We are almost half way through the year, and so I have to ask: Are you capitalizing on one of the biggest trends this year? In 2018 we have been seeing the customer taking a bigger role in the beauty products that make up their […]
Are you ready for the truth about professional beauty brands and how it’s affecting the industry? Have you been following my “Evolution of the Beauty Industry“? This series has been in the making for quite sometime and I finally decided to take the plunge and […]
Do you practice proper makeup sanitaiton? The more that I educate, the more I realize that makeup sanitation needs to be talked about more. The makeup artists that I teach ask, because it’s something that they want to learn. And honestly it is THE most […]
I don’t think think I have ever been more excited about body care products until now! I just got home from the International Convention where some new amazing products were launched. Royal Spa introduced Foaming Brown Sugar Scrub, Nourishing Brown Sugar Bath & Shower Gel, […]
Over the past few years, I’m sure you’ve heard “sulfate free” and there has been a war in the hair-care industry against sulfates and the suds they create. Just walk down any beauty aisle and you’re bombarded with labels that boast “sulfate-free” products.Just walk down […]
Do you know which type of makeup brush is best for the makeup you use? My guide explains the difference between all of my professional brushes so you can apply your makeup flawlessly.
Brushes are one of the most common and traditional types of makeup applicators. Available in a range of sizes, densities, and stiffness. They can be used for everything from even foundation coverage across the entire face to precision eyeliner. Brushes can be used to apply any type of product (liquid as well as powder). And they work by building up coverage in layers rather than all at once.
1. Sweeping Contour: One-of-a-kind. This unique shape allows you to quickly place powder under the cheekbone and along the hairline and jawline. Try pressing and stippling for even fuller coverage.
2. Powder: The powder essential. Whether pressed or loose, this brush can handle it all. Simply use broad sweeping motions across the face.
3. Fan: The perfect highlight brush. Sweep the cheekbones with your favorite shimmers, bronzers and highlighters for a soft, warm glow.
4. Blush: The blush must. Apply blush in short sweeps to the apples of the cheeks, or highlight the temples, bridge of nose and chin.
5. Contour: A contouring staple. Build dimension and create the illusion of a slimmer face with this perfectly angled brush. Use around the edges of the face, under the jaw bone and under the cheek bone for a gorgeous contoured complexion.
6. Sculpter: This brush can do it all. Use the Sculpter to apply liquid or powder foundation reaching the smallest areas. It’s also great for contouring along the natural angles of the face and jaw line.
7. Concealer: Concealed weapon. This brush can do all of the little things. Use it to apply concealer under eyes, cover blemishes and to correct makeup mishaps.
8. Spoolie: What’s a spoolie? This little miracle helps separate lashes for added volume, sculpts brow arches and is great for setting brow powder.
9. Angled Liner: Line and define. This thin, angled brush is great for lining the lower lash line or filling in brows.
10. Brow Groomer: Brow drama. This dual sided tool combs and grooms brows for a professionally defined arch.
11. Smudger: Smudge Proof. Great for adding definition to the top lash line or for densely shading lids. Smudge along the lower lash line for a soft, dark smokey eye.
12. Blender: Blending Magician. This flexible brush is the solution to a perfectly blended crease.
13. Crease: Crease Creation. Add depth to the crease of the eye by using the crease brush to apply a darker shadow. Makes your eyes pop!
14. Large Eye Shadow: Favorite pick. This full-shaped brush makes it easy to apply shadow and color to the eyelid.
15. Eye Contour: A new look. The curved, refined tip gives precise control when detailing the eye. Create that sought after shaded cat eye with this easy to use tool.
FEELING LIKE A PRO? BUY THE SET NOW and SAVE $70! Hurry, while supplies last!
Happy National Lipstick Day ladies!! To celebrate in kissable style, I’m giving away a new Velvet Lipstick to the winner, and the lucky friend that they tag! A collection of semi-matte lipsticks that deliver a rich color in a velvet, non-drying finish-what’s not to […]
I’m sure that by now you know that wearing sunscreen daily (not just when you’re at the beach) is recommended. The sun emits harmful UV rays year-round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Snow, […]
I’m sure that you have already heard about the Johnson & Johnson’s lawsuit…last Thursday, they were ordered to pay 22 women $4.69 billion dollars. These women were alleging that their ovarian cancer was caused by using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder. What are the real dangers of talc and asbestos?
After the jury sat through weeks of testimony from experts, they awarded $550 million in compensatory damages and $4.14 billion in punitive damages to the women and their families.
