Tips for Finding Your Perfect Shade of Lipstick

Posted on by Jacqueline
Perfect Shade of Lipstick
16 Apr

Looking for that perfect lipstick? The one that makes you feel fabulous and pulled together? The one that looks effortless, classic and the antithesis of “trying too hard”? The one that enhances your natural beauty (and doesn’t distract from it)?

Let’s be honest: It’s tough.

If you’ve been hunting long enough, you’re probably convinced that it’s easier to find a unicorn in the wild than it is to find your perfect shade of lipstick. You can invest years of your life looking for that one magical (mythical?) lipstick, only to come across almost or not quite.

But you have standards, and you won’t quit until you find the perfect match. In fact, you have a list. To be perfect, your lipstick must meet the following criteria:

  • It applies smoothly
  • It appears to whiten your teeth
  • It produces glowing skin
  • It doesn’t wash you out
  • It doesn’t age you
  • It looks amazing on your lips
  • It stays on
  • It doesn’t bleed
  • It doesn’t destroy the environment
  • It lasts
How do you find that perfect lip shade? Here are our favorite tips: Click To Tweet

So, how do you find that perfect lip shade? Here are our favorite tips:

Here’s your guide to finding the perfect lipstick shade.
Click Here

Step #1: Know Your Skin Tone

The first step to determining your perfect lipstick shade is to discover your skin tone. There are four main skin tones:

Fair

Perfect Shade of Lipstick

Fair skin tones are lighter and often described as alabaster, pale, or almost transparent. It’s fairly easy to see veins through fair skin. People with fair skin are often natural redheads or golden blondes. Fair skin may also have freckles, may burn quickly, and rarely tan.

Medium

Perfect Shade of Lipstick

Medium skin tones are more tan than those with fair complexions. Those with this complexion can and often do achieve tans in prolonged exposure to the sun. However, medium is not deep enough to be considered olive. People with medium skin often look best when wearing hair that’s a warm, honey brown.

Olive

Perfect Shade of Lipstick

Olive skin tones tan easily in the sun. This complexion is often described as a light bronze with greenish or yellowish undertones. People with olive skin are often born with dark brown or black hair.

Deep

Perfect Shade of Lipstick

Deep skin tones also tan easily in the sun, but rarely, if ever, burn due to the high concentration of melanin. This complexion is often considered brown or golden. People with deep skin are typically born with dark brown or black hair.

If you’re not sure exactly what your skin tone is, look at the skin around your jawline. This skin is the least affected by sun damage and should help you determine the right tone.

Step #2: Know Your Undertone

Once you’ve accurately accessed your skin tone, it’s time to look at your undertone. Your undertone is really the most important part of finding your perfect lipstick shade.

Your skin will have one of the following three undertones:

Warm

Do you look good in gold jewelry? Do you tan easily? Do you look better in crisp white clothes (instead of off-white)? If you answered yes to these questions, you likely have a warm undertone.

Your skin looks best in warm shades like olive, gold, and yellow.

Fair, warm skin looks best in: Coral, blue-ish red, pale pink, peach, nude
Medium, warm skin looks best in: Orange, bronze, nude, copper, coral
Olive, warm skin looks best in: Coral, pink, nude
Deep, warm skin looks best in: Wine, orange, blue-ish red, bronze

Cool

Do you look good in silver jewelry? Is it difficult for you to tan? Do you burn before you tan? Do you look better in off-white clothes? If you wear white, do you look washed out? If you answered yes to these questions, you likely have a cool undertone.

Your skin looks best in cooler shades with blue or purple undertones.

Fair, cool skin looks best in: Pink, beige, coral, bold red
Medium, cool skin looks best in: Cranberry, red, coral, nude
Olive, cool skin looks best in: Red, wine, nude
Deep, cool skin looks best in: Berry, plum, wine, cooper, cool red

Neutral

Do you look good in both silver and gold jewelry? Do you look good in both white and off-white? In fact, do you look good in all colors? Is your skin olive toned? If you answered yes to these questions, you likely have a neutral undertone. This means that you can look best in whatever color you choose to wear. Yay you! Pick and choose from any color that makes you feel good about you, but give serious consideration to orange shades (from soft to bold) that play up your natural golden shine.

