Splendicity » mineral-makeup

Is Mineral Makeup Really Better For Skin?

Kelli DesRochers — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:50:41 +0000

I have friends who religiously swear by mineral makeup. They speak so highly of these products that they say anything else but mineral makeup causes them to have skin irritations and breakouts. But is this really true? Or is mineral makeup just an extremely successful marketing campaign and my friends are products of the placebo effect?

I just read an interesting article on WebMD by Colette Bouchez called The Lowdown on Mineral Makeup. Mineral makeup is supposedly made from finely ground minerals and does not contain chemicals, dyes, and preservatives that could irritate your skin. Skincare professionals greatly differ on their ideas about the legitimacy of mineral makeup, but it is good to be an educated consumer to find out about the possible controversies behind the product.

The “active” ingredients are not exclusive to mineral makeup…they are important ingredients that are already contained in most makeup products.

You shouldn’t use it exclusively as a sunscreen. Mineral makeup contains zinc oxide, which is an important ingredient in sunscreen but it is suggested that you use sunscreen lotions in tandem with the topical powder.

There are no regulations for the title “mineral makeup” so don’t assume that all products with this title are actually natural. Check the ingredients to see what is really contained in the product.

Bismuth oxychloride is a byproduct of lead and copper processing that could be contained in mineral makeups. I just checked bareMinerals and their regular foundation does indeed contain this ingredient. This chemical can be a skin irritant.

Minerals act differently at nanoscales. Pulverizing the minerals into makeup can possibly cause the minerals to have different and potentially toxic properties.

If you have been wearing mineral makeup for years, don’t immediately throw out all of your expensive powders! Do a little research into the brand that you are purchasing to make sure that you are getting what you are intending when you purchase a product marked as “mineral makeup.”

Image: sxc.hu

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Is Mineral Makeup Really Better For Skin?

Urban Apothecary Pro Pigment

Kori Ellis — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:04:20 +0000

The first time I ever tried any mineral makeup a few years ago, it was from Urban Apothecary. A friend recommended the line and I liked the name. I wasn’t disappointed — their formulas were smooth and flawless, and I loved their eye shadow colors.

Image: Urban Apothecary

Recently, I bought a couple of their products once again. Their Pro Pigment is a multi-use product that I highly recommend. This shimmery powder gives your skin a healthy glow that can’t be beat. It comes in a variety of colors, from iridescent shades such as “Golden Delicious” to rich reds like “Cupid’s Arrow” to pretty pastels such as “Hex Appeal.”

You can use Urban Apothecary Pro Pigment ($12) as eye shadow, blush, highlighter and more. You can mix it with lip gloss, moisturizer and even nail polish. These raw color powders are free of fillers, fragrance, oils and talc.

One of the most important things to remember about Pro Pigment is that a little goes a long way. Don’t overdo it! You can always add more if need be.

The mineral powders aren’t the only thing that I love from Urban Apothecary. Their Mineral Photo Touch foundation ($45) comes with a built-in brush and does an amazing job evening out your skintone. Fast and flawless, this foundation actually makes you look younger with its light diffusing properties that minimize lines and wrinkles.

When you don’t need much foundation, go for their Mineral Sheer Tint ($38). This tinted moisturizer contains SPF 20 and comes with a pump top.

Check out UrbanApothecary.com to see what you have been missing. From their primer to their lipstick, you are sure to find some products that you love.

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Urban Apothecary Pro Pigment

Bare Minerals Happiness Collection

Star Stevenson — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:51 +0000

If it were possible to buy happiness, this Bare Esentuals Bare Minerals collection might just do the trick. If you’re a Bare Minerals fan you’ll love this new set from the popular brand.

Image: Sephora

The nine piece Happiness Collection ($54) features an assortment of Bare Minerals hits and best sellers. All the products are infused with a natural plant extract, aptly called Happybelle, that is supposed to boost your mood and make you happy. Interesting concept, no?

You get the following items inside the cute little clutch:

Glee Radiance All-Over Face Color
Euphoria Eyecolor
Happiness Eyecolor
Hallucinate Liner Shadow
Flawless Definition Mascara in Black
Lipgloss in Berry Rush
A limited edition hot pink Feather Light Brush
A limited edition hot pink Double-Ended Complete Tapered Shadow Brush

I’m curious about this “happybelle”. I wonder if it really does make your happy? Either way, it’s a great mix of products and the colours are pretty neutrals, perfect for just about every skin tone. Want to try it for yourself? You can pick it up at Sephora stores and online.

