The Ugly Truth About Beauty Products

The Ugly Truth About Beauty Products

LAS VEGAS (Wireless Flash) – An environmental journalist is exposing the ugly truth about beauty products in a new book called – appropriately enough – Drop Dead Gorgeous (Contemporary Books). Kim Erickson says most cosmetics and cleansers are chock full of chemicals which can make you look old before your time instead of giving you a youthful glow. In her view, the most toxic products are nail polish and perfume, which contain chemicals that cause birth defects, asthma and migraine headaches. Lipstick isn’t much better: Erickson calls it “an allergy waiting to happen” because of the preservatives and fragrances. In addition, many lip colors are derived from coal tar – not a pretty thought considering the average woman consumes four pounds of lipstick in her lifetime just from licking her lips. Erickson says safe cosmetics are available, but you need to read labels religiously to find them.

Mon 04-15-02