THE LOW-DOWN ON MINERALS

Minerals - it's the latest buzz word in the industry or so it seems. In fact minerals have been used in make-up for some time. The difference now is that they are being given more prominence and are now being marketed as the next new "innovation". Mineral make-up is light enough to let the skin breathe as it should and also helps to protect it. It is therefore good for the skin. As with any make-up there are good, bad and indifferent varieties of product. Not all mineral make-up is actually "pure" in the sense that while many brands tout the mineral content there are still chemical and synthetic compounds. Look at the list of ingredients if you are not sure but mineral make-up is generally more expensive than normal cosmetic products.

One line that we do endorse because it is not onlu organic mineral make-up but filled with nutrients to keep the skin healthy - that is always a bonus! It is a new line called Sappho and it was created by a professional make-up artist. Not only does it let the skin breathe but it feels wonderful and actually makes fine lines diminish. For actors this is a very important point with the advent of HD. Their concerns that the camera sees all those little lines and magnifies them is unfortunately very true!

The foundation shades are named after the actors who originally wore the make-up. Many from the L-Word such as Jennifer Beals. We love the liquid mineral foundation for its ease of use. A little also goes a long way. The bottle isn't as big as usual foundation bottles but probably holds about the same amount of liquid foundation. Many cosmetic houses use the bottle within a bottle trick to make it look like you have more foundation than is actually there. As you can see from the pictures there are also blushes and eye shadow in the range.

There is an option to have these in a pressed or loose form. Your choice. There are matte and shimmer shades in the eye shadow which will take you from day to night plus a couple of shades (such as the one right) which can double as eye-liner. As well as a finishing powder and bronzer there is a couple of concealers (one for under-eye and one for blemishes to complete the range. Wonderful make-up at a good price point.