Conference turris::womannotes-v1

    I, too, am allergic to *most* makeup, even Non- and hyper-
    alergenic types.  However, I have had good luck with Merle 
    Norman cosmetics.  There is one in Andover, MA and one in
    Bedford, NH.  If you're not close to one of those, try the
    local phone book.  I *think* they will give you samples to
    try before you buy, so you could find out without a lot of
    investment whether the stuff is ok for you.
    

    My aunt used to be a Mary Kay lady, and they have a lot of good
    stuff.  They label many of their things as "hypo-allergenic".  AFter
    reading some of their literature, I was surprised to find that if
    you have a reaction to their product, they may well invite you to
    their research center in Texas or something to formulate something
    that will suit your needs (I believe they do this in hopes that
    they can incorporate this into their next products, and satisfy
    other customers with similar allergies).  So ask a Mary Kay lady.
    
    FYI, I used to wear makeup too, but now not only do I have a skin
    condition which doesn't allow me the luxury of foundation, but I
    am also allergic to any-and-all perfumes (they make me sneeze and
    sniffle something fierce).
    
    feh.
    
    -Jody
    

    Thanks for the suggestions.  There's a Merle Norman place close
    to me, so I think I will try that and see if they have samples or
    small sizes to try.
    
    I've tried Mary Kay before, but that makes me break out, so I'm
    not too anxious to try again, even if there is a possibility that
    they can formulate something special.  I'm not crazy about having
    a reaction to however many attempts it would take to get it right.
    
    
    Thanks for all the help.
    Cathy

    Try "Moisturel", not sure of the spelling.  A doctor recommended it to
    me.  It's very good and has no scent and best of all it's inexpensive,
    under $7.00. And you can get it at CVS. 

    I can't wear most makeup either (I don't think it is an especially
    necessary thing for most people anyhow).  I used to wear a
    hypoallergenic coverup medecine on my birthmark even though it made
    me break out (how would YOU like to have a nose that was BRIGHT
    RED on one side??  Ycch...), but I don't bother to try to cover
    up the scars from having it removed several years ago - its not
    very noticeable anymore (wish John Hancock had paid for that surgery,
    but it was worth it anyhow - I heard after I had coughed up the
    money myself that another employee had gotten JH to pay for the
    same surgery for his daughter by claiming that it was a "psychological
    necessity" - I guess I am too naive!) anyhow.  When I have chapped
    skin, like a did this morning on my cheeks, I use petroleum jelly
    - I don't seem to be allergic to that, though I have a terrible
    reaction to jellied alcohol.
    
    /Charlotte

    
    I have very sensative skin too!  [wow...look at all the red faces...]
    
    A very nice young woman by the name of Penny Bowers, MLO, introduced
    me to the Jaffra line of cosmetics and they have done a really nice
    job by my skin.  If she is still in the Mill, I'm sure you can look
    her up in ELF.  I think she is still a "Jaffra Lady".
    
    B

It's not exactly make-up, but my favorite moisturizer is Eucerin - it was
recommended to me by the pharmacist, and has the feature that it's 50%
water, which means that it actually puts moisture back into your skin,
unlike most petroleum-based things that merely prevent the water in your
skin from getting out, or (worse) alcohol-based things that actually draw
moisture out. It's totally unscented and hypo-allergenic, and comes in 2
thicknesses, a lotion (which I use on my face) and a cream (which I use on
my hands.) It isn't available everywhere, but it's worth looking for.

Don.

    My oldest son suffers from dry skin in the winter time and tho
    he won't use any kind of hand lotion he does like eucerin.

    
    
    
    	Same here.  My lotion?  Lubri-derm.
    
    

    Yes, Lubri-derm Unscented is good stuff, though rather expensive.
    
    As for Mary Kay, a friend who has many more allergies than I do,
    found out that Mary Kay could custom formulate something for her.
    She was excited, until she told them she was allergic to propelene
    glycol.  They told her that they couldn't take that out of the
    cosmetics, because the FDA mandates that ingredient.  So much for
    that idea, at least for some people.  But it's good to know that
    they'll try.
    
    Elizabeth

	I've usually chosen hypo-allergenic eye makeup and (on the
	very rare occasions I wear it) foundation.  The Almay line
	tend to be (all?) hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free, and
	less expensive than many.  They're also available at CVS,
	Sears, and many drugstores.  Sorry, -.whichever, the foundation 
	at least DOES contain propylene glycol... if it's an FDA
	req, you may be stuck there.

	If you're looking for a facial moisturizer, I recently stumbled
	across a new Neutrogena one which could best be described as
	"non": hypoallergenic, no fragrance, no color, no mineral oil.
	(also non-comedogenic, if that wasn't included in the above!?)
	Does contain PABA (SPF 5); built-in sunscreen is probably also
	a bene unless you're allergic to it!

		Helen

    
    	Another vote for Merle Norman.  Suggestion:  call the shop ahead
    of time and schedule and appointment.  It doesn't cost anything
    for the consultation and by making an appointment you'll be sure
    that you have the complete attention of the technician.  YOu can
    have either a cleansing demonstration or a make-over.  The cleansing
    demo stresses basic skin care with their line of cleansers and
    moisturizers and the make-over is the make-up part.  You'll get
    all your questions answered, and most Merle Norman shops keep track
    of it's customers so if you go in to pick up more "X" and forget
    the shade name, they have it on file.  I wouldn't use anything else.
    
    	Conni
    

    You could try i (as in the small letter i).  My step sister had
    a really bad acne problem allong with sensitive skin and could use
    *only* i makeup (oooooo, a pun!).  There's a store in NH at the
    Dead Pheasant Mall and one in Conn at the Crystal Mall.  They only
    have natural ingredients and I believe they are fragrance free.
    
    Sharon
    

    
    RE:  .2 
    
    	Not only will Mary Kay attempt to formulate something for your
    particular needs, they will also replace any product that you find
    you cannot use or are unhappy with!  I'm not sure how many of the
    "department store"  cosmetic companies will do this as I've been
    a "Mary Kay lady" and used the product for years and just keep looking
    younger every day!! :^)  Love it! 
    
    		Myra