Lead In Lipstick: FDA Reality Check

Reality Check

For many years now the public has become concerned about toxic levels of lead in our environment, such as in old homes, paints, water pipes, etc. Then NGO's turned their attention to the cosmetic and skincare industry. Digging as deep as they can to turn up every trace element that can be found in our beauty products.

The problem with their supposition, as always, they try to extrapolate this problem to things we find in our environment and drinking water to somehow being able to cause harm through skin penetration or miniscule amounts that may be licked off, all for a cause without precedent or merit.

I have written many articles showing the science, such as nano particles, penetration enhancers, EPA Report, and every scientific data I am able to include within these articles, to bring an accurate synopsis to contradict the theories the EWG and CFSC have been purporting....they still don't have the science.

What we need to remember, lead is ubiquitous and is found in our soil, water, food, air, etc. It can and will never be completely removed from our lives as hard as we may try. Yes we can avoid it whenever possible, by making good choices, but we drink more allowable lead in our drinking water than what we would find in our cosmetics. And lead found in soil is taken up by the plants we ingest (fruits and vegetables), it is simply a fact of nature.

Lead In Lipstick

Due to the publicity of lead in our environment and the CDC reporting there is never a safe level for lead contaminants, and they along with advocates would prefer "zero", especially in pregnant women and small children, CFSC set their sights on the cosmetic industry and in particular, lipstick.

Testing some 33 name brand products in 2007, initially to prove that lead was found in lipstick, basically to make their argument and to sell books implying that lipstick is killing us ever so slowly.

Now ordinarily one may be concerned based on the CDC's recommendations on having "zero" lead in all things, but at the same time the realization is, this can never happen.

The EPA's allowable levels of lead in our drinking water is 15 parts per billion. And let me make it perfectly clear, lead is not added to lipstick, but is a natural contaminant that occurs from ingredients used in the making of lipsticks, particularly "red" lipstick due to certain colorants used.

The EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for lead in drinking water of 0.015 mg/L, or 15 parts per billion, as the legally enforceable standard that applies to public water systems.

I know one thing for sure, I have yet to meet or know of anyone who ingests a gallon of lipstick per day....now when this comes down to the day "pigs fly", I hardly see any concern for consumption of an inordinate amount of lead to be consumed, let alone absorbed, even if you live to be thousand, there poses little risk of lead exposure through your favorite lipstick.

FDA Expands It Report

The FDA recently published the latest information on the levels of lead found in lipstick, and they tested and studied more than 400 lipsticks and chose those based on the market share they controlled, nationally. Since this would obviously reach a larger demographic of women, hence a higher exposure to the contaminant, supposedly.

The FDA also used a private, independent laboratory for their testing known as Frontier Global Sciences in Seattle, WA. I'm assuming to protect the findings from the NGO's screaming "vested interest."

There were some in the beauty industry fighting the claims that the lead found in lipstick at the ratios which fell well below that of candy, were far safer and were at a lower risk since we eat candy and not our lipstick. The FDA of course does not support this claim and I also found it to be a poor analogy. The FDA-recommended upper limit for lead in candy is 0.1 ppm. It is not scientifically valid to equate the risk to consumers presented by lead levels in candy, a product intended for ingestion, with that associated with lead levels in lipstick, a product intended for topical use and MAYBE ingested in minute quantities than that of candy. Therefore, the risk is even further minimized.

Also, it was important for the FDA to do updated testing to make sure things had either improved, got worse, or no change. No matter what some say about the inefficiency of the FDA, they strictly regulate all colorants used in food, drug, cosmetics and LIPSTICK. The Safety of Colorants is very important in this regard since many of them are also ingested and not just used to make us look pretty.

Some Still Scream Foul

Of course the CFSC are now screaming "told you so", and are incorrectly skewing the values to make their argument stronger, when in reality, no one has ever denied that this contaminant can be found in most of the large commercial brands of lipsticks. It was denying the accusation of adding lead to lipstick as though it was a "must have" ingredient to make lipstick. This was typically skewed and vague information and / or never corrected by the CFSC, that it was simply a contaminant of another ingredient. It was imperative to their agenda to allow the consumers to be under the misconception that manufacturers were adding lead to lipsticks. After all this would generate more buzz and accumulate more followers of classic phenom as the blind leading the blind. But the actual numbers of lead contamination are so small that looking to lipstick as the reason of what is killing us, is so far overreaching, it becomes comical.

We will consume far more lead in our lifetimes through the ingestion of foods and our drinking water, that lipstick shouldn't even be on our radar as a main cause for concern. True Red lipstick's colorants seem to have the highest level of lead found due to the colorants used (dyes and lakes), so if one is truly concerned, avoid this color altogether. There are many other beautiful colors besides RED lipstick. Also many ingredients used to formulate the large commercial brands have a higher incidence of lead, but where the concern lies according to the FDA, is with overseas manufacturing where there is no regulation for this contaminant and then is imported to the U.S. However, there are some U.S. manufacturers providing some products which contain some trace element of lead.

You can read the chart within the FDA Report link I provided above as to the companies which contain the highest levels of lead to the lowest.  Cosmeticsinfo.org also offers further lead information in cosmetics.

Scientists and Chemists Sound Off

Forbes did an article on the expanded report by the FDA and this began a buzz with chemists and scientists explaining how the lead was extracted to get the results the FDA provided, and the actual mathematical analysis on true risk involved. Emails were exchanged and I would like to share with you some of the facts involved in the study.

Once again Stacy Malkin, Lobbyist, Co-founder of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Author (non Science) of Not Just A Pretty Face, responded to the article and as usual over dramatized and inflated the risks to again continue to create fear in women. One of the chemists from the UK, Dene Godfrey, had an email exchange with other scientists and responded to her comment in full detail. You may recognize him from past guest articles he wrote in my blog. You can read the exchange on the link above in Forbes.

Dene Godfrey is past President at the Society of Cosmetic Scientists in the United Kingdom and has over 28 years experience of preservation of personal care products in technical and commercial roles, including NPD (New Product Development). He has a degree in chemistry.

What is important to note, is about how lead is assimilated by the body so as to understand how the body might handle lead found in lipstick.

Email response by Colin Sanders from the UK. He has been a formulator of cosmetic and topical pharmaceuticals for 27 years. Over that time he has formulated nearly every category of product including shampoos, cosmetic skin creams, pharmaceutical skin creams, face masks, lip balms and so on. He has been an active member of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists since 1985 and in 1999 organized the first of the Formulate shows. His degree is in environmental science and he continues to take a keen interest in the impact of human activities on the planet. He regards himself as an environmental activist and all round green.

"The lead is bound up in mineral particles making it hard for the body to absorb it. If you look at the test method the FDA were using they were extracting it using hydrofluoric acid. On top of that the particles are coated with wax. And the amount applied for all but the most dedicated lipstick lover is tiny. And only a fraction gets ingested anyway. And even then, the levels measured were below WHO guidelines for drinking water.

I think it is safe to conclude that lipsticks are safe even with the levels of lead measured in the second study."

Another Email response by Perry Romanowski who has over 18 years experience formulating products to solve consumer problems in the personal care and cosmetic industry. He is also an author who has published extensively about the field of cosmetic science. He is currently Vice President of Brains Publishing which specializes in science education. Perry received his B.S. in Chemistry from DePaul University. He has written and edited numerous articles and books, teaches Society of Cosmetic Chemists continuing education classes in cosmetic science.

