There's a bug in your lipstick

It's a little known ingredient but it's been used for centuries and is in a lot of the products we use and eat everyday. Cleopatra used to grind it up to make her lipstick and today it is still used in many lipsticks to create those beautiful red, pink, and purple hues we all love. It's called carmine or more specifically cochineal extract.

So what is cochineal extract? It is a substance derived from the ground bodies of female cochineal beetles, and it is used in cosmetics, ice creams, yogurts, fruit drinks, and candy products, to name a few.

Cosmetic, food and beverage manufacturers that color their products with carmine and cochineal extract must now declare the ingredients on the label under a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruling that takes effect on January 5, 2011.

The reason behind the ruling? Carmine is known to cause allergic reactions in some people and can be concern for people who choose not to consume any or certain animals, such as vegans and vegetarians, and followers of religions with dietary laws.

Cosmetics for the Muslim market

The Muslim market presents significant opportunities for cosmetics and fashion brands, according to management consultancy firm A.T. Kearney. "At a time when many other large consumer segments are reaching a saturation point, Muslims are a new outlet from which to build a box for future growth," reads the A.T. Kearney report entitled Addressing the Muslim Market: Can You Afford Not To?

Muslims make up an estimated 20% of the world's population and increasing consumer affluence and Western influence means this consumer base is growing increasingly strong. "Since Muslims are the fastest growing consumer segment in the world, any company that is not considering how to serve them is missing a significant opportunity to affect both its top- and bottom-line growth," the report reads.

A number of cosmetics companies are beginning to tap into this significant market, releasing halal certified products that contain no animal ingredients and are not tested on animals. Colgate-Palmolive has a number of toothpaste products that are certified halal and Australian firm Almaas produces halal cosmetics such as mascaras and eye shadows. The Body Shop, although not certified halal, is an example of a successful retailer in the Middle East having taken a strong stance against animal testing and using a number of natural ingredients in their products. The success of the UK-based retailer in this market illustrates that clever marketing strategies may be as important as offering certified halal ranges.
excerpted from "Cosmetics companies could benefit from targeting Muslim market" - March 2008 - cosmeticsdesign.com

Garuda nutraceutical ingredients certified organic

Exeter, Californian based ingredients supplier, Garuda International, announced on January 28th that several of its ingredients (including PuntiaVera® Nopal (Opuntia Ficus indica) powder, a variety of medicinal mushroom powders, CitriVera Citrus peel powders, Heli-FOS™ Jerusalem Artichoke Flour, and other ingredients including Amaranth and Quinoa) received organic certification from Oregon Tilth (OTCO) . As well as the OTCO certification, the company said its Exeter facilities have been certified organic under the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program. Garuda, which supplies its nutraceutical ingredients to the food, beverage, supplement and cosmetics industries, said a range of its products are also Halal certified.

Company Profile: Sahfee Halal Care

Sahfee Care is a manufacturer of Halal personal care products which contain no alcohol, animal extracts, or genetically manipulated ingredients. The company was founded by a husband and wife team in the Netherlands.

They currently offer shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and lotion for men and women in the Netherlands.

Spring Makeup Trend Alert - Lavender

This Spring, lavender will be on lids and lips everywhere. Choose only one area to enhance (either eyes or lips) because doing both would be over dramatic and lose the intended look.

LIPS:

LIDS:

Urban Decay wet/dry eye shadows in Flash (a sparkly dramatic purple) or Asphyxia (a lighter brighter lavender)
http://www.ulta.com/, $16 http://www.ulta.com/, $16

Beauty Vision Middle East

Thursday marked the end of Beauty Vision, a three day international trade fair for cosmetics, hair, packaging, pharmeceuticals, well being, and spas in Abu Dhabi. The exhibition was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center from February 3rd through 5th. Events included interactive shows as well as live demonstrations of various beauty concepts ranging from makeup and hairstyling techniques to personal care & hygiene. According to some counts, cosmetic sales in the Middle East touched $2.1 billion in 2008, out of $2 trillion globally, and are set to grow by 12% per year.