Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Read the ingredients!!! A lot of Mineral Makeup is not truely all mineral!

A lot of mineral makeups out there contain fillers such as Talc, Cornstarch, Bismuth or other things which can irritate the skin. A lot of the recent "mineral makeups" aren't even mineral at all and in fact contain chemicals that you would find in a normal liquid makeup!

Check out some of the common mineral makeup's ingredients compared to ours:



Mary Kay Mineral Makeup Ingredients: Talc , Zea Mays (Corn) Starch , Zinc Stearate , Dimethicone , Boron Nitride , Zeolite , Methylparaben , Sorbic Acid , Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer , Propylparaben , Tetrasodium EDTA , Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate , BHT , Iron Oxides , Mica

Note that the FIRST TWO ingredients are fillers. Mary Kay also does not contain the very common Titanium Dioxide, a mineral that gives the makeup and SPF, therefore if using the Mary Kay makeup, be sure and use and SPF!

Zinc Stearate is a Creamy, white, non-carcinogenic powder used as a filler in powdered cosmetics. It has excellent adhesion and coverage properties as well as water repellency properties... but it can irritate the skin.

Dimethicone is a silicone based polymer. It is not a mineral

Hexagonal boron nitride (a-BN) is a white, talclike powder that has a graphitelike sheet structure. Therefore, it is often referred to as white graphite. In contrast to graphite, it has localized p-electrons that are responsible for its high electrical resistivity and white color. Furthermore, boron nitride is a high-temperature solid lubricant, good thermal conductor and good dieelectric. It is chemically inert and not wetted by many metallic and silicate melts. Boron nitride does not occur in nature and was first prepared in 1842 by reacting molten boric acid with potassium cyanide. However, commercial production was initiated in the 1950s.

As you can see, Mary Kay also contains Parabens: Methylparaben and Propylparaben which I have previously posted about...

Oh, and Sorbic Acid is also a chemical as well as several other ingredients. So, in conclusion, Mary Kay Mineral Makeup is NOT a true mineral makeup and is not any different than a typical powder makeup.




Bare Escentials is obviously a more pure mineral makeup upon inspection of the list of ingredients:

Titanium Dioxide is widely used in cosmetics and skin care for its thickening and whitening properties. It provides a physical sunscreen and provides UVA and UVB protection. (Titanium dioxide also makes Oreo cookies frosting extra-white and is the 'M' on M&M's candy.)
Zinc Oxide is also a physical sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. It provides thickening and water resistance. Is known to be “calming” to the skin and will reduce irritation and promote healing. (It is in Desitin ointment for diaper rash and calamine lotion.)
Bismuth Oxychloride is a pearlescent mineral that provides the “glow”.
Mica is a sheer, translucent and skin-hugging mineral. Reflects light from the face, creating an illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone.
Iron Oxides provide the color to the foundation.

However, it DOES contain Bismuth with is a known irritant and unnecissary ingredient as I have posted about before.



Avon Mineral Makeup

Ingredients -Active Ingredients:Titanium Dioxide 5.0%
Inactive Ingredients:Iron Oxides, Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Nylon-12, Methylparaben, Imidazolidinyl, Urea, Kaolin, Lauryl Pca, Zinc Pca, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Pca, Lecithin, UreaC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Trehalose, Polyquaternium-51, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Atelocollagen, Beta-Carotene, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Tocopherol


As you can see by that list, there are several non-mineral ingredients and it does contain Bismuth as well as parabens.



Philosophy supernatural air brushed canvas spf 15 Ingredients: active ingredient: zinc oxide (5.196%) other ingredients: bismuth oxychloride (ci 77163), mica (ci 77019), titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxides (ci 77491, 77492, 77499), caprylyl glycol, triethoxycaprylylsilane, phenoxyethanol, silica, sodium dehydroacetate

and again this makeup contains Bismuth and other non-mineral ingredients.




Here is our list of ingredients... all that is in Affordable Mineral Makeup:
Titanium Dioxide also has waterproof and SPF properties while providing a Matte look.
Mica has some transparent properties and allows the makeup to go on smoothly.
Iron Oxides give the makeup its pigment
Zinc Oxide is known for its healing properties in problem skin such as rosacea and acne, it has the ability to stay on even while sweating and swimming, as well as offers protection from the sun's harmful UV rays.

That's it! That's all that is in our powder makeups! So you can buy with confidence that we are a TRUE mineral makeup!

http://www.naturalglamourminerals.com

Monday, May 12, 2008

Bismuth... Know what you're wearing on your face

http://www.prnewsnow.com/PR%20News%20Releases/Lifestyle/Beauty/Your%20Mineral%20MakeUp%20Should%20be%20Free%20From%20Bismuth%20Oxychloride%20and%20Other%20Fillers

