From beetles and parasites to whale vomit: the disgusting ingredients in cosmetics

“No parabens” is the motto of people who are used to reading the list of ingredients carefully. Are they right when they avoid this component?

Sometimes a broad discussion of the action of certain ingredients is a significant phenomenon that helps people maintain their health. We have already understood the beneficial and harmful properties of silicones. This time, let's talk about parabens, among the "victims" of such discussions. Everything is not so simple, and before passing a verdict on them, it is necessary to study the properties of these substances in more detail and get acquainted with the opinion of scientists on this matter. How can parabens in cosmetics be harmful, and are they harmful at all? Let's figure it out right now, but at the same time, we'll see if it's worth choosing natural paraben-free cosmetics as a replacement.

About parabens in cosmetics 

Parabens are chemical compounds (to be more precise, we are talking about esters of para-Hydroxybenzoic acid) that are famous for their antiseptic properties and have been used as preservatives for a long time, both in the food industry and in the pharmaceutical and beauty industries.

Parabens can be synthesized or obtained from plants in the laboratory - yes, there are natural parabens found, for example, in cranberries, lingonberries, and sour.

In the composition of medicines or cosmetics, parabens allow you to extend their shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria.

Why are parabens dangerous? This is where the controversy begins. The trouble with parabens began when scientists studying breast cancer discovered high concentrations of parabens in tumors. And some have linked it to cosmetics containing parabens (such as deodorants that are applied to the underarm area).

So far, it has not been possible to accurately confirm that cosmetics affect the development of this type of cancer. Still, even a hypothesis was enough for many people to take up arms against parabens.

Properties of parabens in cosmetic

Parabens are considered the most popular preservative today. What is the reason for such a choice?

Antibacterial properties

Thanks to parabens in jars and tubes with cosmetics, there will be no active reproduction of bacteria and fungi. This means they can be used safely for longer without fear that the skin will react with irritation or inflammation.

Ability to stabilize the formula

Another plus of parabens is that they perform a stabilizing function in the formulas of products: their presence in the procedure maintains the desired consistency and allows all components to coexist harmoniously.

Parabens, unlike other preservatives, are effective in small concentrations. Manufacturers who emphasize the natural composition of their cosmetics can use natural preservatives. They are needed in much larger quantities to keep the product fresh for a long time. Organic acids and essential oils are potent allergens. There is a high risk that these products will cause an adverse reaction in the skin.

The downside is that parabens can cause allergies. But the long-term practice of their use shows that the risks are more diminutive in the case of parabens. They are used in the food industry. International standards ensure maximum safety. The creators of cosmetics use these substances in a limited amount.

What cosmetics contain parabens?

Parabens are needed primarily in the composition of funds with a liquid, cream,m or gel texture. In a word, in cosmetics that contain water. A humid environment is favorable for the reproduction of bacteria, and parabens prevent this.

Foundation

Due to the presence of parabens, tonal foundations “live” from six months to 1.5 years. The expiration date,e in this case, is affected not so much by the concentration of preservatives as by the texture of the product - for example, the fluid will serve you less than a thick and dense foundation.

Mascara

Mascara cannot be made without parabens, but its shelf life is the shortest compared to other beauty products: it is recommended to use mascara no longer than 3 months after opening the package.

Concealer

Parabens extend the shelf life of this product to about six months.

Lip gloss

With these tools - the same story as with the category of concealers: you can do makeup with them only for about six months. But without parabens, this period would be even shorter.

Liquid shadows, highlighters, bronzers, lipstick,s and other water-based products also contain parabens. The most common areethyl parabenss andmethyl parabenss. They are safe and resistant to external influences, including thermal. But dry shadows will last you a long time and without parabens in the composition. True, by the end of the expiration date, they will likely no longer fit perfectly. But from the,m it will be possible to make lipstick of an unusual shade. Just follow this video guide.

How are parabens identified in cosmetics?

We have already discussed the general rules that will help you quickly check the composition of cosmetics here. Since parabens are a whole group of substances, you will have to remember a few bare names and symbols to recognize them on the packaging. Parabens that are often used in the manufacture of cosmetics include methylparaben (it can be found in the list of ingredients under the codes E218 and E219), ethylparaben (E214), propylparaben (E216), butylparaben, benzyl paraben, isobutyl paraben.

In addition, among the designations of parabens are met again, propagation, nipagin, and nipazol. They can even be combined under the general name "hydroxybenzoic acids, without specifying the details.

Are there cosmetics without parabens?

Today, the list of brands that produce cosmetics without parabens and sulfates is quite extensive. In the absence of these ingredients in the composition of their products, many manufacturers use them as an advertisement. Therefore it may seem that such beauty products are becoming more common. However, statistics show the opposite: more than 75% of cosmetics still contain parabens.

Cosmetics

Those who are not going to give up cosmetics with parabens completely, but are still afraid of this controversial ingredient, should pay attention to thorough skin cleansing.

What is the best way to remove paraben makeup? One of the leading "working" means micellar water - the features of its production allow you not to use sulfates and parabens. The same applies to many hydrophilic oils.

Micellar water

It's good that cosmetics lovers have a choice. Science is not yet able to provide accurate data proving that parabens in cosmetics are harmful and cause life-threatening diseases. But for those who want to eliminate any risks associated with parabens, products labeled paraben-free can be preferred.

Cosmetics without parabens

It is essential to understand that the absence of parabens does not always make cosmetics 100% safe. So, substitutes for parabens arepropanoll,quaternion-15, butyl hydroxy anisole (E320 or BHA), and butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) - and these substances have been proven toxic and carcinogenic. However, they are found not only in cosmetics but also in food.

About natural cosmetics, manufacturers of natural beauty products also use paraben-free labels. They use vitamins E and C, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, propolis, and grapefruit seed extract as preservatives. The last component has gained particular popularity as a natural disinfectant and preservative.