To find your skin’s undertone, take the following steps:

  • Grab a handheld mirror
  • Stand in front of a window during a bright, sunny day
  • Turn your hand over, palm facing you
  • Look at the veins in the wrist area
    • Do your veins look blue? If so, you have cool undertones
    • Do your veins look green? If so, you have warm undertones
    • Do your veins look both blue and green? If so, you have neutral undertones

Other Tips for Finding the Perfect Shade for Your Lips

Here are a few more tips for finding the perfect shade of lipstick:

  • Every woman needs a bold, red lip. If you have paler skin, choose a classic cherry red. If you have deeper skin, go for a deeper red that will compliment your skin tone.
  • For yellow teeth, don’t reach for oranges, which can make your teeth look ever yellower. Instead choose a shade with a bluish undertone, such as pink or some reds.
  • Choose whether you’ll focus on your lips or your eyes. If you want to focus on your lips, opt for a bolder color lipstick and go light on the eye makeup.
  • If you’d like to plump up your lips, choose a liner and bold lip color to draw attention (no pun intended). Opt for bright shades and/ or glossy finishes to make your lips pop.
  • If you want to make your lips look fuller, steer away from darker colors that minimize their size.
  • When going nude, go either two shades lighter or two shades darker than your skin tone.

Final Thoughts

Although these tips are here to help you find your perfect lipstick shade, remember that they’re only guides. At the end of the day, you should wear what speaks to you the loudest.

Remember that confidence is the most beautiful thing you can wear. If a certain lip color makes you feel more confident, embrace it and don’t worry about “the rules.” Choose the one that you like the best and don’t worry about the rest.

Start shopping for your perfect shade of lipstick here.

Don’t forget to download your printable guide to finding the perfect lipstick shade.
Click Here

 

4 Spring Limited Edition Lipsticks

Posted on by Ashley Teague
10 Apr

Hello Red Apple Gals, 

We’re so excited to share with you that the most requested previously discontinued spring lipsticks are BACK! Yay!!! If you’re new to Red Apple you might not know about these lovely lipsticks so I’d like to introduce you to them now. 

Meet: Crush On Me, Petal Pusher, Sweet Pea and Kiss On The Chic 

Swatches of Spring Lipsticks

Sweet Pea– A medium shade of peachy coral without shimmer. It gives you a burst of color and has an inviting, warm, earthy aura to it. The cheerful color of Sweet Pea is lively yet wearable and is evocative of a tropical orange or a fiery gemstone. Apply Sweet Pea lighter for a soft daytime look or bolder for evenings out. This refreshing lipstick feels creamy and glides on effortlessly.

Andrea Is Wearing Sweet Pea

 Petal Pusher– A cool toned medium shade of pink. Those who are passionate about pink will love that this lipstick can be worn softer but can also deliver a bold and energetic color. Petal Pusher has a glossy balm-like consistency, you can see a hint of shimmer in it, although once applied it’s not noticeable and it has a soft sweet scent of berries. 

Fran Is Wearing Petal Pusher

Kiss On The Chic– Kiss On The Chic is a bright mid-tone pink with a hint of coral. This powerful lipstick has a dramatic flair and a unmistakable energy that is youthful and vibrant. Kiss On The Chic is a charming and sumptuous lipstick that you can easily wear to outdoor tea parties or beach resort vacations and everywhere in between. This full of life lipstick is warm toned, applies creamy and has a very subtle micro-shimmer to it.

Melissa Is Wearing Kiss On The Chic

Crush On Me– Crush On Me is a very soft light shade of magenta-pink. This sweet and stylish lipstick is a girly, go-to favorite and an absolute delight to wear. Crush On Me brings about a calm and understated confident feeling when you wear it. This classic lipstick has a cool undertone, a deliciously smooth feeling upon application, an alluring micro-shimmer and a subtle hint of vanilla.

Fran Is Wearing Crush On Me

These gorgeous spring lipsticks become available starting on April 13th, 2018 at 10 am CST. There’s a limited quantity of them so when they’re gone…they’re gone (at least until next year 😘). Registration for the sale is open until April 12th, 2018. Those that register will receive special pricing and first dibs. If you haven’t registered already you can do so by clicking here. 

Cheers to a splendid spring season! 🌸🌸🌸

Ashley 

Are You Allergic to Your Makeup? Here’s How to Tell

Posted on by Jacqueline
Allergic to makeup
02 Apr

Are you allergic to your makeup?

 

It’s a startling question, isn’t it? We’re all quite aware of the allergies that come in food or seasonal form, but can your makeup be making you sick?

