ABOUT COSMETICS

WATCH OUT FOR...The ingredients used and the texture. Steer clear of makeup products that contain ingredients not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration: fragrance and preservatives chemicals, biothionol, hexachlorophene, vinlyl chloride and zinconium salts in aerosol products, halogenated salicylanilides, chloroform, and methylene chloride. Foundation and wand-applied cosmetic such as lipstick and mascaras shouldn’t have uncharacteristically clumpy or cake-like textures, for these are signs that the item has passed its expiry date. Eye makeup should never contain any kohl – a color additive often used to enhance the eyes’ appearance. It contains salts of heavy metals, such as antinomy and lead, and is not approved for cosmetic use in the United States. A kohl-colored item, however, is just fine. Lastly, makeup brushes should be soft and full; they should feel smooth when your run them against your skin. Those made from natural materials, like squirrel and pony hairs, are your best bet. THE RISKS Cheaper brands usually do not blend well and do not look natural on skin. Worst of all, they can cause skin irritation. BUT IF YOU STILL WANT IT…”You have to test them out for a while to see if they work for you,’’says Denise Go, makeup artist and proprietor of Visage Salon. “Try the testers first, and see how the product blends into your skin. If it’s fine after a few hour of wearing it, then that’ s a go signal for you to buy it.’’