"The other thing neglected is that the amount of lead in lipstick would only matter if it were bio-available. I attended a talk by a scientist who was explaining what they had to do to analyze the amount of lead in lipstick. They needed to use the most potent acid available (HF) to dislodge the lead because HCl was not strong enough.

This essentially means that even if the lead from lipstick gets in your body, there is no mechanism by which it would interact with your body metabolism."

In all the exchanges, too many to list so I chose the most relevant, much was learned, but the key issue is the FDA found no health risk in the ppm amount measured and this is echoed by Health Canada as well. Despite the reports and the support of agencies having independent testing done, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics continues a diatribe of disinformation and scare tactics. Furthermore, the irony of CFSC arguing "just take the lead out", I have to ask, what about their compact signers?...... since there are two of them listed on the FDA report as containing low levels of lead contaminant.....interesting.

Our New Lip Colors

For those that still remain concerned, we of course strive for an excellent product, so we are pleased to announce that our newly formulated lip colors are now available. They of course, are far improved and the colors are rich and beautiful.

Furthermore, our lab has only certified the pigments used to be free from lead. Our colorants are provided by reputable suppliers that ensure the mineral pigments have been purified from heavy metals. Our lip pigments were also third party tested to verify they pass for safety.

But with that, also realize that many pigments utilized by commercial brands may not necessarily create the lead issue. Coal Tars were popular originally for creating dyes and lakes and these were heavily contaminated with lead. Most of today's colorants come from petroleum based formulations, whereby removing much of the concern. Other colorants favored are micas and iron oxides.

Dyes and lakes must be used in order to get those vibrant, flamboyant colors....colorants we will continue to steer clear of and provide only beautiful, deep, soft, rich colors through the use of micas and iron oxides.

Where we may still see some slight contamination, is the lead bound in soil from where plant extracts are taken and then utilized in cosmetics. So by today's standards, removal of lead completely may be near impossible depending on synthetic or natural ingredients used, especially when there are allowable safe amounts designated by many health organizations including WHO (World Health Organization). With this latest knowledge, I feel comfortable advising to continue to enjoy using your favorite lipstick.....or not....the choice is always yours.

Green Color Corrector - Just Say NO!

Who Teaches This Stuff.....Still?

I am still amazed every time I receive a phone call from a customer telling me about using a color corrector, green no less. They opened up their wallet and shelled out a few bucks at the drug store or at another online store, thinking this will end the flaws on the face... They go to these other outlets, because you see, we don't sell them, and for good reason.... Again another reason I love hearing from them, it gives me such great ideas to write about, especially knowing, if one struggles with this problem, there are many among the silent, who don't call or write, but search the internet for the advice. So I hope this will clear things up.

The compliments followed by the questions or concerns, always seems to be the same, how much they love our mineral foundations, but don't understand why it changes color when they apply it over the green color corrector they used.

This practice of color correcting is still being taught on videos, at cosmetic counters and similar, that the way to control redness or orange skin or blue under eye circles, is to use these hideous color correctors which can be found in green, yellow, lavender, and sometimes peach.....This is so old school and maybe worked back in the day before high def television and digital photography, but it is an outdated tool that does not work well with the "au naturale" woman, who is trying to achieve similarly, this look today.

Some may also be wondering why others close to them haven't pointed out there is something amiss, but perhaps they are embarrassed for their friend or don't want to hurt their feelings, especially if they think they are doing the best makeup application ever, spending endless hours getting it just right. In other cases, if something appears off, their spouses have been more than happy to point out there is something wrong going on with the face, but can't quite put their finger on it....gotta love those hubby's.....speaking from experience myself.

The sales pitch always is, Green is for muting redness, Yellow is for blue under eye circles or bruising and Lavender is for toning down orange skin, supposedly....and this will give you flawless skin......uh, do ya think...really?

The Reality Of The Situation

It is as simple though, as reeducating ourselves and understanding that this is color, yes that's right.....color, plain and simple...and it doesn't matter what pretty package with a bow on top, the sales clerk tries to wrap up this gimmick in.... When we add color that is separate from a perfect blend of foundation shading, it will alter the shade....why hasn't the cosmetic guru learned this? I mean do they even look in the mirror or venture out into natural daylight to see the actual end result that occurs to their freshly made up face? Unless they are caking on the foundation to also cover up the color corrector, this never works by today's standards of makeup application. Pancake makeup is so passe.

Green is a perfect example: In it's excellent ability to mute redness, it will do exactly the same to the red tones in a foundation, essentially turning them gray, basically making the skin appear ashen or ghostly....a dead gray pall, which is exactly what happened to my latest customer who gave us a ring yesterday.

In fact, many Olive shades are created with green in order to beige or gray out the shade so to speak because Olive skinned women possess very little red in their skin tone. But green is a poor substitute for creating a true beautiful Olive shade. We use true skin tone pigments which create our perfect Olive shades without making Olive skin turn ashy. Basically, you will not find any Chromium Oxide Green in any of our mineral foundations, which is the colorant of choice in many commercial brands for achieving beige tones, and again works great if you like gray skin.

Lavender: works wonderfully on toning down orange skin or counteracts sallow or bruised skin as the bruise begins to yellow, and controls hyper-pigmentation of the skin. But again, if used with the incorrect shade such as an Olive or Pink overtone shade, this will also make the face appear ashen because it contains a blue and red combination. If you have strong yellow undertones, then using this as a color corrector will give the skin a green cast.

Yellow: works well at reducing blue bruising, and blue under eye circles, but if it is again overused, this will completely alter true undertones making the correct foundation, incorrect, such if you have strong pink overtones, which will then make the skin appear orange.

Peach (Pink): also added to the line at times for color correcting for sallow skin types or dark areas with hyper-pigmentation, but I am sorry, there is never a good reason to use this awful shade unless, quite plainly, you enjoy orange skin.

Can't win for losing...huh?.... this is why we don't offer color correctors.

Best Advice

If you need to color correct, we have lovely blush shades that can also work as a face color, but they are identified as being used to subtly change the skin tone, not lambaste the entire face and then think that when we apply our foundation over the top, our skin tone will be perfection. In fact, we recommend applying them over the top of the foundation so the change can be achieved slowly to suit our needs. Whatever the foundation doesn't correct (this rarely happens if ever), then the blush face color can be used to give a touch more of color correction without altering the entire face.

Using the shades like Fiorella (Ivory, Yellow and Pink) or Jennifer (Ivory, Yellow) will work 100% better at doing the job of color correcting because they are formulated with true skin pigmentation designed to blend and complement the foundation you use and your natural skin tone.

Color correctors will never create that natural appearance.....no matter what you see or hear on TV. Remember, much of the education is shown in well lit studios or on you tube or even in a salon, which hardly ever gives true pigment to the skin due to the type of lighting. Daylight and natural light will reveal much...step outside and then tell me what you see. Plus the ultimate goal is to sell you more gimmicky stuff to only clog up your makeup drawer further or create more problems for skin...and most times at a wasted expense.

As with many of our customers, this has been the complaint once they leave the warmly lit makeup table and venture outdoors or leave the office setting of fluorescent lights, or the dimly lit public restroom, that have used these atrocious color correctors. They somehow have come to resemble some horrifying version of Herman Munster or Casper the Ghost....and then are utterly confused at what just happened to that beautiful shade they brought home....or worse yet, they blame the foundation shade they picked because they didn't try it without the ritual of color correcting first. Frustration continues as they seek out that perfect foundation shade, when in reality, it is the seemingly benign color corrector lurking in the makeup drawer, dooming their search from the get go.

