Friday 14 November 2014

Women over 40: Stuck in a Makeup Rut?


What we at FACED are finding is that particularly women over 40 have gotten themselves into makeup and skin care ‘ruts’. Many have been using the same products and the same techniques that they began when they were 20, with very little variation.  

Here are comments from one of our ‘mature’ clients who has recently experienced an epiphany about her skincare:

“I personally am heading towards 60 faster than I care to think about and until about a year ago this is exactly the situation I was in. I was quite simply in a rut – I hadn’t changed my skin care regimen or my makeup application since I first began having children. It had to be simple, fast and easy – and I really didn’t pay much attention to what I was putting on my skin, thinking that if it was an approved product and on the market, it would be okay.

Then I booked an All About MUA party with the professional makeup artists from FACED for me and some friends, and all of a sudden my eyes were opened. With one fell swoop I cleaned out drawers of creams, lotions, cleansers, toners, and makeup – some of which I was saving because ‘you never know when you might need it’ (and it’s paid for so I might as well use it!) – and totally revolutionized my skin care and makeup regimen. My cosmetic case when I travel is so tiny now that I feel I must be forgetting something, but the products from HAUT are so versatile that you can easily make do with only a couple of items.

My other issue has been that like many women my age, we grew up with no SPF and using baby oil (sometimes with iodine!) to ‘tan’ in. But as everyone knows, it was a different time and a different sun back then! Obviously, skin damage is an issue, but during a recent trip to Florida I used the HAUT Raspberry Elixir with SPF 30 for my sunscreen and managed to tan beautifully with absolutely no sunburn. Unfortunately I can’t reverse the damage done in all the prior years, but now I use only a vegan, non-toxic, organic sun protection product and hopefully things won’t get any worse (except for the normal signs of aging.)”

Catherine H., age 57

Thank you for sharing this with us – November is our focus on mature skin and this short story basically summarizes all the key points we wanted to make!

Put your best FACEd forward and see you soon!

Friday 29 August 2014

Cruelty Free Cosmetics: Does it really effect us?

Hello fellow beauty lovers! 

(Environmentalists, social activists, animal activists and more).

Along with being proud business friends with PETA, we are now officially corporate partners with HSI - Humane Society International with efforts to end animal testing with the CrueltyFree Campaign. Take a visit to our listing on PETA, and HSI's websites!

              

                         
What exactly is animal testing and why was it created?

When chemists are producing all of these various beauty-product creations, they have to make sure that they can deem it as safe first by testing them. Before these tests existed, people around the world were using any ingredient that they could get their hands on, often related to or causing severe health and/or skin problems. 

Throughout time, the explosion of cosmetic popularity across North America and Europe, evoked the age of cosmetic testing to begin. Especially with young girls getting into makeup, government officials from around the world began demanding they had insight to the creation process ensuring the wellbeing of the citizens. 

Animal research is very expensive, considering they need to be housed, fed, cared for and trained by animal welfare technicians and veterinarians. However, because academic researchers are stuck competing for limited funds, and pharmaceutical companies are profit-seeking, they will prefer to go with the cheapest option available whenever possible. However, what they don't tell or share with us is the painfully cruel reality that millions of innocent animals have to endure for the sake of beauty.

Warning: This video contains graphic content

"Problems of extrapolation—applying information from animal research to humans—are inevitable when researchers use animal models to study human diseases. Species differences in anatomy, organ structure and function, toxin metabolism, chemical and drug absorption, and mechanisms of DNA repair—among myriad other differences between humans and other species—can give us inadequate or erroneous information when we attempt to apply animal data to human diseases and drug responses."Source: http://www.neavs.org/research/limitations


How is it effecting the economy or the environment?

Aside from the industry being inaccurate and cruel, millions of our tax dollars are spent on research every year so that companies that haven't enforced the ban of animal testing, can continue to do so for our beauty. It is unsafe, expensive, time-consuming, cruel, and unreliable. 

"For example, the DakDak test (used to measure the efficacy of sunscreens in preventing skin damage) can provide data for five or six products at less than half the cost of testing one product in animals. The current “gold standard” for testing a chemical to determine if it is carcinogenic is the rodent bioassay, which takes up to five years from planning to evaluation and review, at a cost of up to more than $4 million per substance. In vitro screening allows companies to identify promising test compounds in a cost- and time-efficient manner before progressing to human trials." http://www.neavs.org/research/limitations
Now, more than ever is a very crucial and important time for our environment, health, and lifestyle choices. Every action has a re-action. It is a major and urgent challenge for the US and Canada to effectively rid of harsh pollutants caused by substances, products, or carcinogens from an economic standpoint. Giving precedence to animal testing because it's cheaper oppose to the available technology we have proves a narrow-mindedness way of scientific progress. 
If we all support local businesses that we believe in, then we can enrich our communities and economies while effectively making a positive difference in the world and environment. Read more about some of the benefits of support a local business oppose to a large chain Here!