 

If you love wearing beauty products, it can be a major killjoy when you realize that you’re actually allergic to the great, new product that everyone’s gushing over.

 

This post is for those of you who suspect you may have a makeup allergy but aren’t sure yet. It’s for those of you who’ve ever wondered if a certain food was the cause of your breakouts. And it’s also for those of you thought your skin irritation was in response to old, expired makeup.

 

By the end of this post, you’ll have a lot more information about cosmetic allergies, including how they manifest, what causes them and what you can do about it.

 

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the main culprits in cosmetics that are responsible for breakouts, redness, irritation, inflammation, dry patches and so much more. Let’s hunt out the common allergens that could be hiding in your cosmetics case.

Here’s a list of the most common, toxic ingredients found in makeup.
Click Here

 

How Do I Know if I’m Actually Allergic to My Makeup?

Makeup allergies show up in a variety of ways. The most common type of allergic reaction is known as contact dermatitis. There are two types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic.

 

Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by a product that, once applied, directly damages your skin. Your skin may respond with redness, itchiness or a burning sensation. This is a clear indicator that your skin is not comfortable with the ingredients present in the cosmetics product.

 

Allergic contact dermatitis can show up as hives, swelling, redness or dry patches on your skin. This, too, is a dead giveaway that something isn’t right in your makeup.

 

Redness isn’t the only skin coloration to be on the lookout for. Some allergic reactions can create darkened skin and blackheads.

 

What are the Most Common Culprits of Cosmetics Allergies?

The top offender is most definitely synthetic fragrance.

 

Allergic to makeup

 

As it turns out, fragrance is not just harmful to your skin, it can also lead to a host of other issues, such as respiratory irritation and damage your reproductive system. Yikes.

 

Fragrance is one of the most ubiquitous ingredients in cosmetics. From chapsticks to facial cleansers, you’ll find artificial fragrance high up on the ingredients list.

 

You’ll need to scout for products that explicitly say “fragrance-free.” So-called “unscented” products can still contain a neutralizing fragrance that is used to mask the smell of other chemicals in the products. Even if it seems unscented, it could still trigger an unpleasant reaction.

 

Preservatives can also trigger allergies. Many cosmetic products are loaded with preservatives to keep them shelf-safe for months (or even years!) in all manner of inhospitable environments (such as trans-pacific shipping containers and sweltering hot warehouses). In order to keep their products usable for a long period of time, cosmetics companies turn to preservatives like parabens. Parabens prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, which sounds good in theory, but researchers have also found a link between this preservative and skin irritation.

 

Parabens are one of the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics because not everyone has a reaction to them. This is why you’ll commonly see parabens in foundations, powders, eyeliners, eyeshadows, lipstick, and blushes. They’re even in makeup removers, toothpastes, and sunscreens. However, if you’re one of the millions who is affected by parabens, you’ll want to avoid any product that contains this unholy preservative.

 

Last but certainly not least on the list of known skin irritants are cheap, low-grade ingredients. A lot of big name cosmetic companies simply go for the cheapest ingredients possible. As long as these ingredients don’t present an issue with the majority of their customer base, these companies will opt for the cheapest (and therefore, lowest quality) products available.

 

The problem with this is that some of their customers will experience an allergic reaction– and it stinks when that person is you. If you have an autoimmune disease or a sensitivity to certain chemicals, you’re can never be too careful with what you wear because the slightest imbalance can leave you with irritated skin for days.

 

But let’s not overlook the glaring fact that, even if you don’t have an intense allergic reaction to these harmful ingredients, it doesn’t redeem them. These ingredients are still not worthy of putting on your skin, and certainly won’t nourish or protect it.

 

This is a fact that you’ll likely confront more and more as you get older. When you’re younger, your body can more readily fight off foreign invaders, such as the toxic ingredients that found in many cosmetics products. However, as you get older, your body doesn’t want to fight. It simply wants to expel. This is why you may feel like your skin is becoming more sensitive as you age. You’ve been blaming a change in the product’s formula, but it’s more than likely a change in the way that your immune system handles foreign threats.

 

Allergies Don’t Always Present Immediately

Allergic to makeup

 

You may be allergic to a product but not see a reaction until hours, weeks or even years later. How can that be? It’s all about how the immune system responds to the offending foreign agent. Most of the time, you’ll see a negative reaction within hours of application. However, it’s also possible for the immune system to develop a strong negative reaction to products that you’ve loved for years.

