Phase III: Sliding Home

There’s more going on in the world of personal lubricants than you ever imagined–

An experimental sex lubricant designed by Australian researchers could help block both HIV and genital herpes, a study suggests.

Tests on lab animals have shown that the microbicide gel, called Viva Gel, inactivates the HIV virus and another responsible for genital herpes, News.com.au reports.

What’s most important for you to know is that many brands of lubricants contain chemicals you don’t want anywhere near your body such as parabens. I’ve ranted about parabens before, but it bears repeating. Parabens are synthetic chemical preservatives used in personal care products—methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben and benzylparaben.

Paraben additives are used to inhibit the growth of fungus and bacteria. This is a legitimate concern considering the ways we use lubricant, but parabens can cause allergic reactions. Studies have also found parabens in breast tumors.

While the FDA says parabens are safe for consumers, a number of studies have shown that parabens may be linked to high rates of breast cancer, and reproductive problems in women and decreased sperm counts, prostate and testicular cancer in men. Just remember to read labels carefully so you’re sure of the type of lubricant you are purchasing.

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Post tags: intimacy, ky jelly, personal lubricant, sex, sexual lubricant, valentine's day

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Chattem Inc. is recalling its Icy Hot Heat Therapy products, including samples, due to reports of burns and skin irritations.

Chattem is recalling these products because it has received some consumer reports of first, second, and third-degree burns as well as skin irritation resulting from consumer use or possible misuse of these products,” states a Chattem news release posted on the FDA’s web site.

The recall applies to all lots and all sizes of the following Icy Hot Heat Therapy patches:

* Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat — Back
* Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat — Arm, Neck, and Leg

Please take this seriously. There have been cases of people dying from reactions to sports creams. You know I’ll be following this up with more information.

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Post tags: chattem, icy hot, muscle spasm, pain relief

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Phase 1: Practice Your Pucker
I’ve been V-testing various shades of red and diligently applying them to my already perfected pucker. Let me tell you a little something about lipsticks–-they’re not all created equal. If you’re not up to speed on lipstick, read this real quick then come right back here.

Troubling, isn’t it? Makes you wonder what they put in lipstick to make it stay on all day. There are so many types of lipsticks–lip balms, lip creams, lip liners, lip glosses. Have you ever wondered what chemicals go into making lipstick?

The basic ingredients are coloring, which is a dye that stains the lips, and a fatty carrier, which is usually a wax such as canuba, beeswax, or lanolin. The carrier will determine whether the lipstick feels hard or soft. Sometimes, fragrance and flavoring are added and lately sunscreen has become popular.

According to Skin Deep, lipsticks often contain a number of hazardous chemicals, including coaltar, petroleum-derived mineral oils, and synthetic perfume and flavoring. Some synthetic coal-tar based colors (FD&C or D&C) have been found to cause cancer in animals; also, many people experience allergic reactions such as skin irritation and contact dermatitis.

Another group of chemicals that can act as allergens—parabens—are sometimes used as preservatives for lipsticks. Parabens have several names—methylparaben, and ethylparaben.

Yet another dangerous group of chemicals found in lipsticks are phthalates. They are used as solvents and are not labeled on cosmetics. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors suspected of causing birth defects, endocrine (hormone) disruption at low levels, as well as kidney and liver damage at higher concentrations.

Afterglow lipstick does not rely synthetic ingredients, their products generally contain botanicals such as—

• Organic Jojoba Seed Oil
• Organic Aloe Leaf Extract
• Organic Apricot Kernel Oil
• Organic Beeswax
• Organic Vitamin E

Remember to check claims of natural and organic on cosmetic labels. Look for any of the unwanted chemicals mentioned above. Some natural products may have part organic ingredients but still use chemical additives.

Reference: Read My Lips A Cultural History of Lipstick

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Post tags: lip balm, lip gloss, lipstick, valentine's day

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Scenario A

You’re having a spa day at a trendy day spa in Hollywood when in walks Paris Hilton. You notice that she picks a striking color polish–Slutty Red. However, as a regular reader of this blog you know the brand has enough formaldehyde to pickle a prairie full of gophers. What would you do?

A. Paris is a kindred spirit. I want slutty red toes too.
B. Let her go with her choice. She’s too far gone for it to make a difference anyway.
C. I need to hip this chick to Priti polishes before she kills herself.

(...)
Read the rest of Are You Smarter Than A Celebutante? (534 words)

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Post tags: lindsay lohan, natural skin care, paris hilton, pedicure, spa

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