Besides the money aspect, what are some  other reasons for animal testing?

If we just chose NOT to incorporate a variety of toxic and unsafe chemicals, preservatives, or substances into our cosmetics and skincare regimens, then what would be the point of having to "test" these ingredients on their compatibility of the human body in the first place? 
If we just used ingredients that come directly from their source (aka the earth itself) without going through a manufacturing or chemical process, then we would know exactly what we're getting, where we're getting it from, it's health benefits, and it's overall story.
When we break it down, it is simply chemistry. How our skin works is just the same as how the rest of our body works. How we choose to treat it,will display that like a book. 


Where we can go from here...

Why test products at all? I mean why do we need these ingredients in our makeup, skincare and cosmetics in the first place? Why not only use ingredients that we recognize, can pronounce and are 100% vegan, organic, nontoxic, gluten-free, and fair-trade?

Learn more about the benefits, uses, and techniques used with HAUT Cosmetics from BC, Canada with one of our highly experienced, certified and mobile makeup artists at FACED!
Inquire about an upcoming workshop in your area, or about more ways to learn about making the switch or simply test out the makeup and products yourself!

www.facedmakeup.com / artist@facedmakeup.com


                                                                                                                                                                     


"Those who argue that painful experimentation on animals should be halted, or at least curtailed, maintain that pain is an intrinsic evil, and any action that causes pain to another creature is simply not morally permissible. Pointing to the words of the nineteenth-century utilitarian, Jeremy Bentham, animal welfare advocates claim that the morally relevant question about animals is not "Can they reason? nor Can they talk? but, Can they suffer ?" And, animals do in fact suffer, and do in fact feel pain. The researcher who forces rats to choose between electric shocks and starvation to see if they develop ulcers does so because he or she knows that rats have nervous systems much like humans and feel the pain of shocks in a similar way. Pain is an intrinsic evil whether it is experienced by a child, an adult, or an animal. If it is wrong to inflict pain on a human being, it is just as wrong to inflict pain on an animal.
Furthermore, many argue, while the lives of animals may be deserving of some respect, the value we place on their lives does not count as much as the value we place on human lives. Human beings are creatures that have capacities and sensibilities that are much more highly developed than that of animals. Because humans are more highly developed, their welfare always counts for more than that of animals. If we had to choose between saving a drowning baby and saving a drowning rat, we would surely save the baby. Moreover, if we move to consider animals as our moral equals, where do we draw the line? Technically, any living thing that is not a plant is an animal. Are oysters, viruses, and bacteria also to be the objects of our moral concern? While we may have a duty to not cause animals needless suffering, when we are faced with a choice between the welfare of humans and the welfare of animals, it is with humans that our moral obligation lies." 
- See more Here

Thursday 31 July 2014

FACED Makeup: Questions and Answers - July 2014


Q & A

July 2014

Hello Everyone!
This month, we are going to be focusing on some Questions & Answers you might have about FACED, Makeup, or beauty-related things. Please proceed to read our five Q&A's below!

  • What exactly is FACED? What is your product?

  • Why do we need education on our makeup?

  • VEGAN MAKEUP - Misconceptions: The fear of change, does it last all day?

  • How do I order some makeup?

  • Why do Makeup Artists charge so much? How does FACED determine it's pricing structure?


What exactly is FACED? What is your product?
FACED is an educational makeup artistry agency. We train, educate, and hire our artists on a sub-contractor basis that allows them to work easily and efficiently with you. We provide artists for you within York, Toronto, Durham, Peel and the Halton Regions for a variety of beauty-related services such as bridal makeup, weddings, proms, special events, one on one tutorials, and our specialty: All About MUA (Make-Up Art) Parties! We offer these services using 100% Vegan, Organic, Nontoxic, Fair-Trade and Gluten-Free skincare and cosmetics as our tools - but they are also available for purchase! IF you have absolutely no interest in the product and want to learn how to do your makeup with the products you already have, we can do that too! At FACED, we want to make your service experience as enjoyable and easy as possible while offering you an invaluable roster of highly trained and knowledgeable Makeup Artists.


Why do we need education on our makeup?
Our skin is our largest organ and anything we put into or onto it will be absorbed. Makeup is spread out over a large surface area of our face (sitting on some of the thinnest skin we have on our bodies). Our eyelids quickly absorbs the substance through the cell membranes, entering directly into our bloodstream. If our makeup is made using synthetic chemicals and preservatives, or genetically modified ingredients, our body will absorb those materials, potentially affecting our overall health. When we become educated on the makeup we use and put onto absorptive surfaces such as especially our eyes, and mouths we can then become aware of the things we put onto and into our bodies and can make an education decision about continuing to use certain products. 
We offer skin, body, and earth friendly products for your use, application, or purchase. Do you have a skin or makeup question? Host an All About MUA party for the month of August and September for FREE! 