Our skin should reflect it's natural beauty, not make it look like death warmed over. This may work at Halloween, but if we really want to portray the natural look we all seek, then mineral makeup is perfect for that, but skip the color corrector and you'll look incredible.

Our last customer conveyed as such, that once she removed the color corrector, the foundation shade she chose was awesome and the best match she found as opposed to the many other brands she tried.

Just Say No!

So next time you feel like a makeover at your favorite department store, or to pamper yourself at a spa setting which may include freshening up your makeup, and they reach for the color corrector for that blemish or touch of rosacea or blue under eye circles.....put up the hand and just say, "NO.....thank you."

In fact, as much as I don't like these much either because of the heavy texture, melt out or creeping that can occur, you would be far better off using a standard concealer stick made to reflect natural skin pigment than using one of the green, yellow, lavender, or peach correctors....trust me on this.

~Your skin will be more beautiful for it and your foundation shade will remain true~

The Dangers Of Permanent Makeup, AKA Cosmetic Tattooing

Tattoo As Art

The art of tattooing seems to be at an all time high. Everywhere I turn someone is sporting the latest tattoo. On women, these don't tend to be the ordinary tattoo we see on men, but are full of color and artistic design. Some gals have the smallest of marks placed in an indiscreet area to having a full sleeve done on their arms and beyond....sometimes covering more than 75% of their body.

Why?....I don't know! I really don't grasp the concept of that type of self expression.

Tattoos are not my cup of tea and I don't have a single one on my body, but for those that enjoy them, I say, "hey, whatever blows your skirt up." To each his or her own, so to speak.

The art of tattooing, however, has gone beyond artistic expression and into the territory of permanent makeup for women. There are many reasons for doing it, but the risks involved weigh a bit heavy when dealing with certain delicate areas of the face.

A Time Saver

The type of tattooing I am concerned about is permanent makeup, aka cosmetic tattooing. This method of applying a makeup tattoo, is mainly popular for being done on eyebrows, lips, eyelids, even going to the extent of adding a beauty mark.

All in all, in our busy lives, applying makeup each day can get monotonous for some and for others, they continue to enjoy the artistry of making up their face and eyes every day. Trying a new shade or look is the challenge some like to take on.

I'm pretty conservative when it comes to my makeup looks, but I do like changing a blush shade or lip color, even trying a new eye shading technique with all the beautiful mineral makeup eye shadows at my fingertips. With permanent makeup, "how boring," I think this would be, to look at the same shade each and every day.

Plus don't forget, the key word is "permanent," so here is something to think about: as we age and our skin begins to crease and sag, what happens then to that perfectly straight line? Or, what if you do decide to change your mind and want to go with a different shade or look? Well forget about it, it is there forever!

I have also seen tattoos on those that have aged, and I can tell you it isn't pretty! What were once perfectly drawn lines such as around the lips, are now crooked and creased. Also less flattering is the fact, the look can become dated, distorted and can even look completely wrong for your face at some point, since our skin tone will also alter over time or with the change of the seasons. So again, "no thanks" for this gal just on these few simple problems alone.

Is It Safe?

In the right hands, yes permanent makeup is quite safe, but in the wrong hands it is a disaster and quite dangerous. Ads for the services of permanent makeup are being promoted to consumers at some doctors’ offices, beauty parlors, day spas, nails salons, tattoo studios and massage parlors.

Due to the popularity of the latest cosmetic tattooing phase, we have become desensitized to the possible risks, making it appear as being as easy as getting our ears pierced. It has been reported however, that some technicians are numbing the areas before applying the tattoo ink and this is basically practicing medicine without a license, and it is illegal. So be on your toes when choosing your practitioner.

In fact in many makeup forums, women were remorseful they have had it done, and wanted to know about removal through laser surgery, which in and of itself, carries its own set of risks.

Some reported infections, permanent brow and eyelash loss, lack of quality in the job, including crooked lines and wrong color. Basically, losing the natural appearance of the face. Plus, some dyes also will fade, leaving a lackluster impression of the once intense original application.

The FDA put out multiple articles and "warning statements" about permanent makeup, letting us know the dangers of the cosmetic tattooing being used in inexperienced hands and also the use of inks and needles being imported from overseas, of course the main sources are Taiwan and China. Some of what they state is important in regard to pigments and colorants:

"In addition to the reported adverse reactions, areas of concern include tattoo removal, infections that result from tattooing, and the increasing variety of pigments and diluents being used in tattooing. More than fifty different pigments and shades are in use, and the list continues to grow. Although a number of color additives are approved for use in cosmetics, none is approved for injection into the skin. Using an unapproved color additive in a tattoo ink makes the ink adulterated. Many pigments used in tattoo inks are not approved for skin contact at all. Some are industrial grade colors that are suitable for printers' ink or automobile paint."

That statement alone should be enough to rethink the procedure. Then of course other scenarios are: infections, dissatisfaction, allergic reaction, granulomas, keloid formation, and MRI complications. In the problem area of the cosmetic tattooing practice within the beauty industry, where this information presents the dangers of permanent makeup, FDA reform is something I fully support in order to protect the public from the unknown, especially when it comes to dealing with imports from overseas.....and to do that, we must give them more authority to act....which of course includes more funding.

Inside Edition also did a report with video, on the risks and dangers involved with getting permanent makeup done. Including the contamination of the colorants, which some included heavy metals. Warning: the visuals are quite graphic.

What About A Temporary Cosmetic Tattoo?

You may be thinking, well maybe I could just give it a try to see if I will like it by going with a temporary tattoo.

The FDA warns about his as well. Henna dyes are actually only approved for application to the hair, not the skin, yet people have henna tattoos done all the time. I can tell you I have seen countless henna tattoos being performed on tourists whenever I am on vacation in Mexico, where there isn't really any regulation, and at local street fairs, even offering them to children. Also the dyes are questionable since they can have a multitude of shades and are more than likely adulterated with contaminants. The FDA also states that similar tattoo reactions occur with "henna" products. Plus on imports, the product is devoid of an ingredient declaration.

The Upside To Permanent Makeup

Again, in the right hands this can be a godsend for some women. Preferably, having a cosmetic surgeon that has been well trained in cosmetic tattooing and offers it to his patients for correcting otherwise less than a natural appearance after a surgical procedure. For instance, restoring natural pigmentation after facial and breast reconstruction, or to help mask skin pigmentation problems, such as Vitiligo.

And on the lighter side, when women age we also lose pigment in our lips and to this, maybe an infusion of pigment would do wonders for putting life back into the face, bringing about a more youthful appearance. However, again, always at the hands of a professional, preferably medical, and using a pigment that is close to the look of natural lips so it doesn't interfere with wearing your favorite shade of lipstick.

Final Thoughts

When dealing with areas of the face, especially delicate areas such as lips and eyes, this is where I really get concerned. I personally, wouldn't allow anyone short of a medical professional, get anywhere near my eyes.......at what......the cost of my eyesight in the event of a mishap?

Or like it was shown in the Inside Edition video, the swelling and granulomas of these areas can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, and to this fact alone, it should only be done at the hands of a board certified plastic surgeon. And with anyone you may be doing this type of procedure with, ask for references.....always! Otherwise, you will need a plastic surgeon whether you wanted one or not, to repair the costly damage. So it is money and time saved to choose one to begin with.

