Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with health and beauty

I've just seen a face...

eatdonuts — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:30:21 -0800

Yikes! Nearly every 'healthy' cosmetic brand has toxic waste in it! Here I thought using Burt's Bees was good for unicorns and everything, apparently they have issues too! So does the Body Shop - badly. Search the database... Anyone have a good, healthy brand line? Please no "Stop Using." Try telling that to a 13 year old who just got permission.

No more facial soap bars, switching to liquid soap.

mtphoto — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:54:22 -0800

What kind of liquid facial soap do you recommend? I'd like to stop using facial soap bars to wash my face. I've used the Neutrogena "transparent facial bar" for several months, but I don't like how to bar melts away so quickly. What liquid facial soaps do you recommend?

I'm a guy, if that changes your suggestions at all.

Changing the world, one kiss at a time...

Muirwylde — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:35:10 -0800

Cosmetic manufacturing in China. I've noted that certain regions of China specialize in different types of consumer goods manufacturing. Which city or region is ground zero for cosmetics manufacturing in China? I'm interested in having a cosmetic product line (lipcare, lip gloss, lip balm, etc.) manufactured in China. Product line will use stock componentry custom overprinted with trademarked logo. I have had products produced in Taiwan of my own design. I don't need concept, design, or formulation input. My Tawainese suppliers are not suitable for this project and I want to take a trip to Mainland China to find a supplier who is capable of providing scalable production capacity for a national, and eventually, international roll out. I don't expect a recommendation to a specific cosmetic manufacturer unless you have specific experience with this type of product. The product (lip gloss) will be hot-filled in glass. I realize the manufacturers have close relationships with componentry suppliers and I also have my own sources for the componentry. Manufacturer must be capable of supplying a 1200 door international chain from 2-3 store test phase through full roll-out. Manufacturer must be willing to work with a small but rapidly expanding niche brand.There are hundreds of Chinese cosmetic manufacturers (or agents masquarading as cosmetic manufacturers) online. Please, no links to Alibaba or other China 'business lead'-generating sites. Rather, I am more interested in what city or region I should be looking at that is the absolute center for cosmetic manufacture in Mainland China so I can travel there and make some decisions after eyeballing the terrain. Any links to the pre-eminent cosmetic trade shows (in China) or China cosmetic trade organizations that you feel might be useful or helpful would also be greatly appreciated. I also would be interested in knowing what unforeseen problems you may have experienced while rolling out similar product lines. Thank you!

What to do about Inflammed Hair Follicles

Anthro girl — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:56:08 -0800

My thigh is covered with inflamed hair follicles. It's basically little red dots that look like razor burn. It doesn't hurt, itch, or anything, it just looks bad. Is there any way to reduce them?

Do my crumbly nails indicate a problem?

toomuchkatherine — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:08:24 -0800

Normally healthy and strong, my fingernails are now peeling, flaking, and crumbling a bit near the tips. Is this a sign I'm missing something in my diet? (I'm a 29 y.o. female and I eat pretty healthfully, home cooking, plenty of vegetables. I do not take vitamins.)

What are these eyeglasses?

karizma — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:59:59 -0800

[WhatISThatFilter] What is the make and model of the eyeglasses Danny Gokey wore on the March 17th episode of American Idol? Danny Gokey of American Idol fame wore a very cool pair of glasses (yes, he wears many) on a recent episode of American Idol that aired on March 17th, 2009. I like them very much, and would like to get a pair, but I'm uncertain as to the make and model.

I have some scant ideas as to what they might be but I'd like the HiveMind confirmation if that's possible. Note the clear sides with metal within and the silver nose-bridge. Very simple, modern, light, airy, cool.

Here is a picture of the glasses.

A few notes...

- I asked this question on Yahoo Answers several weeks ago (just in case your Google searches run into it) and someone thought they were Fendi 703m. I don't think that's even close.

- It's speculated that he wears primarily Versace and Fendi branded glasses, as well as Dolce & Gabbana and possibly DKNY.

- Contact info for his supposed optometrist in Wisconsin is available but I don't really want to be *that* guy. I'm not a huge fan of him... just of the glasses.

