Trend to Try: Makeup That Chemically Boosts Your Mood?
Put down the Prozac and get ready to become irresistible to the opposite sex - the newest beauty products on the market claim to boost mood and create instant sex appeal with just the swipe of the brush and rub of the finger.
The Euphoryl™ Ω-3 concentrate created by Laboratoires Sérobiologiques and present in the majority of "happy cosmetic" products on the market, claims to stimulate the production of dopamine, a natural neurotransmitter which helps evoke feelings of pleasure and happiness, and results in actual skin beautification.
Another trend? Pheromones infused into lotions, body washes and lipstick that promise to increase sex appeal and human seduction through a biological (and in this case lab-created!) chemical reaction.
But could it really be that synthetically manufactured endorphins, dopamine and pheromones in some of the newest creams and potions actually aids in chemically altering our mood? We spoke to a few professionals.
"It could work," explains cosmetic chemist, Ron Robinson about Physician's Formula's Happy Booster Blush, "but it would have to contain at least 1% Euphoryl." (Ingredient percentage has not been disclosed by Physician's Formula.)
Dr. Eric Schweiger from Schweiger Dermatology in NYC had this to say: While these cosmetics may ultimately make you feel better - the claims and colorful packaging certainly adds to the marketing allure - it is probably because you look better post-application, and not as a result necessarily of any real mood enhancement properties. Healthy glowing skin is certainly enough to make women feel good about themselves.
If you're ready to give the trend a go for yourself, here are the latest products spiked with mood and animal magnetism-enhancing ingredients, including the aforementioned concentrates. Hey, there's only one way to find out!
MOOD BOOSTING BEAUTY BOUNTY
Physician's Formula Happy Booster™ Glow & Mood Boosting Blush ($11.99) is an ultra-soft, blendable blushing powder infused with their "Happy Boost Blend" which features Euphoryl, the natural plant extract which has been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of endorphins - the feel good chemical that runs through your system after a nice jog.
The Omega 3 Happiness Concentrate (Euphoryl™ Ω-3) in Ole Henriksen's Truth Revealed Super Creme SPF 15 ($65) claims to increase the production and release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with happiness while improving microcirculation on the skin surface for a radiant complexion. Rosy, healthy cheeks can sure evoke happiness and youthfulness - sign us up!
Stila's Lip Enamel Luxe Gloss ($26) is a highly pigmented lip gloss that combines color payoff with a side of happiness. The formula is infused with Rhodiola Rosea, a natural extract that is reported to induce happiness by optimizing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. The claim: swipe on this gloss and get a bold burst of color, a high-shine finish, and a smile upon your face.
PHEROMONE LACED POTIONS
Risqué packaging - the hologram hotties perched atop this lipgloss wand undresses to their undies with the flick of the wrist - is combined with pheromones lacing the ink surrounding Urban Decay's Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss ($19). This chemical cocktail is released with just your touch of the tube!
Dial's allegation for their Men's Magnetic Attraction Enhancing Body Wash? "We don't claim using our product you're going to hit a home run," said Ryan Gaspar, a [Dial] brand manager, to The New York Times. "We say, 'We'll get you to first base.'" Topping the ingredient list is a steroid called androstadienone, found in human sweat. What we do know: This body wash's potent musky perfume is sure to mask your questionably scented sweat with female-approved aroma.
Flirty Little Secret's Luminizing Body Butter with Pheromones features lab-manufactured synthetic pheromones, specifically the "alpha" isomer of the pheromone Androstenol. What's known about alpha Androstenol is that when women are exposed to this particular compound, they tend to be more willing to initiate social contact with men, and to be more receptive and flirtacious when approached. If all else fails, this creamy body butter is infused a pure pearl pigment to give the entire body a subtle and sexy luminescent glow - perfect for trolling for fellas after dusk.
Will you be giving these products a go? Comment below.
