Here is a list of the eight must-have items for your make-up kit. The specific brand you will choose will depend on your budget, your preferences and your skin type but this should serve as your guideline as to what you really need. Following this list will save you from making unnecessary make-up purchases.

1. Tinted moisturizer- unless you’re going to a dinner party or a photo shoot, you don’t really need to pile on the make-up. Instead of using foundation (liquid or cake), purchase a good tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers give your skin an even, clean, natural look. It also gives you the added benefit of moisturizing your skin.

2. Tweezers- there is nothing like clean brows to give your face an instant face-lift. With the right brow shape, your face can look young and clean. The best tweezers are relatively cheap so they will probably be the cheapest must-have in your make-up kit. Good tweezers can last you many years.
3. Eyelash curler- Bright, clear, open eyes can make a big difference in a person’s look. Curled lashes help in showcasing beautiful eyes.

4. Blush- Healthy flushed cheeks can make a person look absolutely gorgeous and can complete a person’s natural look. There are a number of blushes available in the market in different forms: powder, gel, pencil and others. Some products even work as both cheek and lip tints.

5. Lipstick- Select a good shade of lipstick that can take you from day to night. You can get several shades of lipstick because there are plenty of inexpensive brands available but you must have one lipstick shade that can work for all your outfits and for different occasions. Once you find a shade that works for your skin tone and your outfits, make sure to get a fresh tube as soon as it runs out. This lipstick will be your signature shade, something you don’t have to think twice about putting on when you’re in a rush.

6. Eyeliner- eyeliners can be used to line eyelids or define eyebrows. It can make your eyes look bigger or smaller depending on your preference. Pencil eyeliners are great because they are inexpensive and they don’t drip.

7. Lip gloss- for days when you don’t feel like wearing make-up but can not step out of the house looking unkempt, lip gloss can add an instant ‘oomph’ to your look. Lip gloss are also great when you need to do quick touch ups.

8. Mascara- applying mascara can make a person look extra glamorous with very little effort. Invest in a good mascara to give your eyes an instant ‘pop’. Mascaras are also great for when you want the more dramatic effect of smoky eyes.

The process of drying hair, then curling, relaxing, or straightening it is one that takes time and the use of quality tools and products. If you are using the wrong hairstyling products, hair can easily become frizzy, damaged, and even break. This can lead to poor moisture and “dead” hair that is difficult or impossible to style. Finding the right hair dryer for the task at hand is just as important as finding the best styling tools, such as hair straighteners and curling irons. Hair relaxers are most commonly used for women with excessively curly, thick, or African American hair.

Americans spend approximately 7 billion dollars per year on hair styling equipment, salon visits, and general hair maintenance. Although there are many beauty benefits of staying ahead of the season’s trends, changing the condition of the hair on a regular basis can cause hair damage.

Hair straighteners are one of the most popular ways to achieve a sleek and chic look, and many different methods have been tried. Still, one of the best ways to achieve this look is by using Sedu hair straighteners. These are combination of ceramic hair straighteners and ionic tourmalilne technology that make use of infra red heat. When a woman decides to use one of these tools, their hair becomes flat and free of curls without damage, because the heat they output is much less damaging than steam and standard flat iron hair straighteners in general.

Ceramic hair straighteners are becoming a popular choice because they are lightweight, can heat up quickly, and leave little damage to the particles of the hair. Women who do decide to straighten their hair at home need to find the best hair straighteners for their hair type, along with the best hair dryers for a complete routine. Many choose Sedu flat irons, simply for their ease of use and even heat distribution. The Solia flat iron is another popular choice and is constructed in a similar fashion as the Sedu flat iron.

Chi hair straighteners are another option for women looking to remove frizz and create a flat and sleek look. Chi hair straighteners first became popular with the Chi ceramic hairstyling iron. These hair straighteners and flat irons offer removable plates that also help protect the hair cuticle. Chi hair straighteners are designed in such a way that they help seal in color and moisture. Farouk Systems, Inc. is the only authorized manufacturer of the Chi hair products; finding an authentic model is an important part of the shopping process. Chi flat irons offer an adjustable temperature dial in addition to a flat heating option that provides intermittent heat for specific parts of the hair. Chi hair straighteners heat up very quickly, offering convenience and ease of use. The line of Chi hair straighteners is also available in three different sizes: Mini, Chi Turbo, and Big Chi Turbo.

