Still In Search of Lipstick Without Lead

After my recent post, "Does Your Lipstick Contain Lead", I have been trying to find a lipstick that does not contain lead or (I''ll admit) one that contains less lead. I could also wear lipstick fewer times and that would contribute to lower lead exposure overall which is the goal. The problem I have found is that the available information is limited.

The Environmental Working Group maintains the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database which lists the ingredients in many popular beauty products.

Based on these ingredients, products are rated either "Low, Moderate or High" Hazard. The database also indicates the data availability rating for each product "None, Limited, Fair, Good, or Robust".

A higher data rating shows that there is a lot of information about that product that is available to researchers and so the testing is more conclusive than products with a low data rating. I would avoid low data ratings because it means that we really don't know what is in the product.

Unfortunately, it is not that easy to search for the "safest product" in a specific category.

But you can easily use the database to check the Hazard and Data Ratings for the products you currently use or are considering buying. Simply type the product name in the database.

Information is power. Use the database to make better choices for you and your family and let me know if you find a lipstick with no lead.

Does Your Lipstick Contain Lead?

According to studies done by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, 61% of tested lipsticks contain lead. Someone might ask questions like, "How many did they test?" and "How many brands of lipstick exist in the market?"

For me, those questions are largely irrelevant because the most important thing is that I have no way of knowing which lipstick brands contain lead. The FDA does not require companies to list all the ingredients on the packaging. Even when the ingredients are listed on a product, they are listed by their scientific names and we most of us have no idea what they mean.

The FDA also does not regulate the chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products. In various tests, common ingredients (such as parabens) have been shown to be toxic. These days many products tout the labels “natural or organic”. Don’t let the labels fool you. They really have no meaning in cosmetics because they are not legally regulated. You have to read the ingredient list to determine how safe a product is.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is pushing for legislation in the US to ensure the safety of cosmetics and personal care products. The short video below shows the safety issues that are threatening our health as well as suggestions on what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

Interviews: What Not To Wear!

Rafiki: I am nervous about a business meeting tomorrow.

Red Jade: What are you going to wear? It helps if you are dressed well.

Rafiki: A black suit with a brown and black shirt and brown/black shoes.

Red Jade: Sounds very nice. Business meetings deserve the same dress code as interviews. Talking of interviews, I have to say I am biased against people who do not wear suits to interviews. What do you think?

Rafiki: I always wear one to be safe.....business casual is acceptable for us since we are casual but it still needs to be very proper.

Red Jade: Business casual is always very tricky especially for women. Our dress code at work is also business casual but everyone has their own interpretation.

Rafiki: I think that is the problem. It is better to narrow your definition and err on the side of caution.

Red Jade: I once interviewed someone who showed up wearing a bright pink skirt suit with matching shoes! It was really hard to concentrate on her responses.

Rafiki: I have a feeling she did not get the job.

Red Jade: Yeah, unfortunately she did not make it to Round 2. I was concerned that she might wear the same suit for business meetings with clients. Then there was the other person who had clearly taken the trouble to dress really nicely only problem is that she was dressed as though she was going on a date - body hugging, low cut dress and stilettos.

Rafiki: I had an interviewee who was wearing a very low top once and I almost said something about it. Even the guys at the office were embarrassed. The wrong attire makes people get the wrong message and not take you seriously.

Red Jade: Unfortunately, if you dress inappropriately for an interview, the interviewer is left questioning your judgment. So as an HR Expert, what items should you NOT wear to an interview?

Rafiki: Very strong perfume, anything that will distract like loud colors, large jewelry pieces, trendy clothes. Stick to dark colors, simple lines and closed shoes with a small heel. Hair should be well kept.

Red Jade: Are braids ok for an interview?

Rafiki: I think they are tricky because people still have their biases. I loved that Liza wore hers during the Apprentice and she looked very professional.

Red Jade: Yes, she did manage to pull off the look very successfully. I think it was because the rest of her attire was professional and sleek, and had the simple lines you mentioned earlier. So you would advise someone to take down their braids for an interview?

Rafiki: I would not say they must take them down, but I would advise someone to consider the culture of the company they are interviewing with.

Red Jade: What about makeup? To makeup, or not to makeup: that is the question.

Rafiki: I think makeup is fine as long as it is a day look with neutral colors. I would stay away from the red lipstick.

Red Jade: I remember reading somewhere that women who wear makeup and in particular lipstick are considered more professional than those who do not. And they earned 30% more than women who did not! I now make an effort to wear makeup every work day, but still waiting for the 30% raise.

Rafiki: Very interesting. I wear makeup because I like it but it is nice to hear it makes a good impression.

Red Jade: What advice do you have for guys at an interview?

Rafiki: Suit, Simple lines, dark leather shoes, dark colors and clean shaven. A tie depends on the company culture but a suit is a good idea. In general a well groomed look.

Red Jade: I think the suit should be dark colored - dark grey or navy blue. The belt should match the shoes and the socks should match the pants. No white socks, please.

Rafiki: Definitely no white socks. A nice watch is a nice touch. There are lots of videos on youtube on interview tips. Here is one from Monster UK.