Selling Your Advertisements

Hey! Just up-dating you on information for selling the ads. For those of you in class that do not know my name, I'm Randi - I am going to be the advertisement coordinator. I will be telling you guys which pages of the magazine will be taken as we sell the ads. I know it's early since we just started on this assignment today but let's not forget our dealines. Final booking and payment is due on Tuesday, March 16, 2007. Let's get out there and fill these pages! Our magazine is going to look so hot (just like us!)

Cosmetic Pursuit

Many advertisements feature hot new make-up and beauty products of the season. When hitting the shelf in search of a new bronzer, concealer, or moisturizer, do we really do our research before we buy the product?

Two of the largest selling products for women are concealers and foundation. What's the difference? The main purpose of concealer is to conceal blemishes, red spots and skin flaws. It is also used to hide imperfections and is great for hiding dark circles around the eyes. When buying concealer, it's always safer to look for brands that are non-comedogenic. This means that the product is water-based and oil-free, leaving your skin flawless and not as pore-clogging as an average buy. For example, Covergirl products can come cheap, which low budget buyers are always looking for. However, you usually get the short end of the stick when buying a lower-priced concealer. Ingredients include oils (such as seed or avocado oil), and also fragrance, which you want to stay away from for healthier looking skin, especially if your skin is susceptible to break-outs.

Foundation is used to even out your complexion or skin tone. Foundations come in all shades and brands, and depending on your skin type, it’s sometimes hard to find the right one. When purchasing foundation it is a good idea to match your desired shade to the colouring of your neck. A common mistake for people who use foundation is to go too dark, and often they don’t blend properly, leaving a big ring of uneven make-up around their face.

There also seems to be confusion as to the meanings of hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Hypoallergenic is designed to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic reaction, by having few or no potentially irritating substances; which does not mean they won't clog your pores.

Nail polish is a fun and easy way to express ones’ self. Many women use it every day for beauty purposes however; men have also been known to use it as well. Nail polish can be a trend setter; for instance when the band Greenday came out with their punk-rock, four-fingers-painted look. It is also in high demand by beauty and nail salons, offered as an extra ‘treat’ for those pampering themselves. On the other hand, does anybody really know the effects from certain nail polishes?

OPI Products, Inc. is one of the highest nail polishes on demand in the United States and Europe. Toxins such as Phthalates, Formaldehyde and Toluene used in these polishes have been linked to birth defects, cancer, and other health concerns. OPI is the most toxic and frequently used brand of nail polish. Solutions to this setback are to buy polishes that do not contain Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) such as Arise Cosmetics, Honeybee Gardens, and Peacekeeper, which have all signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics release.

Like most things we use, there is also an expiration date for cosmetics. When do we know when to throw it away? Here are some guidelines that can be used:
If it has an odor. Believe it or not, your false eyelashes can smell too!
When it doubt, throw it out! If you know your cosmetics haven’t been used in quite some time, get rid of it. Bacteria builds up on brushes and mascara sticks too, so your doing yourself a favour.
Label when your cosmetics will expire. Take a piece of tape and/or marker and write the date you know you should throw it out.
Clean sweep! Take a few moments to clean out your cosmetics bag about every 2 months.
Some expiry dates are:
· Mascara: 3 months
· Lipstick/Liner: 2 years
· Lip gloss: 18-24 months
· Nail polish: 1 year
· Concealer: 12-18 months
· Foundations: Oil Free 1 year; Cream or Compact: 18 months
· Blush/ Bronzer: 2 years
· Eye shadow/Liner: 2 years

Keep in mind; cosmetics generally contain ingredients that help prolong shelf life expiration. Natural cosmetics should be thrown out soon than these dates because they do not include the same lab tested ingredients.

When buying your cosmetics, know that it’s a huge market. Sometimes you can get a bargain, but make sure it’s a safe one.