Grapefruit seed extract

In the case of natural cosmetics, the question arises, how effective are the preservatives used in it. If methyl and ethyl parabens in cosmetics, as a rule, are no more than 0.4% of the composition, natural substitutes will be required in much higher concentrations to compare with them in terms of strength. Do not forget that many natural ingredients that can increase the shelf life of cosmetics can cause allergic reactions.

Applying makeup during filming is not a quick process. Mainly when not only the image of the character depends on it but also on the film's overall success. The Deadpool actors must endure many hours of sitting in the make-up chair and all their manipulations, sometimes reminiscent of “torture.”

 

Changed beyond recognition! What makeup can do to actors

 

Bemorepanda found examples of what actors go through to make their on-screen characters stand out and memorable. For example, make-up for 8-9 hours. And this, it turns out, is not the most challenging thing that they sometimes have to face.

 

1. 8-9 hours, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique in X-Men

 

“It was a nine-hour make-up process. Throughout three films, we managed to cut it down to seven hours, but it was still... a lot. And I realized pretty quickly that this was my job, which was to apply all this makeup! — Rebecca Romijn, Looper

 

2. 8-9 hours, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique in X-Men: First Class

 

In First Class, the filmmakers stayed accurate to Rebecca Romijn's original costume. But for Jennifer Lawrence, the body paint caused such severe skin irritation that she had to call a doctor. For the next film, X-Men: Days of Future Past, they switched to bodysuits. It also helped save all that time on set.

 

“I'm so excited because I'm going to wear a tight suit. It will be from the neck down so that it will cut time and blisters." - Jennifer Lawrence.

 

3. 8.5 hours, Jim Carrey as the Grinch in The Grinch Stole Christmas

 

The process of putting on makeup and costume took so long that the film producer brought in a CIA officer whose job was to help people endure torture.

 

4. 8 hours, Halle Berry as Jocasta Ayres (and five other characters) in Cloud Atlas

 

In addition to her role as Jocasta Ayres, Berry is also known as:

 

- Louise Ray

 

- Ovid

 

- Meronym

 

- Native woman

 

- Indian party guest

 

5. 8 hours, Christian Bale as Dick Cheney in "Power."

 

“In the old days, when we were sculpting foam fixtures, we would reshape the jaw and chin area a bit because it would compress a bit. But now, in silicone, we must accentuate the cheekbones and jawlines because his weight pulls him down. So it isn't easy. It would help if you had to know what you're doing." — Makeup artist Greg Cannom, Vox.

 

6. 7-8 hours, John Hurt as John Merrick in The Elephant Man

 

The make-up for John Hurt, resembling the real-life John Merrick, was created using the casts of Merrick's body in the Royal London Hospital.

 

7. 7 hours, Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna ​​in Stranger Things 4

 

Take a behind-the-scenes look below for a closer look at the process.

 

 

8. 7 hours, Michael Dorn as Worf in Star Trek: The Next Generation

 

According to Michael Dorn, over time, the makeup process has become easier:

 

“Now it's not that weird because it used to be quite difficult because they used a lot of glue and makeup. It was just a natural process."

 

9. 7 hours, Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson in Deadpool

 

Seven hours is a very long time, and the makeup artists were uneasy when Ryan Reynolds once pranked them by ripping it all off after they were done.

 

Here's how it was:

 

 

10. 6 hours, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze in "Batman and Robin."

 

For some close-up shots, Arnold had to put an LED in his mouth, and at some point, it became quite dangerous:

 

“When you put it in Arnold's mouth, Arnold's saliva seeps into the seams of this thing and attacks the batteries. Batteries begin to disintegrate, and battery acid may begin to enter Arnold's mouth." — Makeup artist Jeff Dawn, THR.

 

11. 6 hours, Gary Oldman as Mason Verger in Hannibal

 

Greg Cannom, who worked with Christian Bale on The Authority, was Hannibal's makeup artist:

 

“I knew we could get away with [Oldman] more than any other actor. He first said, "Can we open my eye?" It's disgusting. I showed people pictures of [Oldman as Verger], and they all just said, “Oh my God!” and left, which made me very happy.” — Cannom, The Guardian.

 

12. 5-6 hours, Doug Bradley as Hellraiser in Hellraiser

 

“The process started with Clive sketching out his ideas that we had to work through together, and then we came up with other ideas based on those sketches. Initially, Pinhead was not at all what he is now. He was much more like Nightbreed's Shunu Sassi character, with only needles sticking out of the top of his head. I looked at it and thought, "Clive [Barker, director], we can't do it with that budget." I knew this makeup would last six days, and we couldn't do it on such a tight budget. He said, "Okay, let's think about it." That's when we came up with this grid pattern on a lifecast to determine where we were going to insert what were originally supposed to be six-inch nails. Clive looked at the mesh and decided he liked its symmetry, so we left it in place." — Makeup artist Bob Keane, DailyDead.

 

13. 5 hours, Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

 

Greg Cannom ("Power," "Hannibal") is back in business:

 

“I had time to get it right, which I don’t usually do in a film. We did intensive tests for two weeks before filming started at every age and did make-up after make-up. The make-up had to work. Otherwise, the film wouldn't have worked." — Kann, Variety.

 

14. 5 hours, John Matuszak as Sloth in The Goonies

 

Back in 2019, 34 years after the release of The Goonies, test shots of the Sloth makeup were finally found.

 

15. 5 hours Dave Bautista as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy 

 

“Drax started with a five-hour make-up, and gradually the time began to decrease, as expected. Such extensive makeup is a real challenge for the team because it is so complex.

 

“Every day, a plastic mold was offered that was the exact shape of David's body, with perforated holes indicating where the prosthesis begins and ends. Through it, a drawing showing a map was applied to rice paper.

