Veronica Greene Beauty Blog — beauty tips

Welcome to the 2020 Holidays! 

This is by far the most unusual Holiday Season we’ve had in generations. Wearing masks, socially distancing, and doing most of our holiday shopping online rather than physically going to stores is a new and different experience.

That said, the holidays that are coming up are for celebrating family and giving thanks for everything we have. We hope that you and your families are staying safe and healthy through the season and beyond.

To help with online shopping, we’ve compiled a list of five gifts you can easily order and have delivered. They are not only affordable but are all attractive and useful gifts that are sure to wow any recipient.

Here we go:

1. Makeup (face) – we love the Baked Sculpt and Glow 3 - in - 1 Palette from Ulta. A perfect trio of Bronzer, Blush, and Highlighter, it comes in warm, neutral, and cool sets. Filled with useful oils and extracts, it can be used as powder or cream. Its formulated without parabens, mineral oil, and fragrance. Price: $15
2. Makeup (lips) – our own Veronica Greene Brand liquid lipsticks come in 5 different shades and two different consistencies. From the neutral Sweet Whisper to deeply dramatic Va Va Vixen, it is sure to make a major pout statement and comes beautifully packaged too! Price: $19
3. Fragrance – Atelier Cologne Perfume Stories Mini Set comes with seven vials, 2ml each, of different scents that we absolutely adore! The set covers everything from citrus to vanilla to cedarwood. The packaging is beautiful, as well. A perfect gift all around. Price: $24
4. Fragrance (for your breath, that is) – our Veronica Greene Brand breath sprays have, in fact, been compared to fragrance. A choice of 3 flavors (and more coming soon!), ranging from spicy citrus to gourmet pear, it is as delicious as it is beautifully packaged. Price: $16
5. Gourmet – for the chocolate lovers, our absolute favorite is the Lindor Holiday Sampler Gift Box. It comes with 36 pieces (about 1 lb) of unique and sensual chocolate experience ranging from dark to white shell with various fillings. Add to it the beautiful holiday packaging, and you have a perfect gift! Price: $19.99

These include our most favorites for this Holiday Season!

We wish you a Happy and Healthy Season filled with warmth and smiles.

In the last year, the world has experienced a fundamental shift in the way we view socializing, interacting with others, watching our health, and traveling.

The airline industry has made extensive changes in flight schedules, seating arrangements, and mask requirements on flights.

If you choose to travel, whether essential or not, here are the top five items we recommend to bring with you on the plane:

1. Mask – we can’t stress this enough! Whether you are flying to or from a state with mask requirements, a mask will likely be required to board the plane. Some airlines are now banning passengers who refuse or fail to wear a mask. In terms of safety, a triple layer mask, may be one item standing between you and a possibility of infection. We recommend a surgical triple layer mask with loops that are short enough to provide a snug fit over your nose, mouth and chin. These usually come in light blue color and have adjustable wiring to fit around the nose.
   
   
2. Breath Spray – after all that breathing into a mask for the entire flight you may feel a change in your breath. A freshening and tasty breath spray is very rejuvenating for the mouth. We recommend our Pear, Orange Ginger or Black Currant sprays. More flavors coming soon – Stay Tuned!!
   
   
3. Disposable Gloves – hand rails, luggage, door handles… You are likely to be touching multiple surfaces before, during and after your flight. Airports have thousands of people go through them on daily basis, which means you can’t be too careful. A pair of disposable gloves can save the day.
   
   
4. Hand Lotion – after your flight we recommend removing the gloves and thoroughly washing your hands. It’s likely that from gloves and soap hands will become dry. A moisturizing and highly absorbent lotion can save the day.
   
   
5. A really awesome lipstick – wearing a mask on your flight, as well as in public places means your lips are constantly in contact with it. We do not recommend wearing lipstick under the mask. When the mask finally comes off, using a great moisturizing lipstick will do wonders for your lips (and likely for your mood too!!). Any of our lipsticks will do the job to help you face the day in style!!

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 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)