Veronica Greene Beauty Blog

While rounding out the second decade of the 2000's, many industries, such as automotive, beauty, and personal care, have been switching to the concept of clean and sustainable materials and ingredients.

What does 'Clean' and 'Sustainable' mean?

These are ingredients that don't cause harm to the human body while being produced in a safe environment that does not cause damage to communities or the local habitat. Veronica Greene Brand takes this concept very seriously, with none of the banned ingredients used in our formulas. Furthermore, all our ingredients are cruelty-free and never tested on animals.

Here's a quick pique of the banned ingredients that never make our formula list:

1. Aluminum Powder
Aluminum is the third most abundant element on earth. We are exposed to it through a variety of sources, including drinking water, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and consumer products. Aluminum can also form as salts or oxides. The toxicity of different forms of aluminum depends in large part on its relative solubility in water and the pH (acidity) range. Aluminum compounds appear to be poorly absorbed by the human body, but elemental aluminum is a known toxicant at high doses. None of our formulas, such as French Golden Pear whitening rinse, would ever use aluminum powder in our formula. 

2. Animal Derived Ingredients
Derived Ingredients, such as Animal Musks and Animal Fats, are never used.  

3. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
A preservative linked to cancer, irritation, and hormone disruption. This ingredient never is used in any of our formulas, including the Blood Orange and Ginger Whitening Rinse.

4. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
A Toluene-based preservative linked to irritation.

5. Cyclic Silicones
Cyclic silicones include Cyclopentasiloxane (D4), Cyclopentasiloxane (D5), Cyclopentasiloxane (D6), and Cyclomethicone. Studies point to some of these chemicals having reproductive and developmental toxicity as well as endocrine disruption concerns. 

6. EDTA
Calcium Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Trisodium EDTA, etc., are chelating agents, meaning they bind to metal ions, which inactivate them. These ingredients are not linked to consumer health issues, but they might be a problem for aquatic life since they don't break down in the environment and have been found in waterways. 

7. Parabens
Parabens are often used as preservatives for various cosmetic and oral care products. Unfortunately, certain parabens have been linked to hormone disruption. We do not use any parabens in our formulas, such as Veronica-Greene Black Current Breath Spray, including Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Methylparaben, and Propylparaben.

8. Petrolatum and Paraffin
Petrolatum is a semisolid mixture derived from processed petroleum. Mineral Oil, Paraffin Wax, Liquid Paraffin, and several other ingredients are also petroleum distillation byproducts. The concerns with these ingredients are unsustainable sourcing and possible PAHs contamination. PAHs (which stands for Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons) are linked to cancer. 

9. Toluene
A solvent that is toxic to the immune system and may cause congenital disabilities. This ingredient would never be found in Veronica-Greene products such as Black Currant Whitening Rinse.

10. Triclosan and Triclocarban
These are anti-bacterial and preservative ingredients used in personal care, such as oral care, and home-cleaning products. They're persistent in the environment and may be associated with hormone disruption. We absolutely do not use this ingredient in any products formulated by the Veronica-Greene Brand. These include all formulas, such as French Golden Pear and Black Currant Breath Sprays.

Veronica-Greene is very vigilant about keeping all formulas Toxin and Cruelty-Free! 

We believe in Clean and Sustainable ingredients as well as tasty and lasting formulations that put us a Breath Above TM!

Over the last few decades, there have been studies and research done on the beneficial effects of kissing on the human body and overall well being. 

When kissing the right person at the right moment, everything can fall into place, and the experience can be exhilarating. Science has now found that the effects of kissing on the human body can be very uplifting and positive, as well.

1. Kissing helps reduce blood pressure
Making out is not just good for your emotional heart; it gives your anatomical one a workout, too. Kissing passionately gets your heartbeat elevated and helps lower your blood pressure. It dilates your blood vessels -- blood is flowing in a healthy, solid fashion and reaching all your vital organs.

2. Kissing fights cavities
Kissing increases the flow of saliva. Saliva is the primary natural mechanism to clean away plaque and residue from teeth, thereby preventing gum inflammation and cavities.

3. Kissing amps up your happy hormones
During times of stress, a little kissing can relax, restore, and revitalize you... The chemicals in the brain that create positive emotions are serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These get released to create the feeling of rejuvenation. Pair that with our Black Currant breath spray, and you have a winning combo.

4. Kissing burns calories
Nothing can compare to a workout, but a vigorous makeout session can burn 8 to 16 calories per smooch. When fully engaged, kissing can be a form of vigorous exercise. You need to have a passionate kiss to burn those calories, but a 10-hour makeout session is not necessary.

5. Kissing boosts self-esteem
One German study found that men who received a juicy kiss from their wives before leaving for work made more money. Kissing can lower the feeling of emotional distress, so the sense of confidence can skyrocket. A kiss has a lot to do with self-esteem and feeling loved and connected. Try our French Golden Pear spray for a kiss that’s all about romance and sophistication.