My best guess is that the make model is Dolce & Gabbana DD 4128 (H66 - silver transparent) but I can't say for certain.

Can you help?

Thanks so much!

What are the Best books that list Best cosmtic surgery clinics or hospitals only in Bangkok, Thailand?

omaralarifi — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:50:29 -0800

Where can I buy book(s) that list best hospitals/clinics for cosmetic surgeries in Bangkok, Thailand? I am looking for the best clinics or hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand.
I prefer these books that list only the the best of the best clinics or hospitals specialized for cosmetic surgery only in Bangkok, Thailand.

Please I am only looking for books not websites.

Sometimes beauty really does come from within

freshwater_pr0n — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:14:46 -0800

What sort of things do you do, besides a vigorous romp in the hay, that leave you feeling so utterly relaxed and happy that your glow is obvious to random passers-by? What makes your inner light shine so bright that it's utterly contagious? Back when I lived near a spa that offered sensory-deprivation tanks, I noticed that on my walk home, people's heads would turn. Regardless of their gender, they'd be much more likely to smile and say hi, or even stop and chat for a bit.

I notice the same reaction now after an especially good Pilates or Yoga class, or after a great row, or when I'm walking a group of dogs I love and have lots of fun with. My hair might be straggly and wet, and I'm in my playclothes and smell horrible, and I'm still my average-looking self, but people react as though an impossibly gorgeous person just crossed their paths.

Sure, it's shallow to want more of it, but feeling blissed out seems to make me far more attractive than any makeup or clothing I could ever buy, and it feels far better.

Ivory skin and eyes of emerald green

Brittanie — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 03:14:35 -0800

Beautyfilter: How do I make my naturally pale skin look milky smooth? I'm a natural blonde and look good with a tan, but as I approach the end of my twenties I'm more and more concerned with sun exposure. I already wear high SPF sunscreen every day on my face, and have decided this summer to shun the sun in favor of a more natural look for the rest of my body.

However, my skin, which is very pale, always ends up looking more translucent and veiny than creamy and soft. Every little blemish and bruise shows up tenfold. I drink tons of water, exfoliate often and moisturize every day (I have dry skin) but I also have a bit of a yellow undertone, and I think sometimes I end up looking more sickly than healthy.

When I think of pretty pale blondes, I think of women like Scarlet Johansson and Cate Blanchett. What are the best (natural) ways to care for my skin to get that same soft white look?

How often should a guy wash his hair?

sjvilla79 — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 01:28:04 -0800

How often should a guy wash his hair? My friend says that a male shampooing and conditioning once a day is excessive. Is she correct? I believe my hair is as normal as it comes. Um, and this didn't help.

Is there a face cream less expensive than Creme de la Mer but substantially similar?

orangeshoe — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 23:42:36 -0800

I love the luxurious face cream, Creme de la Mer, but the price breaks my bank; is there an affordable cream comparable to it? When I say comparable, I mean a substantially similar face cream that makes your skin look and feel just as hydrated and nourished. While I feel Creme de la Mer is worth the money, I am unable to afford it! (Who can, anyways?)

New year, new nose?

Anonymous — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 07:57:04 -0800

Experiences with rhinoplasty (nose job)? And, can anyone recommend a good plastic surgeon? I've decided to look into getting a nose job, and also possibly something for the bags under my eyes. I've never liked the way my profile looks and my eyes just make me look tired all of the time even though I'm only in my mid-twenties. It's something that's bothered me for a long time and I'm very sure I want to do it. However, I'd like to hear experiences of anyone who has had similar procedures or known people who have. I've done a lot of research online and know all of the facts but what I'm lacking are personal stories since I don't know anyone who's ever had this done. Surprisingly, this doesn't seem to have been discussed here before.

Was it what you expected? How long was your recovery time? How long before you went back to work? What kinds of reactions did people give you? If it matters, I'm male, so I'd be especially curious about men getting this type of work done.

Also, if anyone has personal recommendations for plastic surgeons on the east coast (NYC or DC preferred) that would also be great.