 

It's possible for the immune system to develop a strong reaction to products that you've loved for years. Click To Tweet

 

But is throwing more money at the problem the answer?

 

Not necessarily.

 

There are quite a few high-end cosmetics companies that still do business as drugstore brands. In a blind test where you simply compare ingredients, you’ll notice that the ingredients found in the luxury brands are identical to those in the drugstore brands. A lot of times, you simply pay for reputation, and not much else.

 

Here’s how Red Apple Lipstick is different from those guys:

All of our products are handmade in small batches. Our products simply cannot sit on the shelf for five years (and counting). However, most big box cosmetic companies create unmeltable products that can be sustained in a hot docking warehouse and your hot car.

 

For example, big box lipsticks contain phthalates, which are a type of plasticizer. Plasticizers are used to keep lipstick soft and not brittle over the course of many years and under brutal conditions. No wonder these harsh chemicals lead to skin irritation! Here at Red Apple, we don’t use plasticizers or toxic preservatives. We believe in creating cosmetics that enhance your beauty while nourishing your skin at the same time.

 

Final Thoughts

It’s a pity that a product, which is designed to enhance your natural beauty, can actually destroy your skin. From redness to rashes, allergies are no joke and can leave you feeling hopeless. The good news is that you don’t have to fear what’s lurking in all beauty products. All of our products are free of preservatives, gluten, lead, petroleum and other toxic chemicals. For allergy-free makeup, check out our store right now.

 

Don’t forget to download this list of commonly found toxic ingredients in cosmetics.
Click Here

The Five-Minute Face: 10 Tips to Speed Up Your Makeup Routine

Posted on by Jacqueline
19 Mar

Let’s be honest. Waking up is hard and alarm clocks get no love. Wrapped up in your comfy bed, all you want to do is grab a few extra minutes of sleep and sanity before facing the day. But once you finally manage to peel yourself out of bed, you have a laundry list of things to do before you get out the door. And you have less than an hour to do it. Fun times.

On the top of your to-do list? Looking pulled together with the help of makeup, wardrobe and hairstyling. So, how do you speed up your makeup routine without looking like you just rolled out of bed (even if that’s exactly what you did)?

Here are our favorite tips to help you look your best every time even if you only have five minutes to do it.

Check out this list of quick hair tips to try.
Click Here

#1 Create a Signature Look

One of the best ways to simplify your makeup routine is to choose a go-to look. For your day-to-day look, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel each morning. If you find a look that works well with your features, adopt it as your signature.

If you enjoy wearing eye shadows, remember this combination: Light applied to the inner corner, medium applied to the middle of the eyelid, and dark applied to the crease. You can rarely go wrong with that combo.

Part of creating a signature look is knowing your own face. What looks best on you? Don’t go for trends, at least not when you’re doing your five-minute face. For example, if you know that it takes you 15 minutes to apply winged eyeliner and lashes but you love that look, save it for the weekend when you have more time to be creative (and correct mistakes). On the weekdays, when you want to be ready by the end of the commercial break, you need to stick with a routine that you can do almost with your eyes closed.

If you think your go-to look is boring, you can always add variety through different lip colors.

#2 Have a Place for Everything

Here’s a familiar scene: You standing in front of the bathroom mirror and rummaging through your cosmetics bag to find that one eyeliner that you seem to have misplaced. It happens all of the time. Disorganization robs you of your time and, when every second counts, you need to know where all of your makeup is located.

The best way to combat disorganization is to put away the bag until it’s travel time and use a makeup organizer instead. A popular option is an acrylic makeup organizer that you can pick up for less than $20. With this type of organizer, you can lay out your products in the order that you’ll use them. You can store your mascara, pencils, brushes and everything else that you need all in the same place. The benefit of going with an acrylic tool is that you can also see everything in one glance. No rummaging necessary.

#3 Groom Your Brows

The brows are the most noticeable parts of your face, however very few people pay attention to them during their makeup routines. You’d be surprised how consistently grooming your brows can reduce the time you spend in front of the mirror.

Why are brows so important? One reason is that balanced brows also balance the features of your face. They contribute to the symmetry of your face.

Another important reason to concentrate on brows? Brows have the power to make you look more youthful. Forget those austere, 1920s pencil thin brows. Thicker, fuller, natural-looking brows read as young and fresh. Of course, you don’t want bushy. Here’s how to accomplish a perfect brow in 30 seconds:

Fill in the brows with a matte eye shadow or colored brow mascara. Then, use a brow brush to direct the hairs in one direction.

