Mineral Magic

The benefits of mineral make-up

Mineral make-up can really turn around the health of the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and is particularly beneficial for sensitive skins or those with challenges such as acne and rosacea.

Many products in the beauty industry, including mineral make-up, are defined as ‘natural’. With no industry definition of the word ‘natural’, what most people actually mean when considering if a product is natural is ‘Does it contain ingredients that could be harmful to me?’. 

Mineral make-up was originally formulated with this in mind. Ingredients with the potential to damage the skin or the overall health of the wearer were removed. In addition, ingredients that diluted the pigments were also removed (talc, often called a filler, is the most common dilutor). Among other ingredients eliminated were synthetic preservatives, fragrance and FD&C dyes (colour additives), which can cause acne and sensitivities.

Mineral make-up has become a popular marketing term, however not all mineral make-up is created equal! With so many brands entering the market, the original formula of mineral make-up has been compromised. It is essential to read the ingredients list when selecting products as there are no restrictions, meaning it is possible to call anything a mineral make-up, even a traditional make-up that contains 70 – 90% talc.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are two of the most important ingredients in mineral make-up. High quality mineral make-up will list these at the top of the ingredients list together with others such as iron oxides, bismuth oxychloride, mica or boron nitride.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are physical sunscreens approved by the FDA (US Food & Drink Administration). They perform well in water resistance tests and titanium dioxide prevents water loss from the outer layers of the skin. Not all mineral make-up provides adequate sun protection. The level of protection depends on even application and the percentage and type of active ingredients used. Therefore it is extremely important to look for the sun protection level on the label. 

Over the years there has been some concern over bismuth oxychloride, which is a metal and can irritate some skins. A reaction will present itself as an itching and burning sensation, which ceases once the product is washed off the skin. These reactions are rare. Bismuth oxychloride is not restricted to mineral make-up and can be found in most traditional make-ups, though in smaller percentages. In order to eliminate the potential for irritation, our Jane Iredale products do not contain this ingredient.

How to apply

Because a good mineral make-up is pure pigment, a little goes a long way and the coverage is more effective than that from traditional make-ups.  When applied, the mineral particles overlap to ensure the make-up stays evenly distributed and requires very little touching up. The best way to apply mineral make-up is to layer the product and build the coverage. The correct brush is also important to ensure the make-up is even and well blended. Applied correctly mineral make-up should look natural, luminescent and youthful.

Mineral make-up allows the skin to breathe and function normally. This extremely important process takes place 24 hours a day and interference in the process can produce negative effects and manifest as skin issues.

Minerals have not only proved an asset to dermatologists, plastic surgeons and beauty therapists, but also to some of the most creative make-up artists around the world. The options are endless and the benefits increase continually as more is learnt about incorporating active ingredients in to the products.

Euphoric stocks Jane Iredale mineral cosmetics as part of their Feed, Fortify, Finish philosophy for skin care.

A professional Jane Iredale make-up artist visits the salon monthly to offer clients one to one consultations. To book, please contact the salon on 01903 206600. 

Autumn Make-up Trends

Some makeup trends change slowly over time (think thin eyebrows to thick) yet some we see every year (smoky eyes and bold lips), and some trends are unique to each season.

Here we look at the trends for autumn/winter 2014

The place to discover the next season’s beauty trends is backstage at shows like London Fashion Week. Hair and make-up artists create looks that will define the season. It’s often necessary to modify these looks to incorporate them into your everyday make-up routine as some can be pretty bold!

Eyes are the focus for this autumn, and full brows and voluminous lashes are set to be big news.

Four key trends hit the runway:

Metallic Effects

Pat McGrath used liquid latex in green or blue to create graphic shapes across the lids, pressing pigment of the same colour on top for Christian Dior.
Photo: Indigital

Metallic colours can be a bit much for everyday wear, but there are some products which can be used to add touches of metallic to create a look suitable for both day and evening.

24 carat gold dust – This multi-tasking product will allow you to take your metallic look as far as you want. Apply it to cheeks, eyes and lips for a delicately gilded look. Mix it with a moisturiser for the décolletage or into your favourite hair product for luminous locks!

Mystikols – Mystikols are a totally new kind of eyeliner and highlighter. With metallic undertones, they come in a range of colours, including aquamarine and amethyst, making them great for another of this season’s trends, bold colours.  

Eyeliner

An amazing cat eye look for Roksanda Ilincic,

Photo: Stylecaster Pictures 

Eyeliner was a key feature on the runways, showcased on very natural, nude faces. Whether you’re creating a heavy smoky eye, a soft variation or a sleek winged effect, creating definition is important.

The Jane Iredale range we stock at Euphoric includes a number of eyeliner formulations to help you achieve your desired look:  

Mystikols – this eyeliner and highlighter creates definition around the eye, making it ideal for creating a smoky eye effect.

Liquid Eyeliner – liquid eyeliner is great for creating strong, sharp lines. This product has a strong colour and real staying power, and the fine brush is ideal for a sleek winged effect.

Eye Pencils – Jane Iredale eye pencils are so soft they won't pull on delicate skin and are a great option for creating a soft line. Natural pigments give you long-lasting colour that stays put.

Jelly Jar Eyeliner - whether you want to create a precise or smudged line, these inky products let you define your eyes just as you please.

Bold colours

Make-up artist James Kaliardos used metallic bronze shadow from lids to brows with lips coated in either pale pink or brown glitter to create this look for Rodarte.Photo: Indigital

This autumn it’s all about pushing the boundaries with colour and bold colours were used to create statement eyes. To adapt the runway look, use brighter colours to line the eyes rather than over the whole eye area. Mauve is a great shade for autumn and easy purples and greens allow you to keep up with the season’s trends in a more subtle way.

Berry Lips and Bold Brows

Make-up becomes richer in the winter and berry lips always feature. The runways saw them teamed with bold brows for this season; your eyebrows are one of your most important features so pay some extra attention to them!

When creating this look, skin should be flawless and don’t be afraid to add colour to the brow. The Bitty Brow Kit is a take-anywhere must-have with three brushes, transparent botanical brow wax and pigmented brow powder.

To complete your statement eyes, don’t forget your lashes. Lashings of mascara will create definition or why not opt for lash extensions?

Clumpy, clogged mascara, applied by Pat McGrath, was the focus of the Prada make-up, applied generously on both top and bottom lashes.

Lucia Pieroni made eyes the centre of attention at Rochas, adding false lashes on both the top and bottom.

Euphoric Beauty and Skin Clinic stocks Jane Iredale Skin Care Make-up.

Why not join us at our next event and allow our professional make-up artist to create your bespoke autumn/winter make-up look?