Beauty as a Second Language
When you are reading product descriptions, do you sometimes get the feeling that you should be taking “beauty” as a second language? I got to thinking about this when I did my La Mer review and again today when I watched Victoria Principal’s Reclaim infomercial (and no, it doesn’t work, I tried it myself). Without putting the brands in the spotlight, I just wanted to use some terms I’ve found for different makeup & beauty products…
“ceramic microspheres” (that doesn’t sound comfortable)
“universal antioxidant alpha lipoic acid” (that sounds like it burns)
“cell-energizing Ribose” (well I don’t know what Ribose is, but if it’s going to energize my cells…)
I think skincare products do tend to outweigh makeup in their “we’re going to impress and confuse you with big words that you will think that surely this skincare product has got to be a miracle!”
“revolutionary Aquacapt complex” (I don’t think water is so revolutionary)
“Neuropeptides are combined with SYN®-TACKS” (does it hurt? It better not for $110)
“Formulated with Tissue Respiratory Factors” (so does that mean my skin can breath now?)
I think you get the picture. Why can’t products just give you the bottom line? Say what it will deliver without making my head spin and without the investment of a good dictionary.
Can you think of any cosmetics or skincare products you’ve seen recently that had a description worth furling an eyebrow about?
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POSTED IN: beauty, makeup, what's your opinion
2 opinions for Beauty as a Second Language
Anna
Mar 9, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I am reading Paula Begoun’s Beauty Bible and the entire book is about this - outrageous and unsupported claims made by skincare companies.
Cynthia
Mar 9, 2008 at 8:42 pm
What skincare products do you think really work? I’ve been using Olay otherwise known as Oil of Olay. I’ve been using Loreal Collagen filler around my eyes and other ”problem” areas. The Loreal works okay. I still have a few fine lines. I use the Olay for the sunscreen protection on my face and neck.
I didn’t think Victoria Principal’s Reclaim would be that great. I heard Victoria is married to a plastic surgeon. Don’t know if there is any truth to that, but I wouldn’t doubt it. I think the main thing is to keep your skin moisturized when you are young and to keep moisturizing everyday of your life for skin that looks as best as it possibly can.
The skincare companies are all about making money so we do have to keep that in mind too.
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