organize and compartmentalize.
Anyway, in the spirit of the new year, I wanted to come up with a few resolutions that we could all use on our way to cleaning up the toxins from our daily lives. Remember, these aren't rules or strict directions, but ideas meant to inspire with all their potential. If they work for you, great. If they don't, find some iteration that does work and run with it. That's great, too.
1) Be more informed. By that I don't mean just reading labels (but that's a great start). Use the Internet to find credible sources for information on chemicals and their effects on the human body. Get acquainted with the FDA and EPA. Watch a documentary. Be a smarter consumer.
2) Use your voice. It's more than complaint letters to corporations, which feel like they go nowhere. Talk to the managers of your favorite local stores, even the big box chains, and let them know you want to see safer, healthier products on their shelves. Did you know that most grocery stores will order nearly any product in the categories they stock? So if you want something specific, ask for it. Sure, we can all order things from Amazon, but we lose that key connection with retailers who really, really want our money. Tell them what you want to buy and let them earn your business.
3) Use products that meet YOUR needs (instead of what their marketing says you need). According to all the major cosmetics lines, women of my age group should be aggressively utilizing a whole battery of products to combat the signs of aging. Do some folks legitimately need a good exfoliant or a really moisturizing eye cream or a boost of retinol? Absolutely. But please, don't tell me what I need. I can decide that very well for myself, thank you. Marketing is used really effectively to tap into our fears and anxieties and insecurities. Most of it's bunk.
That's a good start for the new year. I'll revisit this post from time to time. In the meantime, any small thing you can do to reduce the toxic chemicals in your life is GREAT. Keep up the good work!
-- Jazzy
2) Use your voice. It's more than complaint letters to corporations, which feel like they go nowhere. Talk to the managers of your favorite local stores, even the big box chains, and let them know you want to see safer, healthier products on their shelves. Did you know that most grocery stores will order nearly any product in the categories they stock? So if you want something specific, ask for it. Sure, we can all order things from Amazon, but we lose that key connection with retailers who really, really want our money. Tell them what you want to buy and let them earn your business.
3) Use products that meet YOUR needs (instead of what their marketing says you need). According to all the major cosmetics lines, women of my age group should be aggressively utilizing a whole battery of products to combat the signs of aging. Do some folks legitimately need a good exfoliant or a really moisturizing eye cream or a boost of retinol? Absolutely. But please, don't tell me what I need. I can decide that very well for myself, thank you. Marketing is used really effectively to tap into our fears and anxieties and insecurities. Most of it's bunk.
That's a good start for the new year. I'll revisit this post from time to time. In the meantime, any small thing you can do to reduce the toxic chemicals in your life is GREAT. Keep up the good work!
-- Jazzy
Friday, January 3, 2014
SMACK! Review: Big Blink Mascara by Pur Minerals
Our first product review of 2014!
I love mascara. My ophthalmologist hates that I love mascara. Something about eye infections, which, now that I think about it, might explain all those times I had pink eye back in undergrad.
For most of my 20s I absolutely loved Max Factor's 2000 Calorie mascara, in a great Deep Auburn shade, and also a briefly-available Dark Navy that was really subtle but super awesome when someone would catch the color in just the right light and stop me to ask if I was really wearing blue mascara? True story.
Fast forward many years, many tubes of mascara, and for sh*ts and giggles we'll throw in eight rounds of chemo. No hair = no eyelashes. That was difficult. I mean, anyone can make do with a wig but falsies don't really work when there's nothing keeping them from sliding off your eyelids. Eyeliner. Lots of eyeliner.
I recently came across this Big Blink mascara by Pur Minerals at the suggestion of the sales consultant at my local Ulta. GoodGuide doesn't have it in any product rankings, but it gets a relatively benign '2' rating from EWG. I use the term loosely because the rating is based on limited data, even though the EWG report lists all the ingredients provided on the product label.
Ulta sells both the full size product ($20) and a smaller trial size for $10, which I thought was a good way to try it out without being stuck with something I don't really like. It also seemed like a good way to actually use up most of the mascara before it turns rank (which, even though I wear mascara nearly every day, happens to nearly every tube. Total conspiracy.)
Ok, let's do this. The mascara is marketed heavily for its use of Argan oil. Am I the only one who doesn't care about that? Sounds like a gimmick to me. But the brush/wand thingy was a real selling point for me. It's a cool-looking silicon thing with really short bristles. Very different from the classic mascara wand most of us grew up watching our mothers and big sisters using.
So I apply one coat and it's really smooth. Maybe that Argan oil isn't such a gimmick. Goes on evenly but lightly, not clumpy or heavy-feeling. And when I'm done, what do I see? Long, sweeping lashes. Separated, slightly curled, ready for major eye-batting.
Big Blink also has going for it the fact that it's not tested on animals, but this mascara is NOT waterproof. Me, I like that because it's easy to remove. Some of you may not like that, because the slightest bit of moisture will mean streaking, 80s style.
I love it. I've used it nearly every day since buying it for just the right amount of lash definition and accentuation -- without looking like a Kardashian. So if you're looking for a new mascara and have the chance to pick up some Big Blink, go for it. You won't be disappointed.