 

“All teams had different tasks in this sequence. Some begin the application of paint, while others complete the shading of the dentures. We added subtle layers of browns, reds, and greens to the base gray to break up the tone and spice it up before the final color unwrapping.

 

"The whole body is then sealed with a retainer so that it can withstand daytime shooting." — Makeup artist David White, Business Insider.

 

16. 5 hours, Zoe Saldana as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy 

 

“This time, I was picked up at three in the morning - my dog ​​was not even happy about it. I had to sit for five hours for five months. It was crazy, but it paid off. The film is fantastic." — Zoe Saldana, US Weekly.

 

17. 5 hours, Jeff Goldblum as Seth Brundle in The Fly

 

“Yes, Chris Wallace got an Oscar for it. And Stéphane Dupuis put me in the dentist's chair for five hours and used this thing. And then another hour after we finished… well, you know, labor, labor, labor… took it off. This suit is a little tight... the rubber suit... so I look so... ugly. And then prosthetics. — Jeff Goldblum, Yahoo.

 

18. 6 hours, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Terminator in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

 

“Maria walked onto the set in the midst of filming Terminator 2. And then she saw me - when half of the face disappeared, and the eye lit up. All this weird makeup... So she started screaming and crying on set because she didn't understand why dad looked like that." - Arnold Schwarzenegger.

 

19. 5 hours, Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose

 

Marion Cotillard didn't mind the five-hour make-up because she's a big fan of Edith Piaf and wanted to give her credit:

 

“It was very stressful, but she was a powerful person. I love tragedy. Not in my life. But I love to play a tragedy. It allows me to express so many things. At the same time, I feel empty and full of emotions; I feel alive." — Marion Cotillard, Under the Radar.

 

20. 5 hours, Tim Curry as Lord of Darkness in "Legend."

 

“We had terrible negotiations about what parts of me would be visible. I fought and begged to have my own eyes… My eyes were solid contact lenses, like wolf or cat eyes, which were very painful to install because they took a cast of your eye and inserted it into your eye. If it hurt, they scratched him a little until he stopped hurting.” — Tim Curry, Legend commentary.

 

 

 

A good primer should smooth out skin imperfections on the face and keep the make-up in perfect condition for as long as possible. We have collected the most effective makeup bases - read and choose the one that is right for you.

Facial primers are a controversial product. Today there are a huge number of them on the market and it is not so easy to find a quality makeup base. It is not always clear whether it is needed at all. Let's try to figure it out, and at the same time, we will tell you about those basics for makeup, which, in our opinion, are worth paying attention to.

What is a makeup base?

Primers solve several problems at once:

• Mask imperfections, age spots, uneven tone.
• Makes skin texture smoother.
• Improve the properties of tonal products and increase the durability of makeup.
• A primer cannot replace either foundation or skin care creams, it has a narrow, limited functionality. The basis for makeup does not have to be in a woman's cosmetic bag. However, you can’t do without it if you need impeccable and persistent make-up.

It is important to know that many makeup bases necessarily contain silicones, so due to frequent use, skin pores can become clogged, which will provoke rashes on the face. To prevent this from happening, thoroughly cleanse your skin every evening and, if possible, use a make-up base, not every day.

How to choose a primer according to skin type?

Today, the beauty industry offers a large selection of makeup bases. You need to choose those products that are most suitable for the type and color of the skin.

Normal skin

For normal skin types, a brightening make-up base with sunscreen is ideal. A primer with reflective particles is also suitable.

Dry skin

For dry skin types, it is recommended to use light moisturizing makeup bases with a creamy or oily consistency. To give the face visual moisture, use a product with a shimmer.

Oily skin

For oily skin types, a make-up base is best suited to mattify and mask pores. It will control the appearance of oily sheen throughout the day. The primer can be either water-based or silicone-based. If the skin has inflammation and redness, use a base with a green tint.

Combination skin

For combination skin, you can take a mattifying makeup base and apply it only to problem areas. On other "dry" areas, use a moisturizing primer.

Sensitive skin

For sensitive skin, you will need a makeup base, with the function of protecting against toxins, toxins, and negative environmental factors. Look for fragrance-free products. If redness and inflammation often appear on the skin, choose a color-correcting primer with a green pigment.

Is there a difference between budget and luxury makeup bases?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer here. Choosing a good makeup base requires personal experience. The most important thing in any cosmetic product is how it suits your skin. Hence the relativity of rankings - what has become a panacea for a thousand lucky ones, for you may turn out to be a waste of money.

When choosing a primer, pay attention to the following:

• how effectively it evens out the complexion, hides skin imperfections;
• how long does it keep makeup in perfect condition;
• what type of skin is suitable for.

To make it easier for you to navigate, we have compiled a list of 19 good makeup bases, one of which is potentially suitable for you.

Face Primer Urban Defense Complexion Primer SPF 30, Urban Decay

It is a pleasure to apply it on the skin: the delicate gel texture does not leave any stickiness or film feeling! And the composition itself makes the skin smooth and prepares for the application of foundation, minimizing bumps and pores. You can be calm about the skin, especially in spring and summer: with this primer, care and sun protection are provided.

The basis for the perfect complexion Le Blanc de Chanel Multi-Use Illuminating Base, Chanel

This makeup base is indispensable for creating a flawless look, because it is suitable for any skin tone, hiding visible imperfections and gently illuminating the face. In addition, the product contains caring elements (witch hazel extract, licorice extract and a moisturizing complex) that help preserve the beauty of the skin.

Multifunctional primer Naked Face Balancing Primer, Holika Holika

This tool pleases even externally: inside the bottle there are capsules of three different shades, which, mixing when the dispenser is pressed, give a base that adapts to skin color. The mixture is dense enough to even out the microrelief of the face and last for several hours. Another plus is that you will need significantly less foundation, because the primer provides the necessary undertone.