VEGAN MAKEUP - Misconceptions: The fear of change, and does it last all day?
Vegan makeup is an experience for those who have never tried it before. You may have heard about stereotypical preconceptions out there, including the following:
  • The makeup won't last all day 
  • It won't show up as well
  • It doesn't work or look natural
So what's the REAL situation with vegan makeup? It all depends on one thing... INGREDIENTS! Why do people think that it doesn't last? Very simple! When we break it down, the skin is very scientific. It has its molecular structure and it has its processes (both natural and re-active). When we really break it down on a molecular level, our skin works very much the way plants do. That is why not only vegan, but vegan and NONTOXIC makeup (which is very rare to find a brand that exists, let alone WORKS!) is much more compatible and beneficial for your skin in many ways. There are many so-called ‘organic’ products on the market, however, it is not a given that these are also chemical free and non-toxic. It is a case of ‘caveat emptor’ (buyer beware) and inform yourself before you purchase.
 We make sure we leave our clients with a detailed understanding about the benefits they can achieve and maintain using ingredients which are good for the earth and good for the body. These ingredients are similar or even exactly like some of the ingredients in your kitchen cupboards!

Why wouldn’t makeup last all day? If the skin has not been properly cleansed before an application, the excess dirt, oil, or makeup left on will affect the wearability of the makeup – any makeup.  Without being cleaned off where else would dirt or oil go or lie other than beneath the applied makeup? You always want to apply makeup on a clean canvas – in this case, your face.

What if it doesn't show up or give me any colour? This comes down to not only the brand being used, but the artist and their skill level as well. The product that we used is made in Canada using organic, fair-trade, and nontoxic ingredients, upon which all of our artists have been thoroughly trained and educated. We offer a wide library of knowledge for any skin-care problems or challenges, breaking down the concept of beauty from a structural point of view into its individual parts, allowing us to approach makeup with a deep awareness and understanding of its depth. Colour is a factor of depth – the more you apply, the more intense the result.

What if it doesn't look natural or work? The name of the brand we use is "HAUT Cosmetics" which translated in German, means skin. To FACED and HAUT, "less is more" and we want not only to achieve, but to maintain healthy, youthful, and radiant skin. With that being said, natural looks are our specialty, but we also definitely possess the right products and tools to create that bold, colourful, and dramatic look! If you are unhappy with the result, the artist will continue to work with you until you are completely satisfied with your look.

How do I order the makeup products?
HAUT offers all of their products for purchase online at their website www.hautcosmetics.ca, and through FACED at www.facedmakeup.com.  However, we strongly believe and highly recommend booking an appointment with one of our certified artists at FACED to determine which products and colours would be best for you. Your personal session will give you a chance to work with and use the products before you order and make your purchase. If you are like most women,you could probably use more time in the day! FACED is here to make your beauty experiences more peaceful and enjoyable with a personalized tutorial and lesson on the recommended techniques and colours for your individual face shape, colour, and more! Inquire about an All About MUA Party or One on One session today at artist@facedmakeup.com.

Why do Makeup Artists charge so much? How does FACED determine its pricing structure?
Just like any other trade professionals (carpenter, stylist, graphic designer) Artists charge based on several variables that contribute to the overall expense. Our artists earn a set hourly and service rate before gratuities from the client that are received upon completion of their work and assurance of complete satisfaction of their appointments. These costs are intended to cover: 
  • Kit fees and usage of artist's tools(an artist’s kit costs anywhere upwards from $1500 - $2000 to be able to offer a full range of products for use of the client)
  • Travel fees includ. distance travelled, time on the road, Gas, Parking
  • Services performed
  • Booking fees: the administration of confirmations, cancellations, bookings, scheduling, software maintenance, website updates etc.
If you're a bride-to-be on a budget, or are simply interested/curious, I highly recommend reading this article originally written by a fellow artist Nikita Pere (Click Here) This article will go a little bit more in-depth with a detailed explanation of why artists charge what they do!

Ok, so let's say you're interested. What now?
It’s easy! All you have to do is decide what type of service you are looking for! You may be interested in our bridal trial and wedding makeup application services, or simply want to make a change in your personal makeup routine. Our educational services include the following options:

One on One Tutorials
This includes a 90-minutes one to one in-depth skin and makeup analysis. You will also be working hands-on with the makeup creating a look suited to fit your face features and colours.
Click Here to read more about what's offered in a session!

All About MUA (MakeUp Art) Workshops
Host a 2-hour workshop at your house with 3-6 girlfriends and receive the entire session for FREE for the months of August and September.  Learn how to do your eyes and brows professionally, using all the techniques, colours, and tools available to your fingertips with this hands-on, one of a kind experience in the company of your friends and a highly trained professional!
Click Here to read more about what's offered in the workshop!

Now armed with this information, please go to our Website and head over to the Contact Us page to fill out an inquiry, or email us directly at artist@facedmakeup.com and we will get back to you within 1 business day! Change your outlook and the way you look today!