Make-up That’s Good for Your Skin!
By Katharina Bishop
Glowing, luminescent, healthy skin is the face of beauty in 2006. More and more of us are breathing a sigh of relief as we say good-bye to the traditional make-up routine of pasty matte powder and heavy foundations. However, few of us are blessed with perfect skin from the get-go and need some help in achieving that rosy-cheeked, nature girl look.
It used to take longer to achieve the natural look than the made-up look. Now, with new technology advancing at lightning speed, it takes only a few seconds to achieve coverage that used to require three separate products. And let’s be honest, a few seconds is usually all we have to spare in the morning when applying our make-up!
Introducing mineral powders
Micronized mineral powder is a recent beauty product innovation that’s rapidly turning into one of the hottest trends in natural cosmetics as well as a runaway success on the shelves. Mineral powders are essentially four products in one: a foundation, powder, concealer and sunscreen. The mineral particles that make up the powders are coated to increase sun protection and light diffusion.
Small amounts equal great effects with this new product. Good mineral powders are pure pigment and contain no pigment that dilutes coverage and often results in a dull, matte look. Most mineral powders have eliminated the top three sensitizers from their formulas: fragrances, petroleum derivatives and synthetic preservatives. Whereas traditional talc-based products can clog pores, lead to break-outs and damage skin, mineral make-up gives a lightweight, natural feel that lets your skin breathe. The result is make-up so light and pure you can sleep in it — and even benefit your skin in the process.
Application is easy. Simply apply the powder on a clean, moisturized face with a good quality, medium-sized powder brush. Begin at the center of the face, gradually working outwards. Finish with downward strokes. The minerals absorb natural facial oils and start to look even better as the day goes on. A rejuvenating facial spritz will accelerate this process. And voila — that much-desired dewy, youthful skin look is yours in seconds.
Mineral make-up is available from:
Bare Escentuals @ www.bareescentuals.com
MeLange Cosmetics @ www.melangecosmetics.com
SheerMineral @ www.sheermineral.com
Jane Iredale @ www.janeiredale.com
Pure Minerals @ www.pureminerals.co.uk
© Katharina Bishop
NFO Beauty & Body Editor Katharina Bishop is a freelance writer. Her academic background is eclectic and encompasses studies in medicine, psychology and philosophy; she is currently completing a degree in modern language studies. Katharina is the owner of Wondrous Gems, specializing in crystal jewelry and holistic parenting products. A free spirit, she has traveled to more than 30 countries and lived in five on three continents. She now lives with her husband and son in southwest England.