There are over 9,000 similar lawsuits going on right now. Big verdicts have come down saying Johnson & Johnson owes hundreds of millions in damages to the women they’ve in effect poisoned.
I have been getting so many messages with questions since posting, so I wanted to do a bit more research on talc aka talcum. What are the real dangers of talc and asbestos?
Why is this such a big headline? The science really is up for debate. Concerns regarding talc surfaced in 1971 when scientists found talc particles embedded in ovarian and cervical cancer tissue. Some studies have shown that there is an elevated risk in women who use talc in their genital area for a long period of time. Other studies have not shown a connection.
When talking about whether or not talcum powder is linked to cancer, it is important to distinguish between talc that contains asbestos and talc that is asbestos-free. Talc that has asbestos is generally accepted as being able to cause cancer if it is inhaled. This type of talc is not used in modern consumer products. The evidence about asbestos-free talc, which is still widely used, is less clear.
It has been suggested that talcum powder might cause cancer in the ovaries if the powder particles (applied to the genital area or on sanitary napkins, diaphragms, or condoms) were to travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovary.
Many studies in women have looked at the possible link between talcum powder and cancer of the ovary. Findings have been mixed, with some studies reporting a slightly increased risk and some reporting no increase. Many case-control studies have found a small increase in risk. But these types of studies can be biased because they often rely on a person’s memory of talc use many years earlier. One prospective cohort study, which would not have the same type of potential bias, has not found an increased risk. A second found a modest increase in risk of one type of ovarian cancer.
For any individual woman, if there is an increased risk, the overall increase is likely to very small. Still, talc is widely used in many products, so it is important to determine if the increased risk is real. Research in this area continues.
Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral made up mainly of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. As a powder, it absorbs moisture well and helps cut down on friction, making it useful for keeping skin dry and helping to prevent rashes. It is widely used in cosmetic products such as baby powder and adult body and facial powders, as well as in a number of other consumer products.
In its natural form, some talc contains asbestos, a substance known to cause cancers in and around the lungs when inhaled (see Asbestos). All talcum products used in homes in the United States have been asbestos-free since the 1970s. Well…they should be any way…
According to Asbestos.com, current research indicates that pure talc does not cause mesothelioma. But talc that is contaminated with asbestos and asbestiform minerals has led to the development of mesothelioma.
The term “asbestos” refers to six different minerals.
Geologically, talc and asbestos can naturally form alongside each other. Not every talc deposit is contaminated with asbestos. The ones that are contaminated tend to contain tremolite or anthophyllite, both forms of amphibole asbestos, rather than chrysotile, which is the serpentine form of asbestos.
Like talc, the mineral vermiculite commonly forms alongside asbestos and asbestiform minerals. The infamous vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana, was contaminated with tremolite asbestos and the asbestiform minerals richterite and winchite.
Whether a particular talc product contains asbestos has everything to do with its geologic source. If the talc deposit contains asbestos or asbestiform minerals, the products made with that talc are likely contaminated with asbestos.
Different grades of talc may contain varying degrees of asbestos contamination. Medical-grade talc is around 99 percent talc. Cosmetic-grade talc is approximately 98 percent pure talc.
Companies began selling talcum powder in the late 1800s to alleviate and prevent skin irritations such as chafing and diaper rash. Pulverized talc became known by many names, including “medicated powder” and “foot powder.” But its most famous branding came with the introduction of Johnson’s Baby Powder in 1893.
As generations of Americans grew up with talcum powder in their nurseries, talc companies took advantage of the powder’s low cost and good reputation by marketing a wide range of talcum powder products for adults.
Numerous companies sold perfumed talcum powder as face-dusting powder for women and after-shave powder for men. Johnson & Johnson maintained its prime position in the industry with its Shower to Shower line of body powder products.
During the first half of the 20th century, asbestos also had a positive reputation with the American public — because of the industry cover-up of the mineral’s terrible health effects. The asbestos industry spent decades denying the mineral’s toxicity, giving talcum powder manufacturers no reason to think asbestos-contaminated talc was a problem.
Unfortunately, talc and asbestos often occur in the same geological formations. Many companies sourced their talc from asbestos-contaminated mines, including sites in North Carolina, Alabama, Vermont and northern Italy.
In the 1970s, mounting medical evidence began to turn the tide of opinion against asbestos. Then in 1976, researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital examined 19 samples of American talcum powder products and found asbestos in 10 of them, with the asbestos content ranging from 2 percent to as much as 20 percent, depending on the brand.