Also, visit some message boards and forums to see if what you learn from other women, won't help you to render a decision that could quite possibly have life altering consequences.

All in all, tattoos are in the taste of those that enjoy them, but as with doing anything that pierces the skin, risky business is the price we may pay for that choice to permanently alter our bodies with color. And what once was pure beauty on youthful skin, may now be a blurred distorted image on aged skin...so another thing to think about, since none of us stay young forever, but the tattoo is everlasting.

Anti-Aging Ingredients In Mineral Makeup And Skincare

Are Anti-Aging Ingredients Really Able To Perform?

There are many purported anti-aging ingredients on the market today, too many to count actually, but there are none better than the ones that help retain or enhance moisture, keep surface skin clear, improve elasticity, provide tone and firmness and fight the aging effects of free radical damage. But the real question to ask is how they perform and is it based on how they are implemented into mineral makeup and skincare.

There are some that will work better than others and this is a trial and error scenario. Purported benefits are also only as good as the ingredients used and in what ratios they are offered. Plus a combination of ingredients is also best instead of just a single primary ingredient as the end all to keeping skin looking young.

In many independent studies, including some peer reviewed by the scientific community, certain ingredients have shown to perform with direct improvement to the appearance of skin and texture.


What Are The Best To Look For

The Anti-Aging Ingredients Noted for best performance and my personal favorites:

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids(AHA's)
These are commonly found in the form of glycolic acid from sugar cane, lactic acid from dairy products, tartaric acid from grapes, malic acid from fruit, citric acid from citrus fruits and antioxidant ellagic acid from raspberries, cranberries pomegranates, etc. AHA's are commonly used for their exfoliating properties. They also provide a skin tightening effect that diminishes fine lines.

Butters of Shea, Mango or Cocoa
Loaded with essential fatty acids and contains antioxidants of vitamin A and E for fighting free radicals our skin is exposed to. Great for soothing dry, irritated skin and is rich in emollients. These butters also help improve tone and elasticity. They are soothing to rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne and certain rashes. And of course what well moisturized skin doesn't look younger.

Co-Enzyme Q-10 or CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)
This is an antioxidant and it has been purported to repair skin damaged by years of exposure to sun and pollutants. It is also known to improve collagen. The levels of CoQ10 in our bodies lessen with age causing our skin to be more easily damaged by free radicals and more prone to less elasticity. CoQ10 found in skincare may repair some of this damage as it has the ability to easily penetrate skin cells. Concentration is crucial when looking for this ingredient on the list.

DMAE (dimethylethanolamine)
This has become a popular choice for natural anti aging products. Dr. Perricone swears by this and is included in his very expensive line of skincare serums. Johnson and Johnson performed a study in 2005 showing it has anti-inflammatory effects and increased tone and firmness to sagging skin.

It is a naturally occuring substance in our bodies and is also present in fish. It has been used to treat aging conditions but is now being used in skin care.

Green Tea
Studies have shown that green tea is a wonderful antioxidant inside and out and has some ability to provide sun protection. It is being used in more products all the time, including those that are deemed anti-aging. It shows promise as a natural way to slow the effects of aging and is quickly becoming one of the most popular of the anti-aging ingredients. Ingesting green tea is also a great way to fight free radicals in our bodies.

Hyaluronic Acid
This natural ingredient is a well known humectant and is used in skincare as a very important part for helping our skin attract moisture and retain it within our skin. Some studies show it may help to stimulate the growth of healthy skin cells. Hydrated skin is smoother, softer and plumper looking of course.

Niacinimide
This ingredient is not subject to oxidation making it perfect for fighting free radical damage. It helps to improve the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, combats sun damage and is perfect for those with oily skin by reducing the production of sebaceous lipids. Niacinimide helps with increased skin barrier function to diminish skin irritant reactions which causes aging effects on the skin.

Oils and Essential Oils
Certain oils with a high percentage of essential fatty acids have been found to work very well on mature, dry or damaged skin. Avocado, Olive, Borage, Rosehip Seed, Grapeseed, Jojoba, Evening Primrose and Almond oil have all been found to be effective anti-aging ingredients.

Essential oils are popular anti-aging ingredients added to skin care products. Quite a few different essential oils have been used for years for their rejuvenating and restorative properties on aging skin.

Vitamin A (Retinol, Tretinoin and Retinyl Palmitate)
When this is added to a product in the right concentration it has been found to be very effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin tone and exfoliating the skin.

The best results however, come from higher concentrations of Tretinoin form of Vitamin A available only by prescription. It is this prescription form however which causes the dryness and flakiness of the skin, so be aware that this may give less than favorable results when trying to cover the sloughing skin with makeup. All forms of Vitamin A may be irritating especially to sensitive individuals. Retinyl Palmitate, however has been shown to provide better results without the irritation which occurs in the stronger forms, like Tretinoin, and does not need prescription.

Just Marketing Puffery

When looking for anti-aging ingredients, it is important to note their location on the ingredient list. Also a combination of anti-aging ingredients will give better results and will be dispersed throughout the label in different levels of concentration.

But when it comes to the hype of any product claiming anti-aging, then the thing to watch for is when you see the supposed beneficial ingredient at the bottom of the list and mainly when it follows the preservatives or fragrance since these are at the lowest ratios. Anything past these are simply fluff and will do nothing to help the skin. But again, just because they use a drop, they can make the claim to fame.

So it is up to us to research our ingredients in our skincare to make sure we are getting a decent amount for doing the job they are promoted for.

Stretching The Truth

When it comes to makeup including mineral makeup, those that make the claim to fame of any anti-aging ingredient being part of the formulation are really reaching for the sky. This actually goes beyond stretching the truth. Though the ingredient is noted for being an excellent one with anti-aging properties, it will not have the same effect as those infused into skincare.

Mineral makeup for instance, is designed to sit atop skin, not penetrate it. It is also dry in nature so again the anti-aging ingredient sits on top with no chemical delivery to support the skin cell structure. Without synergistic reaction with combined moisturizing chemicals, whether synthetic or naturally derived, the anti-aging ingredient is just for fluffy marketing hype and can add a pretty penny to the price. A good mineral makeup in and of itself, will provide a youthful appearance, but all the fancy anti-oxidants and others, supposedly infused, will only empty the wallet with little to no real change to the long term effects of the skins surface.

Some liquid makeup will also declare anti-aging benefits, and though this is liquid and has the propensity to be absorbed, it is found in most cases, as to the purported ingredients, are far below all the synthetics, colorants, film formers, binders and preservatives, essentially making the benefits worthless.

The exception is, certain oils which are added to mineral makeup, for instance, like our jojoba oil added to our minerals, will meld with skin and provide alone, along with the constituents it contains, the benefits it offers to create healthier skin, but it is not a delivery system for other ingredients. Using an age defying skincare regimen such as our ONATI Skin Care providing the delivery system of skin cell support, combined with our mineral makeup is what will yield the best results. And mineral makeup making the claim of anti-aging should never be considered a replacement for a superior skincare regimen or a diet rich in anti-aging fruits and vegetables and the consumption of fish rich in Omega Oils. This will go much farther to having lasting anti-aging results for the body has a whole, staving off free radicals and fighting cancer.