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Bare Minerals Happiness Collection

Jemma Kidd Makeup on Sale

Kori Ellis — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:43:24 +0000

If you are a fan of Jemma Kidd cosmetics, head over to Neiman Marcus. Right now, they have a variety of Jemma Kidd products on sale. I admit that I have only used Jemma Kidd’s shimmer shadow and concealer… fortunately they are two of the products on discount.

Image: Neiman Marcus

Jemma Kidd Color Match Concealer
You get two shades of creamy concealer in the compact. Blend them together to get flawless coverage. This concealer contains jojoba oil and other great ingredients that keep it hydrated, so that it doesn’t get cake-y or cracked throughout the day. Originally priced at $27.50, this concealer is on sale for $17 PLUS right now you get another 25% off.

Jemma Kidd Eye Essentials Shimmer Shadow
This shimmery pearl shadow comes in a variety of shades. Layer the pigments together for deep definition and color. This powder shadow was originally $25, then marked down to $15. Like the concealer, you get another 25% off the sale price.

Visit NeimanMarcus.com for makeup on sale from Jemma Kidd and other brands.

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Jemma Kidd Makeup on Sale

Lauren Hutton Aqua Elements

Kori Ellis — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 02:53:42 +0000

You have to admit that Lauren Hutton is still gorgeous at 65. So since she has her own cosmetics line, it’s definitely worth a look. Created especially for more mature women, Lauren Hutton Cosmetics are lightweight, sheer products that are shimmer-free. Generally traditional cosmetics feature saturated colors and shiny particles, which highlight every wrinkle and imperfection. That’s why Lauren created her line to be different.

Image: Lauren Hutton

The Lauren Hutton Aqua Elements collection uses natural moisturizing ingredients and provides sheer, beautiful coverage. Recently, I tried Lauren’s Aqua Elements Mineral Tinted Moisturizer and it was fabulous. Perfect for summertime, this lightweight tinted moisturizer combines sheer color with anti-aging minerals. So it’s not only beautiful but also good for your skin.

If you want to try some products from the Lauren Hutton Aqua Elements line, you have a few kits to choose from.

The 5-piece Natural Coverage Collection includes:

Natural Sheer Concealer Duo ($19.50)
Natural Spot Concealer Duo ($15)
AE Mineral Tinted Moisturizer ($18)
AE Loose Powder Foundation ($25)
Lauren’s Award winning Lip Pencil ($14)
Lauren’s step-by-step instructions and tips
Retail: $91.50 (if purchased separately)

Right now, you can get this whole collection for just $30 at laurenhutton.com.

As another option, you can also select the 5-piece Get Started Kit (Retail: $125, Sale: $60), which includes Base Elements foundation, Color Elements loose powder, powder brush, tinted lip balm and lip pencil. Check out laurenhutton.com to learn more about the cosmetics line and to shop.

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Lauren Hutton Aqua Elements

bareMinerals Sun Proof Fun Eye Color

Kori Ellis — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:45:42 +0000

If you love mineral eye shadow, you shouldn’t miss this special collection from Bare Escentuals. Featuring four bareMinerals SPF 20 eye colors, these shades are perfect for days in the summer sun.

The SPF protects your eyes from UVA/UVB sun damage, while the pretty colors are the ideal hues for summertime. For just $28 ($44 value), you get these bareMineral shadows:

Well-Rested SPF 20 for Eyes in Cream Linen
Sandcastle SPF 20 Eye Color in Warm Light Roast Velvet
Starfish SPF 20 Eye Color in Iridescent Apricot Pink Glimmer
Boardwalk SPF 20 Eye Color in Milk Chocolate Cocoa Velvet

You can purchase the Bare Escentuals bareMinerals ‘Sun Proof Fun’ Eye Color SPF 20 from Nordstrom and other online retailers.

Image: Nordstrom

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bareMinerals Sun Proof Fun Eye Color

Bare Escentuals Brighten Up Collection

Kori Ellis — Tue, 26 May 2009 02:44:28 +0000

If your skin is looking a little dull and you want to brighten things up with a healthy glow, rather than a dark bronzer, check out the Brighten Up Collection available from Bare Escentuals. Inside this kit, you will find three All-Over face colors that can be worn alone or blended to brighten dull skin and provide a healthy-looking complexion.

