Franche Cosmetics

What is it?

A new makeup and skincare range from Francie Wills (below), founder of the Urban Retreat Spa in Houston, Texas. She created it initially for use in the spa.

What are the products like?

She says it's the first mineral-based makeup with freeze-dried vitamins and a sun protection factor of 20. The colours, as a result of being created from minerals, are vibrant - some with glossy shimmers such as the Lip Luscious glosses (they're made with crystals and contain antioxidants). Wills says the products contain no alcohol, dyes, talcs, oils, fragrances or preservatives. Ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin. 'This is especially beneficial for clients with rosacea or skin prone to acne,' she says.

Why did Wills create mineral-based makeup?

When women came to the Urban Retreat with bruising and burns after cosmetic surgery, Wills realised there was a market for specialist cosmetics. 'It was something that a woman could put on after a peel or surgery,' says Wills, who recently visited Hong Kong. 'The coverage is so good, but it's lightweight.'

Before Wills created the range, she studied gemology. 'It took me a year of doing my home- work, talking to chemists and laboratories,' she says. 'I was looking for something that didn't have chemicals or preservatives that could cause a reaction.'