PRODUCT FOCUS
Back to Basics
Mineral makeup is good for your client’s skin—and her self-esteem.
In 1994, mineral makeup pioneer Jane Iredale wanted setting powder, restores and revitalizes all skin types while keeping
to create a new line of cosmetics that was good for the environmental pollutants and harmful UVA and UVB rays out.
skin, provided great coverage and had protective qualities. Along with helping and protecting the skin, mineral makeup
She looked at traditional makeup and began taking out all the has many other benefits. It’s water-resistant by nature, so it stays
ingredients that were potentially harmful or unnecessary; what on the skin longer without running or appearing oily. Iredale
she was left with was mineral pigments—and Iredale Mineral notes that mineral makeup actually prevents transepidermal water
Cosmetics was born. “Mineral makeup is distinguished by what’s loss, allowing the skin underneath to maintain its moisture.
not in it, such as dyes, parabens and fragrances,” Iredale says. Mineral foundation is also extremely lightweight, allowing skin
“What remains is a small number of ingredients that all have to breathe and function normally, and requires very little product
beneficial qualities.” Iredale, who also added antioxidants, was to achieve great coverage. “With mineral makeup, less is enough,”
the first to realize the market for mineral makeup in the medical says Bock, who explains that makeup artists should be trained so
community, where doctors were looking for gentle makeup to that they don’t apply too much. “The light-reflective properties
use after laser resurfacing. Around the same time, Bare Escentuals add a radiant, natural finish that is unmatched by traditional
brought mineral makeup to consumers, and its popularity grew. makeup.” Because of this soft-focus effect, mineral makeup
Many doctors and estheticians believe that mineral makeup is is often used for high-definition television (HDTV). Colorlab
not only nonirritating, but it can actually improve your skin. The Private Label had this feature in mind with its Flawless Finish High
titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have natural anti-inflammatory Definition Powder, which softens lines and complexions.
properties, making the makeup ideal for people with sensitive Being derived from minerals doesn’t mean sacrificing color,
skin, acne or rosacea. Jane Iredale’s new Zap&Hide double-ended however. According to Iredale, technology has grown with
blemish and concealer stick makes use of these properties to the industry to give a broader spectrum of colors. Her new
clear away blemishes without the irritation associated with some Cool Beauty collection features colors reminiscent of the sea,
treatments. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide also reflect UVA and while Bloom Cosmetics’ mineral eye shadow kits come in rich
UVB rays for natural sun protection. Karen Bock, whose company gemstone shades like emerald and quartz.
Brushes by Karen developed the ColorStrokes mineral makeup line Iredale warns that not all mineral makeup is created equal, so
after receiving requests from many esthetic clients, sums it up well: it’s important to check the ingredient list. Mineral makeup should
“Mineral makeup can be applied after most treatments to help list minerals at the top of its list, should not include any talc and
cover, soothe and heal treated skin, while providing an excellent should have an SPF. If the mineral makeup is real, the benefits will
barrier to the sun and other irritants.” ColorStrokes’ new AM be too. Says Bock, “Mineral makeup shows immediate, visible
Clear Sun Powder, which can be used as a translucent primer or a results as well as long-term results for your skin.” —LORI MORRIS
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1. MINERAL MINE Mineral Blush in Precious Pink (
mineral-mine.com);
2. AVEDA Inner Light Loose Powder (
aveda.com);
3. MIRABELLA Pure Press
Mineral Foundation (
mirabellabeauty.com);
4. JANE IREDALE Zap&Hide (
janeiredale.com);
5. YOUR NAME PROFESSIONAL BRANDS Mineral Matte
Blush in Flirt (
yournamepro.com);
6. BLOOM Pure Mineral Eye Shadow & Brush Set in Goldstone (
bloomcosmetics.com);
7. COLORLAB Flawless
Finish High Definition Powder (
colorlabprivatelabel.com);
8. COLORSTROKES AM Clear Sun Powder (
brushesbykaren.com)