Cellular Performance Glow Makeup Base Brightening Make-Up Base, Sensai

This base immediately deeply moisturizes, smoothes and brightens the skin, giving firmness and radiance - so that wrinkles and unevenness become less noticeable. A special complex of apricot essence, OH-neutralizer, hyaluronate and collagen stimulators helps the base to fight the first signs of aging. They prevent loss of tone and neutralize pigmentation.

Pore-covering makeup base Master Prime, Maybelline New York

This primer from Maybelline perfectly evens out the texture of the skin, giving it a delicate glow. And at the same time pleases with a very affordable price!

Waterproof face primer You better work! Gym-proof Primer Essence

Thanks to its special waterproof formula, this primer not only hides skin imperfections, but also prevents makeup from "floating" from sweat or heat - ideal for holidays or active workouts, if it is important for you to look "on parade". Bonus: UV filter with SPF 20.

Leveling face primer Prime and Fine Pore Refining Anti-Shine Base, Catrice

The lightweight texture of this primer ensures perfect pairing with any foundation and extra hold. No unwanted shine and enlarged pores!

Makeup base, concealing redness, Base Full HD 16 hours, Eveline

Worried about redness, vascular network and manifestations of rosacea? Then you need the Full HD Base 16 hours from Eveline - the perfect camouflage tool. By the way, she also mattes.

Makeup base Prisme Primer Color Correcting, Givenchy

This makeup base has a light, velvety texture, easy to apply and blends well. The coating is quite dense without the "mask effect". Moreover, this primer not only masks imperfections (it is especially good at fighting dark circles around the eyes), but also gives the skin elasticity over and over again due to vegetative

x extracts in the composition.

Face primer with reflective particles Perfect Glow Primer, Thalgo

Marine spring water and verbena extract, together with reflective particles and color-correcting pigment, give a stunning effect. Firstly, the caring ingredients really take care of the skin - and its natural color evens out over and over again. Secondly, the tone becomes radiant, as if glowing from within.

Primer for flawless skin Smooth Affair Facial Primer & Brightener, Jane Iredale

A sheer, mineral-based soft pink, this primer is virtually invisible on the skin, but that doesn't stop it from effectively tightening pores, unifying skin texture, and giving it a luxurious matte finish. In addition, the formula of the product is enriched with plant components that have an anti-aging effect. Namely - extracts of grapefruit, apple, green and white tea, algae and olive leaves.

Prelude in the Clouds Aqua Base, Rouge Bunny Rouge

This moisturizing foundation is 70% water and literally hydrates the skin for the whole day. Ideal as a make-up base! It contains extracts of sea buckthorn and Florentine iris root, bisabolol and vitamins A and E. With regular use, you will notice that your skin has become softer and more elastic, and inflammation and irritation have decreased.

Face primer Encre de Peau All Hours Primer, YSL Beauty

This base makes it easier to apply the foundation, makes it last longer and helps to keep the matte finish until the evening. Instant perfection for the whole day!

Mattifying base for makeup, masking pores Instant Poreless Pore-Blurring Matifying Primer, Clarins

Despite its light texture, Instant Poreless mattifying base erases pores like an eraser! Thanks to the universal shade, this tool can be used as a base for makeup, or solo. In any case, you are guaranteed perfectly smooth porcelain skin.

Makeup base Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Smashbox

With this primer, you don't need Photoshop or Facetune, because it not only prolongs the durability of makeup, but also visually fills pores and wrinkles, evening out skin texture and tone.

Leveling and illuminating makeup base Radiant Boost Face Base, Kiko Milano

This base visibly improves and refreshes the complexion due to its delicate pinkish tint. The lightweight formula helps the product absorb quickly, smoothing imperfections and giving the skin a slight shimmer.

Makeup base UV Master Primer, Giorgio Armani

Ideal if you are concerned about enlarged pores and uneven skin texture in general. The base will smooth out unevenness and give a soft natural glow, as if you just returned from vacation. Speaking of vacations, this foundation will also come in handy there, because it contains UVA and UVB filters that provide sun protection with an SPF 40 factor.

Aqua-fluid for the face Moisture Genius, L'Oreal

Innovations on guard of your beauty! This product, enriched with aloe juice and hyaluronic acid, immediately turns into a liquid upon contact with the skin and is instantly absorbed, moisturizing the skin, normalizing the hydro-lipid balance and preventing the appearance of oily sheen. Amazing combination of moisturizer and primer!

Moisturizing cream primer for face Hydro Priming Cream InBetween, Blithe

This tool is not just a primer, but a complete care that is suitable for both morning and evening use. Thanks to its elastic formula, this cream is suitable for any skin type, effectively smoothing its texture, correcting tone and mattifying. Bonus: nice lavender scent.

Saint Vincent is a small state consisting of the island of the same name and the Grenadines - a small group of islets. The capital of Saint Vincent is Kingstown. The country is part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The island itself was discovered back in 1498 by Christopher Columbus. Catholics celebrate St. Vincent's Day, and the island received the same name on this day. There are other interesting facts about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

 

Interesting facts about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

 

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is considered an elite holiday area. This applies in particular to the island of Mustique. Here, members of the British royal family and other world celebrities come to rest. The island has many five-star hotels, entertainment venues, and beautiful beaches. Also, visitors have the opportunity to see many exotic animals and plants. Despite the high prices for goods and services, many tourists visit the island yearly. We have compiled a selection of the most amazing facts about St. Vincent.

 

 

1. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent state located in the Caribbean Sea. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

 

2. The country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the Windward Islands, south of Saint Lucia and north of Grenada. From the west, it is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and from the east by the Atlantic Ocean.