Because of the long latency period associated with asbestos-related diseases, though, many people who routinely used contaminated talcum powder in the 1960s may only just now develop symptoms.
The 1976 study did not find asbestos in the talcum powder samples acquired from Johnson & Johnson. However, according to recently unsealed company documents, officials at Johnson & Johnson did suppress reports of asbestos contamination at one supplier’s mine in the early 1970s.
Today, body powder products may be made of pure talc, cornstarch or various other alternatives.
In response to lingering concerns over asbestos contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a study of American talcum powder products in 2009-2010. The FDA found no asbestos contamination, though the report cautions the sample size was limited.
Cosmetic products and ingredients do not have to undergo FDA review or approval before they go to market, with the exception of color additives. However, talcum powder and other cosmetic products must be properly labeled and must be safe for use by consumers under labeled or customary conditions of use.
The FDA monitors potential safety problems with cosmetic products and can take action if sound scientific evidence shows a product is harmful under its intended use.
While no federal regulations exist, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (now known as the Personal Care Products Council) in 1976 asked its members to use asbestos-fee talc in their products.
Several cases of contamination have involved makeup products including children’s makeup sold by national retailers Justice and Claire’s.
In 2017, Justice and Claire’s recalled the children’s makeup products that were found contaminated. In March 2018, Claire’s filed for bankruptcy, citing $2 billion in debt as the reason for filing.
In response to the reports of asbestos in children’s makeup, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., introduced a bill on Feb. 7, 2018 that aims to protect kids from asbestos in makeup.
If passed, the Children’s Product Warning Label Act of 2018 would require a warning label for any cosmetic product marketed to children that isn’t proven asbestos-free.
The bill would require manufacturers of children’s makeup to use a warning label stating the product may contain asbestos, unless they submit proof
to the Department of Health and Human Services that the ingredients are sourced from an asbestos-free mine.
Manufacturers would have to use the most reliable testing methods to prove the product is free of asbestos, including the transmission electron microscopy method.
Simply looking for “all natural” or organic cosmetics isn’t enough to avoid asbestos-contaminated talc. That’s because talc is an all- natural substance. There’s no surefire way to know if the talc in
a product is truly asbestos-free without extensive testing of the individual product.
Did you miss my Facebook Live video? Here you go!!
I personally don’t use baby powder, or talcum powder in my household. It is advised to stop using this on your bottom, and I would NOT use it on your children.
As far as cosmetics, it can be quite difficult to avoid talc altogether, because it is so commonly used in the industry. I would stick to prestigious brands. There’s a reason why some cosmetics are cheap, because they use a lot of talc as a filler. If you are using a loose powder that contains talc, avoid breathing it in.
Consider Motives Custom Blend, as it is one of the best products I have found, and it is free of talc, and bismuth oxychloride free as well as great for the skin.
What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them!
Salon retail is one of the most talked about disruptions in the industry. If you have been following my “Evolution of the Beauty Industry”, or if you have been in the beauty industry for awhile, this probably isn’t news to you, but there’s been a […]
Summer is finally here in Wisconsin!! I LOVE summer! I love everything about it. The sunshine, the hot weather, the long days. I love it all! And if you’ve never been to Wisconsin in the summer, it is beautiful. Everything is green and colorful. This […]
Before I get started, let’s talk about what a side hustle is exactly. Instead of getting a second job, a high number are starting their own businesses. It is not necessarily a full blown, full time business. It can be, but more than that it is a secondary revenue stream to your day job. And I believe that it’s critical that everyone have one.
Regardless of how much money it makes, it will help reduce your stress, give you more freedom, and make you happier. Whatever you choose, anything can pretty much be a side hustle if you construct it correctly, but some ventures lend themselves to lower maintenance and faster revenue. And some even residual income.
The NY Post reported that Bankrate.com revealed over 44 million Americans are juggling side hustles. That means for every 10 working age adults, at least 1-2 of them are bringing in more than one income every month. Why is that important? Because if you are not one of those 44 million, then there are some big benefits they are enjoying that you are missing out on.
Here are some reasons why you should consider having a side hustle:
Wages in the US, along other countries as well, have been stagnant for years. Wage growth has remained weak for many American workers in recent decades. After adjusting for inflation, U.S. wages were only 10 percent higher in 2017 than they were in 1973, with annual real wage growth just below 0.2 percent.
2. The cost of living keeps going up.
Not only are wages not growing, but the cost of living just keeps spiking. Prices are rising even faster especially for the middle class and across the board in key areas like education, healthcare, and housing. You’re paying more, but you’re not getting more. Some say, to live comfortably, the average person should earn twice as much as their yearly expenses.