Bottom Line

No matter how we try and fight the aging process, we also must realize that genetics, sun exposure, smoking, diet, pollutants and many other factors play a key role in how we age. We can certainly improve our appearance, but we cannot stop ourselves from aging. Facelifts, Restylane and Botox are really about the only thing to permanently restore the look of youth, while skincare and mineral makeup are cosmetic and only work for the duration we continue to use them.

Hydrating Mineral Makeup - It's Simply Fun Chemistry

Is That Water In My Mineral Makeup?
 

There are several mineral makeup brands that have decided to become innovative with mineral makeup by providing hydration to the skin. Now one would think this is impossible since minerals need to be kept dry, let alone the fact that when any liquid is added, the need for preservatives becomes necessary.

"Hydrating" and "cooling" are the catch words to intrigue the customer, and I myself was also very interested in how this is done. And as many of my readers know, I dig and probe way beyond the typical review and investigate how this is possible.

Are we dealing with another marketing gimmick here, I ask myself?
Absolutely, and it is ingenious to be sure.

The three mineral makeup blends I located touting this new and surprising twist on the mineral makeup market are listed below:

Revlon Colorstay Aqua Mineral Makeup

Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (3.7%); Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Mica, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Boron Nitrate, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Chloride, TrimethylsiIoxysilicate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Cocos Nucifera Water (Coconut), Viola Tricolor (Pansy) Extract, Methicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Potassium Sorbate, Diazolindinyl Urea, May Contain (+/-):, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499)

Almay Wake Up Hydrating Mineral Makeup

Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (3.7%). Non-Medicinal/Other Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Mica, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Boron Nitride, Sodium Chloride, Lauroyl Lysine, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Viola Tricolor Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Methicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Potassium Sorbate, Diazolidinyl Urea. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499).

Bare Minerals Hydrating Veil

Ingredients: Water (Aqua); Corn Starch Modified; Zea Mays (Corn) Starch; Oryza Sativa (Rice) Lipids; Silica Silylate; Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract; Lonicera Caprifolium (Honysuckle) Flower Extract; Lonicera Japonica (Honysuckle) Flower Extract. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891); Mica (CI 77019); Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163); Iron Oxides (CI 77491); Iron Oxides (CI 77492).

The Claim To Fame

Now the first two products are all but identical until you remove the few irrelevant botanical ingredients from Almay brand and then they are exact in their ingredient profile. Well is it any wonder, since Revlon is the parent company of Almay. The location of the botanicals on the list are hardly going to do much for the skin, but make for a nice marketing concept.

They also have provided some questionable preservatives for maintaining a bacteria free zone based on their efficacy. Potassium Sorbate, will do nothing to stop the growth of bacteria, but will help fight mold and fungi. Diazolidinyl Urea has shown some microbial protection along with being a fungal and mold inhibitor, but some are concerned about it also being a formaldehyde releasing agent.

My only curiosity with much skepticism, is the ingredient profile of Bare Minerals Hydrating Veil. It absolutely does not make sense in the chemistry context of how they achieve the addition of water as the main ingredient without making the minerals muddy, pasty or gloppy. Plus the lack of preservatives is also a red flag since adding water to stored rice powder or corn starch in a jar is an absolute haven for growth of bacteria at a rapid rate, including yeast and mold....so I have to wonder if their ingredient deck is true and accurate, if not, I would be more concerned about contamination of this product.

How Do They Do That?

Water is the highlighted ingredient in all three products for delivering hydration and cooling effect to the face. However, the minerals may feel cooling, but they are not hydrating at all, well maybe for a few minutes, since water evaporates relatively quickly and the magic ingredient will dehydrate once again, since the delivery of the water is actually cool technology provided through chemistry.

The magical ingredient is Sodium Polyacrylate. This ingredient is also known as waterlock, it is a polymer with the chemical formula [-CH2-CH(COONa)-] and is widely used in consumer products. It has the ability to absorb as much as 400 to 500 times its mass in water. There are some scientists that believe it can also absorb up to 1000 times its weight in water depending on its polymer blend or derivative status.

For the most part, this ingredient is a derivative of what they use in disposable diapers to help absorb quickly and to keep the baby bum nice and dry and free from diaper rash. The original polymer used in the diaper world cannot be used in mineral makeup since this is a gel like substance, while the light and fluffy version they use in minerals would make the diaper explode.....now there's a visual! The derivative ingredient Sodium Polyacrylate can be used to gather liquid chemical spills on roadways, yet is is also used to create fake snow and has the similar fluffy, dry feel that is found in mineral powders, yet cool to the touch, which is how this chemical can be milled into the powders.....

Chemistry Is Fun Stuff

Now below is a super fun video discussing the science and showing the before and after of this remarkable ingredient and it will provide the answer to how two of these mineral makeup brands achieve the application of water as the main ingredient while keeping the minerals dry. He also explains the ability to it feeling quite cool when handled. Now if you can't see the video below due to RSS Feed and Email you can see it by clicking on the link to the article: Hydrating Mineral Makeup - It's Simply Fun Chemistry.



As to the Bare Minerals version, stating again, I find the ingredient list a bit dubious based on achieving these results in the minerals as shown in the video. Without this type of chemistry, I have to wonder if the ingredient deck is purposely less than accurate since doing something like this would not fall in line with bare minerals mantra of not using synthetic chemicals. Yet Silica Silylate, is included in the mineral makeup as it is in the other two with their version being Silica Dimethicone Silylate, both used as anti-caking agents, plus offers the side effect of boosting sebum control on the skin. I find this marketing on behalf of bare minerals to be deceptive and disingenuous. In order to be innovative instead of remaining true to the Leslie Blodgett philosophy, the ingredients used in this mineral makeup formula fall outside of her ideals today.....not necessarily a bad thing since certain synthetically derived ingredients can improve performance and increase benefits of skincare and makeup, but she has always been about avoiding certain ingredients.

However, to be fair, it may have absolutely nothing to do with her since Shiseido purchased her company back in January 2010 for 1.7 billion dollars and all reviews and purchases seem to be after this date. Shiseido is definitely an industry leader and may have decided they wanted to compete with more commercialized brands by using comparative technology.....but without the magical ingredient used in the other brands, I really would like to know how the water portion is suspended within the product without Sodium Polyacrylate, and most importantly, not disclosed on the ingredient deck?

Do These Mineral Makeup Powders Perform?

Well the majority of women who have tried Almay and Revlon remarked positively on the cooling feel and thought their brush was wet for the most part, but also noted they felt it to be chalky, gritty, silken, shiny, glittery, weird odor, had terrible coverage and no staying power. In fact many who reviewed these products including YouTube gurus, if they liked it, stated it was better as a setting powder rather than as a foundation since the consensus seems to be universal as to, the coverage was poor.

This maybe why bare minerals (Shiseido) chose to utilize this technology in a mineral veil since it proved to not have the capability to provide coverage based on the composition of the products. It may actually cause a symptomatic problem of adhesion if you listen to the video about it not being able to compress. But yet again, many who reviewed this mineral veil also found it to be chalky, gritty, or gave a weird glitter ball or greasy look to the skin. Some even reported it to be excessively pink and shiny.

Gimmicks Are Always Just That....

As I wrote about Almay Smart Shade last week, it is clear to see that marketing gimmicks in the beauty industry are alive and well. For the consumer they provide a fun and unique experience, yet in most instances they fall short of what they claim....fun and unique will only go so far without performance.