 

3. The territory of this state is 389.3 km², which is 183rd in the world.

 

4. Its territory includes the relatively large island of St. Vincent and 32 small islands (Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union, and others), which are part of the Northern Grenadines group in the Lesser Antilles archipelago, as well as Tobago reefs.

 

5. The flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a tricolor of three vertical stripes of blue, yellow, and green. In the center of the yellow stripe, 1/2 the length of the flag, three diamonds (rhombuses) are depicted in green, arranged in the Latin letter V - the first letter in the name of Vincent Island.

 

6. Christopher Columbus discovered the island of St. Vincent during his third expedition to the New World on January 28, 1498, on the day of St. Vincent, from where the name of the island came from.

 

 

7. The Carib Indians lived on the islands when the Europeans appeared. For more than two centuries, the Caribs fiercely resisted European colonization. The cannons of the Spanish coastal forts were directed inland since the Caribs posed a greater danger to the colonists than external enemies.

 

8. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the territory of St. Vincent alternately came under the control of the French or the British.

 

9. In 1719, the French began to grow coffee, tobacco, indigo, and cotton there. Enslaved Africans were brought in to work on the plantations. As a result of mixed marriages of runaway and formerly enslaved people with local Indians, a layer of "dark-skinned Caribs" (Garifs) appeared. Now, most of the population is made up of blacks and mulattos.

 

10. The British first took possession of St. Vincent in 1763, and it became a British colony under the Treaty of Versailles in 1783. In 1796, the British crushed an uprising of dark-skinned Caribs and exiled more than 5,000 rebels to one of the islands off the coast of Honduras.

 

11. At the beginning of the 19th century, sugar cane plantations appeared in St. Vincent, where enslaved people worked. After the abolition of slavery in the English colonies (1834), emigrants from India and Portugal were attracted to the islands as a labor force.

 

 

12. In 1925, the first legislative council was created on the island; in 1951, universal suffrage was introduced; in 1969, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines received the status of an "associated state" with the right to full internal self-government.

 

13. And the country gained complete independence on October 27, 1979, by the constitution drawn up in September 1978 in London. In the same year, 1979, the Labor Party, which won the parliamentary elections, formed a government.

 

14. In 1984, the New Democratic Party won, and its leader, James Mitchell, became Prime Minister. This party also won in 1989, 1994, and 1998.

 

On February 15, 2001, Parliament was dissolved. A month later, early parliamentary elections were held, in which the United Labor Party (ULP) won 12 seats and the New Democratic Party 3. The government was headed and formed by the leader of the ULP, Ralph Gonsalves.

 

COUNTRY COMBAT SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

 

16. The coat of arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines consists of a cotton flower, an emblem, and a ribbon with the text "Peace and Justice" in Latin. The symbol is based on the colonial version used from 1907 to 1979, which depicts two women in classic Roman dress, one holding a palm branch and the other with clasped hands.

 

17. St. Vincent is a mountainous island of volcanic origin; its area is 344 km². The entire central part of the main island is covered with forest.

 

18. The islands of the Grenadines archipelago are small in size; the largest are Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mero, and Union. Many of the Grenadines are surrounded by coral reefs.

 

19. The central part of the island of St. Vincent is occupied by mountains covered with forests. The highest point is the active volcano Soufriere (1234 meters). There is a lake in its crater. Soufrière erupted in 1718, 1812, 1902, and 1979.

 

20. To the south of it is a chain of gradually lowering cones of extinct volcanoes. Streams run down to the sea on the steep western slopes of the mountains, forming picturesque waterfalls and turning into turbulent streams after tropical downpours.

 

21. The eastern slopes are gentler, longer, wider, and more abundant rivers flow down them. The island's beaches are covered with black volcanic sand; the exception is the white sandy beaches at the southern tip of the island.

 

22. The climate here is tropical, trade wind, and humid. There are often intense hurricanes. Average monthly temperatures range from +24 to +28° C. The dry season lasts from December to April. The average annual rainfall on the southeast coast is 1500 mm, and in the interior mountainous regions - 3750 mm. 70% of precipitation falls from May to November.

 

23. The mountains are covered in places with dense tropical rainforests and shrubs. The fauna is rich in birds: the endangered St. Vincent Amazon parrot, a rare subspecies of the red-throated hermit thrush, and others.

 

24. Coastal waters abound with fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Several forest and ornithological reserves operate on the islands for nature protection.

 

CAPITAL - CITY OF KINGSTOWN

 

25. The capital of the island of St. Vincent is Kingstown, which means “city of kings.” A little more than 40 thousand inhabitants live here.

 

26. The capital city of Kingstown is the largest in the state. Kingstown is located in the harbor on the southwestern tip of St. Vincent.

 

27. Since Kingstown was under British rule for a long time, its architecture was dominated by the colonial style.

 

28. The city has several old churches: St. Mary's, St. George's, and the Kingstown Methodist Church.

 

29. Kingstown is an important financial center where tax incentives attract many banks.

 

30. Also, it is the main economic center of the state. The rich soil of the islands allows you to grow various vegetables and fruits. Arrowroot grows here, which is added to desserts, sweet potatoes, coconuts, breadfruit, and bananas, which are the country's pride. Banana varieties such as figs and bluggo are considered especially popular.

 

31. Agriculture in the country specializes in producing bananas, coconuts, and arrowroot, starchy flour from arrowroot rhizomes. Among the local population, cassava tubers are widely used, from which choki cakes are made.

 

BOTANICAL GARDEN IN KINGSTOWN

 

32. Also, there is a Botanical Garden in Kingstown, founded more than 200 years ago in 1762. Plants from all over the world are collected here. The complex is the oldest in the entire Western Hemisphere. In its exposition, there are more than 450 species of tropical plants. In addition, there is an aviary for birds, including the endangered species of parrot - the Amazon.

