Article No.

3 MINERAL BASED COLOR COSMETICS

Cosmetics maybe treated as a general word that describes numerous categories of beauty and skin
care products sold in the market today. So, it is but fitting that before getting into the types and category
of products sold under cosmetics, it is highly helpful to learn and understand first about what cosmetics
are in the following definitions.

Cosmetics and Skin​ presented two legal definitions of cosmetics tailored from the United States
and the European Union. United States defines cosmetics as ​articles intended to be rubbed, poured,
sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for
cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.

As for the European Union, cosmetics are defined as any substance or preparation intended to be
placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and
external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view
exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance and/or correcting
body odors and/or protecting them or keeping them in good condition.

Definitions above are important as they draw a legal line between cosmetics and drugs, determine
labeling requirements and other product standards, and proscribe the types of claims manufacturers can
make for their products. It can be picked however, in the two definitions that generally ​cosmetics are
intended to be applied externally.

According to​ Chemist Corner​, cosmetic products can be sorted into five distinct categories and
these include skin care products, hair products, fragrances, personal care products, and color cosmetics.

Color cosmetics make up about 20% of the cosmetic market. ​For most people these are the types
of products that they think of when you say the word cosmetic. ​This group includes products that remain
on the skin and change the color and appearance.

Color cosmetics are the most regulated of all cosmetics because governments around the world
restrict the types of ingredients that can be used for colors. Some coloring ingredients that were used prior
to the creation of the modern cosmetic industry were quite poisonous. It is for this reason that mineral
based color cosmetics became the hype in the beauty industry, today.

Products under mineral based color cosmetics

As distinctly classified, mineral based color cosmetics are products that are applied to the face.
These are cosmetics that remain on the skin that can change the color and its appearance using mineral
and natural ingredients that make the skin healthier and younger looking. Here is a ​list​ of products under
mineral based color cosmetics:

● Primer​. It is applied before the foundation or eyeshadows depending on where the primer is to be
applied. Most are meant to reduce the appearance of pore size, prolong the wear of make-up, and
allow for a smoother application of make-up. ​YBSkin​ pointed out that the lightweight, silky formula
 of a mineral primer helps smoothens the appearance of fine lines and pores, creating an even surface
for foundation. Primers are packed with minerals and vitamins like mica and silica that shield the skin
from environmental damage.

● Lipsticks​. Under this product are also lip gloss, lip liner, lip plumper, lip balm, lip stain, lip
conditioner, lip primer, lip boosters, and lip butters. Most mineral lipsticks have been formulated with
natural waxes, mineral pigments, iron oxides and antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E​.
According to ​Young Living​, benefits from these ingredients include a moisturized lip, improved lip
fullness appearance, and natural-looking shades formulated without parabens, phthalates,
petrochemicals, bismuth, talc, synthetic fragrances, or synthetic colorants. Mineral pigments used in
lipsticks also provide a natural protection from the sun. 

For lip stains, ingredients include water or gel base and may contain alcohol to help the product stay
on leaving a matte look. Lip glosses, which are intended to add shine to the lips and may add a tint of
color, can be scented or flavored. Lip balms are most often used to moisturize, tint, and protect the
lips. All these products trail one goal of giving you healthy and kissable lips.

● Concealer​.​ One major role of concealers is to cover imperfections of the skin. Concealer is often
used for any extra coverage needed to cover blemishes, undereye circles, and other imperfections.
Concealer is often thicker and more solid than foundation, and provides longer lasting; more detailed
coverage as well as creating a fresh clean base for all the rest of the makeup.

Ingredients contain Kaolin, which is a clever clay based mineral that provides exceptional coverage
and hours of wear while controlling the skin’s natural oils. It also has zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and
iron oxide that control excess oils and provide healing properties. Because it is oil free, it is highly
suitable for all skin types.

Other mineral based color cosmetics are also used for contouring the face like ones nose, cheekbones, and
jaw line to add a more defined look to the total face.

● Foundation​.​ It is used to smooth out the ​face​ by covering spots, acne, blemishes, or uneven skin
coloration. These are sold in a liquid, cream, or powder, or more recently in a mousse. Foundation
provides sheer, matte, dewey or full coverage and gives a smoother foundation finish.

Hue Cosmetics​ pointed out that ​mineral foundation can also be easily applied on top of your regular
sunscreen every day giving you an extra sun protection from the ultraviolet rays from the sun—the
number one skin ager.

Most mineral foundation uses all three of the natural UVA and UVB filters; mica, titanium dioxide
and zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a personal favorite UVA/UVB filter because it has healing and calming
effects for the skin while also providing a strong sun block. It is also great for rosacea and sensitive
skins.

In addition, mineral foundation gives freedom in the type of coverage you desire. You can dust a light
amount over the skin for a very natural look, or you can continue applying for a buildable foundation
 and more coverage while still looking like a second skin. At the same time, you can be sure that your
skin is benefitting from the buildable coverage with all the skin benefitting ingredients.