6. Kissing is a barometer for sexual compatibility
It can be an excellent way to check out a potential partner for compatibility before getting naked and emotionally involved. But if your very first liplock with a new partner is meh, this could be due to several factors, one of them being less than desirable breath. In this case, offer them one of our breath sprays, such as Blood Orange and Ginger. It’ll boost that lip lock in no time!!

As a dentist with 15+ years in practice, I’ve seen patients of all ages, from a 2-year-old toddler to a woman in her 90s.

The transformation in a smile can be quite stunning… going from a row of shiny white teeth with three-dimensional structure to teeth that are flattened, short and irregular.

While we can’t slow down aging, there are approaches to making our smile stay looking younger and confidently flashing our pearly whites in mature age.

1. Problem - As we age our teeth become flatter from chewing and grinding. Any damage from hard foods, opening bottles with teeth or chewing on ice can cause a change in shape and create cracks in the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. Cracks can lead to food and bacteria staying inside the tooth thereby causing cavities.
   
   Solution – Watching your diet is imperative as any hard foods can damage your teeth.  Visiting your dentist regularly to check for cavities is also very important. In my office I try to catch cavities as quickly as possible to prevent them from growing. Remember, just because it doesn’t hurt doesn’t mean there is no problem in the tooth. Teeth that become painful are usually in need of a root canal treatment, a much more invasive procedure than a filling.

2. Problem – As we get older the type and amount of bacteria in the mouth changes. This is the result of hormonal changes that can also lead to dry mouth and bad breath.
   
   Solution - Many dentists will recommend artificial moisturizers. Many women will also take hormonal supplements to combat changes in their bodies. Another recommendation would be to try a breath spray such as Veronica Greene Blood Orange and Ginger to freshen breath and to cleanse the palate.

3. Problem – Shorter front teeth lead to poor esthetics. The edges of front teeth should ideally show at least 3mm below the top lip when the mouth is slightly opened. This creates a youthful and properly proportioned look of the smile. With age teeth become shorter and often hide behind the upper lip making the face appear older.
   
   Solution – This one is actually not too difficult to fix. Your dentist should be able to ‘elongate’ your front teeth either by adding white composite (filling) material to the teeth, shaping it properly to look like your own tooth and then curing it in place, just like a filling. This specific procedure is called Dental Bonding. Alternatively you may choose to have porcelain veneers or crowns placed on your front teeth for a stronger restoration.

4. Problem – Teeth changing color with age. They can become yellow or grey.
   
   Solution – A whitening rinse such as Veronica Greene French Golden Pear will gently whiten teeth without harsh chemicals. We are very excited to launch our rinse next month. Stay tuned!!

Unbelievably enough, there is actually one advantage to aging teeth…a smaller pulp chamber.

What is a pulp chamber?

The nerve of each tooth, along with little blood vessels that supply the tooth with nutrients and moisture, is located in the middle of the tooth in an area called the pulp chamber. This chamber is very large in young age, which means that even a smallish cavity can lead to a root canal, i.e. a large chamber means less distance for bacteria to travel from the outside of the tooth until it reaches the nerve. As we age the chamber calcifies and becomes much smaller, which means even a deeper cavity will not reach or invade the nerve. This means no pain, no need for a root canal and less time in the dental chair.

But enough of the clinical stuff…

Next month I will address the more romantic side of oral care…one that will be sure to interest a woman of any age! Keep smiling and see you in October : )

Over my years in practice I’ve had many patients at various stages of pregnancy.

These nine months are usually filled with excitement and anticipation of motherhood and seeing one’s baby for the first time. Yet, they are also filled with questions about what to expect, not only medically, but also from perspective of taking care of the mom’s (and the baby’s future) smile.

Here are a few tips on what to expect and to do….

What to Expect:

• Gum inflammation is more likely during the second trimester. Your gums may be swollen, tender, and may bleed during brushing and flossing. 
• Plaque buildup during pregnancy is common, but brushing and flossing regularly can help. Your body may not fight off plaque as easily when you’re pregnant, which can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis.  A dental hygienist can remove plaque buildup during your regularly-scheduled dental appointment.
• Although pregnancy does not cause periodontal disease directly, it can exacerbate this condition, which can result from untreated gingivitis (gum inflammation).

What to do…

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Your gums will likely be swollen and tender due to pregnancy gingivitis and using a soft bristle toothbrush will definitely be more comfortable.
• Floss gently at least once a day, especially before going to sleep. This will reduce the amount of residue, plaque and bacteria.
• Visit your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and check-up.
• Eat a diet rich with calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help keep your gums healthy.
• Avoid certain antibiotics, such as Tetracyclin, as these can cause harm to the baby’s future teeth.
• As your hormone levels change, so could your breath. Try a breath spray such as our Blood Orange and Ginger for instant yummy freshness!!

With the endless myriad of oral care products on the market, it’s easy to start questioning every ingredient in terms of its value and benefits to health versus possible harm.

As a doctor I am consistently asked about various ingredients in toothpastes, mouthwash and breath sprays.