 

33. The official language of the state is English. But in fact, the local population speaks Creole or Vincentian.

 

34. North of Kingstown are the ruins of Fort Charlotte, which was built in 1806 to guard the city and harbor. The Museum of the History of the Black Caribs is currently located here.

 

35. Hiking enthusiasts can walk along the nature trail Bookament-Vermont-Nature-Trail, during which the opportunity to wander through the rainforest and watch the birds.

 

36. On St. Vincent, as on other islands, there are many beautiful bays and white beaches framed by palm trees. Some of the islands are privately owned.

 

37. The combination of coral reefs and clear water is ideal for spearfishing.

 

 

38. The largest seaport is located in Kingstown. Arnos Vale International Airport is located near the capital. In addition to it, there are five more airports on the islands.

 

39. Local coins have the most diverse geometric shapes. This is because most of the locals are illiterate. This currency is expected in seven countries in the region.

 

40. There are unusual laws and traditions here. For example, do not do in St. Vincent: 1. Kick the ballot boxes. Every waste bin has its sponsor who will not like this treatment. 2. Walk without an umbrella. Generally, this is not forbidden, but the weather here is unpredictable. 3. Go to street bars. These are ordinary wooden stalls where a simple TV and music play. 4. Joking about religion. Very devout people live in St. Vincent, no matter what denomination they belong to.

 

41. Tobago Reefs is one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. They are uninhabited. Stunning corals grow here, and the variety of algae and fish is impressive. This area has been given the status of a National Park. Fishing on Tobacco is prohibited, and a severe fine is imposed for garbage thrown in the wrong place.

 

42. On the archipelago islands and beaches, they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean with Johnny Depp in the title role. The filming location has long been a center for excursions and pilgrimages. It is called Jack Sparrow Valley.

 

 

43. There is no rail connection in the country. Movement is carried out mainly by cars. The total length of roads in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 1,000 kilometers. The hard coating has only a third of them. Tourists can rent a car. You can also use taxi services.

 

44. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are members of the UN and the Organization of American States. From 1958 to 1962, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were part of the West Indies Federation. The country maintains economic ties with other states of the West Indies, being a member of the Caribbean Community and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

 

45. Oldheg Turtle Sanctuary is located on the island of Bequia. The staff of the reserve is working on the conservation of one of the rare species of turtles. Since many newborns die immediately after birth, the reserve workers, together with volunteers, collect newborn turtles and place them in a special nursery. There, young turtles learn to survive in nature on their own. Only after the young turtles can get food and take care of their safety are they released into the ocean.

 

46. ​​On the west coast of the island of St. Vincent, there are beautiful Balein waterfalls.

 

47. A particular type of acacia grows on the islands. Its pods are large, and the seeds begin to make sounds when dried. As a result, a fascinating musical instrument called “shak-shak” is obtained from huge pods.

 

 

48. The locals here live modestly, as in other developing countries. The lack of a medical and educational system and high unemployment led to the mass migration of residents to other countries.

 

49. Approximately 20% of residents experience difficulties in finding employment. It also has a meager birth rate. On average, one woman gives birth to no more than two children.

 

50. The country has banned the export of things of cultural value without accompanying documents. This also applies to corals and products from them.

 

51. Given the growing popularity of the resorts of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the demand for the purchase of real estate on the islands is also growing.

 

52. However, potential buyers are faced with several protective measures introduced by the state due to the small size of the territory. So, to purchase real estate, foreign citizens are first required to obtain a special permit and pay some fees.

 

53. The most popular real estate types are villas on the coast. The cost of such villas starts from $ 200,000. Apartments are less popular, but there is also a demand for them. Most of the apartments are rented out.

 

 

54. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the perfect place for a beach holiday. All the islands have white sand beaches, and in the east of St. Vincent, you can see black sand beaches.

 

55. Although people go to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for a beach holiday, you should remember the rules of conduct in public places. Outside the hotel, a bathing suit is considered unacceptable here. Moreover, you are unlikely to be allowed into a good restaurant in this form.

 

56. The islands of St. Vincent and nearby Kanukan and Bequia are where the best beaches, restaurants, and cafes are concentrated. St. Vincent is more crowded, and there is more entertainment, while on other islands, it is the other way around: there are many secluded bays and trails for hiking.

 

57. The country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is focused on elite tourism. The government is considered a fashionable resort. It has a well-developed infrastructure, beautiful nature, and excellent ecology. Tourists also have the opportunity to see many exotic animals and plants.

 

58. There are many five-star resort hotels in the country. Most of them are on the coast and have their beach and developed infrastructure.

 

59. Holidays in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are considered elite. Mustique Island is a holiday destination for celebrities. Such famous people as Bill Gates, the English royal family members, and Mick Jagger spent time here. The resort area organized here is superbly equipped. Horse riding and golf courses, magnificent beaches, exotic animals, and citrus orchards - all this is on the island. The prices are appropriate.

 

 

60. Despite the high prices for goods and services, many tourists visit the island yearly.

 

61. The monetary unit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the East Caribbean dollar. It is in circulation in 6 countries that are members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

 

62. St. Vincent and Grenadine's cuisine is based on seafood. The main recipe of many menus here is grilled fish. Shellfish, shrimp, and lobsters are used in cooking, and three to three fish, are a local delicacy. It is prepared in various ways but always with curry and spices.

 

63. In addition to seafood, fruits and vegetables are used in local cuisine: sweet potatoes, arrowroot, bananas, coconuts, and breadfruit.

 

64. Of the drinks, tea, coffee, cocoa, and various juices are common. The islands produce rum, the basis of most cocktails, and brew beer.

 

65. Elite tourism brings the bulk of the income to the local budget. Also, St. Vincent is one of the most popular offshore zones.