When purchasing ceramic hair straighteners, especially Sedu hair straighteners or Sedu flat irons, it’s important to set a budget. Most of the highlighted hair straighteners range in price from $100 to $150, and occasionally will be more expensive.

In order to make sure that the hair follicles and strands do not become damaged, the best hair straighteners are made with high quality ceramic plates. These units are designed to maintain steady temperatures and will prevent excessive heat damage from occurring. Hair straighteners made exclusively with metal plates, for example, will have uneven distribution and may lead to overheating of the hair. Sedu hair straighteners, as another example, have become famous for their steady heat regulation. This is why the ceramic hair straighteners are becoming the standard of choice for hair salons all over the civilized world.

The width of the ceramic hair straightener is important, since coarse hair types require the additional width. The size of the ceramic plates is also an important consideration when dealing with long hair, because once again, the larger plates can help provide a more even and consistent straightening of the hair. Many top quality hair straighteners and flat irons come with attachments for different sized plates. For women who are trying to be more creative with their hair, the different attachments can help with successfully creating these different hairstyles.

We recommend that you spend the extra time to discover which hairstyling equipment will best suit your everyday needs and your desires to be creative. Once you have purchased your hairstyling equipment, be sure to read the documentation that is shipped with it, so that you will have a full measure of the capabilities of your new hairstyling tools. Once you have received your new hairstyling tools, you will find that all of your “bad hair days” are a thing of the past.

Unfortunately, for a vast number of women we ‘buy’ into it, literally. We spend dollar after dollar on cosmetic products that one by one pile up in our “make-up” drawer, exercise videos and exercise equipment by one ‘perfect’ physical specimen after another (who because of our hard-earned money can now afford liposuction), chemical processes and extensions in our hair to achieve the most “flattering’ styles, we offer bodies up to the sacrificial alter of beauty to be plucked, waxed, shaved , exfoliated, nipped, tucked and for what? So we can continue to chase the always unattainable beauty ideal?

Don’t get me wrong, I prefer to shave my legs, I wear nail polish and lipstick and make-up (when I know I’m going somewhere groovier than the grocery store), and I don’t wear socks with sandals. But I’d like to think that if one day I awoke and couldn’t wear one cosmetic product, relax my ethnic hair or lose that extra 5 lbs; I would know that I was still a beautiful woman. And extraneous physical accouterment’s aside, I would not cease to be a lovely unique human being.

This is what concerns me now that I have a daughter. I look into the future and dread the day when she will come home crying (as many kids do) because someone at school told her she was ugly. As we all know kids can be cruel and most times they are repeating the things they hear and learn at home.

I would like to be able to not just tell her with my loving words but also show her by my life example that she is a beautiful girl. I want her to see that she is beautiful; not because of what she wears on her body, applies to her face or hair or by how much she weighs. I want my daughter to grow up with the knowledge that true beauty is what comes from inside and radiates outside in the acts of kindness and consideration you give to others, the way you love and respect yourself, the joy you take in sharing time with family and friends, and the sacrifices you make so that others can be happy. True beauty is loving yourself no matter what your shade, size, financial or educational situation. I hope as she grows up in this increasingly appearance obsessed world, that she can pass every reflection of herself with a smile of security and peace. I am only just reaching that place myself.

It has taken me many years of spending and self-doubt to finally realize that you cannot find in a bottle that which can only come from within.

Well guess what? The same phytochemicals, vitamins, nutrients and minerals that keep your insides in the pink are equally essential for clear skin, bright smiles, strong nails and clear eyes. If you want to look your absolute gorgeous best, keep these diet guidelines in mind:

* Antioxidants: Found in abundance in colorful fruits and vegetables, these nutrients help combat signs of aging caused by the oxidation – the rust, if you will, of our cells. Beauty foods that are potent sources of antioxidants include: pomegranates, prunes, concord grape juice, blueberries, blackberries, purple cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, dried plums, kiwis, raspberries, strawberries, raw spinach, oranges, apples and watercress.

* Essential fatty acids: Certain polyunsaturated oils are called “essential” because they must be included in our diet. EFAs, like omega-3 and omega-6, may reduce inflammation that can clog skin and lead to wrinkles. Sources include seafood – such as salmon, sardines, trout and flounder – as well as almonds, walnuts and flaxseed.

