Fragrantly Beautiful

Why Everyone Loves Mineral Make-up

by Eileen Sutton

Unlike traditional products, mineral make-up, which is based on a hypoallergenic loose powder that naturally nourishes the skin, contains no perfumes, talc, alcohol, dyes, mineral oil or preservatives. Not surprisingly, dermatologists are pleased.

We asked two mineral make-up producers - Diane Ranger, who created Colorescience, and Dianne York-Goldman of the La Jolla Spa MD, who created DYG Mineral Make-up - why make-up artists say it's the best kind of make-up for your skin.

Good for sensitive skin. 'Lots of women struggle with acne, allergies, dryness and clogged pores from unfriendly commercial make-up,? Ranger says. 'Mineral make-up lets you enhance skin care with positive beauty choices, not create more problems.'

Doesn't feel like a mask. For some women, traditional make-up, often heavier, can feel like a mask. Mineral make-up's texture is lighter and different. Even with more coverage, experts say you'll see a natural, translucent radiance and more of your skin, which can breathe.

Contains ingredients that are good for skin. 'For women who can't get to a spa, triple-milled minerals like titanium, gold, zinc, magnesium and aluminum naturally relax, refresh and rejuvenate the skin, and offer a genuine beauty solution in the comfort of home,' York-Goldman says.

Does not enhance wrinkles like traditional powders. 'If you have fine lines or crow's-feet, traditional make-up can cake in those places, often creating an illusion of deeper lines,' York-Goldman notes. `Minerals create real health and a glow like we had in our teens and 20s through essential vitamins, antioxidants and ingredients that actually hydrate the skin and conceal wrinkles.'

Helps protect skin from sun. The sun is said to be the number-one ageing agent. Mineral make-up's zinc oxide offers natural UVA-UVB protection. 'I have six to ten percent zinc in much of the line, and many of our products offer an SPF of 20 and 30,' Ranger points out. `Forty products are now rated [for protection factor], and eventually 95 per cent of the line could be rated.'

Can be used after peels. Skin procedures such as lasers and peels are common. 'Minerals are the natural choice to calm and soothe red, bruised, itchy, inflamed and flaking skin,' Ranger says.

'This product hides imperfections, then camouflages with minerals that actually block the sun, which is crucial after aggressive treatments. In fact, after certain treatments, you shouldn't use sunscreens. Minerals cool the skin and encourage faster healing,' she adds.

You can sleep in it! 'I can actually sleep with my make-up on if I need to,' York-Goldman points out. 'If I have to be up early, I apply it the night before. Plus, I know that if I work out or have a long night, my mineral make-up, which lasts longer than traditional make-up, is absolutely going to be there.'

Makes skin look better. The old make-up phrase `putting on your face' may soon be obsolete. 'I love when people tell me my skin looks great, because the make-up is obviously invisible,' York-Goldman reflects. 'It can look and feel like you're wearing nothing at all, like a silky top layer of your very own skin,' Ranger adds.

posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 1:42 PM