 

 

The island state of Kiribati is located immediately in Polynesia and Micronesia. At present, the small country is successfully developing despite scarce natural resources.

 

Amazing facts about Kiribati

 

Of all the countries in the world, only Kiribati is located in all hemispheres of the planet at once - Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern. All 33 atolls belonging to the republic are scattered at a considerable distance from each other, while only 13 of them are permanently inhabited. At the same time, Christmas Island, the largest atoll in the world, accounts for about 48% of the state's total land mass.

 

 

1. Kiribati is a tiny island country located in the Western Pacific Ocean.

 

The name of the island nation of Kiribati comes from the distorted English "Gilbert Islands".

 

2. Kiribati is the only country on Earth located in all hemispheres at once - Northern and Southern, Western and Eastern.

 

3. The Republic of Kiribati in the northwest borders on the territorial waters of two states, namely the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. In the southwest and west, Kiribati has maritime boundaries with Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands and Nauru.

 

4. In the southeast and south - with the waters belonging to Tokelau, the Cook Islands, as well as French Polynesia. In the northeast and north, the republic borders on the Outer Small Islands, which are part of the United States, as well as on Pacific neutral waters.

 

5. The coastal strip of Kiribati has a length of 1143 kilometers.

 

6. Little is known about how the islands of Kiribati were settled. There is an assumption that the ancestors of modern local residents moved to the Gilbert atolls in the 1st millennium AD. from eastern Melanesia. But the Phoenix and Line archipelagos remained uninhabited by the time they were discovered by the Americans and Europeans.

 

 

7. Nevertheless, on these atolls one can find traces of the presence of a person who lived here in the distant past. A similar fact allowed scientists to assume that the local population for some reason left these archipelagos. One of the most popular versions explains this by small land areas, remoteness from other islands, an arid climate and a constant shortage of fresh water. Due to all these factors, it was difficult to live on these atolls. Most likely, the people who settled the islands soon left them.

 

8. The discoverers of the archipelagos located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean are American and British expeditions. Their ships visited these places in the period from the end of the 17th century to the beginning of the 19th century.

 

9. Initially, the atolls were called the Gilbert Islands. It happened in 1820. The name of the islands was given by the Russian traveler and Admiral Krusenstern in honor of the British captain T. Gilberg, who discovered these lands in 1788.

 

10. The first settlers from Britain arrived on the islands in 1837. In 1892, these territories became a protectorate of England. Christmas Island joined the colony in 1919 and Phoenix became part of it in 1937.

 

11. The land area of ​​the Republic of Kiribati consists of 33 atolls. This is the name of the coral islands, which have a ring-shaped shape. This state also includes small coral islands.

 

 

12. The country of Kiribati is located on atolls, one of which, Banaba, is raised. According to the theory put forward by Charles Darwin, the formation of such formations was facilitated by the subsidence of volcanic islands and the gradual fouling of their surface with corals. This process led to the emergence of fringing reefs, and then barrier reefs. Thus, land appeared in this part of the Pacific Ocean.

 

13. The distance from the easternmost to the westernmost island of the state is 4 thousand kilometers.

 

14. In the waters of the Pacific Ocean, all these small areas of land are spread over an area exceeding 3.5 million square kilometers. According to this indicator, the country of Kiribati has the second largest exclusive economic zone in the Pacific Ocean. But the entire land area of ​​the country does not exceed 811 square kilometers.

 

15. Although this Pacific nation has 33 atolls, only 13 of them have permanent population.

 

16. The island state of Kiribati is located immediately in Polynesia and Micronesia.

 

17. The country consists of island groups. These are the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line Islands. The last of them, by their location, belong to the southern part of the Hawaiian Islands.

 

 

18. The Republic of Kiribati as a state appeared in 1979, having gained independence from Great Britain.

 

19. The total population of Kiribati is a little over 115 thousand people.

 

20. About 90% of the population of Kiribati are representatives of the people of the same name. Its other name is tungar.

 

21. The official language of the country is English, but few people speak it. The majority of the population speaks Kiribati.

 

22. Modern writing in Kiribati uses the letters of the Latin alphabet.

 

23. In 1983, a friendship agreement was signed between the United States and Kiribati, according to which the United States renounced claims to 14 islands, recognizing them as part of Kiribati.

 

24. Kiribati does not have its own army. The defense of the state is carried out by the armed forces of Australia and New Zealand.

 

 

25. The United States in the 20th century tested atomic bombs on two atolls belonging to Kiribati.

 

26. This island nation has a weak economy, because it is far from world markets for its products.

 

27. Agriculture dominates the country, which negatively affects the vegetation cover of the islands, which are gradually being deforested.

 

28.Overpopulation, soil erosion and lack of fresh water are considered to be the main problems of Kiribati.

 

29. The United Kingdom periodically allocates funds to the development of the education system in Kiribati, and France to the health sector.

 

30. In Kiribati there are only 2 fresh, but about 100 small salt lakes. Some of them reach a diameter of several kilometers.

 

31. Freshwater lakes can be found only on two islands of the state. This is the atoll of Christmas and Teraina (Washington).

 

32. There is not a single river in Kiribati either.

 

 

33. The highest point of Kiribati is 81 meters above sea level. It is located on the Banaba Atoll. This is quite a lot, especially when compared with the Maldives, also located on the atolls, where the highest point is at a height of less than 5 meters.

 

34. The soils on the islands of Kiribati, due to their coral origin, are very poor and highly alkaline. Most of them are porous and do not retain moisture well.

 

35. The soils of Kiribati are very low in mineral and organic matter. The only exceptions are magnesium, sodium and calcium. Phosphate soils are widespread throughout the republic.