* Avoid simple carbs: Some research suggests the insulin spike caused by simple carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta and sweets, may trigger a series of metabolic reactions that can lead to breakouts.

* Maximize water, moderate alcohol: Water, and lots of it, will help keep your skin hydrated, while alcohol in excess of one 4-ounce drink a day can dry it out. Also, some dermatologists say alcohol’s dilation of fragile facial capillaries can cause and exacerbate rosacea.

* Healthy fat: While it’s always important to minimize artery-clogging saturated fat, don’t shy away from healthy monounsaturated fats, like olive oil and other liquid, plant-based oils that keep skin emulsified.

* Vitamin C: Make sure to also feed your face with vitamin C to help maintain collagen, the most important component of connective tissue contributing to the underlying foundation of your skin. The best sources of vitamin C includes citrus fruits and juices, broccoli, cauliflower, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, red peppers and green peas.

* Weight-loss bonus: Pound for pound, fruits and vegetables have fewer calories than other food groups. Plus, they have plenty of fiber, so they’ll help you feel full. Such a fruit-and-vegetable-rich diet helps ward off cravings by ensuring the body gets the full spectrum of nutrients, minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals it needs to function.

Data from the National Weight Control Registry, which maintains records on more than 3,000 individuals who have had success keeping off a minimum of 30 pounds, suggests that the winning diet for long-term weight loss is a low-fat, complex-carb diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

This data was recently reinforced by an international study, conducted by Northwestern University, assessing the diets of more than 4,000 people in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and China. The study found that, without exception, a diet high in complex carbohydrates, fiber and vegetable protein was associated with low body-mass index.

The bottom line is that there’s nothing more beautiful than vibrant good health, and there’s nothing healthier than a regime that includes plenty of exercise, rest, water, lean proteins, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables.

What’s the Secret?

Well the secret is in the tools, the products and the stylist.
You can create these looks at home, and one of the best tips is:- the less time you spend on it the better it will look. Now you are probably wondering how, but if you think it takes 8-20mins to straighten your hair, you may start to believe me.

Here’s some great tips that you can use at home that will help you to look even better. These tips come not only from personal experiences but also from the celebrity stylists, who help to create a great red carpet look.

So here we go, read on for the ultimate in celebrity hair tips.

How to get that “Going to the Oscars” Glamour

Whenever you see a picture of a celebrity on the red carpet, you are probably thinking how amazing they look. And what you can see is a hairstyle that has taken months of planning and trips to the stylists in order to look absolutely Hollywood perfect.

Before the big event, the celebrity will consult with their stylist about how they want to look, but also ask advice from their hairdressers on how to look up to date, but also very sexy and feminine.

Those who kept up with the times on the red carpet this year went for very large Hollywood curls, with an extra rich colour and shine. To recreate this look here are some tips on how to curl your hair so you can look just as elegant.

Create Great Curls

If you have just bought yourself some very expensive straighteners, or you are thinking about it, why not consider the idea of curling your hair with straighteners? You can get more controllable curls which are far easier to manage than your natural hair is!

Try:-

1. Make sure that your hair is semi-straight, or if not straighten it.
2. Spray on some heat-protection spray and then divide your hair into sections. The fewer the number of sections the tighter the curls will be.
3. Take the straightener and clamp it over the top of the section, then whilst pulling down the straighteners turn the straightener round. To produce a tighter curl clamp harder with the straighteners and pull harder when you bring it down.
4. Do not brush your hair after you have done this, but simply tease through with your fingers.
And add some shine spray.

Another way to curl your hair that always creates great celebrity styles hair effect is to use some heated rollers. The type of rollers that you should get should depend on how long and thick your hair is, and how tight the curl that you want to achieve is.

For short thin hair try using a straightener (the above method) or tongs, for thick medium length hair to use some medium sized heated rollers and for really long hair I would use some very large velcro rollers. Try using these on wet hair and then drying off with a hair dryer (be sure to have plenty of hair grips on hand however).

The most perfect thing about celebrities hair is that it always appears in perfect condition. Just think, can you remember every seeing Jennifer Aniston with her hair looking messed up?!
Many celebrities will have plenty of deep conditioning treatments at their salon before the big event. These treatments will vary from Damage Restructuring to Deep Conditioning and Detoxifying.

There are plenty of high street products out there that are suitable for home use and you can pick them up on the high street for reasonable prices. I would always recommend that you look on the back and see the list of ingredients, the more chemicals it has in it, the worse it will be for your hair in the long run.