Sometimes when things become too gimicky they lose the benefits of what we as manufacturers, really want to achieve and provide to the end user.

I love gimmicks, I love how they work in most cases, especially when dealing with a truly fun harmless synthetic chemical which does cool stuff when it is applied to water, such as fake snow or in mineral makeup. But if cooling effect is all it can provide, yet falls short of what women are really wanting and needing, such as excellent coverage without looking aged or like they just stepped out of a "Dance Fever" movie, then the gimmick will not sustain the product purchases.

Only time will tell if these too will eventually hit the discontinued graveyard of the products that went before them.

But you certainly don't need a gimmick with our mineral makeup since we use cooling ingredients anyway, which can be activated with the use of the Moist Method application. This provides a similar effect to the products listed above, yet will be clean and safe every time you use it without the risk of bacteria and mold growth. Water is water, (only used distilled or a moisture mist spray such as Perfect Balance Facial Toner on the brush), and water doesn't need to be a part of the ingredient profile but can be used when your heart desires, except with improved results of providing excellent coverage without the cakey, aged look, and achieving a velvety soft, flawless complexion.

Myth Buster: Makeup Magically Changes To Match Your Skin Tone

Magic In A Makeup Bottle

Okay, I have been seeing the commercial for Almay Smart Shade, and they clearly do a great marketing job at drawing in the consumer by giving the illusion, when you apply this liquid foundation to the face, it will magically change to match your skin tone.

Marketing techniques have always fascinated me, and some have done an excellent job at sucking me in as well, but when it comes to my industry of beauty, it is the marketing play on words or processes that I hone in on.

Is It Really Magical?

Well it certainly appears magical since during the Almay commercial it can intrigue the viewer as they watch the white emulsion begin to turn color as the makeup is applied.

What is actually happening: Tiny encapsulated color beads (polymers) are suspended in what amounts to a liquid sunscreen, which in its initial form is white in color. As the makeup is applied, friction from your fingers pressed against the skin, opens up the capsules, releasing color onto the face, and then is dispersed throughout the emulsion as you continue to apply it to spread the color uniformly until it appears to match your skin......nothing magical about that, just chemistry.

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (4%), Zinc Oxide (2.1%)

Inactive Ingredients: Aqua/Water (water, eau), Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Talc, PEG/PPG 18/18 Dimethicone, HDI/Trimethol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG 10/1 Dimethicone, Nylon 12, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Alumina, Sodium Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Trisiloxane, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (grape), Centaurea Cyanus (Cornflower) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) Root Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Galactoarabinan, Acrylonitrile/Methacrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Boron Nitrate, Alcohol Denatured, Methicone, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Silica, Ammonium Polyacrylatedimethyl Tauramide, Tetrasodium EDTA, PVP, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, May Contain (+/-): (CI77891), Iron Oxides (CI77491, CI77492, CI77499), Zinc Oxide (CI77947)

Description Of Product from Almays Website:

Finally, a foundation so smart it knows your perfect shade. Breakthrough shade sensing technology starts out white, adjusts to right, perfectly matching your skin tone.

New! Magically transforms into your ideal shade!
SPF 15

Takes the guesswork out of finding the right shade

• colorless makeup transforms into a shade that complements your skintone
• infused with soothing aloe
• works best if you wear neutral, beige, sand or warm foundation
• hypoallergenic
• won't clog pores
• takes the guesswork out of finding the right shade

Similar concept is available in a blush and bronzer with similar ingredients to the foundation above, only they do include dyes and lakes as colorants and no sunscreen ingredients.

They also offer the anti aging version pictured above with a higher level of sunscreen, some additional peptides, rice protein, and excluded the parabens and aloe in this formula.

Product Reviews

For the most part, the reviews have been mixed on the liquid foundation in all three shades. However most lean toward complaining about not matching even closely, or turning their skin orange, melting off the face, causing acne, skin itched, or no coverage at all.

Those that seem to enjoy it are open about the fact, they like a minimalist look or have perfect skin with no flaws. While others point out, they seem to also have the perfect skin tone to use one of the three shades offered.

If you don't fall into this shade category then I guess the makeup falls short of their shade sensing technology. They sort of make this point in one of their bullet comments about what shades you need to fall under for best results.....sounds kind of non-magical to me.

The blush version of this product, including the bronzer shade...... well the majority absolutely hated this product, with comments of, made them look unnatural, clown like, gloppy, cakey, and it required an accumulative amount to achieve any real color on the cheeks at all.

The Gimmick Truly Lives On In This Product

At best, the foundation is a chemical sunscreen product using the best sunblockers available on the market, to be sure. But I cannot know whether they are nano scale or not, but it is more than likely they are, due to the sheer nature of this foundation. Otherwise women would observe good coverage with better opacity which are the attributes of these two sunscreen minerals, and again why they are used in mineral makeup.

The pigment polymer beads come in a limited color range for achieving the magic on the face. If this product could really color sense your skin tone then why would they have 3 distinctive actual shades in a very limited color palette for you to choose from?.....hmmm.

Also, this product is loaded with silicone oil derivatives which is why some women complained of now having acne when they never had acne before until using this product. This much dimethicone can be a pore clogger, and in all likelihood they are using nano scale sunscreen ingredients which can further contribute to acne.....making their claim of "won't clog pores", contradictory to the ingredients used.

Plus the claim to fame of infusing Aloe Juice into the product.....well I can assure you, based on its' location on the label it is at a ratio behind the "water", "talc", "polymers" and "silicones", which will have little result for any actual skin soothing benefit. In fact, there are many potential skin irritants and allergens in this formula based on the extensive list of film formers and preservatives, including parabens.

If we stop and really examine most of the marketing jargon pragmatically, and not purchase on impulse based on these claims, we would certainly save ourselves a lot of time and money.

However, for those that are initially intrigued by the commercial, before the novelty wears off and the reality sets in of "just another liquid foundation", it certainly could be fun to try just to check out the concept. But it is hardly magical.......to be redundant!

Cheers!

No More Waterproof Mascaras

What's This I See?

As I stare in the mirror, I notice something remarkable happening to my eyelashes....I seem to have more of them lately.

I have been using many different mascaras over the years and I just recently did a video review on Maybelline Colossal Volume Express. I do love this mascara and it goes on smooth without clumping, leaving my lashes very flexible and soft, so no flaking either. It also won Allures' Editors Choice Award. Also FYI, there is a Colossal Volume Express Waterproof Mascara so make sure you don't mix up the two when purchasing. Both in yellow tubes but the waterproof version is turquoise text on yellow and the one I am writing about today is purple text on yellow .....pictured to the left.

The only thing I really took notice of was, upon opening the tube, I detected a slight odor when using it, but it dissipates once it dries. I really couldn't identify it when I did this video, but since being out in my yard once again with the nice weather, I have nailed it. It reminds me of pyrethrin garden spray, which of course is a natural organic compound made from Chrysanthemums for killing pests on your plants.

Now this is not to imply at all, they are using bug spray in the mascara, just that it simply smells exactly like it. I am just one of those people that when I recognize an odor that reminds me of something else, I go bonkers until I figure it out......So finally that is one less thing on my mind and it can now be laid to rest....sometimes the way my mind works is truly a curse to be sure....the mad scientist ever inquisitive.

Now where was I....oh yes...anyhoo.... this mascara is also not waterproof for a change, and I don't think I have used a non waterproof mascara for years. In using this new mascara for a bit now, my eyelashes are clearly growing back in and they are getting longer.