-- Jazzy
I love mascara. My ophthalmologist hates that I love mascara. Something about eye infections, which, now that I think about it, might explain all those times I had pink eye back in undergrad.
For most of my 20s I absolutely loved Max Factor's 2000 Calorie mascara, in a great Deep Auburn shade, and also a briefly-available Dark Navy that was really subtle but super awesome when someone would catch the color in just the right light and stop me to ask if I was really wearing blue mascara? True story.
Fast forward many years, many tubes of mascara, and for sh*ts and giggles we'll throw in eight rounds of chemo. No hair = no eyelashes. That was difficult. I mean, anyone can make do with a wig but falsies don't really work when there's nothing keeping them from sliding off your eyelids. Eyeliner. Lots of eyeliner.
I recently came across this Big Blink mascara by Pur Minerals at the suggestion of the sales consultant at my local Ulta. GoodGuide doesn't have it in any product rankings, but it gets a relatively benign '2' rating from EWG. I use the term loosely because the rating is based on limited data, even though the EWG report lists all the ingredients provided on the product label.
Ulta sells both the full size product ($20) and a smaller trial size for $10, which I thought was a good way to try it out without being stuck with something I don't really like. It also seemed like a good way to actually use up most of the mascara before it turns rank (which, even though I wear mascara nearly every day, happens to nearly every tube. Total conspiracy.)
Ok, let's do this. The mascara is marketed heavily for its use of Argan oil. Am I the only one who doesn't care about that? Sounds like a gimmick to me. But the brush/wand thingy was a real selling point for me. It's a cool-looking silicon thing with really short bristles. Very different from the classic mascara wand most of us grew up watching our mothers and big sisters using.
So I apply one coat and it's really smooth. Maybe that Argan oil isn't such a gimmick. Goes on evenly but lightly, not clumpy or heavy-feeling. And when I'm done, what do I see? Long, sweeping lashes. Separated, slightly curled, ready for major eye-batting.
Big Blink also has going for it the fact that it's not tested on animals, but this mascara is NOT waterproof. Me, I like that because it's easy to remove. Some of you may not like that, because the slightest bit of moisture will mean streaking, 80s style.
I love it. I've used it nearly every day since buying it for just the right amount of lash definition and accentuation -- without looking like a Kardashian. So if you're looking for a new mascara and have the chance to pick up some Big Blink, go for it. You won't be disappointed.
-- Jazzy
Friday side note
I'm heading into a busy weekend, but still trying to churn out some content, which we don't normally do on Saturdays and Sundays. Make sure you visit often over the next couple days!
Also, for those of you who are keeping track, I'm nearly two weeks into a pedicure with Zoya nail lacquer. It still looks GREAT. Too bad it's so cold that I have to keep my feet in slippers and two pairs of socks...
Happy Friday!
-- Jazzy
Also, for those of you who are keeping track, I'm nearly two weeks into a pedicure with Zoya nail lacquer. It still looks GREAT. Too bad it's so cold that I have to keep my feet in slippers and two pairs of socks...
Happy Friday!
-- Jazzy
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Hello, 2014
Happy New Year! I don't know about you, but late nights just aren't so easy to shake off anymore. Whatever. I'm not really complaining. In fact, I'm pretty damn psyched (as much as I can be without my first gallon of coffee of the year) because SMACK! really ended things on a high note for 2013.
You guys made December the best month yet here at SMACK! which is really freaking cool. Even with a totally jacked holiday blogging schedule, we had more pageviews than ever. THANK YOU!
So what's 2014 bringing our way? You can expect more of what you love: razor-sharp news analysis; highly opinionated if not downright judgmental product reviews; and the most entertaining industry commentary you'll get on the topic of toxic chemicals in consumer products.
You'll also see a new feature we're rolling out soon, called Brand Visit. Without any type of consistency in labeling or marketing among the different product categories, and the brands that fill them, it's still pretty difficult to make sense of what's on store shelves. So I thought it'd be helpful to check out specific brands, to see who's making healthy, safe products and who's schilling poison (hint: pretty much everyone's doing both).
See something you don't like? Don't see enough of something you do? Want to yell at me about what I said about your favorite shampoo? Great, let's hear it! Email me at smackcleanliving@gmail.com and let me know what we can do to make this thing we call a blog better.
Happy January,
Jazzy
You guys made December the best month yet here at SMACK! which is really freaking cool. Even with a totally jacked holiday blogging schedule, we had more pageviews than ever. THANK YOU!
So what's 2014 bringing our way? You can expect more of what you love: razor-sharp news analysis; highly opinionated if not downright judgmental product reviews; and the most entertaining industry commentary you'll get on the topic of toxic chemicals in consumer products.
You'll also see a new feature we're rolling out soon, called Brand Visit. Without any type of consistency in labeling or marketing among the different product categories, and the brands that fill them, it's still pretty difficult to make sense of what's on store shelves. So I thought it'd be helpful to check out specific brands, to see who's making healthy, safe products and who's schilling poison (hint: pretty much everyone's doing both).
See something you don't like? Don't see enough of something you do? Want to yell at me about what I said about your favorite shampoo? Great, let's hear it! Email me at smackcleanliving@gmail.com and let me know what we can do to make this thing we call a blog better.
Happy January,
Jazzy
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