You may wish to consider trying some organic haircare products, which are not always as expensive as you think, and with organic followers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Elle McPherson you will be in great company!

Or indeed for a special event such as a prom or a ball, why not go down to your local hairdresser or beauty salon and have a hair wrap or mask? These may be quite expensive but will definitely get you the look that you desire and it’s worth treating yourself for a special event.

Always check with the salon about which treatment they think will be right for you, because not all of them will be suitable for your hair type.

Remember, you are just as special as any of those celebrities and you too can look like a star!

What’s the Secret?

Well the secret is in the tools, the products and the stylist.
You can create these looks at home, and one of the best tips is:- the less time you spend on it the better it will look. Now you are probably wondering how, but if you think it takes 8-20mins to straighten your hair, you may start to believe me.

Here’s some great tips that you can use at home that will help you to look even better. These tips come not only from personal experiences but also from the celebrity stylists, who help to create a great red carpet look.

So here we go, read on for the ultimate in celebrity hair tips.

How to get that “Going to the Oscars” Glamour

Whenever you see a picture of a celebrity on the red carpet, you are probably thinking how amazing they look. And what you can see is a hairstyle that has taken months of planning and trips to the stylists in order to look absolutely Hollywood perfect.

Before the big event, the celebrity will consult with their stylist about how they want to look, but also ask advice from their hairdressers on how to look up to date, but also very sexy and feminine.

Those who kept up with the times on the red carpet this year went for very large Hollywood curls, with an extra rich colour and shine. To recreate this look here are some tips on how to curl your hair so you can look just as elegant.

Create Great Curls

If you have just bought yourself some very expensive straighteners, or you are thinking about it, why not consider the idea of curling your hair with straighteners? You can get more controllable curls which are far easier to manage than your natural hair is!

Try:-

1. Make sure that your hair is semi-straight, or if not straighten it.
2. Spray on some heat-protection spray and then divide your hair into sections. The fewer the number of sections the tighter the curls will be.
3. Take the straightener and clamp it over the top of the section, then whilst pulling down the straighteners turn the straightener round. To produce a tighter curl clamp harder with the straighteners and pull harder when you bring it down.
4. Do not brush your hair after you have done this, but simply tease through with your fingers.
And add some shine spray.

Another way to curl your hair that always creates great celebrity styles hair effect is to use some heated rollers. The type of rollers that you should get should depend on how long and thick your hair is, and how tight the curl that you want to achieve is.

For short thin hair try using a straightener (the above method) or tongs, for thick medium length hair to use some medium sized heated rollers and for really long hair I would use some very large velcro rollers. Try using these on wet hair and then drying off with a hair dryer (be sure to have plenty of hair grips on hand however).

The most perfect thing about celebrities hair is that it always appears in perfect condition. Just think, can you remember every seeing Jennifer Aniston with her hair looking messed up?!
Many celebrities will have plenty of deep conditioning treatments at their salon before the big event. These treatments will vary from Damage Restructuring to Deep Conditioning and Detoxifying.

There are plenty of high street products out there that are suitable for home use and you can pick them up on the high street for reasonable prices. I would always recommend that you look on the back and see the list of ingredients, the more chemicals it has in it, the worse it will be for your hair in the long run.

You may wish to consider trying some organic haircare products, which are not always as expensive as you think, and with organic followers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Elle McPherson you will be in great company!

Or indeed for a special event such as a prom or a ball, why not go down to your local hairdresser or beauty salon and have a hair wrap or mask? These may be quite expensive but will definitely get you the look that you desire and it’s worth treating yourself for a special event.

Always check with the salon about which treatment they think will be right for you, because not all of them will be suitable for your hair type.

Remember, you are just as special as any of those celebrities and you too can look like a star!
For further tips and ideas for how to look great, visit Celebrity Sedu Hairstyles

This article was submitted by Alissa Carter, owner of Dress Search – Evening & Prom Dresses website.

