There’s been a lot of questions regarding what parabens are, and why they should be avoided, so we decided to pull together some definitions and products to help to shed light on the subject. When’s the last time you looked at the ingredients in your face soap or moisturizer? Maybe it’s time to start paying attention and deciding what you want and don’t want on your body.

What are parabens? A paraben is any of a group of compounds used as preservatives in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and the food industry (dictionary.com).

What products have parabens? Shampoos, moisturizers, lipstick, foundation, concealer, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving and cleansing gels to name a few. Without parabens, bacteria would begin to develop in the product, potentially harming users.

Why should we avoid parabens? Recently, health concerns are popping up as we are being told to steer clear of paraben products. They are being linked to cancer and/or hormonal disruptions. Whether or not they are incredibly harmful remains in question, but for those who wish to err on the side of safety, we’ve found plenty of products that do not contain parabens.

1. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion: A lightweight moisturizer designed to leave a balanced appearance, priced at $24.50.

2. Neutrogena Naturals is a line devoted to pure, natural skincare. Prices range from a $2.99 lip balm to a $7.49 cleanser.

3. Tarte 24.7 Natural Lip Sheer, SPF 15 gives lips a “treat-mint” with vitamin E and a breath freshening burst, all for $16. Available in 5 shades at Ulta.com.

4. bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation, $25, gives flawless coverage without any harmful substances. Made from only pure, crushed minerals, this powder feels like a cream. Check out the entire Bare Escentuals line available at Sephora.com

5. Laura Geller Sugar Free Blush and Brighten Boysenberry, $29.50 The matte finish of this blush provides a warm, natural-looking flush to the skin, while the color palette is just exquisite to look at.

The preservatives may help shelf life, but these paraben-free products are more concerned with real life. If the results are real, why not take a natural approach to skincare? To find a range of products and brands specifically paraben free and/or made mainly of natural ingredients, most beauty e-tailers now offer sections dedicated just to that classification at places like Sephora, ULTA, and Drugstore.com.

-Alana Quagliariello

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Find your inner “celebutante” this holiday season. For celebrating the season festive dressing is all about sparkle, shine and glittery glam! I know that Thanksgiving hasn’t yet arrived, but it’s not too early to prepare for holiday merry making, mischief and mirth! I’ve rounded up a few accessories to get you in the mood and inspired for fabulous fetes ahead…

A ginormous cocktail ring is essential, the bigger and more sparkly the better. Kenneth Jay Lane is the master of statement making costume jewelry. You can’t get more giant or sparkly than these Emerald Cut Cocktail Rings by Kenneth Jay Lane, ($100 each at Vivre.com). Instead of your go-to LBD how a dazzling sequined number like this Marc Jacobs Sequined zebra-stripe dress ($2,800 from Net-a-Porter). On your feet some glistening patent leather strappy sandals, something like these Lanvin Bow-embellished patent sandals ($1,095 also from Net-a-Porter). Under your arm a crystal embellished clutch will do just the trick. I love this brightly hued silk satin PRADA Stones Clutch Pink ($1,295.00 at Barneys.com). On your ears some pave pyramid stud earrings (Juicy Couture, $48).

To add the finishing touch to your prettiest  look to Benefit’s Celebutante value kit ($34 at ULTA). The kit includes Set includes: High Beam luminescent complexion enhancer, Benetint, Rose-tinted lip & cheek stain, Dallas, the Outdoor glow for the indoor gal face powder, Lip gloss in I’m with the band, Full-finish lipstick in lady’s choice, Full-finish lipstick in no competition, Velvet eyeshadow in leggy, Velvet eyeshadow in dandy brandy, Fluff shadow/talent brush & a step-by-step lesson.

To jumpstart your debut as a Celebutante, our friends at ULTA,  will award one $50 gift card to a lucky winner of this week’s contest from TheFind. The contest begins Wednesday November 11, 11:59 p.m. PST and ends Wednesday November 18th, 2009 11:59 p.m. PST.

To enter:
1. Become a fan of TheFind.com on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/thefind
2. Leave a comment about your fave product from ULTA on TheFind’s Facebook giveaway post.
3. Share the ULTA GiftCard Giveaway post to your Facebook profile.

If you are already a fan of TheFind on Facebook, simply:
1.  Leave a comment about your favorite ULTA product on the the Facebook post.
2. Share the ULTA GiftCard Giveaway #2 and post to your Facebook profile.

Good luck!

Initially I had my reservations about spray foundation; it could potentially be very messy, and very different than what I’ve been used to with the traditional liquid foundations. My Mom has used the expensive Dior Airflash Spray foundation ($60), but I was equipped with the $13.99 Airbrush Spray Makeup from Sally Hansen. Although the natural inclination would be to just spray it directly onto your face, DON’T DO IT! Unless you’re naked or want to dowse your clothes in spray foundation, I’d recommend spraying it onto your hand, or onto a sponge instead. For more helpful tips, check out this video at Stylist.com coincidentally by Carmindy, Sally Hansen’s consultant and resident beauty expert.  Back to the product: I tested it out in “light”, and the major observations I made were: 1) I didn’t really need that much spray to get all-over coverage, and 2) the foundation seemed to blend better into my skin, opposed to sitting on top of it like some other regular foundations tend to do. Overall, I’d definitely recommend this Spray Foundation, which is also paraben free,  with olive oil extract, chamomile and Vitamin A.

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-Julia DiNardo