#4 Use Pencil Instead of Liquid or Gel

One of the best ways to define your beautiful eyes is to line them. But, if we’re going to be completely honest, liquid and gel eyeliners are time-consuming. It takes a lot of practice to make perfect. However, even when you’re a pro at applying liquid or gel liners, you’ll still take a long time to do it correctly. One careless flick, and it’s all over– grab the makeup remover and try again. Ugh.

How do you speed up your makeup routine without looking like you just rolled out of bed? Click To Tweet

Pencil liner is your new best friend. In addition to being easy to use, our liners are specially formulated as they don’t contain all of the other processed ingredients that contribute to irritable, puffy eyes. Our liners glide against your lash line, creating a smooth and highly pigmented stroke.

Pencils are just easier to use.

Plus, you can easily create a subtle smokey eye with a pencil liner. After applying the liner to your eyes, simply wet a Q-tip and then smudge the liner softly. No need for additional shadows!

#5 Opt for Multi-tasking Products

When you looking to get out of the door as quickly as possible, you don’t have time to go from one product to the next. You need a multitasking product that can accomplish several feats at once.

Fortunately, there are wonderful products on the market that do dual or triple duty. Here are a few tips on how to find a multitasking beauty product:

  • Look for cleansers and moisturizers in one
  • Choose a tinted moisturizer (instead of a foundation) that also offers SPF protection
  • Opt for a BB or CC cream that also controls shine (which minimizes the use of primers)
  • Consider using a lipstick for both your lips and your cheeks

#6 Focus on the Basics

You can do a lot in five minutes, but you can’t do everything. Pay special attention to the basic areas of your face that need the most attention. Start here:

  • Under eyes – Apply a concealer that cancels out dark circles
  • Lash line – Line your eyes with a rich pencil liner that helps to define
  • Cheeks – Add a blush to bring color and youthfulness back to your skin
  • Lips – Use a full, vibrant color to instantly transform your face
  • Skin – Use a tinted moisturizer to balance out your skin tone

#7 Use Fewer Tools

Tools are often necessary to apply makeup evenly, but not all tools are needed. You can easily lose five minutes by looking for a brush. When you’re doing a five -minute face, you need every minute.

Pare down your tools to just the ones you need to accomplish your signature look. Sure, you can have a huge collection of other tools for when you feel more adventurous, but for the sake of speeding up your routine, adopt minimalism.

#8 But Don’t Discard the Lash Curler!

The eyelash curler is a tool that you cannot do without. It may seem like extra work, but the eyelash curler is an important step in enhancing your lashes. Curlers help to extend your mascara. The curler works to curl those errant lashes, and makes them appear fuller. Plus, it only takes a few seconds to do.

#9 Go for Red Lips

If you’re really pressed for time, go for a true red lip. Red lipstick looks great on every skin tone. What’s more– red lips are a statement that needs no further comment. This is because red lips bring attention to your pout so you can do without the rest.

Sometimes, there’s nothing more perfect than a cleanly washed face and tone-appropriate red lips.

#10 Spritz With Facial Spray

Dry skin can tell on you. If you look and feel like you’ve overslept, revitalize your face with a refreshing spray. One of the best out there is Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Rosewater. It not only hydrates, it also invigorates.

Two or three spritzes and you’re off with a dewy finish to your five-minute face!

You can also achieve a similar effect with Evian’s Brumisateur® Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray.

Final Thoughts

Putting on makeup should be fun and uplifting. If you’ve been dreading or avoiding it because it takes so long, put these tips into action.

Don’t forget to download your list of quick hair tips to try when you’re in a rush.
Click Here

Do You Need Gluten Free Makeup?

Posted on by Jacqueline
05 Mar

You’ve recently received a diagnosis that’s completely turned your world upside-down. To say that you and gluten don’t get along is an understatement. On one hand, you’re happy to finally know what’s been plaguing you for all of these years. On the other hand, you’re completely overwhelmed with the prognosis.

It turns out that gluten is in everything– even makeup. This begs the questions: To truly adopt a gluten-free life, can you still wear gluten-laden makeup, or do you need to go completely bare faced? Is gluten-free makeup the answer to beautifying without toxifying?

