oleh admin | Mar 4, 2025 | beauty, beauty products and cosmetics, beauty tips, makeup, style
Here at Cosmo, we’re dedicated to staying current with the newest releases from every beauty brand, uncovering overlooked treasures already available, and discovering our next favorite essentials. Don’t fret—we aren’t keeping secrets!
Each day, we feature one makeup item from our collection at work (since let’s face it, we receive quite an abundance of these products) and provide you with straightforward details about each piece. With just a single click, you can access all the information needed. It’s like having a quick summary or TL;DR for every entry. These items form part of a singular daily sequence known as “One Product Per Day.”
The Beauty FYP
, a
Page dedicated entirely to beauty—specially curated for you (we couldn’t resist!). Allow the Cosmo editors to function as your very own personalized recommendation system. 😉
If fixing your eyebrows consumes most of your time during your makeup routine, you’ve likely considered getting them done professionally.
microbladed
. In case you didn’t know, this is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that gives you thicker eyebrows which can last about a year. The good part? Once your brows are done, they’ll remain looking perfect without requiring much maintenance from you. But beware, if you’re sensitive to pain, it might not be very pleasant as it’s quite similar to getting a tattoo.
However, if you still desire the appearance of microbladed, fuller-looking brows without the use of a blade, we’ve got just the thing for you. On today’s #BeautyFYP, we’re going to share with you all about Strokes Beauty Lab’s newest release: the
Microblade Pen Hybrid.
It’s a two-sided eyebrow pencil featuring super-fine brush tips that make it incredibly easy to create hair-like strokes. Continue reading to find out more:
What is the Strokes Beauty Lab Microblade Pen Hybrid?
The newest member of Strokes’ Brow Artist Collection, the Microblade Pen Hybrid, comes with two ends: one end features an ultra-thin brush tip measuring just 0.02mm for detailed application; the flip side offers twin prongs designed to swiftly create fine, hair-mimicking strokes, giving your eyebrows a look similar to what you’d get from traditional microblading techniques.
Who is the Beauty Lab Microblade Pen Hybrid from Strokes designed for?
This item is ideal for the ladies aiming for the appearance of microbladed eyebrows.
without
Being prodded with a knife. It’s also a fantastic inclusion in the cosmetic bags of individuals dealing with patchy eyebrow areas because the extremely fine brushes make it simple to mimic hair-like strokes. Additionally, it’s excellent value for money as it doubles up as an eyeliner thanks to its smudge-proof formula!
P.S.
It’s also
Catriona Gray
The go-to eyebrow product for effortless application is
kilay
—be right back, adding it to my cart!
What components make up the Strokes Beauty Lab Microblade Pen Hybrid?
The Microblade Pen Hybrid includes three main components:
Japanese swertia extract
which enhances keratin production, resulting in more voluminous eyebrows;
hydrolyzed keratin
which mends and enhances eyebrow strands,
sodium hyaluronate
that seals in hydration and maintains the softness of the eyebrow hairs.
What colors does the Strokes Beauty Lab Microblade Pen Hybrid come in?
At present, there are three color options available:
-
Obsidian
: black-brown
-
Garnet
: medium brown
-
Zircon
: soft brown

What is the price of the Strokes Beauty Lab Microblade Pen Hybrid, and where can I purchase it?
The Microblade Pen Hybrid has a price of
P648
. You can buy it from Strokes Beauty Lab’s official store
Shopee
,
Lazada
, and
TikTok Shop
Stores. P.S. Ensure you wait until payday and look out for double-digit sales for vouchers and bundles! *wink*
Follow Cheska on
Instagram
.
oleh admin | Jan 20, 2025 | beauty products and cosmetics, beauty tips, dermatology, self care, skin care
It wasn’t until recently that I became convinced about skincare—probably around the time I hit 40. It’s then that those pesky crow’s-feet began showing up prominently beside my eyes, along with several other bodily transformations I’d rather not discuss publicly. Adhering to a regimen consisting of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing felt completely foreign to me initially. Just so we’re clear, when attaching a numeral to a compound modifier, such as “three-step,” only ‘step’ gets hyphenated; the whole phrase functions together as an adjective.
Fast forward a few years, and nothing holds greater importance for me except perhaps attending Sunday mass: diligently following my nighttime skincare ritual has become second nature, and this isn’t something I plan on changing anytime soon. Given my delicate complexion, items that work well include the Neutrogena Acne Clear Cleanser, a Japanese-made Vitamin-C Toner often purchased at Don Quijote, alongside the Oxecure Anti-Acne Moisturizer. So tell me, what does your daily skincare look like? Drop me a message over Instagram—we can swap tips!
oleh admin | Jun 12, 2024 | beauty products and cosmetics, beauty tips, cleaning products, cosmetics industry, public health and safety
-
Over the past decade, consumers have become savvier with their beauty choices, focusing on ‘clean’ products with skin-safe ingredients
-
Preservatives such as parabens, sulfates, alcohols, and phthalates frequently receive negative attention, yet these components can commonly be spotted in products like moisturizers, tonics, emollients, and hair washes.
In the last ten years, customers’ viewpoints
towards beauty products
There has been a significant shift towards using skin-safe ingredients. In this changing environment, the term “nasties” has gained popularity as an identifier for components that might be detrimental. Conversely, the word “clean” is employed for items that lack harmful substances and offer numerous advantages.
