BEYOND MINERAL MAKEUP--Brand new at J&H!

CHRISTOPHER DRUMMOND BEAUTY is a revolutionary natural makeup line designed to nourish, protect, and beautify the skin. Created by celebrity makeup artist Christopher Drummond, these luxurious products combine ingredients that are healthy, organic-based, paraben-free and PETA approved, offering an artisan alternative to other mineral makeup lines, along with uncompromising ingredient integrity not found in many conventional cosmetics.

Traditional mineral makeup contains ingredients that can be drying and irritating to certain types of skin. By removing known irritants such as bismuth Oxychloride, CHRISTOPHER DRUMMOND BEAUTY has become a leader in the industry with products that are hydrating and non-irritating. Select items are also free of titanium dioxide for those who may be sensitive to that ingredient.

We are thrilled to offer Christopher Drummond Beauty at Jackson & Hines.





A common concern or worry about all natural makeup or mineral makeup is a matter of coverage. For those of us used to our daily chemical mask of makeup, we worry that the transition will leave us--well--exposed. Will the concealer really conceal?! Will a lead-free lipstick--well, ANYTHING is better than lipstick with traces of lead. However, the Christopher Drummond Beauty line has surpassed all my expectations--the products are PHENOMENAL! Not only does the mineral powder offer healthy coverage, but also offers added sun protection. And, I have to rave about the DUO-PHASE CONCEALER. The smallest dab produces the most complete and natural coverage. You do not have to pick and choose products, worrying about layering, caking, and clogging pores. And I worried about sacrificing vivid colors for healthy alternatives--this is where Christopher Drummond Beauty spoils us all. The colors are FANTASTIC and fit every skin tone and preference. The lip options range from gorgeous glosses, lasting lipsticks, and stunning stains. Just remember to start with the Revitalizing Facial Serum (a primer/fabulous moisturizer) and your look is picture-perfect and day-lasting. We are constantly battling makeup vs. skin care products, but the Christopher Drummond line values health and wellness, along with artistry. Talk about win-win!

So, I'll keep you posted with my all natural makeup transformation and review the products individually. Please let me know if you have any favorite CDB products and what you decide to try! Goodbye chemical face and lead lips!

So, if you are in the neighborhood schedule an appointment with Elena to take your look to the organic next level--makeup applications start at $35. And for our long-distance relationships, peruse our website and enjoy the helpful hints and trips from the experts at Christopher Drummond Beauty. If you have questions about the perfect shade or usage, please call us (585.385.6995).

Balancing Act: Mind, Body & Soul

I had the pleasure, nay, the privilege, of attending Elena O'Connor's (co-owner of Jackson & Hines) break-out session at this year's Women for Women Conference.  She was, as  always, her stunning self and her presentation was spectacular. As seen in the title, her presentation was addressing the difficult "balancing act" performed by women today (everyday...always!).  It is more than just a balancing act; it is juggling while balancing. It is essential to step back and re-evaluate your life. Are you neglecting one (or more) aspect(s) of yourself? Even Rosie the Riveter would struggle to find and maintain that center, the balance of all external and internal forces. However, her motto still rings true: "We can do it!" I wanted to share a few of my thoughts from her presentation, but please note that I am far from my ideal balance. These are points that I took away to apply in my life.

Mind: As a mom, this is an area that I make a concerted effort to maintain. Granted, my "Mommy-Brain" rears it's forgetful face every now and again. (Thanks to my husband's relative for pointing out that it is a result of the brain cells you lose from having babies--yeah, thanks!) Still I try to read and learn as much as I can given time constraints.  A challenge that I face is finding time to even ORGANIZE my thoughts, let alone evaluate or analyze.

Elena mentioned journalling as a way to be able to examine our thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a concrete way. I find myself getting too caught up on the appearance of a journal; I want it to be the "perfect" (a dangerous trend in my thoughts) cover for my informal autobiography.  What good are my thoughts and daily record of my life, if the vessel is--well, just a notebook?!  This is something that I am going to work on this year--a new New Year's Resolution in May.  I think that this is a great way to organize my thoughts and have an uncensored look at my mind (scary, I know).

She also discussed something that connects mind and body: the confidence you have when you feel you are looking your best. We need to get past the idea that we have to be "perfect" (that word again!), to be the "complete package." Elena shared the story of a very beautiful and brilliant executive who found a humidity-caused-bad-hair day to be a seemingly impenetrable obstacle in a business meeting. At the end of the day, she is still a brilliant businesswoman, just with slightly volumized hair. :) Maybe this is a rant coming from watching "Mad Men, " but wouldn't it be nice if men could feel the same pressure?

Body: This brings us to body and a very helpful tip from Elena's presentation: don't eat Cheetos for breakfast! It is crucial to be careful of what you put in (and on) your body. Aside from finding baby shampoos that loaded with chemicals and carcinogens, we are beginning to pay attention to our eating habits and ingredients. Documentaries like "Food, Inc." and "Forks Over Knives" provide great investigative journalism into the world of factory farming and the obesity epidemic. I enjoy finding more blogs dedicated to finding healthy alternatives to what is widely available in processed foods. 

There is so much cross-over from these three categories. We all know that exercise is as beneficial to our brains as our waistlines. I also know that I have far more patience and a more positive outlook on the day after a Zumba class or Yoga class or mowing the lawn with a non-self-propelled mower. You feel good and you look good--there is no down-side here. :)

Jackson & Hines is dedicated to women's overall health. The latest test results and studies concerning harmful ingredients in beauty products are staggering. An article from the wonderful blog, "Chic and Green," discussed the growing list of lipsticks with traces of LEAD found in them. You know the stuff that goes on your lips--yeah, it has lead in it. Not to mention the harmful chemicals in the creams and products you apply to the more porous region of your body--your skin. Everything you use on your skin is absorbed into your body, which is why we promote organic and all-natural skin care products.