3. Americans have fallen back in love with debt.
Let’s look at the total household debt—a category that includes mortgages, student loans, and car loans along with credit card and other debt. Overall, Americans’ debt hit a new high of $13 trillion last year, surpassing the previous record set in 2008 by $280 billion, according to the New York Fed.
4. Job security is LONG gone.
No employer can assure you lifetime employment anymore. No private company can. No public employer can. I think that we can all agree that gone are the days when you work for the same company for most of your working life, sometimes for 20-25 years. Workers now migrate from job to job over their career in search of greater fulfillment and compensation. Today, the average person changes jobs ten to fifteen times (with an average of 12 job changes) during his or her career.
5. Retirement savings…
Northwestern Mutual’s 2018 Planning & Progress Study, found that 78 percent of Americans say they’re ‘extremely’ or ‘somewhat’ concerned about not having enough money for retirement. And they should be. A shocking 21 percent of Americans have nothing at all saved for the future, and another 10 percent have less than $5,000 socked away for their golden years, the study found.
Those between the ages of 55 and 64 who have retirement savings only have a median of $120,000 socked away, Bankrate reports, citing data from the Federal Reserve. That’s only 12 percent of the $1 million many experts recommend, and it’s worth noting that even $1 million doesn’t stretch as far as it used to.
6. It can be an outlet for your passions.
This isn’t mandatory when choosing your side hustle, but I do recommend you select something in a field that you’re passionate about. Why? Because you’ll work harder on something you love and it will give you an outlet to take part in your passions. Which will make it feel less like a job and make you look forward to working on it. I find as though some are just caught up in the rat race of their job, so a change of pace is also nice.
7. It will give you freedom.
When I started my side hustle, I was already a traditional small business owner, and I had NO intentions of ever leaving my career and what I built, however things changed when I was no longer able to physically work like I was. Not to mention the amount of hours I put in and stress I was constantly enduring. My side gig eventually turned into a full time income, and I had options. I chose to walk away and gain all of my time back. I get to be where I want, when I want, and travel as much as I want! I think everyone deserves that kind of freedom!!
8. You’ll meet some of the most amazing people.
You will have the opportunity to be around some of the most inspiring and successful people. What I have found, is that entreprenuers love to help other entrepreneurs. I have gotten the best coaching, tools and advice from other successful individuals. They have pushed me and believed in what I could accomplish, even when I didn’t have belief in myself. I have formed some of the most amazing friendships with people I would’ve never met.
9. Tax advantages.
In the book-Lower Your Taxes Big Time by Sandy Botkin CPA & former IRS Attorney, the first chapter is titled:Why You Would Be Braindead Not to Start a Home-Based Business (If you don’t already have one). In this chapter he explains why everyone who is employed should have some kind of a business. If you don’t have one, you are losing thousands each year. Of course, you should always consult a tax professional, but point is, there are many tax deductions you may not be benefiting from as an employee.
10. You’ll be happier.
I know when you first started reading this post, it may have been a bit depressing. Truth is, when you remove the stressors of money, and time, it’s amazing how you feel! Even if you are making just $300 extra per month, it can make a huge difference-anything helps. And TIME-This year, I have been speaking a lot about how valuable time is. You can always get more money, but once time is gone, you can’t get it back. Life is short, so spend your time, truly doing the things you want with the people you love. Don’t wait, just do it NOW!!
Do you have a side hustle? Are you looking for some ideas? I may be able to help!
The Motives Beauty & Business Academy made a stop at Richmond Virginia over the weekend Beauty professionals & professional consultants received firsthand experience with Motives products and skincare along with professional training from some of our top industry professionals. Among them were Lisa Martin-Director of […]
I thought this was fitting to share now. For those following me, you know all about my “I Am” Campaign, so why not share who I am? I hope you like it!
Who is Leigh Raeder? This has been a very interesting time to reflect on where I have been and what I have accomplished thus far. You see, I always look ahead. I always strive to be better than I was yesterday. But I am finding that looking back at the last two decades of my career is very humbling. So, here I go!
When I think back, I have always loved fashion and beauty. I can remember these cute little lipstick samples that my mom would get from her Mary Kay Rep )or maybe it was Avon) and they were usually a horrible orange red color, but it didn’t matter to me what color they were. I loved the makeup! And there are a few memories of trips to the salon with my mom. I loved to go and watch her get her hair done.