"The addition of bismuth oxychloride in mineral make-up is unnecessary and a skin irritant to those individuals who are roseacea or acne prone, or have other sensitive skin issues. Bismuth oxychloride serves no useful purpose, other than its' use as a whitener, smoother and filler. Bismuth contains mineral salts that can be irritating. Since other, non-irritating smoothers exist in the mineral world, their addition is largely unnecessary. Seek out companies that leave off this skin irritating additive. You also should be on the lookout for companies that do not add "food grade" fillers, such as rice powder or corn starch. These give bacteria a place to grow. The whole appeal of mineral powder make-up is the way it covers so beautifully and gives a natural "good skin" look, without introducing harmful ingredients. So why add these potential "bacterial housing projects" to your cosmetics? These additives DO give a silky texture, and corn starch is oil-absorbing, but the associated skin problems that come with the addition of organic materials to your non-organic mineral pigments are not justified. Oil-absorbing minerals can be added to give a healthy, clean look to oily skin clients. Natural mineral pigments cannot clog pores. They give excellent coverage and contain none of the harmful ingredients found in commercial liquid or dry cosmetics. Mineral pigments lie on top of the skin in thin "sheets", that layer upon each other. Because they contain mica, they reflect light away from fine lines and blemishes. Mica also give an incrediblly wide variety of colors and shade options. Mineral powder cosmetics are water resistant, and a natural sunscreen of about 18-25, depending on your coverage. This quality makes them perfect for sports or swimming. Simply blot with a towel after swimming in mineral powder make-up. You will loose some of the coverage, but not all of the sun-protection factors.You can get a matte or semi-matte look, with Mineral Powder cosmetics, or create a dewey finish. Whatever your particular skin requires, you can obtain that finish with mineral powder make-up."


http://www-cosmetic.info/mineral-makeup-and-bismuth-oxychloride/

"Bismuth is the by-product of lead and copper refining, as well as other metals to a smaller degree. Bismuth occurs very rarely in nature. It is on the periodic table of elements under the symbol Bi at atomic number 83. It is very heavy and chemically resembles arsenic and antimony. It has a whitish/iridescent hue and has a very high shine property to it. Of all the heavy metals it is the only non-toxic. Bimsuth is a carrier for fuel in nuclear reactors. Bismuth components are used in everything from detection work, to making acrylic fibers, to safety devices in fire detection and extinguishing items, soldering, magnets and medicine as well as cosmetics. Because it is a by-product of lead refining, bismuth oxychloride should be lead free when companies begin using it in their cosmetics."

"So, if you find you’re experiencing some problems with your current mineral makeup and it contains bismuth oxychloride, you may want to consider switching brands. Many women experience skin irritation when using mineral makeup and don’t know why. It’s likely that bismuth oxychloride is the reason."

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Parabens in your makeup.. ick! Is it in YOURS?

It's very important these days to know what you are putting on and in your body. Parabens are in most makeups out there.. take a look at yours and see! I had heard a little about this and didn't have all the information about it until today. Affordable Mineral Makeup™'s owner/founder was about to add mascara to our line.. turned out that the particular clear mascara contained parabens and so she decided to not use it. She holds all products she adds to very high standards. Her doing that gives me total confidence in recommending these amazing products. Anyways, here is more information about parabens that we NEED to know:

http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/breastcancer090604.cfm
- 6 commonly used forms of parabens are: Methylparaben,Ethylparaben, p-Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, n-Butylparaben andBenzylparaben
- it is estimated that they are used in at least13,200 cosmetics products
- "According to the lead researcher of therecent study, Philippa Darbre, an oncology expert at the university ofReading, in Edinburgh, the chemical form of the parabens found in 18 ofthe 20 tumors tested indicated that they originated from something applied to the skin, the most likely candidates being deodorants,antiperspirants, creams, or body sprays"



http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org/Pages/CosmeticCompanies.html
- "Parabens are chemical preservatives that have been identified as estrogenic and disruptive of normal hormone function. (Estrogenic chemicals mimic the function of the naturally occurring hormone estrogen, and exposure to external estrogens has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer.) "
- This link provides information about specific companies as well.. Avon, Revlon, Mary Kay, and Estee Lauder


http://www.bestskincarebiz.com/beware.html
-"Parabens are chemicals used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds. Parabens are known to disrupt endocrine (hormone) function. More the 12 recent research studies show parabens to have estrogenic activity when applied to the skin-they raise estrogen levels which increase risk of certain cancers. Recent research detected 5 types of intact parabens in human breast tumors, an indication that parabens penetrate skin and remain in breast tissue. Animal studies indicate that parabens may also affect pre-natal development of male reproductive system. Parabens are not only found in skin care. They are found in many personal care products: deodorants, shampoos, etc. Therefore, researchers show concern for "daily chronic exposure" and the cumulative effect of this exposure. "



http://www.safecosmetics.org/faqs/#I_don_t_see_Arbonne
The company that I represent IS on this list!!! We are very proud to be a part of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics!!
http://www.safecosmetics.org/

Welcome to my blog!!!

First, I want to say welcome! I'm very excited about the changes I'm making in my life and the more natural products that I am changing to. I have 3 amazing kids to think about so of course I worry about chemicals that could be harmful to my kids or myself. I've started recently using Mineral Makeup and became a rep for a wonderful company, Affordable Mineral Makeup™ . Thanks to this change, it has opened my eyes to some other areas of my life where chemicals are involved. I've found some other wonderful companies with natural products to replace the chemical filled crap I had been using and worrying about getting on my kids. I'll be discussing those more in detail and talking some about the dangers of the chemicals in products, and I may even post some beauty tips! Who knows! Just keep reading and we'll see what happens! ;-)