In this post, we’ll explore the importance of gluten-free makeup and address the most common objections against using it. If you’re still exploring the idea of gluten-free makeup, this post will help you make up your mind.

Here’s a quick quiz to help you determine if you need gluten-free makeup.
Click Here

Here’s Why Gluten-Free Makeup is Important

Whether you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, one thing’s for certain: gluten is toxic for you. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of gluten-free makeup and why you should consider using it.

Gluten Isn’t Limited to What You Eat

When most people think of adopting a gluten-free lifestyle, they only consider what they eat. You recognize that gluten derived from wheat, barley, oat, hydrolyzed wheat protein and even non-gluten products that were cross-contaminated with wheat can spell disaster for your gut. However, gluten isn’t just in what you eat, it’s also in what you wear and use, too.

Gluten isn’t just in what you eat, it’s also in what you wear and use, too. Click To Tweet

From shampoo to lotions to certain types of medication, gluten is quite literally everywhere. But one of the most unsuspecting places for gluten to hide is in your cosmetics bags. Everyday, thousands of gluten sensitive women apply toxins to their bodies unwittingly, only to suffer the results of rashy skin, breakouts and stomach troubles. It’s scary because even if you eat a strictly gluten-free diet, you can still be affected by other everyday contaminates.

Gluten Can Be Absorbed Through the Skin

There are two schools of thought: Some believe that gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin unless you have the dermatological manifestation. Others, including us at Red Apple Lipstick, believe that gluten can in fact be absorbed through the skin. Skin is porous! This is the reason why nicotine and estrogen patches absorb through the skin so effectively. In fact, skin is a very absorbent organ.

But the absorbance issues aside, consider this: Lipstick is often and easily ingested. You already know that lipstick can be transferred to your food, but have you considered the fact that you may be ingesting gluten-laden lipstick?

Then, there’s the pesky issue of actually breathing in gluten. Face powders, eyeshadows and blushes that contain trace elements of gluten can become airborne. As you apply your makeup, you’re also inhaling a constant stream of gluten.

Everyone Deserves Access to Safe Makeup

No one should be forced to choose between using toxic makeup or going without. Even though you’ve cut gluten out of your diet, it doesn’t mean that you’re limited to those choices. You can still wear cosmetics that enhance your natural beauty without compromising your health. Gluten-free makeup is the perfect answer for those who do not want to ingest or absorb any form of gluten toxins.

Gluten Sensitivity Often Leads to Dryness

You need a makeup that understands the unique challenges of gluten sensitivity. Two of the most common skin complaints that accompany gluten sensitivity are dry lips and dry skin in general. If you wear cosmetics that include gluten, you could be making the problem worse without even knowing it.

Instead of robbing the skin of its moisture, gluten-free makeup will use ingredients that nurture the skin. Here at Red Apple Lipstick, all of our products are moisturizing. Our ingredients heal and don’t harm the skin while keeping it nourished.

In addition to dryness, gluten also leads to other skin troubles, like itchiness, acne, psoriasis, eczema and hyperpigmentation.

Common Objections to Gluten-Free Makeup

Still have questions about the necessity for gluten-free makeup? Let’s take a look at some of the most common misconceptions about gluten-free living in general and makeup in particular.

Gluten-free living is a fad.

Unfortunately, there are some who still think that going gluten free is an optional lifestyle choice. You probably know some of these people (hello, Aunt Edna). However, for some of us, gluten is a proven toxin.

Living a gluten-free lifestyle isn’t about losing weight or feeling great (although both of those things can happen). It’s about restoring your health. It follows that to adopt a gluten-free lifestyle, you should also eliminate any gluten that may be present in your beauty routine (i.e. shampoos and cosmetics).

Does makeup actually have gluten?

Gluten in makeup? It sounds weird, right?

Unfortunately, gluten is often used as a binder in cosmetic products to keep ingredients from separating. Also, certain products use oil (that’s derived from gluten) to add moisture to their products. For a look at the most common gluten containing ingredients that may be lurking in your cosmetics, check out the end of this section.

Nobody needs gluten-free makeup.

If you’re gluten sensitive, you need the option to wear makeup that’s not harmful to your skin or gut. While makeup itself is a luxury, access to a gluten-free product is not a luxury but a basic need. There is a huge need for gluten-free makeup. If you’re frustrated with the lack of toxic-free choices currently on the market, you’ll appreciate the wholesome ingredients of gluten-free makeup.

Gluten-free makeup is just a scam.

