New HST Tax Information

The rate for the HST is 13% and applies to ALL services and products as of July 1, 2010.

Gift Card Redemptions after July 1, 2010

Dollar Value Gift Cards:

13% HST applies at time of check-out.

Service Gift Cards:

For services purchased on gift cards prior to July 1, 2010,
Pure + simple will be absorbing the HST so that recipients of the services will not be inconvenienced with additional charges.

Purchased After July 1, 2010: 13% HST paid at time of purchase. No adjustment required.

Package Redemption after July 1, 2010

For packages purchased prior to July 1, 2010 there is NO additional HST charge with redemptions.

 
Pure + simple is happy to announce the launch their all-natural liquid mineral makeup line, Flawless Complexion.

A perfect addition to the Pure + simple Mineral Makeup Line, Flawless Complexion liquid mineral makeup offers liquid coverage with intense hydrating properties, leaving your skin with a flawless glowing complexion.

When applied lightly it acts as a tinted moisturizer, evening out skin tone while nourishing the skin with potent moisture retaining and anti-aging ingredients.  For heavier coverage, Flawless Complexion can be layered on as a liquid foundation hiding all imperfections and resulting in a dewy finish. If a matte finish is desired apply a Pure + simple Pressed Powder to set the liquid.

Available in the following shades:

Biscotti	Macchiato	Cafe au Lait	Butterscotch

Click Here to Purchase

Sunscreen 101

Sunscreens are of two types: natural blocks, using zinc and titanium, which create a physical barrier against UV rays, and chemical ones which neutralize and absorb UV rays into the skin’s tissues. While chemical sunblocks are popular because they are easier to formulate into bases and cosmetics, natural sunscreens are generally less toxic, less irritating and cause fewer allergies.

Hormones, Toxins, Burning and Safety Concerns

The highest SPF in most natural sunblocks is SPF 30. While we, in our sun-fearing society, may wish to up that number, chemical sunscreens can actually heighten the likelihood of cancer because they contain proven carcinogens. Two steps forward, one step back.

Many sunscreen agents, like octyl-methoxycinnamate, octyl-dimethyl-PABA (OD-PABA), benzophenone-3, homosalate (HMS) and 4-Methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC) are also endocrine disruptors, upsetting the body’s hormone balance. In particular, they have been shown to disrupt levels of estrogen, even allowing traces of their chemicals into breast milk. The higher the SPF, the more toxic, which is why there’s movement to outlaw any higher than 30. This is already the case in Australia.

Natural sunscreens sit on the skin’s surface like a shield. This means they don’t need to be reapplied to stay effective. Chemical sunscreens need reapplication every 1-to-2 hours as the sunscreen agents they contain become inactive. Researchers have found that people who are unaware of this get more sun damage because they’re under the illusion they’re protected.

Studies have also found that people who wear sunscreen have a higher incidence of skin cancer because they spend more time in the sun in the belief that reapplication restarts the protecting action; however, once erythema (burning) begins, reapplication does not stop it. You must reapply the block before this happens. And, with each reapplication, more chemicals are absorbed.

Other Benefits of Natural Sunblocks

Natural sunblocks, using zinc and titanium minerals, provide a beauty benefit as well as a health one. Zinc possesses soothing, disinfecting properties. This means it is anti-inflammatory for sensitive skin and anti-bacterial for acne. Many chemical sunscreens clog pores and irritate due to their toxic and petroleum content.

Measuring Sun Protection: Understanding What’s Important

The general misconception is that the higher the SPF the more protection, but SPF only describes how long the sunscreen will remain active. It is the amount of time it takes for skin to burn, multiplied by the SPF protection number. Example: if it takes five minutes to burn without sunscreen, with an SPF 15 it will take 75 minutes (15 x 5 minutes).