Beauty junkies know not to resist these temptations because you never know what amazing new product you might find. Even when people say beauty is skin deep and it’s what’s inside that matters it is always easier to make people listen to what you have to say when you come in a good “package”.
Beauty entails a lot of hard work, and it also involves tremendous expenses. But there are always opportunities for you to get great deals on beauty products if you know where and when to buy.
If you are a beauty junky, it is always wise to try to find products you can save on so you can stay on budget and even buy more products for your budget. You would also want to get the best rates for the products you try because not all these products will match your needs and you don’t want to be wasting too much money on products that you wouldn’t use anymore.
One of the best ways to get huge discounts on beauty products is to use product coupons and discount coupons to get additional savings on a particular product. There are websites particularly designed to provide consumers promos and discount rates and all you have to do is take advantage of the discounts that retailers and distributors offer.
You can also save a lot of money by purchasing your beauty products online. Internet retailers and distributors can afford to give bigger discounts and promotional offers because they have lower operating expenses than retailers that have physical stores.
Another way to save money is to buy certain items in bulk. You want to do this for beauty products that you have already tried and tested and already use regularly. Items like soaps and shampoos you can buy in bulk but face creams, foundation, liquid mascara and other beauty products, it is best to buy a new one when the old one is about to run out. Creams, lipsticks and other beauty products don’t have expiration dates on them but they do expire. When the scent of a beauty product starts to change, it is time to toss it out.
If possible, try to get free samples of new beauty products and treatments that you want to try. The free samples will allow you to try beauty products without spending a cent. Not all beauty products will “agree” with your skin and you don’t want to spend a lot of money on one whole tube of cream that you will only get to use once. Retailers usually provide sachets or small portions of the beauty products when they are first launched in the market. Some brands allow free trial of their products in the mall. You must take advantage of all these opportunities so that you can save money but also discover new products.

Some of us are not born perfect , having a smooth complexion to complement a perfect smile. Some of us may have marks, scars, or blemishes. For older women, imperfections can take the form of wrinkles. However, you can still enhance or do something about it, with the proper care. This means a change of habits or lifestyles for those who live hectic schedules. Another piece of advice is minimizing stress and anxiety, which also have some effects on your skin.

SKIN BASICS

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and it protects the body from infection, injury, and harmful ultra-violet rays, so it isn’t a surprise that most women take good care of it. The skin consist of two main layers:
? the inner layer, or the dermis
? the outer layer, or the epidermis

The skin should be exfoliated at regular intervals to remove dead skin cells and give your skin’s surface a radiant kind of glow. The dermis, meanwhile, is responsible for giving the skin its elasticity. However, it also needs to be protected from the sun and other harsh elements. When the skin loses its elasticity, which is a sign of the aging process, it becomes sagging and wrinkles started to form.

SKIN TYPES

? OILY SKIN – prone to spots and blackheads
? DRY SKIN – easily wrinkled and needs to be moisturized regularly
? MATURE SKIN – a part of every woman’s aging process
? ECZEMA – is a skin disease often caused by allergic body responses
? ACNE – when the oil producing glands of skin get inflamed, it erupts to pimples and blackheads

SKIN CARE SOLUTIONS

1. CLEANSING – wash your face with any gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. It is preferable to use one labeled with balanced ph levels. If you have oily skin on your face, use a cleanser that contains a small concentration of benzoyl peroxide. The more polluted the surroundings, the more you will need to perform skin cleansing.
2. MOISTURIZING – excessive cleansing sometimes has the tendency to strip the skin of its beneficial oils. Those oils helps retain moisture and serve as a barrier between the polluted environment and yourself. You can remedy this by using a lightweight moisturizer during the day, with the option of using a night cream before sleep.
3. PROTECTION – the last step for good skin care is protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause lasting damage to your skin, as well as cause problems like skin cancer. Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF15 every time you go outside, especially if you’re going to a beach and will be doing some sun bathing.

SKIN TREATMENTS

Whenever you have certain injuries such as cuts or allergic skin reactions, there are specialized skin treatments like creams and lotions available. For stretch marks, there is a specialize gel for it, though you also have the option to try herbals and organic skin care products. For extreme cases, you should consult a dermatologist.

For some minimal skin scars and other blemishes, some simple make over magic can be done by using a concealer. Just use a small make-up brush to dab concealer or foundation directly onto the blemished area.

Following these beauty tips, so you can transform yourself from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan, without the need for expensive cosmetics. You can do your “make over” for glowing skin at home, and the results will yield benefits for you in no time.

It’s easy to pluck a few items from the bin when you’re painting on a clown face, but otherwise I have no idea how you ladies out there wrangle the vast abyss of the cosmetics isle. I’ve heard some people don’t come back. They become discombobulated by the endless choices and never return…
And so, naturally, one wonders what a woman must do to find her way. Terri Apanasewicz is here to help those poor lost souls along the path to a natural looking complexion.