Image: Bare Escentuals

The collection includes:

bareMinerals Soft Focus Dune All-Over Face Color (whitewash lemon velvet)
bareMinerals Rose Radiance All-Over Face Color (sheer pink glow)
bareMinerals Soft Focus Warmth All-Over Face Color (sheer chestnut velvet)

Also included is a double-ended brush and everything is packaged in a reusable box. A $66 value, the Bare Escentuals Brighten Up Collection is priced at just $32.

The Soft Focus Face Colors can lighten and brighten cheeks, eyes or anywhere on your face. The Rose Radiance gives you a vivacious glow that is perfect for cheek color. And since it’s bareMinerals, you know these products are great for your skin.

If you haven’t tried mineral makeup, small kits like this are a good place to start. You can experiment and blend colors until you find the perfect look for you.

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Bare Escentuals Brighten Up Collection

Lancome Ageless Minerale Introduction Set

Rachel Segal — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:54:07 +0000

Mineral makeup continues to prove it’s more than just a fad, as companies keep jumping on board and releasing their own mineral versions this season. Lancome has developed a new line called Ageless Minérales, and offers an introductory set that includes:

2 shades of skin-Transforming Mineral Powder Foundation
Perfecting and Setting Mineral Powder
Mineral Powder Foundation Brush

Image: Lancome

The powder is ultra-fine and not cakey for easy blending and long lasting wear. Each product contains SPF 21 sunscreen protection too – and is talc-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, non-acnegenic and non-drying. Seemingly thinking of everything, Lancome also included aloe vera and vitamin C, to help ensure that even the most sensitive skin isn’t irritated by anything.

The Lancome Ageless Minerale Introduction Set retails for $75 and comes in four different shades (Ivory, Beige, Light Beige, Honey). If you would rather stick to your liquid foundation but are interested in mineral makeup to “set” everything before you walk out the door, Lancome also offers a translucent Perfecting and Setting Mineral Powder for $41.

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Lancome Ageless Minerale Introduction Set

How to Apply Mineral Eye Shadow

Kori Ellis — Wed, 13 May 2009 03:00:23 +0000

When applying mineral eye shadow, use a very small amount and apply with a brush. Because the pigments are very concentrated, you can use much less than you would with traditional eye shadow. Start by adding a dusting of translucent powder over your lids to prep for the color. This will make your makeup last longer.

Image: Pur Minerals

First apply your main color from the lashline to the crease. Use long, sweeping strokes for a smoother look. Add a darker coordinating color into the crease for some depth. Then finish with a lighter, neutral color from the crease to the browbone to open up your eyes. Blend the colors with your brush so they fade from one to the next and don’t look too harsh.

For a deeper color, you can dip the brush in water and apply your mineral shadow wet. What’s cool about mineral eye shadow is that it can also be used as eyeliner. Just mix the eye shadow powder with a tiny amount of water and then apply to your lashline with a very small brush.

For pressed mineral eye shadow, I like Pur Minerals ($13). For mineral eye powder, I love Laura Mercier ($20).

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How to Apply Mineral Eye Shadow

The Rocker Eye Kit

Kori Ellis — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:41:07 +0000

The rocker girl look is hip right now. Studded leather handbags and shoes combined with edgy fashions are funky and fun. But you have to get the makeup right too. If you are trying to get your rocker makeup just right, check out The Rocker Eye Kit from bareMinerals.

Image: bareMinerals

In this bareMinerals tutorial, you don’t just get the makeup itself, but also instructions on how to use. Included in the kit:

bareMinerals 1980s Eyecolor (medium pearlized chrome glimmer)
bareMinerals Rock Star Eyecolor (iridescent sparkling smoke glimmer)
bareMinerals Black Leather Liner Shadow (glistening blackest black)
NEW Double-Ended Rock-n-Roll Brush (exclusive)

bareMinerals are long-lasting, pure mineral cosmetics that are easy to use, preservative free, and never crease.

You can get this fabulous kit at bareescentuals.com for just $38.

Rock on, ladies!

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The Rocker Eye Kit