At first, these “undesirable” components were preferred by producers due to their efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability, and they found their way into items like moisturizers.
to cleansers.
Nonetheless, they can actually diminish the quality and safety of skincare items. What’s even more troubling is that consumers frequently find it challenging to spot these components since they are cleverly concealed behind intricate scientific designations on product packaging.
Below are several prevalent concealed ingredients in skincare products that you should watch out for, along with tips on recognizing them to help you make knowledgeable choices and opt for gentler, more compatible items.
Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and global trends? Find your answers here.
SCMP Knowledge
Our latest platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our esteemed team of experts.
1. Parabens
Preservatives such as parabens are commonly utilized in cosmetic items to inhibit bacterial proliferation and enhance their longevity. However, due to the health worries connected with these substances, they remain contentious. Listed under names including methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben on ingredient lists, these chemicals could imitate estrogen—a hormone naturally present in the body—and have been correlated with possible hazards such as breast cancer and problems related to reproduction. Additionally,
skin irritation
, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin.
Nevertheless, regulatory bodies such as the FDA and SCCS deem these substances safe when present in cosmetics at minimal levels. In response to consumer worries, however, the sector has introduced an extensive range of products free from parabens.
2. Phthalates
Frequently employed as solvents and fixatives, phthalates improve texture and make fragrances last longer. However, these substances have sparked safety worries due to their potential role as endocrine disruptors, possibly affecting hormones and reproduction negatively. Because of their capacity to penetrate the skin, they are closely scrutinized for causing dermatological issues such as irritation and allergies.
Even though these chemicals present significant threats to people’s well-being, different countries’ oversight agencies have taken distinct approaches. In Europe, several types of phthalates have been prohibited or limited, whereas the U.S.’s Food and Drug Administration keeps assessing their security. Regardless of insufficient proof regarding harm from small doses, concerns about how they interfere with hormones have prompted manufacturers worldwide to transition toward producing items without phthalates during the last ten years.
3. Synthetic fragrances
Artificial perfumes are crafted using numerous synthetic components, such as petroleum. Designed to mimic natural aromas or introduce novel scents, these fragrances are prized for their uniformity, potency, durability, and affordability. Despite enhancing a product’s attractiveness, they raise worries due to insufficient disclosure about their makeup; the label “fragrance” may conceal an array of unlisted substances.
In terms of health, synthetic fragrances are notable allergens that can lead to allergic responses and skin irritation, especially for those who have sensitive skin or specific dermatological conditions.
like eczema
It has been proposed that these substances may lead to respiratory problems and various internal health concerns, like triggering asthma attacks or causing neurological disruptions, for example, headaches or depressive symptoms. Certain artificial fragrance compounds are also believed to potentially interfere with hormones and could be cancer-causing agents; however, they are usually employed in small amounts.
4. Sulphates
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are frequently encountered surfactants in grooming items like shampoos and cleansers. These substances are recognized for their ability to generate foam and efficiently eliminate grease and grime.
However, even though sulfates are effective and budget-friendly, they remain contentious because of their ability to irritate the skin. These compounds can strip away essential natural oils, leading to dryness, discomfort, and occasionally triggering allergies—this effect may be more pronounced for individuals who already deal with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. While regulatory agencies such as the FDA consider these ingredients safe when used at standard cosmetic levels, numerous consumers opt for sulfate-free options out of concern over their potentially abrasive nature.
5. Polyethylene glycol
Frequently used in cosmetic items as emollients and emulsifiers, polyethylene glycols (PEGs) improve the consistency of creams, lotions, and shampoos. Nevertheless, these compounds have sparked safety issues because of potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane—both hazardous materials; ethylene oxide is recognized as a carcinogen, whereas 1,4-dioxane is considered potentially cancerous. Such hazards originate from the production methods employed.
PEGs can enhance the penetration of substances through the skin, potentially enabling more harmful components to infiltrate deeper layers. Despite efforts from regulatory agencies to oversee and control the usage of PEGs in cosmetic products so as to keep potential contaminations within acceptable limits, worries over their impurity and impact on how easily substances are absorbed by the skin continue to be substantial issues.
6. Mineral oils
Able to provide deep moisturization and known for their cleaning benefits, mineral oils are commonly included in formulations like lotions, creams, and ointments. Nonetheless, their application is debated because of worries about impurity and the risk of blocking pores.
Uncleaned mineral oils could contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—substances that may cause cancer—and they also risk blocking pores, which can lead to breakouts and irritations, especially among individuals with oily or acne-prone complexions. Although the FDA has deemed highly purified mineral oils acceptable for use in cosmetic products due to safety concerns being addressed, continuous discussions about these substances along with research indicating negative impacts have prompted certain companies to steer clear of including them in their product mixes.
7. Alcohol
Common alcohols like ethanol and isopropyl are frequently utilized for this purpose.
skincare products like toners
and acne treatments for their quick-drying, astringent and antimicrobial qualities. While they efficiently remove oil and tighten pores, their safety is highly debated.
Alcohol has the ability to strip away the natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and impairment of the protective barrier—especially noticeable in those with dry or sensitive complexions. This effect may exacerbate conditions such as acne and others related to skin health. Nonetheless, it’s important to recognize that not every form of alcohol poses harm; certain types like cetyl alcohol act as emollients and provide benefits for the skin. In summary, whether an alcoholic substance should be considered detrimental when used in skincare hinges upon factors including its specific kind, quantity present, and how well they align with one’s individual skin state.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
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