Does Red Mean Lead In Your Lipstick?

Recently, lead has been found in lipsticks and other cosmetics. The Environmental Working Group is is a very reputable consumer advocacy group. They hold no bars. No matter how big, powerful or even a respected natural company, EWG tells it like it is.

In 2007 EWG reported that the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) tested 33 brands of lipstick from various locations in the Northeast. Two television news programs, KCBS and Pittsburgh’s WPXI, both tested several brands as well.

The results were shocking. They found over two-thirds had lead levels higher than the FDA’s allowable level for lead in candy (.1 parts per million (ppm)! The brands that did contain lead included:

L’Oreal Colour Riche True Red – 0.65 ppm

Cover Girl Incredifull Lipcolor Maximum Red – 0.56 ppm

Dior Addict Positive Red – 0.21 ppm

Burt’s Bee also contained lead, but the founder maintained that the levels should not be of concern.

So how much is too much lead in your lipstick for it to be of concern? For me, any level!

Lipstick is easily absorbed through the lips and can be ingested as we lick our lips, or eat food while wearing lipstick. As lead gets into the blood stream, it is stored in organs, tissues, bones and teeth. If it continues to accumulate in these areas in the body, even in small amounts, it can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, especially the brain.

The problem stems back to the fact that the FDA does not regulate ingredients in personal care products or cosmetics.
The limits the FDA has set for lead include the maximum allowable dosage levels of (MADL) of .1 ppm in candy, .5 ppm in food and 10 to 20 ppm in FD&C color additives, which according to EWG may be used in color lipsticks. According to FDA guidelines, lead does not have to be listed on the label since it has been added to the color.

For years, we have been warned against lead in paint in old homes and toys purchased from China. Now we need to be careful of cosmetics purchased in stores or online, whether they’re made in the U.S.A., China, or anywhere else in the world.

If you are looking for a red lipstick, that is guranteed not to contain lead, use Cleure Lipstick. Click on the following link to be directed to that page:

http://www.cleure.com/Cosmetics_Lipstick.aspx?ID=emily

You can still be a diva with bright red lipstick (try Cleure Lipstick in Torch), without the dangers caused by lead.

Having a Snack Attack While Dieting?

Americans are obese due to over consumption of junk foods and sugar. Sugar has been called Sweet Poison and the Silent Killer for a good reason. It has many health risks including being linked to coronary heart disease and even cancer.

There are healthy, yummy snacks you can eat to cut the sugar cravings once and for all.

Sweets can be as addicting as any drug. If you are the type that has a sweet tooth, once you take a bite of any rich, sweet desert, it is very difficult to stop.

For example, if you have gotten into the habit of having a bowel of ice cream after dinner, or a muffin with your morning coffee, it becomes downright painful to switch to a bowl of cereal or oatmeal. It's just not the same. Chocolate is another well known comfort food, with many a chocolaholics in the U.S. contributing to the over-weight statistics. Many books have been written about the subject of sugar addiction. This is one reason why the low carbohydrate diet came into being.

Public Enemy #1

Sugar is addicting, causes tooth decay and has a reputation of being the enemy of good health. It's interesting that once you stop eating sugar for a few days, it becomes very easy to not crave it. But once you tell yourself, you deserve a break since you've been so good..., you are doomed back to being a sugar addict.

Snacks that Calm the Savage Craving Beast

There are some very easy ways to stop the habit and get some satisfaction for your sweet tooth.

1. After meals chew gum sweetened with xylitol or allow a xylitol sweetened breath drop to melt in your mouth. Artificial sweeteners are controversial with potential health risks, but xylitol is natural and helps prevent tooth decay, as some recent studies are starting to report. So opt for xylitol sweetened only candy and gum.

2. Munch on a low glycemic sweet fruit after meals or whenever the craving hits you. Low glycemic index foods are less than 55 On this list are the following with their glycemic index:

• Cherries – 22 • Grapefruit – 25 • Dried apricots – 31 • Apples – 38 • Pears – 38 • Plums – 39 • Peaches – 42 • Oranges – 44 • Grapes – 46 • Kiwi fruit – 53 • Bananas - 54

3. Popcorn mixed with a handful of your favorite nuts also hits the spot. About 3 cups of popcorn is only 100 calories.

4. Veggies dipped with hummus. Hummus is great because it's low carb and low in fat and good for you since it is made with garbanzo beans.

5. Low fat cheese sticks or soy cheese slices are another trick to curb the cookie monster.

Next time you want to dish out the dollars for a sugar filled snack, force yourself to partake of one of the choices above. You'll thank yourself later.