 

36. There are also brown-red soils on the islands, formed from guano, which is the decomposed droppings of sea birds, as well as bats.

 

37. The lack of water bodies on the islands is due to their small area, low altitude, and also the porosity of the soil.

 

38. The only source of fresh water on the atolls are the so-called lenses, formed by rainwater that seeps through the soil. You can get to the moisture by digging a well.

 

39. Such lenses are the only source of fresh water in most of the atolls of Kiribati. After the rains, local residents extract moisture for themselves from the leaves of coconut palms.

 

 

40.Since 28 January 2008, the Phoenix Island Group has been the world's largest marine reserve. Its area is 410.5 thousand square kilometers.

 

41. The Kiritimati Atoll, which is part of this country, is the largest coral atoll on Earth. It accounts for about 80% of the entire landmass of this country.

 

42. Christmas Island, one of the atolls that make up Kiribati, is the largest atoll in the world. Christmas Island is home to more bird species than any other island in the world.

 

43. The relatively young geological age of the atolls, their remoteness from the continent, as well as unfavorable weather conditions, have contributed to the fact that only 83 species of native plants in Kiribati exist. And none of them is endemic.

 

44. In addition, it is believed that several species of plants were introduced to these areas by Aboriginal people. Among them are: taka pinnatifid; breadfruit of two kinds; yam; giant taro; tarot; swamp giant taro.

 

45. Plants such as the coconut palm and the roofing pandanus most likely have a dual origin. On some atolls, they were brought by man, while on others they are indigenous representatives of the flora.

 

 

46.Four plant species, namely pandanus, breadfruit, coconut and taro, played in the past and continue to play today a leading role in the nutrition of the inhabitants of this island country.

 

47. The main representatives of the marine fauna are pearl mussels, holothurians (sea cucumbers), cones, tridacna, palm thieves and lobsters. There are a lot of fish in the ocean near the islands, of which there are from 600 to 800 species.

 

48. As for fish, it has always been the main food for local residents. In coastal waters, reef perches, albuls, hanos, large-headed mullets, sultans and horse mackerels are caught. There are several varieties of sea turtles near the islands.

 

49. Rich coastal waters of Kiribati and corals.

 

50. The animal world of the atolls is rather poor. During an American scientific expedition at the beginning of the 19th century, researchers discovered here only the only representative of land mammals - the Polynesian rat. Today, the inhabitants of the islands breed pigs and poultry.

 

51. But the world of avifauna in Kiribati is very diverse. There are 75 species of birds in the country, one of which is endemic. This is a warbler bird. She lives on Christmas Island.

 

 

52. Most of the landmasses of the Phoenix and Line archipelagos host large-scale bird colonies. That is why the islands of Starbuck and Malden, as well as part of the Christmas Atoll, have been declared a zone of marine reserves.

 

53. An additional source of income for Kiribati in recent years has been the issuance of licenses to fish in the Special Economic Zone.

 

54. The bulk of the republic's population lives on the Gilbert Islands. And most of them are located on Tarawa Atoll. Here is the capital of Kiribati - the city of South Tarawa. About 50 thousand inhabitants are registered here.

 

55. In addition to the capital, the city of Kiribati, there are 9 more settlements, the number of which exceeds 1.5 thousand people. The residential areas of the capital of Kiribati are located on several small islands, interconnected by bridges and dams.

 

56. South Tarawa comprises four municipalities. Their names are Betio and Bairiki, Bikinibeu and Bonriki. All these municipalities are located on the islands of the same name, being part of the capital of the state of Kiribati. It is on their territories that all the main commercial, government and educational institutions of the country are located.

 

57. So, in Betio there is a power plant operating for the entire atoll, a Maritime Institute and a port. Interestingly, this island is almost flat and devoid of vegetation. Its entire central part is occupied by a wide strip of the Hawkins airfield. It is in this place that the sights of Kiribati are located, which are military relics of the period when the famous battle for Tarawa took place.

 

 

58. Among the monuments reminiscent of the fierce battle on Tarawa are the Memorial Chapel built in the village of Abaroko.

 

59. And also the Memorial to the Heroes of the Outpost, which commemorates the memory of 22 British servicemen killed by the Japanese in October 1942.

 

60.The most important feature of Betio are military cemeteries, which can impress anyone with their numerous rows of wooden tombstones, because on the island, which is only 3 kilometers long, more than 5.5 thousand war victims are buried.

 

61. Kiribati has two radio stations of its own, government and private.

 

62. Road signs here are often drawn by hand on suitable surfaces.

 

63. Athletes from Kiribati take part in the Olympic Games.

 

64. The average annual temperature in Kiribati ranges from +26, +32 ⁰C.

 

65. On the Caroline Atoll, located in the Line Archipelago, people are the first to celebrate the New Year (outside of Eurasia and Antarctica). This happens due to the fact that this island is the easternmost piece of land located in the 12th time zone.

 

 

66. Among the local villages there are London, Paris and others. Locals like to call their villages after European capitals.

 

67.The production of postage stamps generates significant revenue for the public treasury. Stamps are very popular among philatelists from various countries.

 

68.There are two official currencies in circulation in the country - the Australian dollar and the equivalent Kiribati dollar.

 

69. The Kiribati one dollar coin has a dodecagonal shape.

 

70.At present, the small country is developing successfully despite scarce natural resources.

 

71.Kiribati is a member of the UN.

 

72.The world's only diplomatic mission of the Republic of Kiribati is located in the Fiji Islands.

 

73. The British Consulate is usually in charge of the diplomatic affairs of Kiribati.

 

74. Kiribati is an amazing country. In addition to the natural beauty, it is also notable for the fact that 99.99% of the world's population has no idea about its existence.

 

75. Kiribati is the least visited country on the planet by tourists. Only the most desperate tourists reach the remote islands of the country of Kiribati.