What Is This Strange Phenomenon?

On the package it states that it will increase volume by 9 times with the use of their added collagen. Now there is no mistake that collagen perhaps will soften the lashes, but it does nothing to plump or thicken them since lashes are dead cells and will not take up any outside source to give them actual volume....mascara works due to the laminates in them which build up with each sweep of the wand, bonding with each consecutive coat.

What I do know is this....the reason my eyelashes are more dense and longer once again is the fact that I am not brutalizing my lashes trying to wash off stubborn waterproof mascara. No matter how good a cleanser you have, the rolling action of the fingertips or the wiping with a tissue or pad for removal, pulls out delicate lashes. Waterproof mascaras have additional waxes mixed with the shellacs in them which are very sticky and instead of releasing nicely, it holds onto the lashes, hence they pull out with the removal of the mascara. Waterproof formulas may stay put through a cry job or dip in the pool, but they are probably what is causing the thinning of your lashes as well.

I never made the connection before until I finally switched to one that doesn't claim it is waterproof.

For The Mature Women In My Audience

As we all know everything seems to get thinner as we age...our hair gets thinner, our skin gets thinner, our lips get thinner and our eyelashes get thinner. The only thing on our body that seems to get thicker is the waistline.... *sigh*

So using a waterproof mascara can increase the rapid loss of our eyelashes in my humble opinion, so for this gal, no more waterproof mascaras. I guess I will just have to live with raccoon eyes after a good cry or a dip in the pool every so often.

If you have been wondering why your eyelashes seem to be stumpier or not as thick, it may just be the mascara you are using rather than your age specifically. I just think due to age it doesn't take much to yank out the few precious eyelashes we have left anymore. So why help the situation by using a sticky mascara that won't budge without really working at it.

Just A Tidbit

Oh by the way, in all those commercials we see with eyelashes being so lush, long and luxurious supposedly transformed by the mascara of the day.....well.....they do look lovely, but these marketers have been outdone by High Definition Television and 60" screens....you know...where you can see every pore on their face and every hair on their chinny chin chin.....

Look closely and you will see in every instance they are also wearing some very nice false eyelashes, expertly applied I might add. You gotta love tv....it really brings truth to life. No wonder Botox is becoming more popular these days!

Have a great weekend and toodles!

Sterling Minerals Receives Emily Award

This Is Fun!

I just learned this week that my company had received an award from Beauty Broadcast known as the Emily Awards for 2009, for her favorites in different categories.

We received Best Mineral Makeup Foundation in the High End Category.

I love that she loves our products and appreciates the results that they offer. I was so elated at this news that I could barely refrain from being giddy!

I love Emilys' videos since she is so down to earth and really has fun in what she does. Emily is a popular makeup guru and she does regular YouTube videos on product reviews, makeup tutorials, hair fun and so many other things that strike her fancy.

Her reviews are unbiased, articulate and she has a strong desire to keeping it real and I am all for that.

She also maintains a blog in order to categorize and keep her videos and articles up to date for all of her followers.

I think she is a lovely person and truly enjoys the process of sharing the information to all, and her many fans think she is about the best out there. She is so dedicated to those that watch her videos, rarely an entire week goes by without one or two videos being posted. Personally I don't know where she finds the time, but my hat is off to her commitment.

Our Award

Here is a link to her blog for the list of the best in 2oo9:

Blog Article

And here is the video link for those that cannot see the video below to watch a full review on our Mineral Foundation.

YouTube Link

She enjoys the Velvet formula since she seems to have oily skin and wished for a heavier coverage.

Please enjoy the entire video or if you are short on time our review is located in the time bar 4 minutes and 55 seconds into the review. Just left click on the slider and drag to the time shown.



She uses our foundation in many of her tutorials as she'll explain further in her video.

Well that's it for this week! We have been extremely busy since the Holidays and Emily's latest reviews have definitely contributed to the sudden influx of new customer orders.

Many, many thanks go out to Emily of Beauty Broadcast. Keep up the good work! Here is the original review as posted on her blog!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Sterling Minerals Review

(all images courtesy www.sterlingminerals.com -

click the picture above to visit webiste)

Hello everyone!
Hope you're all having a good weekend so far. If you've been watching my videos for awhile, you may have noticed that while I sometimes use liquid foundations- I've also experimented with many different brands of mineral makeup. Some of them I love, and some of them I really don't like! Sterling Minerals is on my love list. In the past I've raved about Everyday Minerals, which I also love, but sometimes I hear from those who say it's irritated their skin and they've had to discontinue use. It's worked fine for me, but I wanted to test an alternate product that claimed to be very skin friendly... so if EDM didn't work for you- maybe this would.

♥

I really can't provide EVERYTHING there is to know about this brand here on my blog- but the Sterling Minerals website is extremely informative and will likely answer any questions you may have. They have a section called "research center" http://www.sterlingminerals.com/research-center.asp which is a great place to learn more.

♥

According to the website: "You can enjoy a 4 in 1 money saving formula of Sunscreen, Foundation, Concealer, and Powder. Our minerals will do more than just calm and prevent irritation; they will assist in healing and repairing your skin, and will prevent flakiness, and the itchy feeling that can occur with some other brands. They are feather light on your skin and will not settle into fine lines. They will trap excess oil and retain moisture against your skin giving you a lustrous, soft, natural looking veil lasting all day until you wash them off. Colors are transfer resistant and are virtually waterproof, sweat-proof, and will hold up in high humidity."

Foundation: $24.00

My shade: Hannah- Velvet Rose Petal formula

The first thing I noticed about this foundation was how soft it felt on my face. It gave my face a very matte appearance and seemed to be medium coverage- but it is quite buildable, while still giving you a natural, not caked-on look. This is one of the most long-wearing mineral foundations, it took me through my work day staying matte- even under the bright lights on the anchor desk!

♥

The neat thing about this brand is that they have 3 different foundation formulations: mine is Velvet Rose Petal for Normal to Oily skin, and it's meant to give you the most opaque coverage. They also have Dewy Rose Petal for Normal to Combination skin, and Delicate Rose Petal for Normal to Dry and Sensitive skin- woohoo! -I know some of you are in the market for a mineral foundation that caters specifically to sensitive skin! Also- the website gives very clear descriptions of each shade- making it easy for me to pick the right one.

♥

Mineral Blush in Sunset $15.00

I LOVE this blush! It's a super pigmented deep coral shade. Blends beautifully into the skin and I think this particular shade would work great on a variety of skin tones. It's like my Milani Minerals blush in Mai Tai- only a little heavier on the peach and lighter on the pink. On the Sterling Minerals website- they give descriptions with each blush saying what skin tone it would work best for- really cool!

♥

Satin Rose Finishing Veil $22.00

Like many mineral makeup brands- sterling minerals also has a finishing veil meant to keep skin looking matte, fresh, and decrease the appearance of pores. I'm not sure how to describe this, but the texture on this particular product is very powdery and dry- this might be hard to comprehend- since clearly, the line of makeup is indeed made up of various powders. It's not necessarily a bad thing- but this product seemed very dry as I was touching it with my fingers- but on my face it really did add to the matte effect I was after.

