Rock stars
Organic materials can improve your health while making you look good, writes Victoria Ip
Besides bringing out your best features, make-up made from mineral powders is good for the skin and health.
Originally inspired by technology to help patients recover from medical procedures, mineral make-up usually features high-coverage pigments such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as its main ingredients. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are anti-inflammatory and can therefore help those suffering from redness and irritation. Zinc oxide is also anti-microbial, meaning it can help fight acne.
Available in 12 colours, the Original SPF 15 Foundation from BareMinerals can double as a concealer of facial imperfections such as scars, wrinkles and pimples. The blend of pure minerals is said to improve the appearance of skin over time.
Japanese cosmetic brand MIMC (its full name is Mineral Make Cosmetic), whose collection includes primers, concealer, cheek colour, lip gloss and eyebrow pencils, uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as its main ingredients. It also offers an oil control powder and sunscreen with SPF 23.
The Organic Pharmacy's comprehensive range of organic lifestyle products includes the popular cosmetics line Organic Glam. Made without synthetic chemicals such as fragrances and preservatives, the collection features ingredients such as mineral colours, antioxidants and herbal extracts.
Its Organic Glam Eye Shadow palette has four shades - a dark colour for around the eyes, a deeper shading colour, a matte all-over colour and a shimmery highlighter. Organic Glam Lipstick is available in eight shades and contains natural extracts of shea butter, grape, orange and green tea to keep lips moisturised.