Soul: At the beginning of her presentation,
Elena passed out mini Gratitude Journals. She encouraged everyone to find beauty in everyday life, specifically in the fickle Rochester weather.  Sure, we Rochesterians could complain about snow in the beginning of May, or we can realize that most of the country is in drought right now--we're not. Even little things can boost our "Debbie Downer" days. My gratitude journal filled up very quickly, and is a helpful reminder to focus my energy and attention to something worthwhile.

Which leads perfectly into another point from the presentation. Elena discussed what her music and singing means to her. It is her moment of ecstasy, of transcendence. She urged the participants to find their "calling" in life. Finding your personal niche and pursuing your talents enriches your life, and in most cases, blesses others. She mentioned the ability to reach her audience through her music in a way that could not happen any other way. One of the fabulous women from the audience shared a story about a cast-iron skillet that had been in her family for a very long time. She loved cooking and entertaining, and when she used this skillet it was a connection to her past and the people that she loved. It was a beautiful story and truly inspired me to make sure that I am not the only one to benefit from my gifts and talents.

This was an incredible experience for all who were in attendance, including the rush of people anxious to talk to Elena and get her autograph at the end of her presentation. :) Great job, Elena!

Test your knowledge of cosmetics safety: 8 myths debunked

[originally posted at EnviroBlog]

The new Story of Cosmetics video explains why personal care products in the United States contain untested and downright dangerous ingredients.

The (very) good news is the U.S. House of Representatives just introduced a bill to fix all that. But in the meantime (until they pass it!), make sure you don't fall prey to these common myths:

1. Myth: If products are for sale at a supermarket, drugstore, or department store cosmetics counter, they must be safe.

Fact: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no authority to require companies to assess ingredients or products for safety. FDA does not review or approve the vast majority of cosmetic products or ingredients before they go on the market. The agency conducts pre-market reviews only for certain color additives and active ingredients in cosmetics classified as over-the-counter drugs.

2. Myth: The cosmetics industry effectively polices itself, making sure all ingredients meet a strict standard of safety.

Fact: In its more than 30-year history, the industry's safety panel (the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, or CIR) has assessed fewer than 20 percent of cosmetics ingredients and found only a handful of ingredients or chemical groups to be unsafe. Its recommendations are not binding on companies.

3. Myth: The government prohibits dangerous chemicals in personal care products, and companies wouldn't risk using them.

Fact: Cosmetics companies may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances (such as vinyl chloride and cow parts), without government review or approval.

• More than 500 products sold in the U.S. contain ingredients banned in cosmetics in Japan, Canada or the European Union.


• Nearly 100 products contain ingredients considered unsafe by the International Fragrance Association.


• A wide range of nanomaterials whose safety is in question may be common in personal care products.


• 22% of all personal care products may be contaminated with the cancer-causing impurity


• 1,4-dioxane, including many children's products.


• 60% of sunscreens contain the potential hormone disruptor oxybenzone that readily penetrates the skin and contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans.


• 61% of tested lipstick brands contain residues of lead.

4. Myth: Cosmetic ingredients are applied to the skin and rarely get into the body. When they do, levels are too low to matter.

Fact: People are exposed by breathing in sprays and powders, swallowing chemicals on the lips or hands or absorbing them through the skin. Studies find evidence of health risks. Biomonitoring studies have found cosmetics ingredients - like phthalate plasticizers, paraben preservatives, the pesticide triclosan, synthetic musks, and sunscreens - inside the bodily fluids of men, women, children and even the cord blood of newborn babies.

Many of these chemicals are potential hormone disruptors that may increase cancer risk. Products commonly contain penetration enhancers to drive ingredients deeper into the skin. Studies find health problems in people exposed to common fragrance and sunscreen ingredients, including elevated risk for sperm damage, feminization of the male reproductive system, and low birth weight in girls.

5. Myth: Products made for children or bearing claims like "hypoallergenic" are safer choices.

Fact: Most cosmetic marketing claims are unregulated, and companies are rarely if ever required to back them up, even for children's products. A company can use a claim like "hypoallergenic" or "natural" "to mean anything or nothing at all," and while "[m]ost of the terms have considerable market value in promoting cosmetic products to consumers, dermatologists say they have very little medical meaning."

An investigation of more than 1,700 children's body care products found that 81 percent of those marked "gentle" or "hypoallergenic" contained allergens or skin and eye irritants.

6. Myth: FDA would promptly recall any product that injures people.

Fact: FDA has no authority to require recalls of harmful cosmetics. Furthermore, manufacturers are not required to report cosmetics-related injuries to the agency. FDA relies on companies to report injuries voluntarily.

7. Myth: Consumers can read ingredient labels and avoid products with hazardous chemicals.

Fact: Federal law allows companies to leave many chemicals off labels, including nanomaterials, contaminants, and components of fragrance. Fragrance may include any of 3,163 different chemicals, none of which are required to be listed on labels. Fragrance tests reveal an average of 14 hidden compounds per formulation, including potential hormone disruptors and diethyl phthalate, a compound linked to sperm damage.

8. Myth: Cosmetics safety is a concern for women only.

Fact: Surveys show that on average, women use 12 products containing 168 ingredients every day, men use 6 products with 85 ingredients, 35 and children are exposed to an average of 61 ingredients daily. The large majority of these chemicals have not been assessed for safety by the industry-funded CIR safety panel.

References are available when you download the pdf here.

At Jackson & Hines, ALL of the products we sell are FREE of unnatural chemical additives. We have specifically chosen the products we sell very carefully and all of them are "All Natural" and/or "Organic" products.

Right now, use the promo code carolsd20 at online checkout and SAVE 20% on purchases of $50 or more!