beauty-pedia

Tired of wearing that same old fragrance you've been wearing for years? Would you like to find something new to wear that better reflects your personality or mood(s)? Luxist Awards Expert Panelist Harry Slatkin, who is regarded as one of the country's leading fragrance experts and who is the founder and creative force behind Slatkin & Co., the premier home fragrance brand celebrated for its scent experience and design (now a division of Bath & Body Works), offers a few of his best tips.

BROWSE AND EXPLORE
Look for fragrances in different places, such as a tiny boutique, an open market or even on a trip abroad. You'll be in a relaxed state of mind when you try it on, and every time you wear it, you'll be reminded of your experience.

REFLECT YOUR PERSONALITY
When trying on fragrances, remember to engage the person behind the perfume counter and share details! What kind of car you drive? What kind of dog do you own? What are your interests? The more you reveal, the more luck you'll have finding a scent that suits you. If you're the life of the party, try choosing a fragrance with a bold note, such as cassia. If you would describe yourself as sexy, opt for jasmine, tuberose and orange flower, which all offer seductive scents. If you're more feminine, notes like bergamot, lavender, and rose will leave you with a light, sweet scent.

DON'T SNIFF MORE THAN THREE
Be sure not to sniff more than three scents in a row during a shopping trip, and always spray the leading contender in the crook of your arm. Live with it for awhile. And remember samples are a girl's best friend. You'll know you've found the magic formula when you like both the way it smells right away and over time. The final clue is getting the seal of approval from loved ones and even strangers. Compliments are key! When people like how I smell, I know I've chosen the right one.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN BY LAYERING AND MIXING SCENTS
For a truly unique scent, consider layering two fragrances. The trick is to blend notes that complement each other. Jasmine, vanilla, rose and citrus work well with most scents, while stronger notes such as patchouli and vetiver don't. I love using a classic fragrance as a base, such as Chanel No. 5, and adding something on top. Be daring and take it in a different direction -- you'll end up with something that's truly unique and memorable.

Because titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have anti-inflammatory properties, certain mineral makeups can also have a calming effect on the skin, particularly important if you suffer from inflammatory problems such as rosacea or acne. Mineral makeup also is known for being noncomedogenic, and many manufacturers claim it also offers sun protection. This is mostly due to to the high content of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide -- two ingredients commonly found in traditional sunscreen. But mineral makeup does not replace sunscreen, rather, it adds a modicum of extra protection.

Many consumers say they are initially drawn to try mineral makeup because of skin health claims -- more specifically, that its pure formulations are safer and better for sensitive and acne- or rosacea-prone skin. Those who love it rave about the light, natural, long-lasting glow. Others, however, complain that it's drying, irritating, and accentuates wrinkles. Some say the colors have an ashy undertone that is a particular problem for ethnic skin types. Others says it's messy and expensive, but fans say the containers last an inordinately long time, and if you're careful when applying, it's no messier than any other makeup.

The bottom line is that mineral makeup is another option that, like all makeup, will be loved and used by some but not by all. While there are several "boutique" lines available -- BareMinerals, Sheer Cover -- mineral makeup can now be found as part of many major brands' lines and can be purchased in a drugstore or big box store.

Depending on who you ask, antiperspirants and deodorants are either toxic or safe. So which is it? According to the government, they are safe.

All antiperspirants, whether they are roll-ons, sticks or aerosols, contain aluminum (either aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY). There is a belief that aluminum is a contributing factor connected to Alzheimer's and possibly other diseases.

According to the Alzheimer's Society, there is no conclusive medical or scientific evidence of a link between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease. "Aluminum is one of the most abundant minerals in the world, and worldwide research has not found any evidence that exposure to everyday levels of aluminum is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease," states the Society on its website.

Some antiperspirants and deodorants also contain parabens, which are preservatives. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says there is no evidence or research data that ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants cause cancer. Parabens have been linked to breast cancer by at least one scientific study; the FDA found that this theory lacked sufficient evidence.

Since 2004, the FDA has required that all antiperspirant products containing aluminum include a warning that advises people with kidney disease to consult a physician before using the product. This warning is targeted toward patients with advanced kidney disease who may not be able to excrete the low levels of aluminum in the body that may result from the use of antiperspirant.

One its website, the FDA states "at the present time there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of cosmetics containing parabens. However, the agency will continue to evaluate new data in this area. If FDA determines that a health hazard exists, the agency will advise the industry and the public, and will consider its legal options under the authority of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in protecting the health and welfare of consumers."

For those folks who would rather be safe than sorry, there are several products in the marketplace that provide antiperspirant and deodorant protection that are aluminum-free and paraben-free including Arm & Hammer Essentials and Herbal Clear.