There used to be a time when a gluten sensitivity meant that you were shut out from the life you once knew. Not anymore! After experiencing flare ups, rashes and other skin irritations from so called “regular” makeup, many of our customers appreciate the calm, nourishing experience of gluten-free makeup.

Gluten-free makeup is exactly that: Gluten free. It’s the legitimate solution that reduces your exposure to toxins.

A Look at the Most Common Gluten-Containing Ingredients in Cosmetics

Once you know all of the places where gluten can hide, you can make informed decisions about your health. Here’s a list of ingredients found in beauty products that often contain gluten:

  • Avena sativa kernel flour
  • Cyclodextrin dextrin
  • Dextrin palmitate
  • Hydrolyzed malt extract
  • Hydrolyzed oat flour
  • Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
  • Hydrolyzed wheat flour
  • Hydrolyzed wheat gluten
  • Hydrolyzed wheat protein
  • Hydrolyzed wheat protein/PVP crosspolymer
  • Hydrolyzed wheat starch
  • Secale cereale seed flour
  • Triticum vulgare germ extract
  • Triticum vulgare germ oil
  • Triticum vulgare gluten
  • Triticum vulgare starch
  • Wheat amino acids
  • Wheat germ glycerides
  • Wheat germamidopropalkonium chloride
  • Wheat protein
  • Wheatgermamidopropyl Ethyldimonium ethosulfate
  • Vitamin E
  • Yeast extract

Final Thoughts

Being gluten free doesn’t mean that you’re limited in any way. You’re just tasked with looking a little closer (okay, a lot closer) at the products that you consume. If you’d like to explore gluten-free makeup, click here.

Before you go, be sure to take this quiz to determine if you need gluten-free makeup.
Click Here

 

How To Know When Your Makeup Has Expired

Posted on by Ashley Teague
02 Jan

It’s hard to let go of your favorite, used-once-a-year product in the back of a bathroom drawer. But makeup doesn’t last forever, and you don’t want it to.

Take a moment and dump that makeup bag or drawer onto the floor, and sort through the plethora of products you’ve accumulated over the years. Your skin will thank you for it.

Some products have an expiration date on them. If so, abide by them! It’s the same rule as food; you wouldn’t drink milk that was two years past its expiration date, would you? So don’t apply rancid makeup onto your skin.

Unfortunately, not all products let you know when it’s time to toss. A good general rule is if you’ve had it over a year, you should be tossing it. And let’s be honest, are you really going to wear that purple roll-on glitter from middle school again?

 

Signs That The End Is Here

If you are wondering whether or not it’s time to ditch your makeup, there are three things you can look out for. Look for changes in smell, color, and consistency. These changes are good indicators that the product has gone bad. Some products naturally have a smell so look for a smell that is pungent and lingers. When a product has gone bad there won’t be any doubt in your mind but in case you do have doubts you can always check your order history and see when it was purchased.

If your makeup is expired, the quality that you’ve come to love is gone. This is easiest to detect in nail polish. You’ll know it has gone bad because you’ll spend hours trying to un-crust the screw-on top. And if you do succeed, your once-adored red nail polish looks like goopy mounds of glue.

Using expired makeup is risky because infections can occur from the bacteria and germs that grow on the product. Pay extra attention to the makeup around your eyes. These products, such as mascara, eyeliner, etc. tend to accumulate bacteria faster.

While organic makeup is better for your skin, it tends to go bad quicker. This is because organic makeup doesn’t contain many of the harmful chemicals that are used to preserve. For this reason, it is vital to keep an eye out for these changes.

 

Expiration Labels 

As previously stated many makeup products have an expiration date printed somewhere on the packaging. Here is an example of what to look for…

 

As a general rule of thumb, the following are the average expiration dates for makeup products for once they’ve been opened and exposed to air:

Lipstick: 1 year 

Eyeshadow: 2 years 

Lipgloss: 1 year 

Blush & Bronzer: 2 years

Rallye Balm: 1 year 

Eyeshadow Primer: 1 year

Mascara: 3 to 6 months 

Exfoliate: 1 year 

Lip pencils and Eyeliners: 1 year

 

Tips To Make It Last

There are steps you can take to make sure your products make it to the end of the year without going bad.