Terri turned her professional knowledge as a celebrity makeup artist and founded P3 Beauty; creating a team of professionals who can teach you how to do flawless makeup in your own home. With her history of clients like Cindy Crawford, Heidi Klum and Gisele Bundchen, no doubt the P3 team has been making a lot of house calls!

Terri is all about making her beauty secrets accessible. Although we could not meet face to face, she was actually kind enough to email me a few pointers:

“When using a mineral powder foundation such as Amazing Velvet, apply your concealer, first and set with translucent powder and finish up with mineral powder. This will put a barrier between concealer and mineral powder so it doesn’t grab dark in the spots where there is concealer.

“After applying eye pencil, always follow by smudging it with a brush and set with a powder product like an eye shadow of the same color. This will enhance the eye and allow for a longer wearing liner.

“If you like color on your lips but not the feeling of lipstick, try a lip stain like Sheer or Shimmering stains from Liptini. They come in a large variety of colors. Finish up with a gloss. The gloss might wear off though the stain will stay on even after eating.”

Thanks girlfriend, you just scored me some points next time I’m in the ladies room!

It’s likely you’ve noticed new skincare and cosmetic companies popping up with ‘all natural’ and ‘organic’ products. Of course, just because they say they are, does not necessarily make it true. That is where consumer education comes in, and why it is so important.

The title of this article is ‘Mineral Makeup’. After learning what mineral makeup is, what products go into it, and what its benefits are, you can decide if this is the right choice for you.

What Is Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup is designed from all naturally occurring products. It is often recommended by dermatologists to women with sensitive skin, rosacea, post operative, laser and other procedures because of its intrinsic skin soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a powder makeup of finely milled minerals. It can provide very sheer or very opaque coverage, depending on the formulation and application. However, it still allows natural skin radiance to show through, so you don’t get the dreaded ‘mask’ look. It is typically free of fragrance and preservatives. Minerals cannot feed bacteria, so there is no danger of spoilage, thus it needs no preservatives. It does not go bad. It is very good for oily skin because it has several oil- absorbing components.

It is usually applied with a brush, and is typically shown to be ‘buffed’ into the skin. This technique forces the makeup into your pores, which is never a good thing. A technique that works with better quality mineral makeup (which we’ll discuss later) is to ‘dust” the makeup on, instead of ‘buffing’ it. If a brush irritates your skin, you can also use a non-latex or flocked sponge. Application can be done either wet or dry.

What Are The Ingredients?

This is the most important part. Learning what is in your makeup will give you the ability to choose what will meet your needs best. These are the ingredients you will most likely come across.

• Titanium Dioxide- A white natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory agent. It is highly reflect, with only a diamond being higher, and thus minimizes fine lines and some skin discolorations.

• Zinc Oxide- A natural sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

• Sericite- A colorless mica that can be used to cut the opacity of Titanium Dioxide and also works as an oil absorber.

• Cornstarch/ Rice Powder- Cosmetic grade- An oil humectant (draws oil out of the pores). Can make acne worse as it is a source of food for bacteria.

• Kaolin Clay- Natural oil-absorption.

• Mica- Natural ‘glitter’. Provides shimmer and sparkle.

• Iron Oxides- Natural pigment- very opaque. Used for tinting cosmetics.

Ingredients To Avoid

These ingredients are also common, but can cause problems so are best to avoid.

• Talc/ Various Powders- Common fillers- can cause respiratory problems.

• FD&C Dyes- Derived from coal tar.

• Bismuth Oxychloride- Known skin irritant- causes itching, rashes and breakouts. Especially prevalent when the wearer sweats.

• Ferric Ferrocyanide- Controversial because of its suspected toxicity.

• Carmine- Crushed beetles.

What Brand Should I Buy?

Well, if you’re familiar with mineral makeup, it’s likely you’ve seen the infomercials. After further research you’ll find these companies use controversial ingredients, and charge quite a bit for their products.

There are several good mineral makeup companies out there that provide a much better product at a more affordable price, as well as a superior customer experience. They also offer samples, which the larger companies do not. You will get to try the makeup (unlike in the drugstore!) for a fraction of the cost before you buy it. They do not have expensive advertising and packaging to pay for, so the savings are often passed on to you.