Mineral Makeup – First Sample Arrived

My first sample arrived late yesterday. This one is from SkinFX. It took 6 working days to get here. That’s not bad. I ordered 4 samples, 3 foundation and 1 eye shadow. The total with shipping was 9.45 cdn. They arrived in a letter. 4 baggies with instructions.

I took the baggies and emptied each one into a shot glass. There is about a half a teaspoon in each sample. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but its enough to try them a few times. The instructions tell you to apply the colors to your forehead. So I did that. 3 different colors. They all look good for me. One is a bit light so I could use that as a winter foundation when I lose my tan.

After about 20 minutes I looked in the mirror and noticed no orange tint…yippee! I tend to turn orange when it comes to foundations. So I applied the colors to the rest of my face and neck in 3 sections. I also applied the eye shadow. Its a nice pink color, but a little to light for me. I like colors that pop.

I’m not too sure about using it all over. It does look a bit heavy. It has left creases under my eyes. The coverage is good. I do look like I have flawless skin. It hides pores and evens out skin tones. Now for the true test. I will wear it for the day and see how it looks after a normal day. I’ll blog again this evening with the results.

Mineral Makeup – Fourth Samples

Bluebyrd plum

Image via Wikipedia

I ordered my fourth and final sample for now. This time its from Fyrinnae Cosmetics. They have lots to choose from and it took me a bit to go through it all, but so worth it. So many beautiful colors! It was really hard to pick. I finally settled on some very dark plum. I think its very close to real plum colors.

Only problem with ordering from this company is that they say it can take up to 23 days to get it here. I sure hope not. I guess I’ll find out.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Mineral Makeup – Third Samples

I have made my third choice. A company in Alabama called Pure Luxe Cosmetics. I was amazed at the range of colors they have. So many to pick from. I have a feeling I will be ordering from them again. I ordered 3 face powders, 3 blush and 2 eye shadows. You can look at their ingredients list here.  I should get them in 3 – 5 days. So Friday at the earliest. I was trying to stay in Canada so that my costs would be a bit lower for shipping over the border, but the shipping was only 3.50 usd. That’s not bad and samples are a dollar each.

I hope that my first set of samples show up tomorrow. I’m still hunting for more. I’m just limited in the money department. It can get costly if I’m not careful. All these samples add up. And after when I finally make my choices and buy items. I’m looking at a bit money I’ll be spending. In the long run it will be worth it. I know it will save me a ton of money. No more buying drug store brands and finding out they dont work for me. That is a major waste of money.

Off I go!

Mineral Makeup – Second Samples

Natural ultramarine.

Image via Wikipedia

This morning I made my second order of samples from a company Here in BC. Its called “Natrual Beauty Canada“. They have only the main mineral ingredients that I am looking for. No extra junk added. I should be getting my samples by the end of the week. I will keep you updated.

I am looking at 2 more companies also from Canada. I will probably be ordering samples later today.

Here is a list of all the bad ingredients that you don’t want in your mineral makeup. If it has organics in it, this is when you get bacteria growth and expiration dates.

BAD LIST

Talc: is similar to asbestos in structure and has been linked to respiratory diseases, and can easily be contaminated. Although talc is a natural mineral, and can be purchased in fine grades which do not pose any risks, most choose to avoid it. In addition, there’s some evidence that it can permanently stretch pore walls! The main ingredient in most “powder” makeup is talc.

Bismuth Oxychloride: This is a mineral that is found in most of the mainstream mineral cosmetic companies. It imparts a very shiny finish, which may be desirable to some people, but it can be an irritant to certain skin types.

Synthetic Colors: are used to create colors that are impossible to create with natural minerals. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Synthetic colors are believed to be cancer-causing agents.

Synthetic Preservatives: such as the parabens or urea. Mineral cosmetics are inorganic pigments with no liquid or oils added; therefore they do not need preservation. They are basically crushed rocks that have been in the earth since creation.

Carmine: (found in lipsticks, glosses blushes, and eye shadow) This bright pink/red extract from the carmine beetle in South America, has been connected to heart problems. Obviously, it is not a mineral!

Cornstarch: Completely natural, but used as a filler, less product. Is a vegetable starch and has a shelf life. It does then have an expiration date.

Now the GOOD LIST

Titanium Dioxide: is a white colored inorganic salt that is produced as a white powder. This non-irritating ingredient is also a broad spectrum UV absorber. It is used as a main ingredient in mineral cosmetics due to its ability to produce good coverage and adhesion.

Zinc Oxide: is another white powder that is used as a natural sun-block, astringent, and antiseptic. This mineral sooth’s and heals irritated skin, making your product great for acne prone or sensitive skin.

Sericite Mica: is a white, silky, shiny pigment derived from a fine crystalline clay mineral. It provides medium coverage, good spreadability and a smooth texture when applied to the skin.

Red and Yellow Iron Oxides: are purified iron salts. They are used as the main ingredients to pigment your foundation.

Ultramarine Blue: is a clay that has been heated to a high temperature. Discovered by the Egyptians, this mineral is used to balance the warm pigments in your foundation formula.

Mica: is a reflective mineral which is used in foundation formulas to add dimension and sheen, making your skin look “alive”. Mica is also used in shadows, and blush to provide a satin finish. Most only use which are coated with natural minerals as opposed to dyes, lakes and carmine.

Silica Microspheres: Because of the size and shape of this mineral, it has the ability to diminish the look of fine lines on the skin, giving it a soft focus effect. Because the particles are round, they produce a ball bearing effect, which imparts the finished product with a silky elegant texture, enhanced slip and better blendablity providing a “cream to powder” texture. For those concerned, silica is not crystalline/amorphous hydrated silica.

Boron Nitride: Boron Nitride is a soft, silky white mineral powder that is said to have anti-bacterial properties. It is used as an additive to improve the “slip” of a product (how smoothly the product applies) as well as “adhesion” (how long it stays on the skin).

Calcium Carbonate: is found in chalk, limestone, marble and travertine. Even eggshells are 95% calcium carbonate! Calcium Carbonate’s main function is to absorbs moisture.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]