After trying many oral care products myself and looking at the labels I have come up with three important factors to consider:

Fluoride
This is one of the most common active ingredients in toothpastes and over the counter mouthwash. Fluoride is an ingredient naturally found in soil and certain foods. It is also added to drinking water in many US states. Countless studies have shown the benefit of small amount of fluoride as caries (cavity) prevention.

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems affecting children, and adding fluoride to the municipal water supply is a simple and effective way of preventing it.

In excessive amounts, however, fluoride can cause problems with bones, teeth (fluorosis) and neurological development.

As a dentist I have seen the affects of fluoride free tooth pastes, which is rampant decay in various parts of many teeth.

I would never advocate for fluoride free toothpaste, especially considering the toothpaste gets thoroughly cleaned from the mouth after brushing.

I would, however never advise any fluoride containing breath sprays.

Breath spray, such as VG French Golden Pear, is meant to freshen breath and create a feeling of a clean mouth for hours. It’s also meant to be safe if swallowed. Couple that with beautiful and easy to carry packaging as well as amazing taste and you have a winner breath spray!

Parabens 
These are preservatives widely used in beauty products as well as some oral care products. They help to stabilize the product, thus preventing it from denaturing (spoiling) over a long period of time.

Though it has not been proved, parabens have been suspected of possibly facilitating breast cancer as they mimic Estrogen, a female hormone.

As breath spray, such as our VG Black Currant, may potentially be swallowed, we aimed at making them as safe as possible. Thus – No Parabens!

Cruelty Free 
Numerous companies develop their products with use of animal testing in which various animal species, such as dogs and mice, experience horrible cruelty and are sacrificed for research. As someone who loves animals, I would never allow any of our products to be developed with use of animal experimentation. Our brand worked closely with all manufacturers to ensure no animals would be used in any of our product development. The result is creation of amazing products, such as our VG Blood Orange and Ginger breath spray, with absolutely no guilt!

After launching our liquid lipstick product line, I had received a tremendous number of questions about their use in every day life, their color quality, stay power and their overall look.

‘What do they do for my smile?’ and ‘How long do they stay on?’ were just some of the questions sent to us on Social Media and through our website.

Well, here’s a rundown on all there is to know about the Veronica Greene liquid lipsticks and what to look for in a liquid lipstick in general.

1. You only need ONE COAT
Liquid lipsticks have tremendous amount of pigment and you can achieve that opaque lipstick look with only one application. You can certainly use more coats if desired to achieve a more dramatic look, but typically it’s not at all necessary. (Suggested lipstick – Va Va Vixen)

2. They can come in more than one FORMULA
Some liquid lipsticks can have a lot of luster, while others can be matte. The formula is determined by the list of specific ingredients and how they are mixed. The end result is either lots of shine for glamor or a matte texture for a very sophisticated look.

3. The COLORS can range from the softest and lightest, (such as our Sweet Whisper and Rose Garden) to dramatic and glamorous (such as Rock a Fuschia and Coral Rush). Since the base formula for liquid lipsticks is typically preset, it is the added pigment that determines the actual color. Since pigment can range from the lightest rose to deepest blackberry, the liquid lipstick color possibilities are endless.

4. Liquid lipsticks have AMAZING STAY POWER
This is one of the most frequently asked questions that we received about the Veronica Greene liquid lipsticks. Due to there high pigment content you can expect your lips to retain the color day into night. Even when the luster of the lipstick is faded, the color will still be on your pout.

5. Liquid lipsticks can be LAYERED, creating a very unique look
These lipsticks glide on with a lot of pigment, but a lighter look can be achieved by blotting the lips with a tissue. This way your lips will appear to have a stain rather than lipstick. (Suggested lipstick – Sweet Whisper)

6. APPLYING liquid lipstick
The best way to apply is to cover your entire bottom lip first. With Veronica Greene wand it’s very easy, because the wand is flat and has a very precise edge that will make the application more accurate. Afterwards, blot the lips together, then fill in cupid’s bow and any remaining areas. (Suggested lipstick – Coral Rush)

7. The matte formulas of liquid lipsticks are perfect for KISSING
The color in the matte formula is rich, but once it sets on your lips it’s perfect for some intense kissing as the color won’t smudge onto your partner. (Suggested lipstick – Rose Garden and Rock a Fuschia)

8. They will keep the desired SHAPE on your lips
Traditional lipsticks have a tendency to run down your face with rising temperatures. Liquid lipsticks are great at retaining their texture and will stay firmly on your lips in exactly the shape that you outlined.

9. Watch out for MISTAKES! 
Since liquid lipsticks are formulated to stay on your lips all day, there is very little leeway for coloring outside the lines. If you make a mistake you will only have a short amount of time to fix it.  We suggest taking a cotton swab (Q-tip), dipping it into a liquid make up remover and gently erasing the extra lipstick. Then use a tissue to blot away the make-up remover. (Suggested lipstick – Rock a Fuschia)