Powder Foundation​- It ​gives seamless coverage, while creating a bright and radiant 
finish. Light enough for everyday use, it can also help protect your face against 
dryness. Some ​cosmetic sites​ provide mineral powder foundation products made 
with pure, crushed minerals and soothing extracts of chamomile and ginseng. Like 
any kind of foundation, it covers blemishes and evening out of skin tone for a 
flawless look. Most are fragrance free, gluten free, sulfate free, silicone free and 
vegan-friendly. 

Liquid Foundation- ​Provides hydration, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,
minimizes the appearance pores, evens out skin tone and adheres so well, there is minimal
transference. Liquid minerals has no rated SPF (sun protection factor)

Setting Spray​- It is used as the last step in the process of applying makeup. It keeps applied
makeup intact for long periods. An alternative to setting spray is setting powder, which may be
either pigmented or translucent. Both of these products are claimed to keep makeup from
absorbing into the skin or melting off.

● Face powder​. It sets the foundation, giving it a ​matte​ finish while also concealing small flaws or
blemishes. It can also be used to ​bake​ the foundation, so that it stays on longer. Tinted face powders
may be worn alone as a light foundation so that the full face does not look as caked-up as it could.

● Rouge, blush, or blusher​. Is a cheek coloring that brings out the color in the ​cheeks​ and make
the ​cheekbones​ appear more defined. Rouge comes in powder, cream, and liquid forms. Different
blush colors are used to compliment different skin tones.

● Contour powders and creams. ​ These are used to define the face. They can give the illusion of a
slimmer face or to modify a face shape in other desired ways. Usually a few shades darker than the
skin tone and matte in finish, contour products create the illusion of depth. A darker-toned
foundation/concealer can be used instead of contour products for the same purpose.

● Highlight​. This is used to draw attention to the high points of the face as well as to add glow, comes
in liquid, cream, and powder forms. It often contains a substance to provide shimmer. According to
Total Beauty​ a great highlighter can perk up your complexion, accentuate the features you love, and
even camouflage aging skin. Highlighter can help minimize dark circles, decrease the look of
wrinkles, and mimic a facelift with appropriate placement. The key is knowing how to use it.
● Bronzer​.​ It gives skin a bit of color by adding a golden or bronze glow and highlighting the
cheekbones, as well as being used for contouring. Bronzer is considered to be more of a natural look
and can be used for an everyday wear. Bronzer enhances the color of the face while adding more of a
shimmery look. It comes in matte, semi matte/satin, or shimmer finishes.

● Mascara​. ​This is used to darken, lengthen, thicken, or draw attention to the ​eyelashes​. It is available
in various colors. Some mascaras include ​glitter​ flecks. There are many formulas,
including ​waterproof​ versions for those prone to ​allergies​ or sudden tears. It is often used after
an ​eyelash curler​ and mascara primer. Many types of mascara have components to help lashes appear
longer and thicker.

Style Craze​ explained the different types and compositions of mascaras available in the market which
can change your entire eye look in a second.

Water soluble Mascaras​ get easily smudged/ flaked & are not long wearing. They can be easily
removed with any basic makeup remover.

Water proof Mascaras​ don’t get smudged & are long staying. They are the best bet for summers
& Monsoons. They are hard to remove with ordinary removers and needs special
oil-based makeup removers. These are highly processed formulas which stay intact on eyes for long
hours.

Mascaras are also subcategorized into :

1. Powder Mascara

Powder Mascara is very different from wet and dry mascara. You add a few drops of
water into it and use it with a wand. The mascara sets to give a false eyelash kind of a finish.

2. Cream Mascara

Creamy Mascara provides volume to thin and sparse eyelashes and adds depth to the
eyes. But this can smudge easily so you will need a special kind of applicator for it.

3. Liquid Mascara

These mascaras are easily found and the most common of all and are mostly used by women
who have slightly curled lashes. It enhances and sharpens the lashes. These are available in both
water resistant and water-soluble variants.
● Eye shadow​. ​It is a pigmented powder/cream or substance used to accentuate the eye area,
traditionally on above and under the eyelids. Many colors may be used at once and blended together
to create different effects. This is conventionally applied with a range of eyeshadow brushes though it
isn't uncommon for alternative methods of application to be used.

Mineral eye shadows, according to ​Mineralissima​ are made up of mineral pigments that are gentle for
the eyelids. It is made from pure minerals, which do not adversely affect the delicate skin around the
eyes. Since many people are prone to irritated eyes and wearing makeup often adds to the problem,
mineral eyeshadow lets you accentuate your eyes in a natural way without synthetic additions.

● Eye liner​. ​It is used to enhance and elongate the apparent size or depth of the ​eye​. For example,
white eyeliner on the waterline and inner corners of the eye makes the eyes look bigger and more
awake. It can come in the form of a pencil, a gel, or a liquid and can be found in almost any color.

It is worth noting that most eye liners contain nourishing jojoba oil and vitamin E to keep your skin
fresh and rejuvenated.

● Eyebrow​ pencils​. It is used to color, fill in, and define the brows. Most eyebrow pencils are water
proof, free of parabens, and gluten free.

As hundreds of cosmetic products are piling up every day luring beauty enthusiasts like you, it is still
best to reflect on the content and benefits all these products will have on your skin. As they say, you can
never go wrong with mineral cosmetics since they are kind to your skin, hypoallergenic, and appropriate
for all skin types.