I had a passion for fashion, and would spend hours drawing women wearing beautiful ballroom dresses. I would draw their hair, and design their makeup. Oh, and let’s not bring up Barbie & Lee Press on Nails!
But, if you would’ve asked me what I wanted to be… I would have answered, “A veterinarian of course!” No, really!! I always had this deep connection with animals and ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a veterinarian. So what happened?
When I decide that I want something, I will do what I need to do to get it. I will push myself, and will not give up easily (stubborn?). I am a Capricorn, sensitive, shy and very humble, practical and prudent, ambitious and disciplined, patient and careful, humorous (although I have an unusual sense of humor) and reserved, I’m a climber.
I always wanted a horse, so I saved all of my babysitting money and at age 12, I bought one. My parents agreed because I assured them that I would also pay for everything needed to care for the horse, including hay and grain, and they knew I would! It may take me awhile, I’m a slow, but steady climber, but I will get it eventually.
Ok, back to business. I had decided that a veterinarian was probably not the best choice for me, for so many reasons, but thought nursing would be a great career. As graduation approached, one of my friends decided that she was going to go to cosmetology school. My thought was, I could get done in less than 2 years and I could have that degree and work while I went to nursing school. I will never forget those who told me that I was wasting myself by going to school for cosmetology. I was told that I was “too smart for something like that” and I was not going to ever make any money and I should rethink my decision- by so many of my peers. But, I didn’t listen!
So, a week after I graduated high school, I started cosmetology school. I decided to do the accelerated course-long days, 6 days a week. I loved it, I thrived, and I felt as though I was doing what I was meant to do, it came to me naturally! I was the first to graduate in my class, as the top retailer and had the highest grade point average. And so my career began!
I started my career before flat irons, YouTube, and even the internet! I have been an employee, helped open a world renowned spa, started & owned my own salon, and have been given awards. I have been trained by some of the biggest brands, like Aveda, Bumble & Bumble, TIGI, Schwarzkopf, Sebastian, Trucco, Pivot Point, Pevonia Botanica, Phytoceane, Jane Iredale, Paul Mitchell & so many more! I am a colorist, nail technician, aesthetician, you name it, I can do it. I am a trained reflexologist, a certified hair extensionist, a National Trainer for Motives Cosmetics, Certified Salon and a nutraMetrix Nutraceuticals Consultant and business developer.
I love my industry and I have a passion for making people feel beautiful on the inside and outside. I was always eager to learn what I could to provide them with the best products and services and I STILL continue to learn. I do not pass up education.
Those that know me know that I am extremely shy, but for some reason, I feel comfortable behind the chair working 1 on 1 with clients. I honestly feel as though I have been gifted with the skills I have and love to share them with as many as I can. I thrive on making others feel amazing.
I have a strong passion for helping other beauty professionals become successful beauty entrepreneurs. Helping them gain modern cutting edge exclusiveness, financial security and setting the next trends for our ever-changing industry. I’ve been there, I know what it’s like, and I have the knowledge, tools and resources to really make a difference. I have met some of the most inspiring people and get to work with the most amazing team of people. I am beyond blessed!
Enough about business now! I have to tell you that my favorite role is being a mother and wife. I always wanted to have a family, and I have the most amazing husband and two boys. My husband is one that steps up to coach and is truly one of those “hands on” dads. He is amazing and we make a great team. Our boys are very strong willed, which I think will be an amazing personality trait as they get older.
My oldest is quite the entrepreneur and has been since an early age. He is so much like me, and my youngest is all about sports, just like my husband! I encourage them to continue to dream and follow their passions whatever they may be and I can’t wait to see what they become.
One of the things we ALL love to do together, is travel. We have so much fun exploring together! We have many places we want to see and we keep chipping away at the list. It’s all about the adventure. Where will we go next?
This article just wouldn’t be complete without mentioning that I LOVE music. I never did master playing an instrument or anything, although I dabbled with a few. I just have this appreciation for musicians and love listening to all genres. I have a deep love for U2 and listen to them daily. I admire Bono and his philanthropy. He truly inspires me on so many levels. Sigh…
Writing this article wasn’t easy for me. I’d rather focus on others, but I agreed to do it in the hopes that just maybe, it will inspire someone, somewhere in some way. The sky is the limit, and YOU are capable of being whatever YOU want to be. Don’t ever get discouraged and give up. Don’t ever let others convince you to NOT follow your dreams! I have so much more I want to accomplish, and so much more growing to do, places to see, people to help, and I will not stop!
Cheers!!