Thu Sep 15, 2005
Mineral Make-Up, Uncovered
It seems like every day a major cosmetics company is coming out with a new high-technology lotion or potion that utilizes all kinds of cutting-edge tricks to make us look our best. But it just may be that the real secret lies in makeup that goes back to the days of Cleopatra! Mineral cosmetics (makeup created from naturally-occurring minerals and pigments) are one of the hottest new trends in the beauty world, because they're all about creating natural beauty by using nature's ingredients! Gone are the chemicals, fragrances, fillers, dyes, and preservatives so often found in "traditional" cosmetic lines. Mineral makeup is all about simplicity, but it's never low on innovation. In fact, you'll often find that mineral companies offer many more foundation, eyeshadow, and blush shades than many department store brands -- not to mention lip products, skincare, and more! Not convinced yet? Here are a few more reasons why we love minerals, and we think that you will as well!
How do minerals compare to regular makeup in terms of application and coverage?
The first thing you’ll notice when trying most mineral products is that they’re loose-powder, rather than pressed. This is because the ingredients are finely milled and blended without adding unnecessary fillers and chemicals, so they remain in their natural loose state. But don’t let that fool you – mineral powders can be formulated to be ultra-sheer or very opaque, which means that you can achieve fabulous foundation coverage, a sheer blush application, a dramatic eye look, or whatever your heart desires! Minerals are wonderfully versatile and coverage varies widely depending on which brushes you use to apply and how much product you use. This unique characteristic allows you to create the look that YOU want, and to look fabulous every time!
What are typical ingredients found in mineral makeup?
There are many naturally-occurring ingredients that can be used in mineral cosmetics, but you’ll most often see Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Mica, and pigments like Iron Oxides and Ultramarines. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide help lend opacity and coverage to mineral products, and they also provide natural sun protection. Mica gives products a soft, silky feeling and ranges from matte, uncoated versions (often called Serecite) to color-treated, high-sparkle pigments. And Iron Oxide and Ultramarines add rich color-depth that can go from pastel to smoky to bold. All of these elements combine to create all kinds of makeup products, from foundations to eyeshadows and more!
Is it safe for everyone to use? (Even those with sensitive skin?)
Mineral cosmetics are considered to be very safe because they don’t contain any potentially-irritating chemicals, dyes, or preservatives. Many dermatologists recommend mineral makeup to patients who suffer from acne and rosacea, and cosmetic surgeons often suggest that their patients only use mineral cosmetics after surgery, because it’s so gentle and soothing to your skin. Mineral makeup is designed to be non-comedogenic and light-weight, so it’s wonderful for all skin-types, from dry to oily to super-sensitive!
Is mineral makeup generally more expensive other types of cosmetics?
Believe it or not, mineral makeup is usually *less* expensive than department store cosmetics, and you’ll not only spend less, but it will last you longer and you’ll often be able to try before you buy! At J.Lynne Cosmetics, we offer sample sizes for *all* of our mineral cosmetic products, and many customers who’ve purchased our full-size products have said that they lasted for months and months of use! Not only that, but mineral cosmetics generally have much longer shelf-lives than traditional makeup – due to the lack of liquid ingredients and fillers – which means you’ll get more use out of mineral products and spend much less in the long run. Who wouldn’t love that?
Is it true that mineral makeup reduces signs of aging?
Hard to imagine, isn’t it? If you listen to some of the top fashion and beauty magazines, you would think that the only path to radiant, luminous skin is ultra-expensive crèmes and cosmetic surgery. But the mica in mineral cosmetic products has a special ability to reflect light and give your skin an airbrushed look – which means that the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is diminished, *without* breaking the bank! At J.Lynne, we also offer special Illuminating Powders that are specifically designed to give a soft, youthful glow to your skin. So go ahead – let everyone think that you’re only 29! We’ll never tell!
(Big thanks to Heidi for letting us share our love for mineral makeup with everyone! If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at jess or stop by our forum at http://forums.delphiforums.com/jlynne !)
J.Lynne Cosmetics are available online at JLynneCosmetics.com.
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