♥

Overall Impressions

• My skin did not have any adverse reactions to the products- they seemed to be very gentle and after continuous use- I felt the condition of my skin actually had improved!
• Fantastic website- loads of info about the products- including ingredients- and it's very user friendly in terms of finding the right shade.
• All the products are very easy to blend, and manage to provide good coverage yet a lightweight, non-cakey feel- this is a big deal to me.
• The foundation had great staying power for me- even after a day at work
• The blush is fantastic and I'd imagine the other shades would be equally pigmented and pretty
• The finishing veil is nice- but I'm not sure how well it would work for extremely dry skin... because it had sort of a dry, powdery feel.
• The price is obviously higher than what you'd pay at the drugstore, especially for the foundation- however if you're looking for something that caters to the health of your skin- this might be worth checking out
• There are samples available on the website- but they are not free. They're $3.50 apiece and the containers aren't necessarily filled to the brim with the product. The website says you should be given enough for 7 days worth of applications. http://www.sterlingminerals.com/samples.asp

♥

Thanks for checking out this review everyone! Please let me know if you've tried this brand, or are planning to try it. What did you think? Once my internet is back up and running at home, I'll definitely be using this product in tutorials so you can see it in action. Have a great day!

♥

Emily

Cheers Everyone and have a great weekend! Feel free to leave your 2 cents if you wish to share your experiences also!

Lip Colors For Fall To Compliment The Season

Fall has officially arrived and it is time to take a look at our lip colors whether it be in lipstick or lip gloss, to see if they still work for our faces. Lip colors we may have enjoyed in spring and summer should be adjusted as the seasons change.

Typically we wear softer, more muted colors to compliment spring and summer fashion and our tanned skin, and they always give a more youthful appearance to women as we mature. However, with that noted, a deeper shade will not necessarily age us if the rest of our face is put together well. It is always about how we shade our complexions from a mineral makeup foundation with blush shade and lips with eye shadow. A perfect pallet of color is so beautiful in the Fall and one to be admired.

Reminiscent Of Autumn

A cold Fall day brings about change and excitement as we head into the Holidays, spending time with family and friends to share in traditions and enjoy childhood memories.

It's a time of hearths filled with the warmth of a crackling fire, hot apple cider, cinnamon sticks and pumpkin everything.

A time of decorating our homes and front porches with Fall nuances and Halloween treats.

Spending time with our family and reliving the gathering of pumpkins steeped in tradition for decoration and pumpkin pie.

The Fall air is fresh, crisp and renewed with subtle aromas of floral, woodsy, earthy tones to awaken our senses.

A drive on a country road reveals the exquisite rich, radiant colors as the sun dances on the many shades of crimson and golden yellow leaves around every bend.

Homes are lined with the Autumn blooming Mums and one can only take pause at their splendor. It is a truly breathtaking scene!

Yes....Autumn is a time of change as summer fair dwindles to only be replaced by more intense revitalized colors. It is only natural that our fashion and our lip colors should too.

Fall Fashion...My Favorite

We enjoy bundling ourselves up with warm fluffy sweaters and scarves and taking strolls in the crisp air enjoying the many shades of Fall, and seeing what our neighbors are doing for their Halloween fun.

Our fashion goes from summer and spring pastels to winter white, rich burgundy, deep golds and greens, dark plum, shades of brown, reds and russets, and last but not least burnt orange.

These colors can bring about cheerfulness since they signify warmth, coziness and can be quite uplifting to ones' mood. So our pastels are replaced with the deeper, richer textures of color as our skin fades from the summer sun. All the more reason to enhance our skin tones with some warmth through deepening our lip colors.

Lip Colors For Fall And To Enhance The Face


As we fade in the winter, our skin begins to lose color and in women of mature years not only does our face lose pigment but so do our lips and they tend to get thinner as well. It is the natural order of things. So we must put color back onto our lips through the use of lip colors so we don't look like death warmed over.

In the Fall and Winter we can get away with more intense shades that will give a beautiful subtle color without overpowering the look. We can remain youthful with darker shades by choosing the correct ones and even layering can give positive results to achieve perfection. Russets, Deep Reds and Wine shades are beautiful on women of mature years and goes farther in tying them together with our favorite Fall fashions.

Tip: You maintain that youthful appearance by keeping blush and eye shadow muted and subtle while increasing the level of lip color. It is more about blush and shadows aging you with too much intensity than a richer, deeper color on the lips. Deep lips, light eye shadow or deep eye shadow, light lips for optimum look.......and blush should always be muted and subtle. Also never line outside your natural lip line and using a nude shade for definition is ideal and most versatile for easy melding of your lip color into the lip line.

In bringing about the subtle changes of deeper tones, you definitely want to avoid shades that are too dark unless you have dark ethnic skin or bright in tone such as red lipstick. This was popular when I was young and during the World War II era, mainly due to lack of selection compared to today, but with so many different shades of red today, is is better to get a russet red or wine red since this is a blend of colors which compliments and won't age the face. Young women with fair skin can look exquisite in a true red shade.

But for women of mature years the big no...no....we definitely don't want to resemble the Joan Crawford or Bette Davis of the "Baby Jane" era. Striking yes.....right out of my socks....scary! It looks like she is casket ready just in time for Halloween....wowza!

Although our entire pallet of lip colors can be worn year round based on skin tone, the featured shades for Fall are Charisma, Temptress, Innocence and Luscious. These shades have been extremely popular lately as they are outselling the other shades mainly due to the time of year.

You can layer them.... such as a lipstick first and then a layer of lip shine over the top. This is a great way to also make those thinning lips look a bit fuller rather than with lipstick alone. A slight polished shimmer will give the illusion of a fuller mouth. Use different colors also to achieve a completely different shade.

I currently have changed to Temptress with a Lip Shine over the top of either Demure or Innocence. It softens my Fall shade, yet gives me a more intense color that goes with my Fall wardrobe beautifully.

A Drawer Full Of Lip Colors...you say!

Don't worry about still having shades from this past spring / summer, since you can create new shades by simply purchasing one of our deeper shades in either the lipstick or lip shine and putting them over the top of the old shade. This is a great way to use them up and the lip shine can be used to revitalize the texture of an old lipstick since the oils and waxes will tend to dry out over time. If you have a lip color for over a year or two, more than likely it is past its' prime and should be discarded anyway.


Lip Shine Is Perfect For Your Tween!

These are a great way to introduce your tween to lip color without making her look overdone. The colors are always a bit more sheer and subdued in a gloss, giving more shine with hint of color so her lips can have that shimmery pop while looking like her true self.

Tip For Contaminated Lipsticks

If you ever get a cold sore or fever blister and you have used your lipsticks during the process of healing, you don't need to throw it away to prevent reinfection. Simply dip the lipstick in rubbing alcohol and allow it to air dry. A great way to preserve your favorite lipstick.

Cannot be used on lip shine or lip gloss due to the tube structure and the wand contaminating entire batch with each dip into the color.

Remember The Smooth Pucker

One thing to note of importance...our lipsticks and lip shines will soothe, heal, prevent and moisturize cracked lips staving off winter dryness from the frigid air. They are 100% vegan and are rich in organic butters and oils yet will not leave the lips goopy, sticky or slimy. Just pure luscious lips without dryness unlike commercial brands. No artificial dyes, lakes or Carmine are ever used. We are also replacing our original formula with Gluten Free as they sell out.

Enjoy your weekend and I hope you enjoyed all the photos. I love Fall and the colors and fragrances that come with it. I could have gone on with more colors, but alas only so many hours in a day.