1/9/13

Three skin care certification programs that have real standards and are vetted by independent agencies are EcoCert, the Natural Products Association NPA mark and the USDA's organic certification. Any other certifications you see on products should be taken with a grain of salt -- many of those credentials are made up by the manufacturers, with little or no third-party vetting.

1/8/13

Here's a simple way to rescue your cosmetic products in a jiffy: If your pressed powder crumbles because you’ve dropped it, don't throw it away. Instead, carefully add a few drops of rubbing alcohol, stir until the crumbles melt into a smooth consistency and spread the mixture in the compact with a small butter knife. Allow the alcohol to evaporate, and the powder will be as good as new.

1/7/13

Did you know Monday and Tuesday are the best days of the week to fill up on gas? Statistically, gas prices rise by Wednesday as demand is gauged. And while you're at it, don’t wait to fill up when you’re nearly out of gas. A gas tank that is half full has less air inside, so it helps minimize evaporation as you’re filling up. Less evaporation means more fuel staying inside the tank, so you get the real value of the gas you’re paying for.