Grownup skincare regimen?

aebaxter — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 11:42:17 -0800

I'm ready to put away the Sea Breeze. Help me choose a grownup skin care regimen that works. I have tried many different skin care products, but I've never been able to find a regimen that I feel is effective enough (i.e. keeps my skin oil-free for a majority of the day, lessens the frequency of breakouts, just generally makes my skin feel "clean") to stick with for more than a few months. I would love recommendations for a full skin care regimen (cleanser, toner and moisturizer, at least) that works for oily, somewhat acne prone skin. Cost is not an object - I'm ready to commit. FWIW, I'm 24, female and running Windows XP.

How can I protect my skin from pollution?

londonmark — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 04:24:14 -0800

How can I protect my skin from pollution? My skin doesn't react well to the polluted air of urban living. What are the best kept secrets for reviving its lustre? I eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water, so they're not the answer. I'm mainly after face washes, masks, moisturisers, treatments etc.

Beauty products: grocery stores vs salons.

lychee — Tue, 29 Mar 2005 00:05:52 -0800

BeautyFilter: Is there a marked increase in the quality of salon or department store makeup/hair/skin products over grocery and drug store items that makes the higher price worth it? I'm trying to spiff up my outward appearance and want to invest in a good shampoo & conditioner, skin regimen, and a bit of makeup. No beauty product available on the local grocery store shelves has ever wowed me, and I've come across more than a few discussions that make it sound like the only way to get great skin and hair is to patronize a place like Sephora.

So, are there particular brands of upscale beauty products that meet up to the hype and are worth the price, or should I save my money and stick to Neutrogena?

Skin care tips

croutonsupafreak — Mon, 28 Mar 2005 11:13:08 -0800

Other than using sun screen, what should I be doing to keep my skin healthy as I age? What do all these anti-aging products actually do, anyhow? I'm 27, and so far I don't have much in the way of wrinkles. I've got dry skin most of the time because of the heavy-duty anti-acne creams I use, so I moisturize. I get the feeling that I'm not doing enough, but I don't know if I'm just buying into the media hype or what.

I'm innundated with ads for anti-aging products every time I turn on the TV. I've got a these products that I got as free samples when buying cosmetics, but I'm not sure if there's any actual point in using them. Do any of these products actually work? And what are they supposed to do? Does anti-aging eye cream moisturize? Dry? Or have some other effect altogether?

If some of these products work, which ones shoudl I be using?

Tough Beard

namespan — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 15:51:20 -0800

BeardFilter: Good ways to make facial hair softer and fuzzier? Do general hair conditioners work, or are there specific things for facial hair?

What are some sports I can do to improve my torso?

XiBe — Fri, 07 Jan 2005 05:32:41 -0800

I can't seem to find the time to do any kind of sport these ~~days~~ ~~months~~ years, but I'm still pretty fit. Even though, I'd like to build some muscles (à la Lester Burnham, you know, "I want to look good naked!").
I can't do push-ups anymore because of my back pains, so I'm looking for easy exercices, like "do this 100 times" or "do this for a minute" (or more), to pratice every day whe[r|n]ever I am (right before I take a shower is good) to improve mainly my torso, but why not other parts aswell.
I don't want to join a club/gym if I can help...

Male pubic hair grooming tips and female reactions thereto

rorycberger — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 15:52:25 -0800

Male pubic hair grooming. Looking both for tips on tools, technique, etc. as well as the female response - i.e. should I even bother? If so, what's ideal? Shave? Trim? Wax? Rogaine? Clean it up? Lose it all? Dye it blue? Context: gf just got a bikini wax and i'm looking to return the favor as a surprise.

Can good photography make me beautiful?

madman — Fri, 23 Jul 2004 23:42:31 -0800

Just how much of a difference to your looks can good photography make? [more inside, of course] I looked at some of those before and after pics and I'm wondering how they managed to do some of that. Take the first dude, for example. How did they make his very square face look so slim?

I'm useless when it comes to photography. Could any of you share tips on how to use my non-SLR plain jane digicam to get better pics like that?
(yes, I know they use much better equipment and a studio, etc. so I will never come too close to that quality, but still...)