New makeup line for African American skin launched

Cosmetic company JAFRA Color has recently announced the launch of a makeup line that features a wide variety of highly pigmented eyeshadows, lipsticks and blushes for darker skin as well as concealers and a vitamin-infused mascara.

Inspired by world-renown makeup artists Sergio Lopez-Rivera and Aliesh Pierce, the line will be available in countries around the globe to help women of color look and feel their best.

"Feeling good on the outside is incredibly empowering," said Janice Jackson, senior VP and chief marketing officer at JAFRA Cosmetics International. "We made a conscientious effort to create a line that offers women a vast array of gorgeous shades that enable them to satisfy their beauty needs with confidence."

Powder cosmetics like eyeshadow and blush are triple-milled for even, rich application. Lipsticks contain vitamins C and E in addition to rich pigmentation, to promote smooth, soft lips while adding vibrant color. JAFRA's mascara contains vitamins B5 and E to nourish the eyelashes while a patented cotton extract helps them retain a curl.

Additionally, the new line will include 11 new shades of nail polish. 

Pomegranate shown to have anti-inflammatory effects

In a year-long study of more than 100 dialysis patients, researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology discovered that drinking pomegranate juice effectively helped the participants to reduce markers of inflammation in the body as well as lower levels of harmful free radicals.

Additionally, these patients experienced fewer instances of infection when compared to a control group.

Studies like this one have made pomegranate products very popular in recent years, as they have time and again been shown to have significant health benefits.

An article on HealingLifestyles.com reports that pomegranate extract and the oil from the fruit's seeds are becoming popular ingredients in skin care products.

In additon to being high in omega-5 conjugated linoleic acid, pomegranates have been shown to improve the effectiveness of SPF.

"I am not one of those dermatologists that jumps on every bandwagon. I certainly don't advocate for consumers to spend their savings on potentially unproven claims, but there is something to say about the wealth of goodies found in the seed oil and the fruit extract of the pomegranate," said Los Angeles dermatologist Vicki Rapaport, quoted by the source.  

Cosmetics that will help you feel beautiful inside and out

Many women feel guilty when indulging in the purchase of a new eyeshadow or a pricey tube of lipstick. Some companies are making the splurge more justifiable for consumers by donating a portion of their proceeds to charity.

The New York Times reports that makeup artist Laura Geller recently came out with a limited edition kit called Bring on the Bronze to benefit the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis. It includes a copper-toned makeup bag filled with a makeup primer, body bronzer, an eyeshadow duo, eyeliner and a lip gloss for $55, with 20 percent of the cost going toward the charity.

DivineCaroline.com suggests purchasing LUSH's Give PAWS soaps to support the Vancouver Humane Society. Featuring red paw prints, the soaps have an earthy fragrance of sandalwood, bergamot and neroli oils. The full $5.95 cost goes toward helping animals at the shelter.

Additionally, the lifestyle website recommends the entire PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics line, which is set up to benefit women living in poverty. All profits from the sale of these products goes toward advocacy and human rights groups.  

Four components of healthy ethnic skin

On BrownSkin.net, Dr. Susan Taylor reports that African American, Latina and Asian women should keep in mind four basic components for healthy, glowing brown skin: knowledge, self-examination, protection and nurturing.

Taylor says that women with ethnic skin should know about the conditions that tend to affect them. For instance, Futcher's lines are the marks that appear to divide lighter skin on the underside of the arm from the darker skin that is typically exposed. Women with darker complexions should also be aware of things like mid-line hypopigmentation, palmar crease hyperpigmentation and pigmented nail streaks, among others.

Self-examination may help an individual avoid skin cancer. Make a point to inspect your skin from head to toe once a month, and note any irregular looking moles or lesions.

Protecting brown skin from the sun may do more than prevent dark spots or uneven tone, since wearing SPF is also known to help prevent cancers like melanoma as well as wrinkles.

Finally, ethnic women should remember to nurture themselves with skin care for black women, which can address the unique issues facing people with complexions ranging from honey to dark chocolate.