  • Everyone hates to throw out good lipstick; one way to avoid being wasteful is to buy colors by season. You don’t have a need for coral lipstick during December, so resist the urge to buy it until April. When you buy winter shades in winter and summer shades in summer, you save your makeup from sitting in your makeup bag unused for months.
  • Another simple tip is to keep products out of the sun. Heat and humidity can ruin your makeup, so store them in a cool, dry, and dark place.
  • If you want to get the most out of your powder products, invest in a cosmetic sanitizing spray or mist 70% isopropyl alcohol onto the pan every month or so.
  • Applying your makeup with a brush, not your finger, keeps the germs from your hands out of your products. And while we’re on the theme of germs, don’t share makeup with other people.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. We hope you found it helpful. 

 

Ashley

The Importance Of Gluten-Free Makeup And Skincare

Posted on by Ashley Teague
25 Nov

Ok at this point I HAVE to say something. I have seen so many comments lately on some posts from people who don’t seem to understand why there is a need for #glutenfree makeup. No, it’s not because there’s a group of lipstick munchers/makeup eaters out there…maybe there is I don’t know but that’s not really the point. It’s for people who have Celiac and other gluten-related health conditions/concerns. It’s not part of the fad diet thing. There are some studies that say that the gluten-molecule/protein is too large to be absorbed through the dermis BUT what about those that have topical reactions? What about those that lick their lips? (cough *everyone*) AND personally I believe that everything that we put on our skin is absorbed to a degree or at a certain percentage and what if that builds up over time? I’m not a Dr. or medical professional of any kind but I can say for a fact that I am a lip licker (not habitually but it happens..you know life.) and being sensitive to gluten and gliadin means that like SO many out there I need to be careful about what I put on and in my body.

 

My first instinct is to get annoyed and mad when I see these comments because I’ve come to know so many people (my bother included…but he doesn’t use makeup) who have VERY serious health conditions and when I see people making a joke out of it I just get mad and angry BUT I have to remind myself that it comes from a place of ignorance and not knowing/understanding. So bless their hearts.

 

I’ve gone back and forth on if I should even comment back to these people and I’ve decided to write this instead because honestly:

  1. I feel that trying to explain things would be a waste of time. Time that could be better spent with my family or helping out all of you lovely #redapplegirls 
  2. I don’t feel like getting into a heated argument or discussion on Facebook. There’s enough of that out there on internet land to make my head spin and I don’t want to contribute. It’s pointless and not a good or productive way to spend precious time.

 

So I wrote this instead and if you took the time to read it thank you for reading my little rant.

 

Questions for you: Would you or do you comment back to these type of people? Do you also feel like Facebook has enough back and forth arguing? and How does it make you feel when you see these type of comments?

 

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this. It had to be said.

 

Ashley

Introducing The Winter 2017 Lipsticks

Posted on by Ashley Teague

The last naming contest of 2017 is now over and I’d like to introduce you to the gorgeous new lipsticks! Thier names are Berrycuda, Appley Ever After, and Rosemancing.

Thank you all for joining the naming contest. I said this last time but this one REALLY was the biggest turn out to date. It was so awesome seeing how excited you all were and I enjoyed going through all of your amazing name suggestions. These lipsticks will become available Black Friday so make sure to mark your calendars ?

Thank you again for all the love and support. You’re all AMAZING! ?

Ashley

 

*Closed* Winter Lipstick Naming Contest Day #3

Posted on by Ashley Teague

Help give this new lipstick a name! To enter simply leave your name suggestions in the comments of this post. PLEASE only leave ONE name suggestion per comment. You are welcome to suggest as many names as you’d like but please post them in individual comments. Comments with more than one name suggestion won’t be counted. If we choose a name that has been suggested multiple times we will choose the one who said it first. We will close the contest at the end of the day and the chosen name will be announced Monday.  The chosen name will win $100 in Red Apple Lipstick store credit. 

UPDATE: Day #3 is now CLOSED. We will announce the names tomorrow 

*Closed* Winter Lipstick Naming Contest Day #2

Posted on by Ashley Teague

Help give this new lipstick a name! To enter simply leave your name suggestions in the comments of this post. PLEASE only leave ONE name suggestion per comment. You are welcome to suggest as many names as you’d like but please post them in individual comments. Comments with more than one name suggestion won’t be counted. If we choose a name that has been suggested multiple times we will choose the one who said it first. We will close the contest at the end of the day and the chosen name will be announced Monday.  The chosen name will win $100 in Red Apple Lipstick store credit.

UPDATE: Day #2 is now closed but stick around for day #3 🙂